💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3

  • SBI Targets 25% of India’s GDP Balance Sheet

    Why in the News?

    • State Bank of India (SBI) aims to expand its balance sheet to 25% of India’s GDP by 2030 (from ~20% currently).

    What is a Bank’s Balance Sheet

    • A balance sheet shows: Liabilities + Capital = Assets

    Components

    1. Liabilities

    • Deposits
    • Borrowings
    • Other obligations

    2. Capital

    • Tier I capital
    • Tier II capital
    • Reserves

    3. Assets

    • Loans and advances
    • Investments
    • Cash balances (including with Reserve Bank of India)
    [2018] With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements:
    1. Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
    2. To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2
    [2015] With reference to ‘Basel III Accord’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It strives to improve the banking sector’s ability to deal with financial and economic stress and improve risk management.
    2. It aims at making the banks more capital-intensive. 
    Select the correct answer:
    (a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Ethanol 85 (E85) Fuel

    Why in the News?

    • Government likely to notify draft rules for E85 fuel rollout as part of alternative fuel strategy and energy security push.

    What is E85 Fuel

    • Fuel blend containing:
      • Up to 85% ethanol
      • About 15% petrol

    Current Context

    • India already implemented: E20 fuel (20% ethanol blending) nationwide (April 2026)
    • E85 will be: A separate fuel category

    Key Features of E85

    • High ethanol concentration
    • Requires:
      • Special engines (flex-fuel vehicles)
      • Dedicated fuel infrastructure

    Raw Materials for Ethanol

    • Produced from: Sugarcane, Maize, and Other grains
    • Renewable and domestically available

    Benefits of E85

    • Energy Security: Reduces dependence on crude oil imports
    • Environmental Benefits: Cleaner burning than petrol and Reduces vehicular emissions
    • Economic Benefits: Supports: Farmers and Biofuel industry

    Back2Basics

    GenerationSource MaterialContext for India
    1st Gen (1G)Edible crops (Sugarcane, Maize, Rice).Currently used for E20; raises “Food Security” concerns.
    2nd Gen (2G)Non-edible waste (Rice straw, Corn cobs, Wood chips).Promoted under PM JI-VAN Yojana to stop stubble burning.
    3rd Gen (3G)Micro-organisms like Algae.High yield, doesn’t require agricultural land.
    4th Gen (4G)Genetically modified (GM) crops.Focuses on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) while growing.
    [2020] According to India’s National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels?  
    1. Cassava
    2. Damaged wheat
    3. grains
    4. Groundnut seeds
    5. Horse gram
    6. Rotten potatoes
    7. Sugar beet 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1, 2, 5 and 6 only(b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 only(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

  • India’s Forest Carbon Storage Could Double

    Why in the News

    • A study published in Environmental Research: Climate suggests that India’s forests could nearly double carbon storage by 2100 under current emission trends.

    Key Findings

    • Vegetation carbon increase:
      • 35 percent under low emissions
      • 62 percent under medium emissions
      • 97 percent under high emissions
    • Growth pattern:
      • Similar till about 2030
      • Rapid increase after 2050

    Key Drivers

    1. Increased Rainfall

    • More moisture availability
    • Enhances vegetation growth

    2. Higher Atmospheric CO2

    • Improves photosynthesis
    • Increases water-use efficiency

    3. Time Lag Effect

    • Forest response is delayed:
      • About 2 years (low and medium emissions)
      • About 4 years (high emissions)

    Regional Trends

    Highest Increase

    • Desert and semi-arid regions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Western Madhya Pradesh

    Moderate Increase

    • Trans-Himalayas
    • Gangetic plains
    • Deccan Plateau

    Lower Increase

    • Western Ghats
    • Himalayas

    Reason:

    • Ecological saturation
    • Climatic limitations

    Important Institution

    • Forest Survey of India: Official body for forest and tree cover data. 
    Consider the following statements: (2019)
    1. As per the Law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) exists at both National and State levels.
    2. People’s participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 only(b) 2 only(c) Both 1 and 2(d) Neither 1 nor 2
    In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be potential sites for carbon sequestration? (2017)
    1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams.
    2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs.Subterranean deep saline formations. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3

  • How altered mosquitoes could reshape malaria control

    Why in the News?

