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Type: Prelims Only

  • Census 2027 self-enumeration begins in Assam

    Why in the News?

    India has launched its first Digital Census with self enumeration starting in Assam. The online phase continues till 16 August, followed by House Listing from 17 August.

    What is the Census?

    The Census is the official collection of demographic, social and economic data of the population.

    Key Facts

    • Legal Basis: Census Act, 1948
    • Authority: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs
    • Frequency: Every 10 years (Decennial)
    • Nature: Mandatory; information is kept confidential
    • Constitutional Status: Union Subject (Entry 69, Union List)

    What is Self Enumeration?

    Households can submit Census details online instead of depending solely on enumerators.

    Two Phases

    • House Listing: Housing and household details
    • Population Enumeration: Individual demographic details

    Significance

    • Improves data accuracy through digital verification.
    • Enables faster processing and publication.
    • Provides updated data for Delimitation, Welfare targeting, Reservation, Fiscal devolution, and Development planning
    • Replaces reliance on 2011 Census data after the delay of the 2021 Census.

    Prelims Facts

    • First Census: 1872 (non synchronous)
      • A non-synchronous census is a population count that is carried out at different times in different regions rather than all at once on a single date
    • First synchronous Census: 1881
      • A synchronous census is an official population count conducted simultaneously across an entire country within a specific, unified timeframe rather than at different times in different regions.
    • Conducted by Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India
    • Census falls under the Union List.

    [2009] Consider the following statements:

    1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.

    2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.

    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

  • Amnesty International report: India’s arms exports to Israel

    Why in the News?

    An Amnesty International report titled “Made in India” alleged that India exported over 2,500 shipments of small arms, ammunition and components to Israel between October 2023 and November 2025, raising concerns over compliance with international humanitarian law.

    Key Findings

    • Over 2,500 shipments of arms and ammunition-related items were exported.
    • At least 788 shipments were identified as having military purposes.
    • Exports reportedly included machine gun components, artillery shells and explosive warheads.
    • The report relies on shipment-level trade data rather than aggregate trade statistics.

    Why is it Significant?

    • Raises concerns regarding India’s defence exports amid the Gaza conflict.
    • Brings attention to issues of international humanitarian law (IHL) and arms transfers.
    • Highlights the growing India-Israel defence partnership.

    Challenges

    • Balancing strategic defence cooperation with international legal obligations.
    • Ensuring transparency and oversight of defence exports.
    • Reputational risks arising from allegations of complicity in conflict-related violations.

    Amnesty International

    • Established in 1961.
    • Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
    • Global human rights organisation that investigates and campaigns against human rights violations.
    • Publishes the annual State of the World’s Human Rights report.

    International Humanitarian Law (IHL)

    • Also known as the Law of Armed Conflict.
    • Regulates the conduct of armed conflicts.
    • Primarily based on the Geneva Conventions (1949) and their Additional Protocols.
    • Protects civilians, prisoners of war and the wounded during armed conflict.

    India-Israel Defence Cooperation

    • Israel is among India’s major defence suppliers.
    • Cooperation includes: Missiles (Barak-8), UAVs (Heron), Radar systems, Electronic warfare equipment, and Small arms and ammunition

    Geneva Conventions (1949)

    • Four international treaties governing humanitarian protection during war.
    • India is a State Party to all four Geneva Conventions.

    United Nations Commission of Inquiry (COI)

    • Independent fact-finding mechanism established by the UN Human Rights Council.
    • Investigates alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.

    [2015] Amnesty International is

    (a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars

    (b) a global Human Rights Movement

    (c) a non-governmental voluntary organization to help very poor people

    (d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions.

  • Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for floating solar power

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070 crore scheme to promote floating solar power projects on reservoirs and other water bodies, targeting 5,000 MW capacity by 2030-31.

    Key Features

    • Financial Assistance: Up to ₹1 crore per MW for floating solar projects.
    • Battery Storage: Mandatory 2-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with projects.
    • Implementing Agency: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
    • Target: 5,000 MW floating solar capacity by 2030-31.

