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Type: Prelims Only

  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    India’s Rice Exports Decline  

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    • India’s rice exports fell by 7.5% to $11.53 billion in 2025–26 due to disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis.

    Key Data

    Export Performance

    • 2025–26: $11.53 billion
    • 2024–25: ~$12.5 billion
    • March 2026: Decline of 15.36% (to ~$997 million)

    West Asia Crisis Impact

    • Conflict affecting trade with: Iran, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman
    • Issues faced:
      • Payment delays
      • Order cancellations
      • Shipping disruptions
    • Iran Major importer of Basmati rice

    India’s Rice Sector  

    • Production:Output (2024–25): ~150 million tonnes
    • Cultivation area: ~47 million hectares
    • India contributes: ~28% of global rice production
    • Exported to: 170+ countries
    • Yield Improvement
      • 2014–15: 2.72 tonnes/hectare
      • 2024–25: ~3.2 tonnes/hectare

    Top Producers

    • China: Leads with ~208-214 million tonnes annually, focusing on hybrid varieties. 
    • India: Second at ~195-196 million tonnes; top exporter despite domestic consumption. Bangladesh: ~57 million tonnes; high per capita reliance. 
    • Indonesia, Vietnam: ~54-55M and ~42-43M tonnes respectively. 
    • Others: Thailand (~34M), Myanmar, Philippines round out top 10.
    [2019] Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five years? 
    (a) China  
    (b) India  
    (c) Myanmar  
    (d) Vietnam

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    India–Egypt Defence Cooperation  

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

     Why in the News?

    • India and Egypt held the 11th Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting in Cairo (April 2026)
    • Aim: Strengthen bilateral defence ties

    Key Highlights

    1. Defence Cooperation Plan (2026–27)

    • Expansion of:
      • Military engagements
      • Joint training exercises
      • Defence exchanges
    • Increased frequency of:
      • Bilateral military exercises

    2. Maritime Security Cooperation

    • Focus on: Indian Ocean security and Freedom of navigation
    • Role of: Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region
    • First: Navy-to-Navy staff talks held

    3. Defence Industry Collaboration

    • Emphasis on: Co-development and Co-production
    • India’s defence sector:
      • Production > $20 billion
      • Exports ~ $4 billion

    4. Air Force Cooperation

    • Interaction with: Egyptian Air Force leadership
    • Aim: Strengthen air defence ties

    5. Institutional Mechanism

    • Joint Defence Committee:
      • Regular dialogue platform
    • Based on:
      • 2022 MoU on defence cooperation
      • 2023 Strategic Partnership

    Strategic Importance

    • Egypt’s Geostrategic Position Controls: Suez Canal
    • Key link between: Europe, Asia, Africa
    • Ensures: Safe sea lanes and Trade security
    • Promotes:
      • Indigenous defence exports
      • Strategic partnerships
    • Cooperation supports: Stability in West Asia and Africa
    [2024] Consider the following statements: 
    Statement-I Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and Natural gas shipments to Europe. 
    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. 
    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

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  • Dams and Hydroprojects

    Ghose Commission & Telangana HC Verdict  

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary,Federalism

    Why in the News? 

    • The Telangana High Court ruled that the Ghose Commission report on the Kaleshwaram project will be “inoperative”, and no action can be taken against former CM K. Chandrashekar Rao and others.

    Background

    • The Telangana government constituted a Commission of Inquiry in 2024:
      • Headed by Justice P. C. Ghose
    • Purpose: Probe alleged irregularities in: Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme

    About Kaleshwaram Project (KLIS)

    • One of the largest lift irrigation projects in India
    • Built on: Godavari River
    • Key barrages:
      • Medigadda
      • Annaram
      • Sundilla
    [2022] Consider the following pairs:
    Reservoirs: States 
    1. Ghataprabha: Telangana 
    2. Ghandhi Sagar: Madhya Pradesh 
    3. Indira Sagar: Andhra Pradesh 
    4. Maithon: Chhattisgarh 
    How many pairs given above ate not correctly matched? 
    [A] Only one pair [B] Only two pair [C] Only three pair [D] All four pair

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  • Food Procurement and Distribution – PDS & NFSA, Shanta Kumar Committee, FCI restructuring, Buffer stock, etc.

