April 2025
Security · Environment · Diplomacy
🇮🇳 National
  • Pahalgam Terror Attack (April 22): 26 tourists were killed by militants near Pahalgam, J&K — 25 were Hindu tourists. The deadliest civilian attack in decades; India held Pakistan responsible. ⭐ Very Important
  • Dhruv ALH Helicopter Resumes: India's indigenously developed Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (by HAL) resumed operations in Anantnag, J&K after being grounded in January 2025 following a fatal crash.
  • India Revokes Bangladesh Transshipment Facility: India cancelled the 2020 facility that allowed Bangladesh to use Indian territory for third-country exports — citing strategic and logistical concerns.
  • NMCG Annual Master Plan: National Mission for Clean Ganga approved a master plan integrating river-sensitive urban planning under the River Cities Alliance (RCA).
  • Judicial Overreach Debate: Recent Supreme Court rulings (Article 370, Governor's Bill assent, Article 142 use) reignited debates on separation of powers and judicial boundaries.
🌿 Environment
  • Worst Global Coral Bleaching (2025): NOAA confirmed 84% of global coral reefs were affected by bleaching — the worst event ever recorded. Indian reefs including Lakshadweep were impacted. ⭐ Important
  • India's Marine Litter Policy Gap: India lacks a direct national policy targeting marine litter mitigation; a National Action Plan is under development but pending implementation.
🌍 International
  • UN World Social Report 2025: Highlighted that 60% of global population faces economic insecurity; over 690 million still in extreme poverty; rising inequality destabilising societies.
  • Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit – Paris: Global leaders stressed integration of food literacy in schools; goal to end malnutrition by 2030 aligned with SDGs.
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Exam Tip: The Pahalgam attack is directly linked to Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Understand the sequence: Pahalgam attack (Apr 22) → Operation Sindoor (May 7-10). Expect questions on both.
May 2025
Operation Sindoor · India-Pakistan · Defence
🇮🇳 National / Defence
  • Operation Sindoor (May 7–10): India launched precision missile strikes on 9 terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba). The 88-hour conflict was the first drone battle between the two nuclear nations. Ceasefire on May 10 at 5:00 pm IST. ⭐ Very Important
  • India-Pakistan Aerial Engagement: 125+ fighter jets from both sides in standoff ranges — largest aerial engagement with 4th-generation fighters in recent times. Pakistan's counter-operation was codenamed "Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos".
  • Beidou Satellite Controversy: China's Beidou navigation system was reportedly used by militants during the Pahalgam attack, raising national security concerns about foreign satellite systems.
  • NavIC Significance: India's indigenous navigation system (NavIC) and the Defence Space Agency (DSA) came into focus for providing real-time border surveillance and space-based military assets.
  • MGNREGA Report (FY 2024-25): LibTech India report: Registrations rose by 8.6% but employment delivery fell by 7.1% — due to delayed payments and budget shortfalls.
  • Saroj Ghose Passes Away: Founding Director-General of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and the visionary behind India's science museum movement died at 89.
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Exam Tip: Key facts — Operation Sindoor targeted JeM and LeT. No Pakistani military installations targeted in first strike. Ceasefire date: May 10, 2025. This is extremely likely to appear in HCS Prelims 2026.
June 2025
Economy · Trade · Monetary Policy
📈 Economy
  • India's GDP Growth (Q1 FY26): Real GDP grew 7.8% year-on-year in the April–June 2025 quarter, driven by private consumption and government spending. ⭐ Important
  • RBI Stance Change: Reserve Bank of India changed its monetary policy stance from "accommodative" to "neutral" in June — signaling a data-dependent approach to future rate decisions.
  • India's Export Growth: Total exports (merchandise + services) for June 2025 estimated at $67.98 billion — up 6.5% from June 2024. April–June exports: $210.31 billion (+5.94%).
  • Fiscal Deficit Target: Central government budget deficit set to decline from 4.9% of GDP (FY24-25) to 4.5% in FY25-26.
  • GST Reforms: Government announced GST rate reductions on several Indian goods in response to global trade pressures including US tariffs announced by Trump administration.
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Exam Tip: Remember: RBI rate stances — Accommodative (rate cuts likely), Neutral (data-dependent), Hawkish (rate hikes likely). The shift in June 2025 from accommodative to neutral is significant.
July 2025
Agriculture · Technology · Infrastructure
🇮🇳 National
  • PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY): Launched under Union Budget 2025-26; consolidates 36 existing schemes across 11 ministries into a data-driven, district-centric model to enhance farm productivity and farmer incomes. ⭐ Important
  • Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT): First campus launched on July 18 at NFDC complex, Mumbai. Aims to position India as a global hub for entertainment technology and digital skills.
  • India Issues Flood Advisory to Pakistan: India issued an official flood advisory to Pakistan — the first formal contact between the two countries after the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.
📈 Economy
  • Jan Aushadhi Kendras Expansion: 17,610 Jan Aushadhi Kendras now operational nationwide (as of mid-2025), offering ~2,110 drugs and 315 surgical items. Target: 20,000 by March 2026 and 25,000 by March 2027.