    Why is the Scheme Needed?

    • India has installed only 0.7 GW of floating solar against an estimated 102 GW potential.
    • Addresses land scarcity for new solar parks, especially in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
    • Battery storage improves grid stability and reduces renewable energy curtailment.

    Significance

    • Expands renewable energy without acquiring additional land.
    • Reduces water evaporation from reservoirs.
    • Improves solar panel efficiency due to the cooling effect of water.
    • Supports India’s 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070.

    Challenges

    • Higher installation and maintenance costs than ground-mounted solar plants.
    • Complex clearances due to multiple authorities managing water bodies.
    • Possible ecological impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
    • Battery storage increases project costs.

    Floating Solar Power

    • Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on lakes, reservoirs, dams and other water bodies.
    • Requires floating platforms, anchoring systems and underwater cables.
    • Suitable where land availability is limited.

    Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)

    • Established in 2011.
    • Functions under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
    • Nodal agency for implementing renewable energy schemes and conducting renewable energy auctions.

    PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana vs Surya Sarovar Yojana

    • PM Surya Ghar: Rooftop solar for households.
    • Surya Sarovar Yojana: Floating solar projects on reservoirs and water bodies.
    • Related Initiatives: National Green Hydrogen Mission, National Solar Mission, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and PM-KUSUM Scheme

    [2022, GS3, 15.0 marks] 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 renewable energy help achieve the above objective? Explain.

    [2019] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements :
    1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
    2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
    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

  • Italy suspends Schengen pact with Spain amid Ceuta migrant crisis

    Why in the News?

    Around 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain’s Ceuta enclave within 24 hours, prompting Italy to temporarily suspend the Schengen Agreement with Spain for one month by reintroducing border checks.

    What is the Schengen Area?

    • A passport-free travel zone that abolishes internal border checks among participating European countries.
    • Members maintain common external border controls.
    • Internal border checks may be temporarily reintroduced on grounds of national security or public order.

    What Happened in Ceuta?

    • Around 60,000 migrants attempted to enter Ceuta from Morocco.
    • At least 57 migrants died during the crossing.
    • Spain deployed the armed forces and additional police to restore order.
    • Morocco used tear gas to disperse migrants near the border.

    Why is it Significant?

    • Highlights vulnerabilities at the EU’s external borders.
    • Tests the functioning of the Schengen free movement system.
    • Demonstrates that one member state can temporarily restore internal border controls during security emergencies.
    • Raises concerns over irregular migration, border management and humanitarian protection.

    Challenges

    • Rising irregular migration and human smuggling.
    • Balancing border security with humanitarian obligations.
    • Coordination among EU member states.
    • Political tensions between Spain, Morocco and other EU members.

    Ceuta

    • An autonomous Spanish city on the north coast of Africa, bordering Morocco.
    • Together with Melilla, forms the European Union’s only land border with Africa.
    • Frequently used as an entry point for migrants seeking access to Europe.

    Schengen Area

    • Established under the Schengen Agreement (1985).
    • Schengen Convention: 1990.
    • Implemented from 1995.
    • Comprises 29 countries (25 EU members and 4 non-EU countries).
    • Non-EU Schengen Members: Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein

    [2019] Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018?

    (a) Australia

    (b) Canada

    (c) The European Union

    (d) The United States of America.

  • Bloomberg again defers India’s Global Aggregate Bond Index inclusion

    Why in the News?

    Bloomberg Index Services Ltd deferred India’s inclusion in the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index for the second time, stating that recent market reforms need to be fully reflected in operational practice before inclusion.

    What is the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Index?

    • A global benchmark tracking investment-grade government and corporate bonds.
    • Widely followed by global institutional and passive investors.
    • Inclusion can attract passive foreign capital inflows into a country’s bond market.

    Why was India’s Inclusion Deferred?

    • Recent tax reforms are yet to be fully implemented in market operations.
    • Automated trading systems are not fully operational across investor regions.
    • Foreign investor onboarding and account opening remain cumbersome.
    • Bloomberg seeks evidence of sustained operational efficiency before inclusion.

