Introduction to Current Affairs for UPSC Prelims 2025

Preparing for the UPSC Prelims 2025? If you're aiming to crack one of India’s most challenging exams, then current affairs must be an essential part of your preparation. It’s not just a section, it’s often the deal-breaker. This guide from Khan Global Studies covers everything you need: what to study, where to find the best material, and how to study smartly.

Why Current Affairs Matter in UPSC Prelims

Weightage in Prelims

UPSC increasingly focuses on dynamic knowledge. On average, 20–30% of the questions in the Prelims are from current affairs. That’s too big a chunk to ignore.

Direct and Indirect Questions

Questions can be straight, such as asking the name of a newly launched scheme, or indirect, linking current events with static subjects. For instance, a law passed recently could be questioned alongside articles from the Constitution.

Key Themes of Current Affairs for UPSC 2025

Government Schemes and Policies

This is a consistent favourite. Any newly launched or amended scheme can appear in the exam. Examples include:

• PM Vishwakarma Yojana
  
  

• Digital Health Mission
  
  

• Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiatives
  
  

International Relations and Events

UPSC expects you to understand India’s position on global matters. Focus on:

• QUAD Summits
  
  

• India-U.S. strategic relations
  
  

• UN reforms and India’s diplomacy
  
  

Science and Technology Innovations

This includes anything from space missions like Gaganyaan, AI policies, quantum technology, biotechnology, and digital security.

Economic Developments

Keep an eye on:

• RBI’s monetary policies
  
  

• Union Budget and Economic Survey
  
  

• Inflation trends and indices
  
  

Environment and Ecology

Major topics include:

• Climate Summits
  
  

• India’s environmental laws
  
  

• Biodiversity conservation programmes
  
  

Social Issues and Reports

These include:

• National Family Health Survey
  
  

• Global Gender Gap Index
  
  

• State of Education Reports
  
  

Month-wise Current Affairs Coverage

January to April 2024

Key highlights:

• Interim Union Budget
  
  

• India Energy Week
  
  

• Bharat Mobility Global Expo
  
  

May to August 2024

Keep an eye on:

• General Elections
  
  

• India’s stand on global conflicts
  
  

• Major health and education reforms
  
  

September to December 2024

Important events:

• G20 outcomes
  
  

• UN summits
  
  

• Key legislation passed in Parliament
  
  

Early 2025 – What to Watch

The final months before Prelims are crucial. Focus on:

• Economic Survey 2024–25
  
  

• Interim Budget
  
  

• Upcoming state elections
  
  

Best Sources for UPSC Current Affairs Preparation

Khanglobalstudies.com – A Reliable Resource

Tailored for UPSC aspirants, this website provides daily updates, monthly compilations, quizzes, and revision-friendly content, all curated by experts.

Newspapers, Magazines, and Reports

Top choices include:

• The Hindu
  
  

• Indian Express
  
  

• Yojana and Kurukshetra
  
  

• India Year Book
  
  

Government Websites and PIB

Go to:

• Press Information Bureau (PIB)
  
  

• PRS Legislative Research
  
  

• Official Ministry Portals
  
  

How to Effectively Cover Current Affairs

Make Notes Smartly

Don’t copy-paste. Use headings, bullets, and colour codes. Separate data points, scheme names, and events.

Link with Static Syllabus

Integrate current news with your static topics. This technique strengthens understanding and helps in both Prelims and Mains.

Revise, Recollect, Repeat

Make monthly revision notes. Use flashcards and mind maps. Schedule weekly and monthly revision slots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reading too many sources
  
  

• Ignoring revision
  
  

• Focusing only on factual details
  
  

• Not understanding the context
  
  

• Skipping the last few months before the exam

Role of Mock Tests and Practice Questions

Practice sharpens your instincts. Choose current affairs-based mock tests and sectional quizzes. These simulate real exam conditions and boost recall.

Must-Know Events for UPSC Prelims 2025

India’s G20 Presidency Outcomes

Focus on final declarations, India’s contributions, and global responses. Know key summits and themes.

Global Conflicts and India’s Stand

Understand India’s diplomatic responses to major global events such as the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict.

Climate Conferences and India’s Participation

Topics to watch include:

• COP28 outcomes
  
  

• National Action Plan on Climate Change
  
  

• Green Hydrogen Mission
  
  

Current Affairs Quiz Practice – A Smart Move

Attempting short quizzes regularly helps reinforce learning. Even 10–15 questions a day can improve retention and speed.

Digital Tools and Apps for Daily Updates

Useful platforms:

• Khan Global Studies App
  
  

• PIB App
  
  

• Inshorts for headlines
  
  

• Evernote for digital notes
  
  

Revision Strategy for the Final Months

• Focus on concise monthly compilations
  
  

• Revise with one-pagers and mind maps
  
  

• Attend revision crash courses
  
  

• Prioritise high-probability topics like schemes and summits
  
  

Conclusion

UPSC Prelims 2025 demands more than just rote learning—it requires strategic preparation. Current affairs can be your strongest weapon if approached methodically. Use trusted resources like Khan Global Studies, revise regularly, practise mock tests, and stay consistent. Remember, the question paper doesn’t ask what you read—it tests what you remember and how well you understood it.

FAQs

Q1: How far back should I study current affairs for UPSC Prelims 2025?

At least 12 months before the exam, with extra attention on the last 6–8 months.

Q2: Is it okay to rely on only one source for current affairs?

Yes, provided it’s comprehensive and regularly updated like Khanglobalstudies.com.

Q3: Should I read newspapers daily?

If time allows, yes. But if not, rely on curated summaries and editorials.

Q4: What’s the best way to revise current affairs?

Create concise notes and revise them weekly. Use mock quizzes to test retention.

Q5: Are factual details more important than analysis?

Both matter. Facts help in Prelims, analysis supports Mains and Interview. 

Originally published at http://kgsupsc.wordpress.com on May 15, 2025.