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Exam Tip: PMDDKY is important — know that it consolidates 36 schemes, is district-centric, and was introduced in Union Budget 2025-26.
August 2025
Disasters · Diplomacy · Air Quality
🇮🇳 National
  • Vaishno Devi Landslide (Aug 26): At least 30 people were killed in a landslide caused by heavy rains near the Vaishno Devi Temple at Katra, Jammu & Kashmir. ⭐ Important
  • Palghar Building Collapse (Aug 28): 17 people killed in a building collapse in Palghar, Maharashtra following heavy rainfall.
  • Air Quality Progress: Indian cities recorded a 25% reduction in particulate matter levels during 2019–2024; passenger vehicle sales hit a record 4.3 million units in 2024-25.
🌍 International
  • India-Pakistan First Contact Post-War: India issued an official flood advisory to Pakistan (actual contact in August), marking the first official communication since the May 2025 conflict — signaling de-escalation.
September 2025
Vice President · UNESCO · Natural Disasters
⚖️ Polity
  • New Vice President of India: C.P. Radhakrishnan elected as the 15th Vice President of India on September 9, 2025 — defeating Justice B. Sudershan Reddy in the election. ⭐ Important
🌿 Environment
  • Cold Desert – UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: India's Cold Desert (Himachal Pradesh / Ladakh region) was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in September 2025. ⭐ Important
🇮🇳 National
  • Punjab Floods: At least 30 people killed following heavy rains and flooding in Punjab (September 2).
  • TVK Rally Crowd Crush – Tamil Nadu: At least 40 killed, 51 injured in a crowd crush at a rally by actor-turned-politician Vijay's party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Karur district.
🌍 International
  • Canada Designates Lawrence Bishnoi Gang: Canada designated the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist organisation on September 29, citing violence against Indian Canadians — major development in India-Canada relations.
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Exam Tip: VP C.P. Radhakrishnan — remember he is the 15th Vice President. Cold Desert UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is Haryana-adjacent geography — link it to geography questions.
October 2025
Heritage · Disasters · Space
🇮🇳 National
  • Amar Chitra Katha Warehouse Fire (Oct 1-5): Fire at a warehouse in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra destroyed nearly 6,00,000 books and irreplaceable archival materials of Amar Chitra Katha — a major cultural loss. ⭐ Important
  • Darjeeling Landslides: At least 24 people killed in multiple landslides in Darjeeling District, West Bengal.
🔬 Science & Technology
  • NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite: The joint NASA–ISRO NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite entered its science phase, providing radar data for land movement, earthquake mapping, flood monitoring, forest cover, and glaciers.
  • Carnegie Research on Operation Sindoor: Global military analysts published papers on the military lessons from India's Operation Sindoor, examining drone warfare and escalation management.
November 2025
Security · Technology · Sports
🇮🇳 National
  • Red Fort Car Bomb Attack (Nov 10): A car exploded near the Red Fort in New Delhi, killing at least 15 people and injuring 20+. Bomber identified as Dr Umar Un Nabi — linked to a terror module at Al-Falah University, Faridabad, Haryana. ⭐ Very ImportantHaryana Link
  • Sanchar Saathi App – Mandatory Pre-install: Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ordered smartphone makers to mandatorily pre-install Sanchar Saathi — a government cybersecurity app — on all new devices sold in India (effective November 28). ⭐ Important
  • Jan Aushadhi Kendras: 17,610 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operational (as of November 2025), targeting expansion to 25,000 by March 2027.
🏆 Sports
  • FIH Hockey Junior World Cup 2025: The Men's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup was held from November 28 to December 10, 2025.
🟡 Haryana
  • Faridabad Terror Link: The Red Fort bomber Dr Umar Un Nabi was connected to Al-Falah University in Faridabad, Haryana — raising security concerns in the state. NIA investigation launched.
  • Haryana Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) 2025: SRB rose to 923 in 2025, up 13 points from 910 in 2024 — highest in five years. Credited to strict enforcement against sex determination and MTP kit sales.
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Exam Tip: Sanchar Saathi is often confused with TRAI vs DoT jurisdiction. It falls under DoT's cybercrime protection mandate. The Haryana terror link is directly exam-relevant for HPSC.
December 2025
ISRO · Economy · Environment · Disaster
🔬 Science & Space
  • ISRO Launches Heaviest Payload (Dec 24): ISRO successfully launched a US-built AST SpaceMobile communications satellite weighing 6,100 kg — the heaviest payload ever carried by ISRO. ⭐ Important
  • New Earthquake Zonation Map: India released an updated seismic zonation map introducing Zone VI — the highest risk level. The full Himalayan belt is now covered; focus shifted from states to geological fault zones. ⭐ Important
  • NISAR Satellite – Science Phase: The joint NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite began its active science operations — mapping land deformation, forests, glaciers, floods and earthquakes with synthetic aperture radar.
  • National School Learning Index 2025: National Education Commission released the Index ranking states on foundational literacy, digital readiness and STEM performance. Kerala topped the list.
