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

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: PIB

  • Base Year Revision of Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

    Why in the news?

    The Government of India has revised the base year of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from 2011-12 to 2022-23. The revised WPI series and new Producer Price Indices (PPIs) will be released from June 15, 2026.

    What is WPI?

    The Wholesale Price Index (WPI):

    • Measures changes in prices of goods at the wholesale level.
    • Tracks inflation from the producer or wholesale market perspective.
    • Released by:
      • Office of Economic Adviser under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

    Base Year Revision

    • Previous base year: 2011-12.
    • New base year: 2022-23.

    Why is Base Year Revised?

    Base year revision helps:

    • Reflect current economic structure.
    • Include new products and industries.
    • Improve accuracy of inflation measurement.
    • Align statistics with changing consumption and production patterns.

    Major Changes in Revised WPI Series

    Increased Number of Items

    • Items increased from: 697 to 957.

    Renewable Energy Included

    New energy sources added under electricity:

    • Solar energy
    • Wind energy
    • Nuclear electricity

    What are Producer Price Indices (PPIs)?

    • PPIs measure: Price changes received by producers for goods and services.

    How is PPI connected to WPI?

    1. WPI is essentially a traditional form of producer price measurement for goods.
    2. PPI expands the scope of WPI by:
      • including services,
      • measuring both input and output prices,
      • capturing production stage inflation more accurately.
    3. India’s revised WPI and introduction of PPI indicate a gradual transition toward a modern producer inflation framework.

    Components Linking WPI and PPI

    1. Output Producer Price Index (OPPI)

    • Similar to WPI because it measures prices received by producers for selling goods.
    • WPI can be viewed as partially comparable to OPPI for goods.

    2. Input Producer Price Index (IPPI)

    • Measures prices paid by producers for raw materials, fuel, machinery, etc.
    • WPI does not capture this aspect separately.

    3. Service PPI

    • Completely absent in WPI.
    • Covers sectors like banking, telecom, insurance, railways, aviation.

    [2020] Consider the following statements:
    1. The weightage of food in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
    2. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which the CPI does.
    3. The Reserve Bank of India uses WPI as its key measure of inflation to decide changes in policy rates.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Khet Bachao Abhiyan

    Why in the news?

    The Union Ministry of Agriculture launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, on June 1, 2026, to promote sustainable agriculture and soil conservation.

    Key Highlights

    • Initiative launched under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
    • Campaign aims to protect:
      • Soil health
      • Agricultural productivity
      • Long term food security
    • It will involve:
      • Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
      • Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions
      • Agricultural universities
      • State agriculture departments

    Major Objectives

    • Promote balanced use of fertilisers
    • Encourage:
      • Natural farming
      • Soil testing
      • Green manuring
      • Water conservation
    • Spread awareness regarding:
      • Soil Health Cards
      • Climate resilient agriculture
      • Alternative crops in low rainfall areas
    • Identify counterfeit:
      • Seeds
      • Fertilisers
      • Pesticides

    Important Concerns Highlighted

    • Rising temperatures
    • Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides
    • Declining soil fertility
    • Increasing climate crisis affecting agriculture

    Government Schemes Linked with Campaign

    The campaign seeks convergence with:

    • PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
    • Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
    • Crop Insurance Scheme
    • Soil Health Card Scheme
    • Agricultural Mechanisation programmes
    • Pulses and Oilseeds Mission

    Consider the following statements:
    The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at
    1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
    2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
    3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 3 only

    [C] 2 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Sacred Relics of Buddha’s Chief Disciples Enshrined in Mongolia

    Why in the news?

    The sacred relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery during Buddha Purnima (Vesak Day) 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • The relics were brought from India to Mongolia for a 10 day exposition from 31 May to 10 June 2026.
    • The exposition was inaugurated in the presence of:
      • Lakshman Prasad Acharya
      • Atul Malhari Gotsurve
      • Buddhist leaders and representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation.
    • The relics are preserved at the stupas of Sanchi Stupa.