    A major breakthrough has emerged in malaria control as genetically modified mosquitoes, using CRISPR-Cas9, have been shown for the first time in real-world conditions to block malaria parasites, not just in laboratories. This marks a decisive shift from the traditional strategy of killing mosquitoes (through insecticides and nets) to biologically altering them so they cannot transmit disease.

    What explains the shift from mosquito eradication to genetic modification?

    The shift from traditional mosquito eradication to genetic modification (GM) is driven by the declining effectiveness of chemical insecticides, the rise of widespread insecticide resistance, and the need for more targeted, environmentally friendly, and sustainable solutions to curb diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika. While past eradication efforts focused on widespread pesticide spraying (e.g., DDT) and environmental manipulation, these methods proved unsustainable, costly, and ecologically harmful, often leading to rapid population rebounds

    1. Resistance crisis: Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes and drug resistance in parasites reduces effectiveness of conventional methods.
    2. Behavioral Adaptation: Mosquitoes have changed their behaviors, such as biting outdoors or earlier in the day, reducing the effectiveness of traditional indoor-targeted insecticide treatments.
    3. Limited sustainability: Bed nets and spraying require continuous intervention; not self-propagating.
    4. Targeted Precision: Genetic modification, particularly CRISPR-Cas9 gene drives, allows researchers to target specific mosquito species (e.g., Aedes aegypti or Anopheles gambiae) without harming other beneficial insects.
    5. Scientific innovation: CRISPR-based gene editing allows targeted modification of mosquito genomes.
    6. Outcome shift: Focus moves from killing vectors to interrupting disease transmission cycle.

    How do gene drives alter inheritance patterns in mosquitoes?

    Gene drives alter inheritance in mosquitoes by using CRISPR-Cas9 to force a specific genetic trait to be inherited by nearly all offspring (up to 100%), overriding the standard 50% Mendelian inheritance rate. The drive cuts the wild-type chromosome, forcing the cell to repair it using the drive-carrying chromosome as a template, ensuring the modification spreads rapidly through populations.

    1. The “Homing” Mechanism: A gene drive, containing instructions for both a desired trait and an enzyme (Cas9), is inserted into a mosquito’s chromosome. In germline cells, this enzyme cuts the corresponding location on the homologous chromosome (the one without the drive).
    2. Conversion to Homozygosity: The mosquito’s DNA repair machinery, specifically homology-directed repair (HDR), fills the gap by copying the drive-containing sequence into the cut chromosome. This converts a heterozygote (one copy) into a homozygote (two copies), guaranteeing that all sperm or eggs produced carry the alteration.
    3. Biased inheritance: Ensures >50% inheritance; often exceeds 90% transmission rate.
    4. Rapid spread: Trait propagates through wild populations within few generations.
    5. Example: Modified genes preventing malaria parasite survival spread across mosquito populations.

    What evidence establishes real-world effectiveness of modified mosquitoes?

    Malaria still kills over half a million people annually, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, and existing methods are faltering due to rising insecticide resistance and drug resistance. A Nature-published study demonstrated that modified mosquitoes can suppress parasites circulating in endemic African settings, while gene drives can spread traits to over 90% of offspring, making this a potentially transformative, scalable solution rather than a localized intervention.

    1. Field-linked validation: Study showed suppression of malaria parasites in endemic African regions, not just lab conditions.
    2. Nature publication: Confirms scientific credibility and peer-reviewed validation.
    3. Transmission blocking: Parasites severely impaired in mosquito salivary glands, preventing human infection.
    4. Population Suppression in Large-Scale Simulators: In “near-natural” cage trials, gene-drive systems targeting the doublesex fertility gene completely collapsed Anopheles gambiae populations within 7 to 11 generations. These trials showed nearly 100% inheritance bias, meaning almost all offspring carried the modification.
    5. Success Against Real-World Parasites: Recent research in Tanzania demonstrated that modified mosquitoes could block 90% or more of Plasmodium falciparum parasites taken from naturally infected children. This proves the technology works against diverse wild strains rather than just laboratory cultures.