📈 Economy
  • India GDP Q2 FY26: India's GDP grew at 7.2% in July–September 2025 quarter (Q2 FY26), as per NSO data released December 2025. ⭐ Important
  • Record Solar Power Output: India recorded its highest-ever monthly solar power generation in December 2025 due to new utility-scale projects and improved grid integration.
  • India-EU Trade Talks (3rd Round): Third round of Comprehensive Trade and Investment Agreement (CTIA) negotiations between EU and India concluded in Brussels in December 2025.
🌍 International
  • India Re-elected to IMO Council: India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for 2026–27 under Category B, strengthening its role in global maritime safety and shipping laws.
  • COP30 Pre-Summit (New Delhi): A COP30 pre-summit meeting was held in New Delhi with 40+ nations, focusing on climate finance, adaptation support, and equitable emission pathways ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
🇮🇳 Incidents
  • IndiGo Aviation Crisis: Thousands of IndiGo flights cancelled in early December after the airline failed to comply with DGCA's new crew duty hour rules — tens of thousands of passengers stranded across India.
  • Goa Nightclub Fire (Dec 6): At least 25 people killed in a fire at a nightclub in Arpora, Goa.
  • Uttarakhand Bus Accident (Dec 30): 7 killed, 12 injured when a bus fell into a gorge in Almora, Uttarakhand.
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Exam Tip: Remember ISRO's record — 6,100 kg satellite. New seismic Zone VI — 6 zones now (previously 5). GDP: 7.8% in Q1, 7.2% in Q2 FY26. These are high-frequency exam numbers.
January 2026
BRICS · Schemes · Republic Day
🌍 International
  • India Assumes BRICS Chairmanship: Brazil formally handed over the BRICS Presidency to India. India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026. ⭐ Important
🇮🇳 National
  • PANKHUDI Portal Launched (Jan 8): Ministry of Women and Child Development launched PANKHUDI — an integrated CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and partnership facilitation digital platform. ⭐ Important
  • Contaminated Water Deaths – Indore: At least 14 people died and several hospitalised after drinking contaminated water in Indore, Madhya Pradesh (January 2).
  • Assam Earthquake (Jan 5): A magnitude 5.1 earthquake hit Assam, injuring three people.
  • 77th Republic Day (Jan 26): India celebrated its 77th Republic Day; Chief Guest from a partner nation attended. Tableau displays included Haryana's achievements.
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Exam Tip: BRICS 2026 Chair = India. 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India. PANKHUDI is under Ministry of WCD — important for Women Empowerment questions.
February 2026
Budget · Trade · Disasters
📈 Economy / Budget
  • Union Budget 2026-27 (Feb 1): Finance Minister presented the Union Budget 2026-27 — focused on agriculture, infrastructure, digital economy, and youth employment. The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana received enhanced allocation. ⭐ Very Important
  • US-India Trade Agreement (Feb 2): US President Donald Trump announced a bilateral trade deal with India — US tariffs on Indian exports reduced to 18% in exchange for India reducing purchases of Russian oil. ⭐ Important
🇮🇳 National
  • Andhra Pradesh Fireworks Explosion (Feb 28): 21 people killed in a fireworks factory explosion in Vetlapalem village, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh.
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Exam Tip: Union Budget is always high-yield for prelims. Key allocations, new schemes, and budget deficits. US-India trade deal: 18% tariff, India-Russia oil dynamic — connects foreign policy + economy.
March 2026
Sports · Law · Diplomacy · Ladakh
🏆 Sports
  • India Wins ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (Mar 8): India beat New Zealand in the final match to win the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. ⭐ Very Important
⚖️ Law & Judiciary
  • Passive Euthanasia Allowed (Mar 8): Supreme Court ruled in favour of removing life support from Harish Rana — the first instance of passive euthanasia allowed by an Indian court. Historic legal precedent. ⭐ Important
🌍 International / Diplomacy
  • India-Canada Economic Partnership (Mar 2): PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney announced a deal to strengthen India-Canada economic partnership — a significant turnaround after India-Canada diplomatic tensions of 2023-24.
🇮🇳 National
  • Sonam Wangchuk Released (Mar 14): Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk was released from jail after the government quashed the National Security Act (NSA) charges against him in the aftermath of Ladakh protests over statehood demands.
🟡 Haryana
  • HCS Prelims 2026 – April 26: Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Prelims 2026 officially scheduled for April 26, 2026. HCS Mains: June 27-29. Interview: Aug/Sep 2026. Haryana
  • HCS Mains Pattern Change: Government notified changes under HCS (EB) Amendment Rules, 2025 — Mains now has 6 compulsory descriptive papers (600 marks total), up from 4 papers. Aligned with UPSC pattern. Haryana
  • Haryana Rural Electrification: Haryana achieved 100% rural electrification, becoming one of the top states in power infrastructure. Haryana
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Exam Tip: Passive euthanasia — India now recognises it (active euthanasia still illegal). T20 World Cup 2026 winner = India. HCS exam pattern change is directly relevant to YOU as an aspirant!