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GS Paper: GS3

  • Wheat Procurement Slowdown  

    Why in the News?

    • Wheat procurement in India during Rabi Marketing Season 2026–27 has declined by ~16%, mainly due to slow procurement in Madhya Pradesh.

    Key Data

    • Total procurement (till April 20, 2026): 114.29 LMT
    • Target: 303 LMT
    • Decline: ~16% lower than last year

    State-wise Performance

    • Major Contributors (Last Year)
      • Punjab
      • Madhya Pradesh
      • Haryana
    • Current Trend
      • Punjab & Haryana: Procurement on track
      • Madhya Pradesh: Significant slowdown
      • Only 7.25 LMT procured vs 47 LMT last year (same period)
    • Other Concern
      • Uttar Pradesh: Low procurement despite being largest producer

    Reasons for Slowdown

    • Administrative issues:
      • Slot booking
      • Farmer registration
      • Verification delays
    • Weather: Unseasonal rainfall (especially in UP)
    • Logistics inefficiencies
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 
    1. In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India. 
    2. In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise. 
    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

  • Extreme Heat & Global Food Systems 

     Why in the News?

    • A joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Meteorological Organization warns that extreme heat is threatening global agrifood systems, impacting over a billion people.

    Key Findings

    • Heatwaves are: More frequent, More intense, and Longer-lasting
    • Crop yields decline sharply beyond: ~30°C threshold
      • Example: Morocco saw 40% fall in cereal yield
    • Impact on Major Crops: Every 1°C rise in temperature leads to:
      • ~6% reduction in yields of: Maize, Rice, Wheat, and Soybean
    • Marine Impact: Marine heatwaves: Reduce oxygen in oceans and Threaten fish stocks
      • In 2024: 91% of oceans experienced marine heatwaves
    • Risk Escalation:
      • 2°C warming → heat intensity doubles
      • 3°C warming → heat intensity quadruples
    • Livestock Impact
      • 15–25% drop in milk production
      • Reduced fertility
      • Poultry mortality
    [2014] The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2°C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 3°C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world? 
    1 Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 
    2 Widespread coral mortality will occur. 
    3 All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. 
    4 Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below. 
    a) 1 only b) 1 and 2 only c) 2, 3 and 4 only d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • N–SLN DIVEX 2026  

    Why in News

    • INS Nireekshak reached Colombo to participate in the 4th India–Sri Lanka Diving Exercise (IN–SLN DIVEX 2026).

    About the Exercise

    • Name: IN–SLN DIVEX 2026
    • Edition: 4th
    • Participants: Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy

    About INS Nireekshak

    • Type: Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel
    • Role:
      • Deep-sea diving operations
      • Submarine rescue missions
      • Underwater engineering tasks
    [2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct? 
    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 
    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune). 
    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operation was a goal of this operation. 
    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise. 
    Select the answer using the code given below : 
    [A] 1, 2 and 3 [B] 1, 2 and 4 [C] 1, 3 and 4 [D] 2, 3 and 4

  • A year from Pahalgam, tracking the security shift

    Why in the News?

    A year after the Pahalgam terror attack, there is a structural shift in Jammu & Kashmir’s security doctrine, from reactive containment in urban centres to a dispersed, intelligence-led grid extending into forests and high-altitude areas. This marks a significant transition from earlier patterns where militants operated with relative ease in remote terrains.

    How has the security doctrine shifted post-Pahalgam?

    1. Doctrinal shift: Moves from urban containment to dispersed rural-forest operations, expanding counter-terror grid into difficult terrains.
    2. Proactive operations: Ensures pre-emptive neutralisation rather than post-incident response.
    3. Grid expansion: Strengthens multi-layered deployment across Pir Panjal and Kashmir Valley.
    4. Example: Increased presence in forested belts and high-altitude zones previously under-monitored.

    What role has intelligence integration played in the new strategy?

    1. Intelligence-led operations: Enables targeted strikes against militant networks instead of broad sweeps.
    2. Human intelligence (HUMINT): Strengthens local informant networks for early warning signals.
    3. Inter-agency coordination: Ensures real-time intelligence sharing among Army, J&K Police, and central agencies.
    4. Example: Dismantling of overground worker (OGW) networks aiding militants.

    How has technology transformed counter-terror operations?