    What are the competing approaches: population suppression vs modification?

    1. Population suppression:
      1. Gene targeting; Mechanism: Targets genes essential for survival or reproduction (e.g., disrupting the doublesex gene).
      2. Outcome: Collapse of mosquito populations within few generations.
      3. Examples: CRISPR-based drives causing female infertility (targeting doublesex or miR-184).
      4. Advantages/Disadvantages: Highly effective at breaking transmission cycles, similar to insecticides. However, it may cause significant disruption to ecosystems by eliminating a species. 
    2. Population modification:
      1. Mechanism(Gene insertion): Inserts “cargo” genes that do not kill the mosquito but instead render them unable to transmit the malaria parasite (anti-Plasmodium genes).
      2. Outcome: Lower ecological risk; avoids species extinction.
      3. Examples: Inserting genes that produce antibodies against Plasmodium parasites in the mosquito’s gut.
      4. Advantages/Disadvantages: Lower ecological risk as it avoids species extinction, but is technically more challenging to develop and might face faster evolution of resistance in the parasite
    3. Comparison and Policy Preference
      1. Policy Preference: While both are being evaluated, there is increasing support for population modification due to concerns about the long-term ecological consequences of permanently removing a species from an environment.
      2. Safety Measures: “Split drives” (dividing Cas9 and guide RNA) are being developed for both methods to make the interventions more controllable, localized, and potentially reversible.

    What are the ecological and ethical concerns surrounding gene drives?

    1. Ecological risk: Potential unintended effects on food chains and ecosystems.
    2. Niche Replacement: Removing a major vector could open a niche for secondary, less-understood vectors to take over.
    3. Horizontal Gene Transfer: There is a concern that engineered genetic material could transfer to non-target species (horizontal gene transfer).
    4. Irreversibility: Self-propagating drives may be difficult to control once released.
    5. Ethical concerns:
      1. Transboundary Impacts without Consent: Mosquitoes do not respect political borders. A gene drive released in one country could spread to neighboring nations that did not approve the release.
      2. Consent and Community Engagement: It is difficult to obtain informed consent from every individual in an affected community. Ethical issues arise when a trial affects people who are not actively enrolled in the study.
      3. Governance Gaps: Existing regulations for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are often inadequate for self-propagating gene drives.
      4. “Playing God” and Naturalness: Concerns exist regarding the ethical limits of human power in modifying entire species and altering natural ecosystems. 

    What are the scientific and operational challenges ahead?

    1. Parasite diversity: Multiple malaria strains may require different genetic strategies.
    2. Resistance evolution: Parasites may adapt to modified mosquitoes.
    3. Regulatory gaps: Need for biosafety frameworks in endemic countries.
    4. Capacity building: Study shows gene engineering can be done locally, enhancing scientific infrastructure.

    Can gene drives replace existing malaria control strategies?

    1. Complementary role: Not a standalone solution.
    2. Integrated approach: Requires continued use of bed nets, medicines, vaccines, and surveillance.
    3. Public health systems: Strengthening healthcare delivery remains essential.
    4. Outcome: Gene drives act as an additional tool in malaria elimination.

    Conclusion

    Genetically modified mosquitoes represent a transformative approach to malaria control by targeting transmission rather than vector elimination. While promising, the technology requires robust regulatory frameworks, ethical consensus, and integration with existing public health strategies to ensure safe and effective deployment.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society?

    Linkage: It directly relates to gene editing (CRISPR) in mosquitoes as a biotech advancement for malaria control. It shows how biotechnology improves public health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations in endemic regions.

  • Deceptively benign: On retail inflation, oil-import-dependency

    Why in the News?

    India’s March inflation data presents a deceptive stability, with CPI at 3.4% (within RBI’s tolerance band), yet WPI surged to a 38-month high of 3.88%, revealing hidden inflationary pressures. The divergence between CPI and WPI, driven by fuel costs, rupee depreciation (2.5–3%), and global disruptions like the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, marks a sharp shift from earlier trends of synchronized inflation. This raises concerns of imported inflation and emerging stagflation risks, making it a significant macroeconomic warning.