    About the Relics

    Arhat Sariputra

    • One of the foremost disciples of Gautama Buddha.
    • Known for wisdom and deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

    Arhat Mahamoggallana

    • Another chief disciple of Buddha.
    • Famous for spiritual powers and meditative attainments.

    India-Mongolia Relations

    • India and Mongolia share strong Buddhist civilisational ties.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier described the two nations as “spiritual neighbours.”
    • The event coincides with:
      • 70 years of diplomatic relations
      • 10 years of Strategic Partnership

    [2023] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements::
    1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
    2.Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
    3.Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • SkyCast System

    Why in the news?

    Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first SkyCast System at Indira Gandhi International Airport under Mission Mausam.

    What is SkyCast?

    SkyCast is an advanced integrated aviation weather monitoring and forecasting system that provides:

    • Real-time weather intelligence
    • Fog monitoring
    • Turbulence detection
    • High-impact weather forecasting

    Key Features

    • Helps reduce:
      • Flight delays
      • Diversions
      • Cancellations
    • Provides short-term weather alerts to pilots and air traffic controllers
    • Monitors atmosphere up to nearly 3 km above airport

    Technologies Used

    SkyCast integrates:

    • Radar Wind Profiler
    • SODAR
    • Microwave Radiometer
    • Ground-based Fog Aerosol Spectrometer (GFAS)
    • Lidar-based Ceilometer

    [2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
    I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
    II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
    III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] I, II and III

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I only

    [D] I and II only

  • BSF Border Security Infrastructure in Gujarat

    Why in the news?

    Amit Shah inaugurated the G-7 and G-13 Border Out Posts (BOPs) in Bhuj, Gujarat, and highlighted plans to strengthen border security through advanced technology and CISF-style security grids.

    Key Highlights

    • New BOPs inaugurated along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat
    • Focus on:
      • Technological fencing
      • Smart border security
      • Territorial security concept
      • Leak-proof security grid

    About BSF (Border Security Force):

    • India’s “First Line of Defence”
    • Comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs
    • Guards borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh
    • Operates in extreme conditions from:
      • Desert regions
      • Marshlands
      • Forests
      • High-altitude areas

    Strategic Areas

    Sir Creek

    • The marshy disputed region between India and Pakistan
    • Security-sensitive coastal area

    Harami Nala

    • Creek area near Sir Creek
    • Vulnerable to infiltration and smuggling

    [2023] Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

    [A] Bhitarkanika Mangroves

    [B] Marakkanam Salt Pans

    [C] Naupada Swamp

    [D] Rann of Kutch

  • NFHS-6 (2023-24)

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), showing major improvements in maternal health, child nutrition, immunisation, and financial protection.

    About NFHS

    • Conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai
    • Covers population, health, nutrition, and family welfare indicators
    • NFHS-6 surveyed about 6.79 lakh households across 715 districts

    Key Findings

    Maternal and Child Health

    • (Hospital) Institutional deliveries increased: 88.6% → 90.6%
    • ANC coverage: 92.6% → 95.9%
    • Four or more ANC visits: 58.5% → 65.2%
    • Skilled birth attendance: 89.4% → 91.3%

    Child Immunisation

    • Full immunisation: 83.8% → 87.1%
    • Over 96% children received at least one vaccine
    • Rotavirus vaccine coverage: 36.4% → 85.4%
    • 95.6% vaccinations delivered through public health facilities

    Nutrition Indicators

    • Stunting reduced: 35.5% → 29.3%
    • Severe wasting reduced: 7.7% → 5.2%
    • Breastfeeding within one hour of birth: 41.8% → 50.1%

    Family Planning

    • Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 2.0
    • Contraceptive prevalence: 66.7% → 69.1%

    Health Insurance Coverage

    • Household coverage under health insurance schemes: 41.0% → 60.2%
    • Reflects expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

    Women’s Empowerment

    • Women using the internet: 33.3% → 64.3%
    • Women operating their own bank accounts: 78.6% → 89.0%
    • Women owning mobile phones: 53.9% → 63.6%

    [2022] The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as:

    [A] the number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year.

    [B] the number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population.

    [C] the birth rate minus death rate.

    [D] the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age.

  • Subhash Chandra Bose: the paradox of a revolutionary theory and praxis

    Why in the News?

    Subhas Chandra Bose’s ideological framework has regained relevance amid contemporary debates on strong leadership, state-led development, and the balance between democracy and efficiency. His synthesis of Vedantic values with socialist policies and centralized governance offers an alternative model of nation-building, contrasting with the Gandhian approach.

    How did Bose reconcile Indian spirituality with Western philosophical frameworks?

    1. Vedantic Foundation: Rooted early thought in Advaita Vedanta; believed reality is spiritual and unified. Example: Influence of Swami Vivekananda
    2. Doctrine of Maya: Viewed world as illusion but not escapist. This facilitated revolutionary engagement
    3. Hegelian Dialectics: Adopted conflict as driver of progress. (Thesis-Antithesis-Synthesis framework)
    4. Synthesis Approach: Combined Eastern spirituality with Western rationalism. This was a unique ideological blend
    5. Moral Evolution: Considered conflict as moral and necessary and this shaped his revolutionary outlook.

    Why did Bose shift from idealism to pragmatic socialism?

    1. Rejection of Absolutism: Moved away from pure idealism and adopted pragmatic politics.
    2. Historical Materialism Influence: Recognized role of material conditions in shaping society.
    3. Critique of Gandhian Methods: Found non-violence inadequate for rapid transformation.
    4. Industrial Imperative: Identified industrialization as key to poverty eradication
    5. Global Influences: Inspired by Soviet planning and European models. Example: Exposure to Germany and USSR

    What was Bose’s concept of ‘harmonious equality’?

    Subhas Chandra Bose’s concept of “harmonious equality” was rooted in his ideology of Samyavada (Samya: concord/harmony; vada: doctrine), a doctrine of synthesis designed to blend the best elements of foreign ideologies with India’s spiritual traditions, rather than blindly copying them. It was a vision for a “thoroughly modern and Socialist State” that achieved total liberation from both colonial rule and internal socio-economic inequalities

    1. Samyavada Doctrine: Advocated synthesis of socialism and nationalism
    2. Rejection of Extremes: Opposed both capitalism and orthodox communism. Equality Principle: Emphasized social and economic equality
    3. Dialectical Balance: Viewed ideologies as evolving through conflict and not static. He did not see Fascism or communism as finalities but as stages in the dialectical process. In the Indian Struggle (1934), he argued that India’s role was to work out a synthesis. 
    4. Indian Contextualization: Adapted socialism to Indian conditions and avoided blind imitation.

    How did Bose envision political freedom beyond independence?

    1. Comprehensive Freedom: Extended beyond colonial rule and it included social and economic justice.
    2. Redistribution of Wealth: Ensured equitable distribution across classes.
    3. Anti-Caste Measures: Focused on removal of caste inequalities
    4. Gender Equality: Advocated equal rights for women
    5. Communal Harmony: Emphasized elimination of religious divisions

    Why did Bose advocate authoritarian governance during reconstruction?

    1. Strong State Requirement: Supported centralized authority for nation-building
    2. Temporary Authoritarianism: Suggested limited period of dictatorship
    3. Administrative Efficiency: Ensured rapid decision-making and implementation
    4. Planned Economy: Favored state control over production and distribution
    5. Forward Bloc Vision: Proposed disciplined, centralized political organization.

    What are the contradictions in Bose’s political philosophy?