    1. Drone surveillance: Enhances real-time monitoring of inaccessible terrains.
    2. Digital tracking: Facilitates data-driven identification of suspects and networks.
    3. Smart checkpoints: Ensures efficient screening through QR-based and digital systems.
    4. Data point: Over 50,000 individuals linked to terrorism brought under Aadhaar-linked identification systems.
    5. Example: Use of drones and surveillance tech in forest operations.

    What are the key operational successes achieved?

    1. Neutralisation rates: Increases elimination of militants through targeted operations.
    2. Network disruption: Weakens logistical and recruitment channels.
    3. Area domination: Expands security presence into previously vulnerable regions.
    4. Example: Decline in large-scale coordinated attacks compared to earlier years.

    What structural gaps and challenges persist?

    1. Intelligence gaps: Limits complete pre-emption of attacks, especially in remote zones.
    2. Terrain advantage: Continues to favour militants in dense forests and mountains.
    3. Adaptive tactics: Enables militants to shift to smaller, decentralised cells.
    4. Local support: Sustains residual overground networks aiding infiltration and logistics.
    5. Example: Sporadic attacks despite enhanced surveillance indicate operational limitations.

    How sustainable is the current security model?

    1. Resource intensity: Requires continuous deployment and technological investment.
    2. Coordination dependency: Relies on seamless inter-agency collaboration.
    3. Civil-military balance: Necessitates public cooperation for intelligence gathering.
    4. Outcome: Ensures short-term control but demands long-term socio-political integration.

    Conclusion

    The post-Pahalgam shift reflects a strategic deepening of counter-terror operations, combining intelligence, technology, and terrain penetration. While operational successes are visible, persistent intelligence gaps and adaptive militant strategies underline the need for continuous innovation and socio-political stabilisation.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Winning of ‘Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

    Linkage: The PYQ highlights the shift from kinetic counter-terrorism to intelligence-led, people-centric strategy in J&K, as seen post-Pahalgam. It links trust-building, OGW disruption, and civil-military outreach with improved intelligence flow and long-term conflict resolution.

  • TRAWL System Procurement (₹975 Cr) 

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Defence India signed contracts worth ₹975 crore for procurement of TRAWL systems for tanks.

    What is the TRAWL System

    • A minefield breaching equipment fitted on tanks
    • Used to:
      • Detect and neutralize landmines
      • Create safe lanes for troop and vehicle movement

    Key Features

    • Mounted on: T-72 and T-90 tanks
    • Clears:
      • Anti-tank mines
      • Mines with proximity magnetic fuses
    • Enables: Vehicle-safe lanes in combat zones

    Developed By

    • Defence Research and Development Organisation

    Procurement Details

    • Contracts signed with:
      • Bharat Earth Movers Limited
      • Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics India Pvt Ltd
    • Category: Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)
    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? 
    (a) Amphibious warfare ship 
    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine 
    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel 
    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • The strategic vulnerability in India’s LPG supply model

    Why in the News?

    India’s LPG vulnerability has come into focus due to heightened geopolitical risks in the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor handling ~90% of India’s LPG imports. Unlike earlier assumptions of stable supply, the crisis highlights a shift from routine dependence to strategic vulnerability. The issue is significant because LPG is not an industrial input but a household necessity, meaning disruptions directly affect millions of kitchens.

    Why does India’s LPG demand structure increase vulnerability?

    While India has achieved high, clean-cooking access, this success has created a “just-in-time” supply model that is fragile during global disruptions.

    1. Household Dependence: LPG is primarily used for cooking; commercial use <10%, leaving limited flexibility to reduce demand during crisis.
    2. Rigid Consumption Pattern: Household kitchens cannot switch fuels easily, ensuring inelastic demand.
    3. Mismatch in Production vs Consumption: LPG demand at 250% of domestic production, indicating structural dependence.

    How does import concentration amplify supply risk?

    1. Import Dependence: Approximately 60% LPG is imported, reflecting high external reliance.
    2. Geographical Concentration: Around 90% imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, creating a single choke-point risk.
    3. Global Market Constraint: Exportable LPG pool is limited and pre-committed, reducing diversion flexibility.

    Why is India’s LPG storage capacity inadequate?