    What is imported inflation?

    Imported inflation is a general rise in prices within a country caused by increasing costs of imported goods, services, or raw materials. It occurs when global commodity prices rise or a nation’s currency depreciates, making foreign purchases more expensive. This often leads to higher production costs for domestic manufacturers and increased prices for consumers.

    Primary Drivers in India

    1. Currency Depreciation: When the Indian Rupee weakens against the US Dollar, it takes more rupees to buy the same amount of foreign goods, directly increasing their “landed cost”.
    2. Global Commodity Prices: Surges in international prices for crude oil (which India imports ~85% of) or edible oils (60% imported) lead to higher local costs for fuel, transport, and food.
    3. Global Supply Chain Disruptions: Geopolitical conflicts, such as the Israel-Iran-US war, Russia-Ukraine war or West Asia tensions, can cause shortages and drive up the price of critical inputs.

    Current Impact (as of April 2026)

    1. Rising Contribution: According to SBI Research, imported inflation reached 6.49% in March 2026, contributing approximately 43% to India’s overall inflation rate.
    2. Regional Variance: Some states, like Telangana, have seen imported inflation exceed 12%, while others like Kerala and Uttar Pradesh hover around 7.5%. 

    What is the divergence between the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

    The divergence between the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) occurs when the prices paid by manufacturers for bulk goods move at a different rate than the retail prices paid by consumers. As of March 2026, India’s WPI has surged to a 38-month high of 3.88%, while retail CPI remains lower at 3.4%. 

    Meaning of the Divergence

    1. Producer vs. Consumer View: WPI measures “factory-gate” inflation (what businesses pay), whereas CPI measures the “cost of living” (what households pay).
    2. Supply-Side Pressure: A higher WPI indicates that production costs, such as raw materials and energy, are rising rapidly, even if those costs haven’t fully reached the end consumer yet.

    Reasons for the Gap

    The primary cause of the current gap is the different “baskets” of goods and services each index tracks: 

    1. Energy & Fuel Sensitivity: WPI gives a much higher weight (~13.2%) to Fuel & Power compared to CPI (~6.8%). Recent surges in global crude oil prices (up nearly 50% month-on-month due to West Asia tensions) hit the WPI immediately.
    2. Manufacturing vs. Food:
      1. WPI: Heavily weighted toward manufactured products (64.2%), which are sensitive to global commodity prices like chemicals and metals.
      2. CPI: Heavily weighted toward food and beverages (~45% in the old series; 36.75% in the new 2024 series). In March 2026, wholesale food inflation remained steady at 1.8%, keeping CPI lower despite the spike in fuel.
    3. Services Exclusion: WPI excludes the services sector (education, health, transport), while these form a significant part of the CPI basket.
    4. New CPI Base Year: MoSPI recently rebased the CPI to 2024 (released Feb 2026), updating consumption weights to reflect modern habits, while WPI still uses the 2011-12 base year.

    Why does CPI appear benign while underlying inflation pressures rise?

    1. CPI Stability: Reflects moderate retail inflation at 3.4% in March, within RBI’s 4-6% tolerance band, masking deeper issues.
    2. WPI Surge: Increased from 2.4% (Feb) to 3.88% (March), indicating rising input costs.
    3. Core-WPI vs. Core-CPI Divergence: While core inflation (excluding food and fuel) remained relatively steady in CPI, “Core-WPI” (non-food manufactured items) has accelerated to a 41-month high of 3.7%, signaling that factory-gate pressures are high and may eventually impact consumer prices in the coming months.
    4. Government Interventions and Rupee Impact: Government controls on food prices (like selling “Bharat” brand items) and a 2.5-3% fall in the rupee have created mixed pressures. Import costs have risen, pushing up WPI, while retail prices (CPI) stay relatively stable due to government intervention.
    5. Muted Transmission: Food prices show limited increase (CFPI from ~3.4% to ~3.8%), delaying retail inflation impact.