    1. Democracy vs Authority: Advocated freedom but supported authoritarianism
    2. Spiritualism vs Materialism: Combined metaphysical beliefs with socialist economics
    3. Nationalism vs Internationalism: Inspired by global ideologies but rooted in Indian nationalism.
    4. Revolution vs Stability: Promoted radical change yet sought structured governance
    5. Ethical Conflict: Justified conflict as moral necessity and raises ethical concerns.
    6. Bose Vs Gandhi: Subhas Chandra Bose failed to win the confidence of Mahatma Gandhi mainly because of deep differences in ideology, methods, and political strategy within the Indian national movement.

    Conclusion

    Bose’s philosophy reflects a complex synthesis of spirituality, socialism, and authoritarian governance. It offers an alternative framework for nation-building but raises critical concerns regarding democratic values and ethical limits of power.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2016] Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

    Linkage: UPSC often frames questions on contrasting ideological approaches within the freedom struggle, making comparisons like Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi highly relevant for Mains. This theme links to broader areas such as ideological diversity, methods of resistance, and models of nation-building, which are frequently tested directly or indirectly.

  • [pib] National Blockchain Framework

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in the PIB Explainers.

    About National Blockchain Framework (NBF):

    • Launched: September 2024 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) with a ₹64.76 crore budget.
    • Objective: Establish a unified, secure, and scalable blockchain architecture for governance and public service delivery.
    • Purpose: Promote trust, transparency, and interoperability across digital systems through a permissioned blockchain network deployed at NIC data centres in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad.
    • Impact: Enables ministries, regulators, and state governments to develop Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) solutions for faster, tamper-proof, and verifiable transactions.

    Core Components of the NBF Ecosystem:

    1. Vishvasya Blockchain Stack:
      1. Indigenous modular platform serving as NBF’s backbone.
      2. Offers Blockchain-as-a-Service, distributed infrastructure, and open APIs for seamless e-Governance integration.
      3. Ensures permissioned, secure, and scalable operations across departments.
    2. NBFLite (Blockchain Sandbox):
      1. A testing environment for startups, academia, and innovators to build and validate blockchain prototypes.
      2. Preloaded with smart contract templates for governance and supply chain applications.
    3. Praamaanik:
      1. A blockchain-based mobile app verification system to authenticate legitimate applications and curb fake or malicious software.
      2. Enhances digital trust and cybersecurity in app ecosystems.
    4. National Blockchain Portal:
      1. A unified digital interface for blockchain adoption across government and industry.
      2. Acts as a repository of standards, policies, and interoperability guidelines under MeitY’s blockchain strategy.

    Applications in India’s Governance:

    • Certificate & Document Chain: Digitally secures government-issued documents (e.g., birth, caste, CBSE certificates) to prevent forgery; 34 crore+ verifications completed on blockchain platforms.
    • Property Chain: Records and verifies land and property transactions transparently, enabling instant ownership validation; Aims to reduce litigation and expedite land record updates.
    • Judiciary Chain: Provides immutable records of judicial data, facilitating e-delivery of notices, bail orders, and summons; 665 judiciary documents verified as of October 2025.
    • Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS): Links police, prosecution, and judiciary databases on blockchain for seamless evidence and case management; 39,000+ documents verified on the blockchain.
    • Logistics Chain (Aushada): Tracks pharmaceutical supply chains in Karnataka from production to hospital delivery, ensuring drug authenticity and quality.
    • TRAI’s Blockchain for Telecom: Uses Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for tracking SMS transmissions and combating spam; covers 1.13 lakh registered entities.
    • RBI’s Digital Rupee Pilot: Demonstrates blockchain-based Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) for traceable and real-time retail transactions.
    • NSDL’s Blockchain Platform: Introduces Debenture Covenant Monitoring for capital markets, ensuring real-time compliance and investor protection.
    • CoE for Blockchain Technology (NIC): Acts as a consulting and training hub for ministries to pilot and scale blockchain applications using open-source systems like Hyperledger Fabric and Ethereum.

    Blockchain Technology

    Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed digital ledger technology that records transactions securely, transparently, and immutably across a network of computers.

    Key Features

    • Decentralization: No single central authority controls the data.
    • Transparency: Transactions are visible to all participants in the network.
    • Immutability: Once recorded, data cannot be altered easily.
    • Security: Uses cryptographic techniques to secure information.
    • Consensus Mechanism: Transactions are validated through mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS).
    [UPSC 2020] With reference to “Blockchain Technology” consider the following statements:
    1. It is a public ledger that everyone can inspect, but which no single user controls.
    2. The structure and design of blockchain is such that all the data in it are about cryptocurrency only.
    3. Applications that depend on basic features of blockchain can be developed without anybody’s permission.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only*

  • [pib] Bharat Taxi Initiative

    Why in the News?

    India is launching Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-based national ride-hailing platform under Digital India, with NeGD partnering Sahakar Taxi Cooperative for technical and advisory support.

    About the Bharat Taxi Initiative:

    • Objective: To create a citizen-centric alternative to global ride-hailing corporations, ensuring fair wages, cooperative governance, and local ownership.
    • Nature: A cooperative-owned, technology-driven national ride-hailing platform designed to provide affordable, secure, and transparent mobility solutions.
    • Timeline: Expected by December 2025, targeting both urban and rural transport needs.
    • Promoters: Supported by leading cooperative and financial institutions NCDC, IFFCO, AMUL, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDB, and NCEL.

    Key Features:

    • Cooperative Ownership Model: Operated and governed by driver cooperatives, ensuring profit-sharing, fair pricing, and collective decision-making.
    • Digital Integration: Linked with national platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu, allowing seamless identity verification, license validation, and service delivery.
    • Inclusive Design: Provides multilingual UI, accessibility for differently-abled users, and equal participation for women drivers.
    • Transparent Fare System: Uses open-source algorithms for real-time fare calculation to prevent overcharging or surge pricing manipulation.
    • Integration with Digital Public Infrastructure: Aligned with Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker, facilitating digital payments and paperless onboarding.

  • [pib] The Indian Ports Act, 2025

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Ports Act, 2025 enacted in August, repealing the age-old Indian Ports Act of 1908 seeks to establish a more modern legal and institutional framework for India’s port sector.

    About Indian Ports Act, 2025:

    • Overview: Enacted in August 2025, replacing the Indian Ports Act of 1908 to modernize India’s port governance.
    • Aim: To integrate port law, tariff regulation, safety, environmental standards, and Centre–State cooperation into one comprehensive legal framework.
    • Vision: Aligns with broader maritime reforms alongside the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025.
    • Seeks to position India’s port sector for global competitiveness through transparency, sustainability, and efficient regulation.

    Key Features:

    • Maritime State Development Council (MSDC): Becomes a statutory consultative body to coordinate between Centre and States, advise on national port strategy, tariff transparency, data standards, and connectivity planning.
    • State Maritime Boards: Each coastal state must establish or recognize a board within 6 months to regulate non-major ports, manage licensing, tariffs, development, safety, and environmental compliance.
    • Tariff Setting:
      • Major Ports: Tariffs fixed by Port Authority Boards or Boards of Directors.
      • Non-Major Ports: Tariffs fixed by State Maritime Boards or concessionaires.
      • All tariffs must be electronically published for transparency.
    • Dispute Resolution: States must create Dispute Resolution Committees; appeals go directly to High Courts. Arbitration and ADR allowed.
    • Environmental Norms: Mandates waste management, pollution control, disaster preparedness, ballast water restrictions, and penalties for violations.
    • Applicability: Covers all existing and future ports, navigable channels, and vessels within port limits, except those serving armed forces, Coast Guard, or customs.
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to India, consider the following pairs:

    Port : Well Known as

    1. Kamarajar Port : First major port in India registered as a company

    2. Mundra Port : Largest privately owned port in India

    3. Visakhapatnam Port : Largest container port in India

    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    (a) Only one pair (b) Only two pairs* (c) All three pairs (d) None of the pairs