    1. Low Strategic Reserves: While India is the world’s second-largest LPG consumer, its strategic underground storage is limited to roughly 140,000 tonnes (60 TMT at Vizag and 80 TMT at Mangalore), covering only about 1.5 to 2 days of national consumption
    2. Insufficient Buffer Target: Proposed 2-3 weeks buffer of about 1.3-1.9 MMT, far above current capacity.
    3. Operational Fragility: Limited reserves reduce crisis response capability and increase exposure to supply shocks.

    How does India compare with other major LPG consumers?

    1. Japan’s Model(High Resilience):
      1. 108.3 days storage, ensuring strong resilience
      2. LPG covers only about 40% households, lowering dependency
    2. China’s Model(Flexible Demand): China is the world’s largest consumer, but its demand is driven heavily by the petrochemical sector, not solely residential cooking.
    3. South Korea’s Model(Diversified Portfolio): South Korea utilizes a robust mix of city gas and electricity, reducing its reliance on LPG for residential heating and cooking. It also maintains substantial storage capacity (50-60 days)
    4. India’s Position(Maximum Vulnerability): High household dependence combined with low storage, resulting in maximum vulnerability

    Why is treating LPG as a unified pool problematic?

    Treating LPG as a unified pool means managing the entire supply of Liquid Petroleum Gas, whether domestically produced or imported, as a single, undifferentiated resource that simultaneously feeds household cooking, commercial establishments (hotels, restaurants), and industrial users (petrochemical plants). 

    1. Demand-Supply Mismatch: A single LPG pool serves households, petrochemicals, and industry simultaneously.
    2. Asymmetric Demand: While demand for household cooking is inflexible (people cannot stop cooking), demand from industrial sectors is often flexible (plants can slow down or switch fuel).
    3. The Pool Dilemma: When the “single pool” faces shortages, the supply chain cannot easily differentiate between a family needing gas to cook and a factory needing it for production. This causes widespread supply anxiety and long waiting periods
    4. Shortage Management: During recent supply shortages, the government was forced to ration supplies to commercial and industrial users, causing a 48% drop in supply to those sectors to keep household supplies running. 
    5. Critical Sector Exposure: Household demand competes with industrial demand, increasing supply risk.
    6. Policy Gap: Lack of prioritization mechanisms weakens energy security planning.

    What structural reforms are required to reduce vulnerability?

    Structural reforms to reduce vulnerability in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector require a strategic shift from relying on a single, imported fuel to building a resilient, diversified energy ecosystem. Based on current policy discussions and supply chain issues, key structural reforms include: 

    1. Demand Segmentation: Separates household LPG from industrial consumption, ensuring protected supply.
    2. Targeted Subsidies: Reforming the subsidy structure to use Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) specifically for vulnerable households, while allowing commercial prices to reflect market realities to prevent diversion. 
    3. Underground Caverns: Investing in deep underground rock cavern storage, like those in Visakhapatnam and Mangalore, to provide safe, high-volume, long-term strategic reserves.
    4. Fuel diversification
      1. Promoting Alternatives: Actively promoting electric cooking (induction stoves) and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to reduce structural dependence on LPG cylinders.
      2. Biogas Integration: Developing community-level, family-scale biogas plants, utilizing organic waste to provide an alternative, local clean fuel source. 
    5. Import Diversification:
      1. Reducing Gulf Dependence: Actively expanding LPG sourcing beyond the Persian Gulf to reduce risks associated with geopolitical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.
      2. Long-Term Contracts: Securing long-term contracts from alternative suppliers (e.g., US-sourced LPG), with a target to bring down Middle East import concentration below 70%.

    Conclusion

    India’s LPG vulnerability is structural, driven by high household dependence, concentrated imports, and weak storage capacity. Strengthening resilience requires segmented demand management, diversified supply sources, expanded storage infrastructure, and gradual transition to alternative cooking fuels.

    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 objectives? Explain.

    Linkage: The PYQ highlights the need for reducing fossil fuel dependence like LPG, addressing import vulnerability and energy insecurity. It supports transition towards renewables and subsidy shift, aligning with long-term structural solutions to India’s LPG supply risks.

  • Marine Spatial Plan: Odisha’s bid to strengthen climate resilience

    Why in the News?