    Wheat Procurement Slowdown  

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: PDS, Buffer Stock & Food Security

    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

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Extreme Heat & Global Food Systems 

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

     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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Sri Lanka

    N–SLN DIVEX 2026  

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    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

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  • Citizenship and Related Issues

    E-Visa Expansion at Seaports 

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Home Affairs has added 14 seaports as Immigration Check Posts (ICPs) for entry of foreign nationals holding e-visas.

    Key Developments

    Newly Added Seaports (14)

    • Gujarat (7): Alang, Bedi Bandar, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Hazira, Pipavav, Mandvi
    • Tamil Nadu (3): Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi
    • Andhra Pradesh (2): Kakinada, Krishnapatnam
    • Odisha (2): Paradip, Dhamra

    Immigration Check Posts (ICPs)

    • Total ICPs in India: 114 (air, sea, land, rail, river routes)
    • ICPs at seaports: 37

    E-Visa Entry Points

    • Entry allowed through: 32 airports and 33 seaports

    About E-Visa

    • Features
      • Available to citizens of: 207 countries
      • Not available for: China, Pakistan, Yemen, Iran
    • Categories
      • Tourist, Business, Medical & Medical Attendant, Student, Family, Transit, Miscellaneous, and Production/Investment
    • Validity
      • Ranges from: 1 month to 5 years

    Difference Between E Visa and Visa on Arrival

    • E-Visas require an online application and approval before travel, while VoA is obtained upon reaching the destination. 
    • E-visas (like those from India Visa Online) offer more certainty and faster processing, whereas a VoA involves higher risks of delays and potential denial at the border.

    Related Development (India-China)

    • Tourist visas for Chinese nationals resumed after 5 years
    • Relaxations:
      • Buddhist pilgrims
      • Families of diplomats
    • Direct flights (Delhi–Beijing) resumed
    [2023] 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—-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

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  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Breakthrough

    AI Labelling Rules  

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology proposed stricter AI content labelling norms due to unsatisfactory compliance by social media platforms.

    Key Change

    • Under Information Technology Rules 2021:
      • AI-generated content must have:
      • Continuous and clearly visible labels
      • Displayed for the entire duration of content

    Scope

    • Applies to platforms like: YouTube, Instagram, and X

    Key Term

    • Synthetically Generated Information (SGI):
      • Includes AI-generated audio, video, images
      • Excludes routine editing and quality enhancement

    Platform Obligations

    • Ensure proper labelling
    • Require user disclosure of AI content
    • Remove unlawful content
    • Use safeguards to prevent misuse

    Significance

    • Enhances transparency
    • Reduces misinformation and deepfakes
    • Strengthens digital platform accountability
    [2025] Consider the following statements regarding Al Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025: 
    I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024. 
    II. Along with other countries, US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    [A] I only [B] II only [C] Both I and II [D] Neither I nor II

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  • Indian Army Updates

    TRAWL System Procurement (₹975 Cr) 

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) 2026 

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    • India will host the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) 2026 after a gap of more than a decade (last held in 2015).

    What is IAFS

    • A platform for cooperation between India and African countries
    • Brings together: India and Members of the African Union

    Timeline

    • 1st IAFS → 2008 (New Delhi)
    • 2nd IAFS → 2011 (Addis Ababa)
    • 3rd IAFS → 2015 (New Delhi)
    • 4th IAFS → 2026 (New Delhi, upcoming)May 28 to May 31, 2026, in New Delhi, India. 

    Key Focus Areas (2026)

    1. Development Cooperation

    • Infrastructure projects
    • Capacity building initiatives

    2. Education & Skills

    • Example: IIT Madras campus in Zanzibar

    3. Diplomatic Expansion

    • India has: Opened 16 new missions since 2018
    • Presence now in: 45 African countries

    4. Defence Cooperation

    • Training and security collaboration

    5. Trade & Investment

    • Shift from: Line of Credit (LoC) to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
    [2016] Consider the following statements: 
    1 The India-Africa Summit Held in 2015 
    2 was the third such Summit Was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951 
    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

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