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Type: Prelims Only

  • Monsoon Updates

    El Niño Likely to Develop After July 2026: WMO

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Why in the News

    The World Meteorological Organization has indicated high chances of the development of El Niño in the second half of 2026, after the current **La Niña conditions weaken and transition to ENSO-neutral.

    What is El Niño?

    • El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
    • It is a periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
    • This warming disrupts global atmospheric circulation and affects weather patterns worldwide.

    ENSO Phases

    • El Niño (Warm Phase)
      • Warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures.
      • Often linked to weaker monsoon rainfall in India.
    • La Niña (Cool Phase)
      • Cooler-than-normal Pacific waters.
      • Often associated with stronger monsoon rainfall in India.
    • ENSO Neutral
      • Neither El Niño nor La Niña conditions.
    • Currently, La Niña is weakening, and neutral conditions are expected soon.

    Impact on India

    • India receives over 70% of annual rainfall during the southwest monsoon (June–September).
    • July and August alone contribute more than 50% of seasonal rainfall.
    • If El Niño develops after July, it could reduce monsoon rainfall and affect agriculture, water supply, and food production.

    Key Prelims Points

    • ENSO occurs in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
    • El Niño years often correlate with weaker Indian monsoon, though not always.
    • Monitoring agencies include IMD and WMO.
    • ENSO affects temperature, rainfall, cyclones, and global climate patterns.
    [2011] La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from EI Nino? La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian ocean whereas EI Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. EI Nino has an adverse effect on the southwest monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate. 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

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Return of 16th Century Bronze Statue of Thirumangai Alvar

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News

    The Ashmolean Museum has returned a 16th century bronze statue of Thirumangai Alvar to the Government of India after provenance research confirmed that the idol originally belonged to the Sundararaja Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu.

    Key Facts

    • The statue was handed over to the Indian High Commission in London.
    • The Ashmolean Museum had acquired the idol in 1967 from a private collector J.R. Belmont.
    • Provenance research linked the statue to a 1957 photograph from the temple archives preserved by the Institut Français de Pondichéry and the École française d’Extrême-Orient.
    • In 2020, the temple authorities filed a police complaint after discovering that the original idol had been replaced with a replica.
    About Thirumangai AlvarOne of the 12 Alvars, the Tamil poet-saints devoted to Lord Vishnu.Associated with the Bhakti movement in South India.His hymns are part of the Divya Prabandham, an important Vaishnavite devotional text.

    Significance of the Repatriation

    • Restoration of stolen cultural heritage to its original religious context.
    • Demonstrates growing global cooperation against illicit trafficking of antiquities.
    • Strengthens India’s efforts to recover temple idols and artefacts smuggled abroad.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Alvars: Tamil Vaishnavite saints who composed devotional hymns to Vishnu.
    • Major Alvar texts compiled in Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
    • Idol repatriation often occurs through provenance research and diplomatic negotiations.
    [2022] The world’s second tallest statue in sitting pose of Ramanuja was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India at Hyderabad recently. Which one of the following statements correctly represents the teachings of Ramanuja? (a) The best means of salvation was devotion. (b) Vedas are eternal, self-existent and wholly authoritative. (c) Logical arguments were essential means for the highest bliss. (d) Salvation was to be obtained through meditation.

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Iran

    Iran War Impact: Rice Exports Disrupted and Fertilizer Prices Rising

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

    Why in the News

    Escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has disrupted trade routes and raised global energy prices. This has affected India’s rice exports and increased fertilizer prices such as urea and DAP.

    Impact on India’s Rice Exports

    • Suspension of Shipments
      • Export of basmati rice to West Asia has been halted.
      • Ships carrying rice are stranded at ports or at sea.
    • Importance of West Asia for Basmati
      • India exports about 6 million tonnes of basmati rice annually.
      • 70–75% goes to West Asian markets.
      • About 1 million tonnes exported to Iran alone.
    • Major buyers include: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and UAE
      • Exports are usually highest between October and March.

    Rising Shipping and Logistics Costs

    • Ship fuel price jumped from $480 to $925 per barrel in a few days.
    • Container and bulk vessel availability reduced.
    • Exporters advised to avoid new CIF contracts and prefer FOB terms.
    • Basmati wholesale prices have already risen 10–15%.

    Fertilizer Prices Increasing

    Global energy price rise has pushed up fertilizer costs.

    • Urea
      • Could exceed $1000 per tonne if conflict continues.
      • Used extensively during India’s sowing season.
    • DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate)
      • Expected to rise from about $850 to $1000 per tonne (FOB).