    Odisha has signed an MoU with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) to implement a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), making it one of the first Indian states to operationalize integrated ocean planning at a state scale. This is significant as coastal management in India has traditionally been sectoral (fisheries, ports, tourism) and reactive.

    What is Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and why is it relevant?

    1. According to UNESCO, Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) is a public process of analyzing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives that have been specified through a political process.
    2. It is a tool for sustainable and integrated ocean management aimed at boosting the blue economy and strengthening climate resilience. 
    3. It helps for sustainable utilisation of marine resources in energy, economic activities like developing ports, harbours, setting up industries, environment, fisheries, aquaculture and tourism and to formulate policies accordingly.
    4. It aligns with UNESCO-IOC guidelines for sustainable ocean management.
    5. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
    6. Indian Context: Extends India-Norway collaboration on ocean management initiated in 2019.

    Why does Odisha require MSP at this stage?

    Odisha requires Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) at this stage, launched in April 2026 as the first state in India to enter the second phase of the India-Norway Sustainable Ocean Planning initiative. It was launched to balance intense developmental pressures with environmental conservation along its 574-km coastline. The planning is essential to resolve conflicts between economic activities (ports, tourism, fisheries) and the protection of ecologically sensitive habitats.

    1. Extensive Coastline: Covers 550+ km, including ecologically sensitive zones like lagoons and mangroves.
    2. Development Pressures: Increasing industrial, tourism, and port activities create resource conflicts.
    3. Biodiversity Significance: Coastal ecosystems support livelihoods and ecological balance.
    4. Climate Vulnerability: Frequent cyclones and rising sea levels necessitate adaptive planning.
    5. Data Gaps: Requires scientific mapping of salinity, temperature, and ecosystem components.

    How does MSP function as a governance mechanism?

    Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) functions as a governance mechanism by providing a public, data-driven process that integrates multiple maritime sectors (e.g., energy, fishing, shipping) to map, allocate, and manage ocean space sustainably. It reduces conflicts, creates efficiencies, protects ecosystems, and enables collaborative decision-making across jurisdictions

    1. Spatial Allocation: Identifies zones for fishing, tourism, conservation, and infrastructure.
    2. Scientific Mapping: Studies water parameters (salinity, temperature) to guide activity suitability.
    3. Conflict Resolution: Reduces sectoral conflicts through predefined spatial use.
    4. Policy Integration: Links economic policies with environmental safeguards.
    5. Stakeholder Coordination: Engages multiple sectors and coastal communities.

    What are the expected economic and ecological outcomes?

    1. Blue Economy Expansion: Enhances fisheries, tourism, and ocean energy sectors.
    2. Ecosystem Protection: Preserves mangroves, seagrasses, and marine biodiversity.
    3. Livelihood Security: Supports coastal populations dependent on marine resources.
    4. Efficient Resource Use: Ensures optimal allocation without ecological degradation.
    5. Long-term Sustainability: Maintains ecosystem health alongside economic growth.

    What complementary initiatives strengthen MSP in Odisha?

    1. OMBRIC Initiative: The Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) supports marine biotechnology for environmental protection and economic use.
    2. Biotechnology Integration: OMBRIC involves seven leading research institutions, including IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela, and ILS Bhubaneswar.  These focus on mapping marine bioresources, cultivating unculturable microorganisms for industrial enzymes, and breeding Indian horseshoe crabs.
    3. Tourism and Livelihood Linkages: Develops eco-tourism and scientific tourism models.
      1. It includes the development of an oceanarium and water sports along the Puri-Konark marine drive. 
      2. It also includes a “Million Mangroves by 2030” initiative to empower local fisherfolk and women-led groups through nature-based solutions.
    4. Policy Ecosystem: The initiative aligns with India’s Vision 2047, focusing on technology-driven resource management for climate-resilient growth. Key partnerships include the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and the Odisha Marine Bio Resource Atlas project to publish data on marine life.

    Conclusion

    Odisha’s MSP represents a transition toward integrated, science-driven marine governance. It enhances climate resilience while supporting economic activities. Its success can provide a model for other coastal states in India.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?

    Linkage: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) acts as a preventive mitigation tool by regulating coastal activities and reducing erosion, habitat loss, and ecosystem degradation. It complements coastal management techniques through scientific zoning and ecosystem-based adaptation, strengthening long-term climate mitigation and resilience.

  • 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