    How does fossil fuel dependence amplify imported inflation?

    1. Dollar-denominated Trade: Crude oil and gas priced in dollars, exposing India to currency fluctuations.
    2. Rupee Depreciation: Declined by 2.5-3%, increasing import costs across sectors.
    3. Input Cost Inflation: Raises prices of fertilizers, plastics, petrochemicals, affecting pharmaceuticals, textiles, automobiles.
    4. Energy Dependence:  High reliance on imported oil increases vulnerability to global shocks.

    What role do global geopolitical disruptions play in inflation?

    1. Supply Chain Disruptions: Triggered by U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, affecting fuel supply.
    2. Global Price Transmission: Increased crude prices transmit inflation across economies.
    3. War-induced Trade Impact: Decline in exports (3-4% YoY) and imports (5-6% YoY) reflects supply-side constraints.

    Why is inflation currently suppressed despite rising costs?

    1. Corporate Absorption: Firms temporarily absorb rising input costs, compressing margins.
    2. Domestic Redirection: Exporters (especially MSMEs) shift output to domestic markets.
    3. Supply Gluts: Increased domestic supply delays price rise.
    4. Policy Relaxations: Allow greater domestic sales from export-oriented units.

    Does this trend indicate emerging stagflation risks?

    1. Delayed Inflation Surge: Cost pressures likely to pass through eventually.
    2. Growth Slowdown: IMF projects India’s FY27 growth at ~6.2%, indicating moderation.
    3. Stagflation Indicators: Combination of rising inflation + slowing growth.
    4. RBI Concerns: Acknowledges vulnerability from imported inflation.

    Why is energy transition critical for macroeconomic stability?

    1. Structural Vulnerability: Oil-import dependence exposes economy to external shocks.
    2. Renewable Shift: Reduces exposure to volatile global fuel markets.
    3. Inflation Control: Limits cost-push inflation from energy imports.
    4. Strategic Autonomy: Enhances long-term economic resilience.

    Conclusion

    India’s current inflation scenario reflects a temporary calm masking structural risks. The divergence between CPI and WPI signals latent inflationary pressures driven by external vulnerabilities. Addressing fossil fuel dependence is essential to ensure long-term macroeconomic stability.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

    Linkage: The PYQ directly links to inflation dynamics (CPI vs WPI, cost-push factors like fuel, imports, rupee depreciation). It tests understanding of policy limitations when inflation is supply-driven/imported, as discussed in the article.

  • LPG demand softens, moving to normalcy amid summer onset

    Why in the News?

    India is witnessing a sharp normalization in LPG demand after an unprecedented spike, triggered by panic buying during the West Asia crisis. Daily bookings, which surged to 89 lakh (March peak), have now fallen below 50 lakh, marking a significant correction. This is critical because LPG, highly import-dependent (~60%), was the worst affected fuel due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. This exposed India’s energy vulnerability. The easing demand has reduced pressure on supplies, averting a potential crisis.

    Why did LPG demand surge abnormally in recent months?

    1. Panic Buying: Triggered by the West Asia crisis; consumers feared supply disruptions and this led to hoarding and black marketing.
    2. Booking Spike: Daily LPG bookings crossed 50 lakh consistently in March, peaking at 89 lakh (March 13).
    3. Supply Shock Perception: Strait of Hormuz disruption impacted global supply chains, amplifying uncertainty.
    4. Import Dependency Fear: High reliance on imports (~60%) heightened public anxiety about availability.
    5. Information Asymmetry: Lack of clear communication in early phase intensified rumours and speculative demand.

    Why is LPG demand now softening during summer?

    1. Seasonal Variation: LPG demand declines in summer as heating needs reduce; winter sees dual usage (cooking + heating).
    2. Demand Normalisation: Bookings now stabilised at 46-50 lakh/day, indicating return to baseline consumption.
    3. Behavioural Correction: Panic-driven consumption patterns have subsided with improved supply confidence.
    4. Supply Assurance: Government and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) communication restored trust in availability.
    5. Reduced Stockpiling: Households have already accumulated excess cylinders, lowering fresh demand.