    Significance

    • Inclusion could attract an estimated $20-30 billion in foreign investment.
    • Expands the investor base for Indian Government Securities (G-Secs).
    • Helps reduce government borrowing costs.
    • Enhances India’s integration with global financial markets.

    Challenges

    • Operational bottlenecks in trading and settlement.
    • Complex onboarding process for foreign investors.
    • Global market uncertainty affecting capital flows.
    • Need for robust market infrastructure despite policy reforms.

    Government Securities (G-Secs)

    • Debt instruments issued by the Government of India to finance fiscal deficits.
    • Considered virtually risk-free as they carry a sovereign guarantee.

    India’s Recent Bond Index Inclusions

    • JPMorgan Government Bond Index Emerging Markets (GBI-EM): June 2024.
    • Bloomberg Emerging Market Local Currency Government Index: January 2025.
    • FTSE Russell Emerging Markets Government Bond Index: September 2025.

    June 2026 Reforms

    • Removal of withholding tax to improve investment attractiveness.
    • Removal of capital gains tax for eligible foreign investors in specified government bonds.

    [2011] Both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) are related to investment in a country. Which of the following statements best represents an important difference between the two?

    (a) FII helps bring better management skills and technology, while FDI only brings in capital.

    (b) FII helps in increasing capital availability in general, while FDI only targets specific sectors.

    (c) FDI flows only into the secondary market, while FII targets primary market.

    (d) FII is considered to be more stable than FDI.

  • Central government capex surges 66%, fiscal deficit narrows

    Why in the News?

    The Central Government’s capital expenditure (capex) increased by 66% to ₹89,255 crore in June 2026, while the fiscal deficit narrowed by 46% to ₹1.45 lakh crore, reflecting strong public investment despite revenue pressures.

    Key Highlights

    • Capex: Up 66% YoY to ₹89,255 crore.
    • FY 2026-27 Capex Target: ₹12.22 lakh crore; 28% achieved in the first quarter.
    • Fiscal Deficit: Reduced by 46% in June.
    • Direct Taxes: Corporate tax up 20% and income tax up 7% (Apr-Jun).
    • Customs Duty: Increased 36%, supported by higher duties on gold and silver.

    Why is the Fiscal Position Under Pressure?

    • Urea subsidy increased 68% to ₹53,034 crore.
    • Excise collections declined 22% due to fuel duty cuts.
    • Weak GST growth affected overall revenue.
    • Higher global crude oil prices may increase future expenditure.

    Significance

    • Higher capex boosts infrastructure, employment and long-term economic growth.
    • Lower fiscal deficit improves macroeconomic stability.
    • Strong direct tax collections indicate resilient formal economic activity.

    Challenges

    • Rising subsidy burden.
    • Declining fuel excise revenue.
    • Volatile global oil prices.
    • Sustaining fiscal consolidation while maintaining capital investment.

    Capital Expenditure (Capex)

    • Spending that creates long-term productive assets, such as roads, railways, ports and power infrastructure.
    • Promotes economic growth by increasing productive capacity.

    Revenue Expenditure

    • Spending on salaries, pensions, subsidies, interest payments and day-to-day government operations.
    • Does not create permanent assets.

    Fiscal Deficit

    • Fiscal Deficit = Total Expenditure − (Revenue Receipts + Non-Debt Capital Receipts)
    • Indicates the government’s borrowing requirement during a financial year.
    • Primary Deficit: Fiscal deficit minus interest payments.
    • Revenue Deficit: Revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts.

    “[2025] A country’s fiscal deficit stands at ₹50,000 crores. It is receiving ₹10,000 crores through non-debt creating capital receipts. The country’s interest liabilities are ₹1,500 crores. What is the gross primary deficit?

    (a) ₹48,500 crores

    (b) ₹51,500 crores

    (c) ₹58,500 crores

    (d) None of the above.

  • IIP growth conceals consumer demand weakness

    Why in the News?

    India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew 7.3% (YoY) in June 2026, the fastest growth in nearly two years. However, the strong headline growth was driven mainly by capital and infrastructure goods, while consumer non-durables remained weak, indicating subdued household demand.

