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Type: Prelims Only

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

    UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed

    7 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the News?

    India and the United Kingdom signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), ending nearly 3 years of negotiations, with an aim to boost trade and investment between the two nations.

    Free Trade Agreement

    What is Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

    • An FTA is an agreement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate customs tariffs and non-tariff barriers on trade between them.
    • Objective: To promote trade by making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to import and export goods and services.
    • FTAs can cover goods, services, investment, and intellectual property rights.
    • By reducing trade barriers, FTAs also benefit consumers by offering a wider range of products at lower prices.
    • FTAs play a key role in boosting economic growth and job creation by facilitating trade between countries.
    • India’s FTAs:
      • India has signed FTAs with 16 countries or regional blocs as of May 2025. 
      • These FTAs cover major partners such as Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Australia, UAE, Mauritius, ASEAN (10 countries), and EFTA (4 countries).

    Key terms of the UK-India FTA:

    • Trade Growth: Expected to boost bilateral trade by £25.5 billion annually by 2040.
    • Whisky and Gin Tariffs: Tariffs reduced from 150% to 75%, eventually to 40% over 10 years.
    • Automobile Tariffs: India to reduce automotive tariffs from over 100% to 10%.
    • Other Goods: Tariffs reduced on cosmetics, aerospace, medical devices, chocolate, and more.
    • Services and Work Permits: Increased quotas for Indian workers in IT and healthcare, with 100 new visas annually for professionals.
    • Carbon Tax: Dispute over UK’s proposed carbon tax on metal imports.
    • Supply Chain Resilience: FTA aims to reduce reliance on China and improve supply chain security.
    [UPSC 2017] The term ‘Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and:

    Options: (a) European Union* (b) Gulf Cooperation Council (c) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (d) Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

     

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  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    Civil Defence under the Civil Defence Act, 1968

    7 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Internal Security
    Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Why in the News?

    The Union Home Ministry directed all states and Union Territories to conduct a Civil Defence Mock Drill, aimed at assessing and enhancing the readiness of India’s civil defence mechanisms.

    About Civil Defence under the Civil Defence Act, 1968

    • The Civil Defence Act, 1968 was enacted to ensure measures for civil defence to protect citizens, properties, and establishments from hostile attacks or natural disasters.
    • It aims to prepare the population to respond to emergencies such as military attacks, terrorist activities, and natural calamities.
    • Civil Defence Corps is formed at both national and state levels. Volunteers from various sectors are enlisted and trained.
    • The corps operates under the Central Government’s rules for civil defence.
    • Key functions include- Evacuation of civilians; Protection from danger and destruction; Salvage of property; Managing hazardous materials.
    • The Central Government has the authority to:
      • Make rules for civil defence across India.
      • Enforce evacuation procedures, control over dangerous substances, and manage disaster relief.
    • Penalties for non-compliance with the civil defence regulations.

    Recent Context: Civil Defence Mock Drill on 7th May 

    • This exercise assesses and enhances the readiness of India’s civil defence systems to respond promptly during emergencies.
    • The drills will occur across nearly 300 civil defence districts, including sensitive locations like Mumbai, Uran (Jawaharlal Nehru Port), and Tarapur (nuclear power plant).
    • The mock drill aims to improve response time for rescue and relief operations, focusing on critical situations in the first few minutes of an emergency.
    [UPSC 2010] With reference to the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007, consider the following statements:

    1. This policy is applicable only to the persons affected by the acquisition of land for projects and not to the involuntary displacement due to any other reason.

    2. This policy has been formulated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Palaeofires from Permian and Late Silurian in the Godavari Basin

    7 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the News?

    Recent research has uncovered evidence of ancient wildfires (palaeofires) in the Godavari Basin, shedding light on Earth’s geological and climatic history from over 250 million years ago.

    What are Palaeofires?

    • Palaeofires refer to ancient wildfires that occurred in the Earth’s past, influencing the vegetation, climate, and even the formation of coal.
    • These fires, spanning from the Late Silurian (419.2 to 443.8 million years ago) to the Quaternary (2.58 million years ago), left their mark across various landscapes.

    Ancient Palaeofires in the Godavari Basin:

    • Palaeofires, traced back to the Permian period, provide evidence of how fires influenced prehistoric landscapes.
    • Advanced techniques like Raman Spectroscopy and FTIR Spectroscopy were used to differentiate between in situ (on-site) and ex situ (transported) charcoal.
    • The research also highlighted how sea level changes impacted charcoal deposition, with well-preserved fire signatures during regressive phases and more oxidized charcoal during transgressive phases.
    • These findings contribute to understanding carbon storage in the Earth’s crust and provide insights into past climate dynamics and fire behavior.

    Role of Palaeofires in Earth’s Past:

    • Palaeofires were crucial in shaping Earth’s climate, vegetation, and contributing to coal formation across various geological periods.
    • During the Permian period, palaeofires were widespread in Gondwana, affecting plant life and coal deposits.
    • Fossil charcoal found in coal-bearing formations like the Raniganj Coalfield suggested a connection between seasonal droughts and wildfires.
    • These wildfires influenced vegetation patterns and led to the accumulation of carbon-rich deposits.
    • High atmospheric oxygen levels likely intensified these wildfires, significantly affecting both climate and ecosystem changes.
    • Understanding palaeofires helps in grasping long-term carbon sequestration processes.
    [UPSC 2001] The approximate age of the Aravalli range is:

    Options: (a) 370 million years (b) 470 million years (c) 570 million years* (d) 670 million years

     

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  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in Fishing

    7 May 2025 | IOCRPrelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A recent legal dispute between the US and Russia has brought the issue of Total Allowable Catch (TAC) into the spotlight.

    About Total Allowable Catch (TAC):

    • TAC refers to the maximum quantity of a specific fish species that can be legally harvested in a defined period.
    • It is established to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainable fish populations.
    • These limits are essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting long-term fishing industries.

    Various Laws Governing TAC:

    • TACs are set by international fisheries management organizations like:
      • FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization).
      • RFMOs (Regional Fisheries Management Organizations) for shared or migratory fish stocks.
    • European Union (EU): TACs are managed under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which sets quotas for member states based on scientific advice. Landing obligations ensure that all catches are counted against quotas, preventing waste.
    • India: India enforces a seasonal fishing ban in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for 61 days to protect breeding fish. This ban serves as a TAC equivalent of zero for specific periods, supporting fish stock regeneration.
    • New Zealand: The Fisheries Act sets TACs for various stocks and specifies catch limits in terms of weight or numbers, updated by official notices.
    [UPSC 2013] The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where:

    Options: (a) Warm and cold atmospheric currents meet (b) Rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea (c) Warm and cold oceanic currents meet* (d) continental shelf is undulating.

     

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  • Irrigation In India – PMKSY, AIBP, Watershed Management, Neeranchan, etc.

    Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP)

    6 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has reported major structural and operational defects in Telangana’s Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), citing “irreparable damage” to three key barrages, including Medigadda.

    Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP)

    About Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP)

    • KLIP, located on the Godavari River in Telangana, is the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project, inaugurated on June 21, 2019.
    • The project aims to irrigate 45 lakh acres, supply drinking water to Hyderabad, and support industrial use.
    • It plans to lift 240 TMC of water, with 195 TMC from Medigadda, 20 TMC from Sripada Yellampalli, and 25 TMC from groundwater.
    • The infrastructure includes 7 links, 28 packages, a 500 km span, 1,800+ km canal network, 20 reservoirs, and Asia’s largest pump house at Ramadugu.
    • Estimated cost: ₹80,000 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore.

    Issues with the Project

    • In October 2023, Pillar No. 20 of the Medigadda barrage sank, causing flood-related damages.
    • NDSA’s April 2024 report identified structural distress in all 3 barrages (Medigadda, Annaram, Sundilla) due to poor design, lack of geotechnical studies, and inadequate safety protocols.
    • Overloading of barrages (10 TMC water stored instead of 2 TMC) caused foundation damage.
    • The state incurs ₹16,000 crore annually in loan and interest repayments, despite the project being criticized as a “man-made disaster.”

    Back2Basics: Godavari River

    • The Godavari, also known as Dakshin Ganga, is the largest peninsular river in India.
    • Originates from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra, flowing 1465 km to the Bay of Bengal.
    • Its basin spans: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry.
    • Right bank tributaries include Pravara, Manjira, and Maner; Left bank tributaries include Purna, Pranhita, Indravati, and Sabari.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

    Options: (a) Irrigation of terraced crop fields (b) Lift irrigation of cereal crops (c) Long duration energy storage* (d) Rainwater harvesting system

     

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Fracture Discovered in a Cosmic Bone of the Milky Way

    6 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    NASA has released an image of a fractured structure in the Milky Way’s galactic centre. The feature, named G359.13, was captured using X-ray data from Chandra and radio data from South Africa’s MeerKAT array.

    Fracture Discovered in a Cosmic Bone of the Milky Way

    What is G359.13?

    • G359.13 is a long, linear structure near the centre of the Milky Way.
    • It is often referred to as a cosmic bone due to its shape and density.
    • It stretches about 230 light-years in length, making it one of the longest and brightest features of its kind in the galaxy.
    • It lies about 26,000 light-years from Earth, close to the Milky Way’s centre.
    • For context, over 800 stars exist within a radius of 230 light-years from Earth—the same length as this cosmic bone.

    New Discovery: A Fracture in G359.13

    • Astronomers identified a distinct break or fracture in the structure’s continuous body.
    • An X-ray and radio source was also detected precisely at the location of the fracture.
    • Scientists believe a pulsar—a magnetised, rotating neutron star—collided with G359.13.
    • The pulsar was likely moving at a speed of 1–2 million miles per hour at the time of impact.
    • The collision disrupted the structure, creating a visible fracture.

    Back2Basics: What is a Pulsar?

    • A pulsar is a neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation from its magnetic poles.
    • Though only about 20 km in diameter, it is more massive than the Sun.
    • Pulsars rotate extremely rapidly, some spinning hundreds of times per second.
    • When their radiation beam crosses Earth’s line of sight, we observe pulses of radiation, hence the name.

     

    [UPSC 2003] The time taken by the sun to revolve around the centre of our galaxy is

    Options: (a) 25 million years (b) 100 million years (c) 250 million years* (d) 500 million years

     

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  • Waste Management – SWM Rules, EWM Rules, etc

    Microplastics disrupting the Ocean’s Carbon Cycle

    6 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    A study published in Nature reveals that microplastics have deeply infiltrated the ocean, affecting the planet’s biogeochemical and carbon cycles.

    Microplastics

    Key Findings of the Study:

    • Microplastics (1–100 micrometres) dominate the ocean’s water column, especially below surface layers, unlike larger plastic fragments (100–5,000 micrometres) which remain near the surface.
    • Subsurface microplastics were found as deep as 100 metres within ocean gyres—rotating currents that trap and accumulate debris.
    • Data was compiled from 1,885 ocean stations (2014–2024), focusing on 50 cm below surface (subsurface layer).
    • Over 56 polymer types were detected; buoyant polymers, common in global plastic production, were most prevalent.
    • Sources identified:
      • Fishing gear, including nylon and polyester nets, was a significant contributor to deep-sea microplastics.
      • Plastics sampled often had production dates from the 20th century, highlighting their long degradation timelines.
      • Atmospheric deposition contributes 0.013–25 million tonnes annually, with polyester dominant in airborne microplastics.

    About Allochthonous Carbon:

    • Allochthonous carbon is carbon from external sources introduced into an ecosystem, not produced within it.
    • In oceans, plastics are a major source of allochthonous carbon, as they come from land-based human activities.
    • Microplastics contribute measurable carbon mass to marine systems, altering natural carbon ratios in ocean layers.
    • This distorts the marine carbon pump by affecting the flow and composition of particulate organic carbon (POC).
    • Impacts:
      • Plastic-derived carbon lacks radiocarbon, which may cause marine POC samples to appear around 420 years older.
      • It disrupts microbial activity, nutrient cycling like nitrification and denitrification, and organic matter decomposition.
      • Marine microbes ingest plastic-C, affecting food chains and altering biological processes at the base of ecosystems.
    [UPSC 2012] What would happen if phytoplankton of an ocean is completely destroyed for some reason?

    Statements:

    1. The ocean as a carbon sink would be adversely affected.

    2. The food chains in the ocean would be adversely affected.

    3. The density of ocean water would drastically decrease.

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

     

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    Biological Diversity (Access and Benefit Sharing) Regulation, 2025

    5 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released new rules to regulate access to biological resources and ensure fair and equitable benefit sharing, as approved by the Central Government.

    About New Biodiversity Regulation, 2025:

    • It governs how benefits from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge or digital sequence information (DSI) are to be shared.
    • It introduces a tiered benefit-sharing structure based on annual turnover of the user:
      • No sharing for turnover up to ₹5 crore.
      • 0.2% for turnover between ₹5–50 crore.
      • 0.4% for ₹50–250 crore, and 0.6% above ₹250 crore.
    • Users must submit resource usage statements annually if turnover exceeds ₹1 crore.
    • Cultivated medicinal plants are exempt, aligning with the Biodiversity (Amendment) Act, 2023.
    • For high-value or threatened species like red sanders, agarwood, and sandalwood, sharing must be at least 5%, rising to 20% or more for commercial use.
    • The Regulation covers researchers, IP right seekers, and includes digital data as part of benefit sharing for the first time.

    Back2Basics: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

    • CBD was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit; it came into force since 29 December 1993 with secretariat in Montreal, Canada.
    • It is ratified by 196 countries, excluding the US.
    • Key objectives:
      • Conservation of biological diversity.
      • Sustainable use of biodiversity components.
      • Fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
    • It is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), meeting biennially.
    • COP16 (2024) in Colombia established a multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
    • It ensures fair reward for communities protecting biodiversity when their knowledge or genetic data is used commercially.

    Nagoya Protocol on ABS:

    • It was adopted in 2010, enforced in 2014, it supplements the CBD.
    • It provides a legal framework for fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic resources with the country of origin or local communities.
    • It strengthens the global framework for responsible biodiversity use.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.

    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining acces and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

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  • Interstate River Water Dispute

    Water Sharing Dispute between Punjab and Haryana

    5 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Polity
    Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    Why in the News?

    Tensions escalated between Punjab and Haryana after the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) decided to release an extra 4,500 cusecs of water from the Bhakra dam to Haryana, sparking political and legal opposition from Punjab.

    Water Sharing Dispute between Punjab and Haryana

    About the Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute:

    • The dispute dates back to 1966 when Haryana was created from Punjab and was promised a share of river waters from the Ravi and Beas rivers.
    • The Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal was proposed to deliver Haryana’s share but remains incomplete due to Punjab’s resistance.
    • The current issue involves Punjab and Haryana over the release of additional water from the Bhakra dam, managed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
    • On April 30, 2025, BBMB ordered the release of 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana for drinking needs, which Punjab opposed, claiming Haryana had already withdrawn 104% of its annual share.
    • Water levels in the Bhakra, Pong, and Ranjit Sagar dams are low due to poor snowfall in the Himalayas.
    • Punjab argues that BBMB’s decision is unilateral and has refused to open the Nangal dam sluice gates.

    Inter-State Water Dispute Resolution in India:

    Water Sharing Dispute between Punjab and Haryana

    • Article 262 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to legislate on inter-state river water disputes and bar courts from intervening in such matters.
    • River Boards Act, 1956 allows creation of boards for inter-state river management, but no such board has ever been constituted.
    • Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956 provides for:
      • Conciliation by the Centre among aggrieved states.
      • Tribunal formation if conciliation fails.
    • The 2002 amendment mandates:
      • Formation of a tribunal within 1 year.
      • Tribunal decision within 3 years.
    • Supreme Court cannot question the award of a tribunal but can examine procedural issues.
    • Other prominent disputes include Krishna, Cauvery, and the Satluj Yamuna Link canal disputes.
    [UPSC 2006] Recently Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the linking of two rivers as a link project. Which are these two rivers?

    Options: (a) Betwa and Chambal (b) Betwa and Ken* (c) Chambal and Son (d) Ken and Narmada

     

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  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops – cotton, mustards, etc.

    ‘Kamala’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’ GM Rice

    5 May 2025 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News?

    India’s Agriculture Minister has introduced ‘Kamala’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’, the country’s first genome-edited rice varieties, developed by ICAR. These are also the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties.

    About ‘Kamala’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’:

    • Kamala (DRR Dhan 100): Developed by ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad, derived from Samba Mahsuri; shows higher yield, early maturity, drought tolerance.
    • Pusa DST Rice 1: Developed by ICAR-IARI Delhi, based on MTU1010; improves drought and salinity tolerance.
    • Agencies involved: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), ICAR-IIRR, ICAR-IARI.
    • They were created using CRISPR-Cas9-based genome editing, specifically Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1). It has NO foreign DNA inserted.
    • It has been approved by Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) and Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) under relaxed genome-edit rules.

    Specific Benefits Offered:

    • Yield boost:
      • Kamala: +19% over Samba Mahsuri (avg. 5.37 t/ha, max. up to 9 t/ha).
      • Pusa DST Rice 1: +9.6% to +30.4% over MTU1010 under stress conditions.
    • Climate resilience:
      • Kamala: Drought tolerance, early maturity.
      • Pusa DST: Salt and drought tolerance for saline/alkaline/coastal soils.
    • Water saving: Kamala matures 20 days early → saves 3 irrigations, i.e., 7,500 million m³ water.
    • Emission reduction: Cultivation over 5 million ha may reduce 32,000 tonnes GHG emissions (20% drop).
    • Food security support: Improved paddy output enhances India’s average yield, critical for 40% of total foodgrain basket.
    [UPSC 2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.

    2.GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.

    3.GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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