    How vulnerable is India’s LPG supply chain?

    1. Import Dependence: India imports ~60% of LPG requirements.
    2. Geographic Concentration: 90% of imports routed via Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint.
    3. Supply Disruption Impact: Around 54% of LPG supplies were effectively disrupted during the peak crisis phase.
    4. Limited Strategic Reserves: Inadequate buffer storage capacity to absorb sudden shocks.
    5. Logistical Bottlenecks: Dependence on maritime routes exposes supply to shipping delays and geopolitical risks.

    How has India managed to stabilise LPG supplies?

    1. Diversification of Imports: Increased procurement from non-West Asian suppliers.
    2. Domestic Production Boost: Production fluctuating between 46,000-50,000 tonnes/day (~58-63% of domestic demand).
    3. Logistics Stabilisation: Continuous procurement and restored shipping flows ensured supply continuity.
    4. Commercial Supply Recovery: LPG availability restored to 70% of commercial demand (~8,200 tonnes).
    5. Policy Coordination: Inter-ministerial coordination ensured timely decisions on imports and distribution.

    What is the current supply-demand balance situation?

    1. Demand Reduction: Lower bookings reduced pressure on supply chains.
    2. Import Requirement Drop: Net imports reduced to 30 TMT, indicating improved domestic sufficiency.
    3. Stable Household Supply: OMCs maintaining supply at pre-conflict level (>50 lakh cylinders/day).
    4. No Shortage Reports: No “dry-out” situations reported across regions.
    5. Improved Supply Buffer: Better alignment between domestic production and consumption needs.

    What structural issues does this episode highlight?

    1. Energy Security Risk: Overdependence on a single region exposes India to geopolitical shocks.
    2. Infrastructure Constraints: Limited storage and diversification capacity.
    3. Market Behaviour Issues: Panic buying and hoarding distort demand-supply equilibrium.
    4. Policy Gaps: Need for stronger demand-side management and crisis communication frameworks.
    5. Supply Chain Fragility: Heavy reliance on external routes and suppliers limits resilience.

    Conclusion

    The episode reflects a temporary demand distortion driven by geopolitical shocks, now corrected through seasonal trends and supply-side adjustments. However, it underscores the structural vulnerability of India’s LPG ecosystem, necessitating diversification, domestic capacity expansion, and demand-side regulation.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2022] Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain

    Linkage: The PYQ tests India’s energy security, transition strategy, and subsidy rationalisation in achieving climate and sustainability targets. It highlights overdependence on imported fossil fuels (LPG ~60%), reinforcing the need for renewables to reduce geopolitical vulnerability and supply shocks.

  • Marine Heatwaves (MHWs) 

    Why in the News?

    • A recent study shows that tropical cyclones passing over marine heatwaves become far more destructive, leading to about 60% more billion-dollar disasters due to rapid intensification.

    What are Marine Heatwaves

    • A prolonged period of unusually high sea surface temperature
    • Duration: Days to months
    • Temperature anomaly: Typically 1°C to 3°C above normal

    Key Characteristics

    • Region-specific phenomenon
    • Defined by: Duration, Intensity, and Spatial extent

    Causes of Marine Heatwaves

    1. Climate Change

    • Oceans absorb over 90% of excess heat
    • Raises baseline temperature

    2. Weakening Winds

    • Less: Evaporation and Vertical mixing

    3. Ocean Stratification

    • Warm water trapped at surface
    • No mixing with cooler deep water

    4. Ocean Currents

    • Transport warm water to new regions

    5. Climate Oscillations

    • Example: El Niño
    • Raises sea surface temperatures
    [2020] With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct? 
    1 OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the southwestern Indian Ocean during January — March. 
    2 OMT collected during January – March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    a) 1 only 
    b) 2 only 
    c) Both 1 and 2 
    d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Bank Nationalisation in India  

    Why in the News?

    • The 55th anniversary of bank nationalisation (1969) has revived debate on its long-term economic impact.