    Why Fertilizer Prices Are Rising

    1. Energy cost linkage
      • Urea production depends heavily on natural gas and LNG.
    2. Supply concentration
      • Morocco holds about 70% of global phosphate reserves.
      • Canada and Belarus dominate potash production.
    3. War-related supply disruptions
      • Transport and insurance costs rising.

    Fertilizer Situation in India

    • Urea sales (Apr–Dec 2025): 31.16 million tonnes (up 3.8%).
    • Domestic production: 22.44 million tonnes (down 3%).
    • Imports: 8 million tonnes (up 85.3%).
    • India remains heavily dependent on fertilizer imports.
    [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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  • India Ranks Second Globally in Childhood Obesity

    Prelims Only | Social Justice | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in the News

    The World Obesity Atlas 2026, released by the World Obesity Federation on World Obesity Day (March 4), reported that India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, after China.

    Key Findings

    Scale of Childhood Obesity in India (2025)

    • Children aged 5–9: ~15 million overweight or obese
    • Children aged 10–19: ~26 million overweight or obese

    High BMI figures among children:

    • China: 62 million
    • India: 41 million
    • United States: 27 million
    • India therefore ranks second globally in number of children with high BMI.

    Global Trend

    • 20.7% of children worldwide (ages 5–19) are overweight or obese.
    • This increased from 14.6% in 2010.
    • By 2040, about 507 million children globally may be overweight or obese.

    Major Risk Factors Identified in India

    • Low Physical Activity: 74% of adolescents (11–17 years) do not meet recommended physical activity levels.
    • Poor Nutrition: Increased consumption of sugary beverages among children.
    • Inadequate School Nutrition: Only 35.5% of school-age children receive school meals.
    • Sub-optimal Breastfeeding: 32.6% of infants (1–5 months) do not receive optimal breastfeeding.

    Health Risks Linked to High BMI

    By 2040, India may see rising cases of:

    • Hypertension
    • Hyperglycaemia
    • High triglycerides
    • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
      • These conditions increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later in life.

    Recommended Policy Actions

    • Introduce taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages.
    • Restrict junk food marketing targeting children.
    • Promote healthy school meals and physical activity.
    • Strengthen nutrition and breastfeeding programmes.

    Prelims Pointers

    • BMI (Body Mass Index) = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²).
    • World Obesity Day is observed on March 4.
    • Childhood obesity increases risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
    • MASLD refers to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.
    [2016] Which of the following is/are the indicator/ indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? Undernourishment Child stunting Child mortality Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 only

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Nepal

    India–Nepal MoU on Forests, Wildlife & Climate Cooperation

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

    Why in the News

    India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation in forests, wildlife, biodiversity conservation and climate change.

    Key Features of the MoU

    1. Areas of Cooperation

    • Forest management
    • Wildlife protection
    • Biodiversity conservation
    • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
    • Restoration of wildlife corridors
    • Exchange of technical expertise and best practices

    2. Focus on Transboundary Conservation

    Given shared ecosystems across the India–Nepal border, the MoU emphasises:

    • Landscape level biodiversity planning
    • Creation of transboundary conservation landscapes
    • Interlinking protected areas
    • Smart green infrastructure in biodiversity hotspots

    3. Key Species Identified

    • The agreement prioritises conservation of: Elephant, Gangetic dolphin, Rhinoceros, Snow leopard, Tiger, and Vultures
    • These species move across borders and require coordinated habitat protection.

    4. Combating Wildlife Crime

    • Joint action against forest and wildlife crime
    • Capacity building of frontline enforcement staff
    • Improved coordination between agencies

    Institutional Context

    • Signed between:
      • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
      • Ministry of Forests and Environment, Nepal
    [2019] Consider the following statements: 

    1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only. 
    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only. 
    3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Iran

    U.N. Nuclear Watchdog Holds Emergency Meet in Vienna

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

    Why in the News

    The International Atomic Energy Agency held an emergency meeting in Vienna on March 2 amid escalating conflict in West Asia following U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran.

    About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an autonomous UN organization focused on promoting peaceful nuclear technology use. Established in 1957 after U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atoms for Peace” speech, it headquartered in Vienna, Austria, and works with over 170 member states

    What the IAEA Said

    • No indication that Iran’s nuclear installations were damaged.
    • No abnormal rise in radiation levels detected in the region.
    • Facilities mentioned include:
      • Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant
      • Tehran research reactor
      • Nuclear fuel cycle facilities
    • However, IAEA said it has faced communication blackout from Iranian authorities.
    • Director General Rafael Grossi issued the official statement.

    Iran’s Position

    • Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA claimed the Natanz uranium enrichment facility was targeted.
    • No public evidence provided so far.
    • Tehran has previously suspended cooperation with IAEA after foreign strikes.

    Iran may use alleged attacks to justify:

    • Restricting IAEA inspections.
    • Increasing uranium enrichment levels.
    • Framing actions as “self defense”.
    [2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not? 

    (a) Some use uranium and others use thorium 

    (b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies 

    (c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic 

    (d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

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  • Right To Privacy

    SC to Examine Feasibility of Mandatory NAT for Blood Transfusion

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Why in the News

    The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine whether blood banks across India should compulsorily conduct Nucleic Acid Test for screening donated blood. The matter relates to ensuring safe blood transfusion as part of the right to life under Article 21.

    What is NAT(Nucleic Acid Test)? 

    • A highly sensitive molecular technique.
    • Detects genetic material of viruses.
    • Screens for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
    • Can identify infections during the window period before antibodies develop.
    • Compared to ELISA, NAT detects infection earlier and reduces risk of transfusion transmitted infections.

    ELISA vs NAT

    ELISA Test:

    • Detects antibodies produced by the body.
    • Cheaper and widely used in blood banks.
    • May miss infections during early stage.

    NAT:

    • Detects viral RNA or DNA directly.
    • More accurate in early detection.
    • Higher cost and infrastructure requirement.

    Legal Dimension

    • Petitioner argued:
      • Safe blood transfusion is part of Article 21 right to life.
      • Failure to ensure safe blood amounts to violation of fundamental rights.
      • Bench headed by Surya Kant asked whether all States can afford NAT in government hospitals.

    Background Incidents

    • HIV positive cases among children in Satna, Madhya Pradesh after transfusion.
    • Similar allegations in Jharkhand involving Thalassemia patients.
    • These cases highlight risk of transfusion transmitted infections.

    Public Health Context

    • Thalassemia:
      • Inherited blood disorder.
      • Patients require frequent blood transfusions.
      • Increased vulnerability to contaminated blood.
      • India has a high burden of Thalassemia cases.

    Policy Issues Involved

    • Cost effectiveness of NAT.
    • Infrastructure gaps in rural and State hospitals.
    • Standardisation of blood screening across India.
    • Centre State coordination in health sector.
    [2024] Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy? 

    (a) Article 15  

    (b) Article 16 

    (c) Article 19  

    (d) Article 21

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Russia

    India’s Oil Imports from Russia Fall to 44 Month Low

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

    Why in the News

    India’s crude oil imports from Russia fell to a 44 month low in January 2026, while imports from Gulf countries and the United States increased. This shift comes amid West Asia conflict and rising global oil prices.

    Key Data Points

    • Russian oil imports in Jan 2026: 1.98 billion dollars.
    • Russia’s share: 19.3% of total imports.
    • Two months earlier: 27.5%.
    • May 2025: 33%.
    • Lowest Russian share since December 2022.

    Rising Share of Other Suppliers

    • Gulf Countries:
      • Iraq: 16.6%, 
      • Saudi Arabia: 17.5% highest since April 2023
      • UAE: 10.4%
      • Kuwait: 6.1%
    • United States: Share increased to 6.8% from 5% a year earlier.

    Why the Shift Happened

    • U.S. had linked tariff relief to reduction in Russian oil purchases.
    • U.S. President Donald Trump removed penal tariffs citing India’s commitment to reduce Russian imports.
    • Later, U.S. Supreme Court struck down the tariff mechanism.

    Why It May Become Costly

    1. Rising Oil Prices

    • West Asia conflict pushed crude above 80 dollars per barrel.
    • Every 1 dollar increase adds about 2 billion dollars to India’s annual import bill.

    2. Strait of Hormuz Risk

    • Strait of Hormuz is critical for Gulf oil supplies.
    • Closure or disruption threatens Iraqi, Saudi, UAE and Kuwaiti exports.

    3. Higher Freight Costs

    • U.S. oil travels longer distances.
    • Higher marine insurance and logistics costs during conflict.

    Strategic Implications

    • Energy security becomes more vulnerable.
    • Trade deficit pressure likely if prices stay elevated.
    • Rupee may face depreciation risk.
    • Inflationary impact on domestic economy.

    Prelims Pointers

    • India imports over 85% of its crude oil needs.
    • Strait of Hormuz connects Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea.
    • Oil price rise affects Current Account Deficit.
    • Diversification of suppliers is a key energy security strategy.
    [2020] The term ‘West Texas Intermediate’ sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of 

    (a) Crude oil 

    (b) Bullion 

    (c) Rare earth elements 

    (d) Uranium

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Canada

    India–Canada 10 Year Uranium Supply Deal

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

    Why in the News

    Narendra Modi and Mark Carney announced a 1.9 billion dollar, 10 year uranium supply agreement during bilateral talks in New Delhi, alongside renewed efforts to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

    Key Highlights for Prelims

    1. Uranium Supply Agreement

    • Supplier: Cameco
    • Quantity: ~10,000 tonnes
    • Duration: 2027 to 2035
    • Value: 1.9 billion dollars
    • Purpose: Fuel for Indian nuclear power reactors
    • Earlier deal: 2,700 tonnes between 2015 and 2020.

    2. CEPA Negotiations

    • Terms of Reference issued.
    • Target: Conclude CEPA within 2026.
    • Aim: Double bilateral trade by 2030.

    3. Strategic Energy Partnership

    • Covers: Uranium supply, Renewable energy, LPG, and Critical and emerging technologies
    • Canada to join: International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance.

    4. Security Cooperation

    • Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism to meet soon.
    • Focus on violent extremism and organised crime.

    Diplomatic Context

    • Ties strained after allegations linked to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
    • India rejected fresh allegations by Canadian agencies.
    • Visit aimed at rebuilding “strategic trust”.
    [2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not? 

    (a) Some use uranium and others use thorium 

    (b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies 

    (c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic 

    (d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    New GDP Series: Why Fiscal Targets and $4 Trillion Goal Get Harder

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the new GDP series with 2022-23 as base year, lowering nominal GDP by about 3 to 4 percent. This affects fiscal deficit ratios, debt calculations and India’s timeline to become a 4 trillion dollar economy.

    What Changed in the New GDP Series

    • 2023-24 growth revised down from 9.2% to 7.2%.
    • Nominal GDP for 2025-26 reduced by about 3.3%.
    • Real GDP now calculated using double deflation method.
    • Better data sources such as GST, ASUSE, PLFS integrated.
    • Lower nominal GDP means the economy is slightly smaller in rupee terms than previously estimated.

    Impact on Fiscal Deficit

    Fiscal deficit is calculated as a percentage of GDP.

    1. Current Year Impact

    • 2025-26 fiscal deficit moves from 4.4% to 4.5%.
    • Past years’ ratios also rise slightly due to smaller GDP base.

    2. FY27 Target Problem

    • Target: 4.3% of GDP
      Absolute deficit: Rs 16.96 lakh crore
    • To achieve this ratio:
      • Nominal GDP must grow 13 to 14% next year.
      • Budget assumption was only 10% nominal growth.
    • This implies either: Higher growth, or Lower borrowing, or Expenditure compression.

    Impact on Debt to GDP Ratio

    • Debt ratio projected to rise to about 58% in 2025-26.
    • Target is 55.6%.
    • Lower GDP denominator pushes ratio upward.
    • New GDP series makes fiscal consolidation slightly tougher mathematically.

    Impact on $4 Trillion Economy Goal

    • At exchange rate of about Rs 90.98 per dollar: 2025-26 GDP is around 3.8 trillion dollars.
    • If nominal growth is 10% and rupee remains stable: India can cross 4 trillion dollars in 2026-27.
    • However:
      • Rupee depreciation can delay milestone.
      • Dollar GDP depends on both growth and exchange rate.
    • Nigeria example shows how currency depreciation can shrink dollar GDP even if domestic output rises.

    Broader Implications

    • Ratios worsen even without policy slippage.
    • Government may need borrowing recalibration.
    • Fiscal arithmetic becomes tighter.
    • Market expectations on growth become crucial.

    Prelims Pointers

    • GDP can be measured by production, income and expenditure methods.
    • Nominal GDP uses current prices.
    • Real GDP adjusts for inflation.
    • Fiscal deficit equals total expenditure minus total receipts excluding borrowings.
    • Debt to GDP ratio indicates sustainability of public debt.
    [2015] With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements: 

    1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic product has steadily increased in the last decade. 
    2. The Gross Domestic product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade. 

    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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