    What is IIP?

    • Measures changes in the volume of industrial production.
    • Compiled and released monthly by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
    • Covers three sectors: Manufacturing, Mining, and Electricity
    • Base Year: 2022-23.

    Key Highlights

    • Capital Goods: 13.98% growth, indicating strong investment activity.
    • Infrastructure Goods: 6.74% growth, supported by public infrastructure spending.
    • Consumer Non-Durables: Only 1.53% growth, reflecting weak consumption demand.

    Why is the Headline Misleading?

    • Growth is largely driven by government-led capital expenditure, not broad-based private consumption.
    • Weak consumer demand suggests limited purchasing power despite higher industrial output.
    • Consumer-oriented sectors continue to underperform compared to investment-driven sectors.

    Challenges

    • Weak rural and urban consumption.
    • Rising input costs and inflation affecting demand.
    • Global trade uncertainty impacting consumer industries.
    • Supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions.

    Significance

    • Used by policymakers, RBI and industry to track business cycles.
    • IIP is a high-frequency indicator of industrial performance.
    • Helps assess economic growth, investment trends and manufacturing activity.

    “[2015] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries, which one of the following is given the highest weight?

    (a) Coal Production

    (b) Electricity generation

    (c) Fertilizer production

    (d) Steel production

  • Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant reactor costs soar 55%

    Why in the News?

    The cost of Units 3 to 6 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) has increased by 55%, from ₹89,470 crore to ₹1,38,330 crore, mainly due to disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. The development comes as India opens its civil nuclear sector to private participation.

    Why has the Cost Increased?

    • War-related disruptions: Higher prices of imported reactor components, logistics and raw materials.
    • Construction delays: Longer project timelines increased financing and interest costs.
    • Capital-intensive nature: Capital cost accounts for nearly 60% of the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) in nuclear power.
    • Sector-wide trend: Similar cost escalation has been observed at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project.

    Significance

    • Supports India’s goal of expanding clean, low-carbon electricity.
    • Highlights challenges in attracting private investment into nuclear energy.
    • Cost escalation may increase electricity tariffs and affect project viability.
    • Emphasises the need for resilient nuclear supply chains.

    Challenges

    • High upfront capital investment.
    • Long construction and payback periods.
    • Dependence on imported reactor technology and components.
    • Land acquisition and local opposition.
    • Geopolitical risks affecting global supply chains.

    Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)

    • Located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
    • Built with technical collaboration between India and Russia.
    • Uses VVER (Water-Water Energetic Reactor), a type of Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR).
    • Operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

    Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

    • Established in 1954.
    • Functions directly under the Prime Minister’s Office.
    • Responsible for nuclear energy policy, research and development.

    Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

    • Established in 1983.
    • India’s independent nuclear safety regulator.
    • Regulates radiation safety, nuclear installations and licensing.
    • Does not determine nuclear tariffs or policy.

    India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme

    1. Stage I: Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) using natural uranium.
    2. Stage II: Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) using plutonium.
    3. Stage III: Thorium-based reactors using U-233, leveraging India’s large thorium reserves.

    India’s Major Nuclear Power Plants

    • Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu), Tarapur (Maharashtra), Kakrapar (Gujarat), Rawatbhata (Rajasthan), Kaiga (Karnataka), Narora (Uttar Pradesh), Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu), Gorakhpur (Haryana, under construction)

    [2018, GS3, 15.0 marks] With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.
    [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 enterprises
    d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

  • PM Modi inaugurates semiconductor project and other projects in Andhra Pradesh

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for ₹18,000 crore worth of projects in Andhra Pradesh, including a semiconductor project at Tarluvada (Visakhapatnam), to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and reduce import dependence.

    Key Components

    • Semiconductor Project (Tarluvada): Boost domestic chip manufacturing and employment.
    • National Highways: Four-lane NH-365BG sections and Tadipatri Bypass (NH-67).
    • Power Transmission: Integrate renewable energy from Kurnool and Ananthapuram into the National Grid.
    • Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport: Improve connectivity for North Andhra, South Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

    Significance

    • Reduces dependence on imported semiconductors.
    • Diversifies India’s semiconductor ecosystem beyond Gujarat.
    • Supports Make in India, Digital India and electronics manufacturing.
    • Strengthens supply chain resilience and national technological security.
    • Renewable energy integration ensures reliable power for semiconductor fabrication.

    Challenges

    • Very high capital investment.
    • Limited domestic ecosystem for semiconductor equipment, chemicals and skilled manpower.
    • Long gestation period before commercial production.
    • Requirement of uninterrupted power and ultra-pure water.

    Semiconductor Value Chain

    • Chip Design
    • Wafer Fabrication (Fab)
    • Assembly, Packaging and Testing (OSAT/ATMP)
    • Integration into electronic products

    India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

    • Dholera (Gujarat): India’s first commercial semiconductor fab.
    • Morigaon (Assam): Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test (TSAT) facility.
    • Sanand (Gujarat): OSAT facility by CG Power-Renesas partnership.
    • Tarluvada (Andhra Pradesh): Expands the semiconductor ecosystem to southern India.
      • Importance of Semiconductors: Smartphones, Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Defence systems, Telecommunications (5G/6G), Medical devices, and Consumer electronics

    India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

    • Launched in 2021 under MeitY.
    • Financial outlay of ₹76,000 crore.
    • Supports: Semiconductor Fabs, Display Fabs, Compound Semiconductor & Silicon Photonics, Sensors, and OSAT/ATMP facilities
    • Objective: Develop an end-to-end semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.

    Note:

    • OSAT: Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test; packages and tests semiconductor chips.
    • ATMP: Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging of semiconductor devices.
    • Fab: Manufacturing facility where silicon wafers are processed into integrated circuits.

    [2025, GS3, 15.0 marks] India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission.”

    [2026] Which one of the following pairs of semiconductor plants in India and their locations is not correctly matched?

    [A] CG Power and Industrial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics: Gujarat

    [B] Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd: Assam

    [C] HCL-Foxconn Joint Venture India Chip Ltd: Madhya Pradesh

    [D] SicSem Pvt. Ltd: Odisha

  • Cabinet approves Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan Scheme (31 July 2026), a ₹84,084 crore National Offshore Exploration Scheme to boost domestic oil and gas production and reduce India’s growing import dependence.

    Key Components

    • Deepwater Drilling (₹43,200 crore): Support for 60 exploratory wells with funding up to 50% of drilling cost or ₹675 crore per well.
    • Offshore Data Acquisition (₹28,534 crore): Seismic surveys and geological data interpretation.
    • Common Infrastructure (₹10,000 crore): Shared offshore production facilities and pipelines.
    • Manufacturing & Service Zones (₹2,000 crore): Promote indigenous oil and gas equipment manufacturing.

    Objectives

    • Reduce crude oil and gas import dependence.
    • Expand hydrocarbon reserves from 1,600 MTOE to 2,200 MTOE.
    • Increase production from 62 MTOE to 80 MTOE.
    • Strengthen India’s energy security and support Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    Why is it Needed?

    • India imports over 88% of crude oil and about 50% of natural gas.
    • Deepwater exploration is costly and risky, discouraging private investment.
    • Existing oil fields are witnessing declining production.

    Challenges

    • Long gestation period (8 to 10 years).
    • High risk of unsuccessful exploration.
    • High development costs may affect commercial viability.
    • Dependence on foreign deepwater technology.
    • Need to offset declining output from ageing fields.

    Value Addition

    • Major offshore basins: Krishna Godavari, Cauvery, Mahanadi, Mumbai Offshore and Andaman.
    • Deepwater: 400 to 1,500 m water depth.
    • Ultra Deepwater: More than 1,500 m.

    [2025] Consider the following activities:
    I. Production of crude oil
    II. Refining, storage and distribution of petroleum
    III. Marketing and sale of petroleum products
    IV. Production of natural gas
    How many of the above activities are regulated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board in our country?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All the four