    What is Bank Nationalisation

    • Transfer of private banks into government ownership
    • Objective:
      • Align banking with national development goals
      • Move control of finance to the public sector

    Phases of Nationalisation

    Phase 1 (1955)

    • Nationalisation of Imperial Bank of India
    • Converted into: State Bank of India

    Phase 2 (1969)

    • 14 major banks nationalised
    • Criteria: Deposits ≥ ₹50 crore
    • Led by: Indira Gandhi
    • Covered about 85–90% of banking sector

    Phase 3 (1980)

    • 6 more banks nationalised
    • Increased state control over banking

    Objectives

    • Expand banking in Rural and semi-urban areas
    • Provide credit to: Agriculture, Small industries, and Weaker sections
    • Reduce: Concentration of wealth
    • Support: Planned economic development
    [2018] Consider the following events: 
    1 The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India. 
    2 India’s then largest bank, ‘Imperial Bank of India’, was renamed ‘State Bank of India’. 
    3 Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier. 
    4 Goa became a part of independent India. 
    Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events? 
    a) 4 – 1 – 2 – 3
    b) 3 – 2 – 1 – 4
    c) 4 – 2 – 1 – 3
    d) 3 – 1 – 2 – 4

  • Why India Slipped to 6th Largest Economy

    Why in the News

    • According to the International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook (2026), India slipped to the 6th-largest economy, with the United Kingdom and Japan overtaking it.

    Latest GDP Rankings (2026)

    • USA: ~$32.3 trillion
    • China: ~$20.8 trillion
    • Germany, Japan, UK, India: ~around $4 trillion range
    • Recently, India has now ranked 6th

    Key Reason: How the IMF Calculates GDP

    • IMF ranking depends on:
      • GDP in local currency
      • Exchange rate (currency vs US dollar)
    • Both factors worsened for India

    Reasons for India’s Decline

    1. Revision of GDP Data

    • New base year introduced
    • GDP revised downward:
      • ₹357 trillion → ₹345 trillion
    • Earlier estimates were overstated

    2. Rupee Depreciation

    • Indian rupee weakened against US dollar
    • Dollar also weakened against: Pound and Yen
    • Double impact:
      • India’s GDP falls in dollar terms
      • UK & Japan appear stronger

    3. Dollar-Based Ranking Effect

    • Even if real growth continues:
      • Dollar conversion reduces ranking
    • Example: India GDP revised: $4.1 trillion → $3.9 trillion

    Why the UK & Japan Overtook India

    • Stronger currencies (pound, yen)
    • India’s GDP revision downward
    • Exchange rate disadvantage

    Important Concept

    Nominal GDP vs Real Strength

    • IMF rankings use: Nominal GDP (in USD)
    • Not: Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
    • India still ranks 3rd in PPP terms

    Future Outlook

    • IMF projection:
      • India likely to regain 4th position by 2027
      • May become 3rd largest by ~2031

    Key Insight

    • Top 2 economies (US & China) are far ahead
    • Next 4 economies (Germany, Japan, UK, India):
      • Very close (~$4 trillion range)
    • Small changes in exchange rate can change rankings
    [2019] Consider the following statements:
    1. Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) exchange rates are calculated by comparing the prices of the same basket of goods and services in different countries
    2. In terms of PPP dollars, India is the sixth largest economy in the world.
    Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
    [A] 1 only [B] 2 only [C] Both 1 and 2 [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • State of India’s Bats Report  

    Why in the News?

    • First-ever national assessment “State of India’s Bats (2024–25)” highlights threats, neglect, and data gaps in bat conservation in India.

    Key Findings

    • Total bat species in India: ~135
    • 16 species endemic (found only in India)
    • 7 species threatened (IUCN Red List)
    • 35 species:
      • Not assessed / data deficient
    • Indicates serious knowledge gap

    About the Report

    • Title: State of India’s Bats (2024–25)
    • Led by:
      • Nature Conservation Foundation
      • Bat Conservation International
    • Contributors: 36 experts and 27 institutions
    [2024] Consider the following statements : 
    Statement-I : The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
    Statement-II : The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. 
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 
    a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I 
    b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I 
    c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect 
    d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct