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Type: Prelims Only

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Iran

    West Asia War May Hit India’s Gem and Jewellery Industry

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States in West Asia is expected to disrupt supply chains and trade for India’s gem and jewellery sector, according to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

    Why the Industry is Vulnerable

    • Heavy Dependence on GCC Region
      • India’s gem and jewellery trade relies strongly on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
      • GCC share in India’s exports increased from 14% in FY22 to about 22% in FY25.
      • During April–December 2025, the share rose to 36%.
    • Major markets include: United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia
    • UAE as a Key Trade Hub
      • The UAE plays a crucial role in India’s jewellery trade.
      • Supplies rough diamonds and bullion to India.
      • Major centre for diamond trade in Dubai.
      • Accounts for a large share of gold bar imports to India.

    Trade Data Highlights

    • India’s gem and jewellery exports to GCC grew from $5.1 billion (FY22) to $8.3 billion (FY25).
    • Imports from GCC rose from $16 billion to $28 billion during the same period.
    • GCC countries supply over 30% of India’s jewellery imports.
    [2016] Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? 
    (a) Iran 
    (b) Saudi Arabia 
    (c) Oman 
    (d) Kuwait

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

    Centre Directs Refiners to Maximise LPG Production

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

    Why in the News

    The Government of India invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to direct oil refiners to maximise production of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and prioritise domestic cooking gas supply amid disruptions in global energy supply chains.

    About Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (ECA)The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (ECA) is a law enacted by the Government of India to ensure the availability of essential goods to consumers at fair prices and prevent hoarding, black marketing, and artificial scarcity.Amendment and Reforms (2020)In 2020, the government introduced reforms to liberalise agricultural markets.Key changes:Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, edible oils, onions, and potatoes were removed from the list of essential commodities under normal circumstances.Stock limits can be imposed only under extraordinary situations such as: War, Famine, and Extraordinary price rise.

    Key Government Directive

    • All oil refining companies must use propane and butane streams primarily for LPG production.
    • Refiners are not allowed to divert propane or butane for:
      • Petrochemical products
      • Other downstream industrial uses.
    • LPG produced must be supplied to public sector oil marketing companies.

    Major public sector oil marketing companies include:

    • Indian Oil Corporation Limited
    • Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
    • Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
    • These companies will distribute LPG only to domestic consumers.
    [2010] Consider the following statements: The Union Government fixes the Statutory Minimum Price of sugarcane for each sugar season. Sugar and sugarcane are essential commodities under the Essential Commodities Act. 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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  • Air Pollution

    204 of 238 Indian Cities Failed to Meet Air Quality Standards

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

    Why in the News

    A report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) analysing Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data found that 204 out of 238 Indian cities exceeded national air quality standards during winter 2025–26.

    Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) is an independent international research organisation that focuses on energy, air pollution, and climate change analysis. It is widely cited in global media and policy discussions for its data-driven assessments of fossil fuel use, emissions, and air quality impacts.

    Key Findings of the Report

    • Most Polluted Cities
      • Top cities with the highest PM2.5 concentration: Ghaziabad – 172 µg/m³, Noida – 166 µg/m³, and Delhi – 163 µg/m³
      • Other highly polluted cities include: Greater Noida, Bahadurgarh, Dharuhera, Gurugram, Bhiwadi, Charkhi Dadri, and Baghpat.
      • Most cities in the top 10 are from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
    • Megacity Air Pollution Levels
    • Average PM2.5 concentrations in major Indian cities:
      • Delhi – 163 µg/m³
      • Kolkata – 78 µg/m³
      • Mumbai – 48 µg/m³
      • Chennai – 44 µg/m³
      • Bengaluru – 39 µg/m³ (slightly below national limit)
    • Cleanest City
      • The cleanest city recorded was: Chamarajanagar – 19 µg/m³
      • Eight of the ten cleanest cities were in Karnataka, with one each in Madhya Pradesh and Meghalaya.

    PM2.5 Explained

    PM2.5 (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 micrometers)

    • Extremely fine particles in the air.
    • Can enter lungs and bloodstream.
    • Causes: Respiratory diseases, Heart disease, and Premature deaths.

    Prelims Pointers

    • CPCB functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    • National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) specify permissible pollutant levels in India.
    • PM2.5 is considered one of the most dangerous air pollutants due to its ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system.
    [2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements: The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m³. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 only

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Sinking of Iranian Warship: Maritime Law Governing Naval Conflict

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

    Why in the News

    An Iranian warship IRIS Dena was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka after participating in the MILAN 2026 and the International Fleet Review at Visakhapatnam. The incident has sparked debate about the legal framework governing naval warfare in international waters.

    Key Legal Framework Governing Maritime Conflict

    1. UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)

    • United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regulates maritime zones, navigation rights and ocean governance.
    • It mainly governs peacetime maritime activities.
    • It does not directly regulate wartime naval operations.
    • Notably, the United States is not a signatory to UNCLOS.

    2. Law of Naval Warfare

    • During armed conflict, naval warfare laws operate alongside UNCLOS.
    • Key principles include:
      • Warships of enemy states can be legitimate military targets.
      • The laws of armed conflict at sea regulate blockades, attacks, and treatment of vessels.

    3. UN Charter and Use of Force

    • The United Nations Charter provides rules for the use of force.
    • Article 2(4): Prohibits the use of force against another state.
    • Article 51: Allows self-defence in response to an armed attack.

    4. UN Security Council Authorization

    • Under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the United Nations Security Council can authorise the use of force.
    • However:
      • Requires majority approval.
      • None of the permanent members must use their veto.

    Maritime Zones Relevant to the Incident

    1. Territorial Sea – up to 12 nautical miles from coast (full sovereignty).
    2. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – up to 200 nautical miles where coastal states have economic rights.
    3. High Seas – international waters beyond national jurisdiction. The attack reportedly occurred in the EEZ of Sri Lanka.
    [2022] With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Iran

    West Asia Conflict May Slow India’s Growth More Than Inflation

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

    Why in the News

    The ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has pushed up oil prices and disrupted energy supplies. Analysts believe the situation may slow India’s economic growth, while the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to keep interest rates relatively low.

    Key Economic Developments

    • Oil prices have risen about 15% after the conflict began.
    • The Indian rupee has hit record lows and bond yields have risen.
    • Financial markets saw sell-offs in equity, debt and currency markets.
      • These developments have raised concerns about India’s current account deficit and growth outlook.

    Impact on India’s Economy

    • Slower Economic Growth: Disruption of natural gas supplies from the Middle East may affect sectors such as:
      • Fertilizers
      • Power generation
    • If disruptions last more than four weeks, growth could be affected for at least a quarter.
    • Oil Price Risk: If crude oil prices stay above $90–95 per barrel for several quarters,
      • India’s growth may slow from above 7% to around 6.5%.
    • Pressure on External Balance: Higher oil prices can:
      • Increase India’s import bill
      • Widen the current account deficit
      • Depreciate the rupee.

    Inflation Outlook

    • Despite higher oil prices, inflation risks remain moderate.
    • India’s retail inflation was 2.75% in January, near the lower end of RBI’s 2–6% tolerance band.
    • A 10–20% rise in global oil prices may increase inflation by 25–50 basis points.
      • Government actions such as holding retail fuel prices steady or reducing excise duties may cushion inflation.

    RBI’s Likely Policy Response

    • RBI had already cut the repo rate by 125 basis points in 2025.
    • Policymakers may prioritise supporting economic growth rather than raising rates immediately.
    • However, if oil prices cross $100 per barrel, central banks globally may adopt a more hawkish stance.
    [2023] Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In the post-pandemic recent past, many Central Banks worldwide had carried out interest rate hikes. Statement-II: Central Banks generally assume that they have the ability to counteract the rising consumer prices via monetary policy means. 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 is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for 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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  • Growing Concern Over Nicotine Pouches in India

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

    Why in the News

    Health experts and anti-tobacco activists are demanding stricter regulation or a ban on nicotine pouches, which are increasingly being sold online in India. Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Drugs Control has issued alerts and notices against their illegal sale.

    What are Nicotine Pouches?

    • Small microfiber pouches containing nicotine powder, flavourings and additives.
    • Placed between the gum and lip, where nicotine is absorbed through the mouth lining.
    • Do not contain tobacco, but still deliver nicotine directly to the bloodstream.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nicotine pouches dissolve in the mouth and do not require spitting.

    Why Experts Are Concerned

    • Highly Addictive: Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical, especially harmful for youth and pregnant women.
    • Not Approved for Smoking Cessation: Neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor Indian authorities approve nicotine pouches as a quitting aid.
    • Health Risks: Possible effects include:
      • Cardiovascular problems
      • Gum disease and oral health issues
      • Increased overall nicotine intake
    • Some pouches reportedly contain up to 50 mg nicotine, far higher than standard nicotine replacement products.
    [2020] Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? Automobile exhaust Tobacco smoke Wood burning Using varnished wooden furniture Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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  • HPV Vaccine Policy: India-made Cervavac Yet to Enter National Programme

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

    Why in the News

    India has launched a large-scale HPV vaccination campaign for adolescent girls using Gardasil, while the India-made vaccine Cervavac has not yet been included in the national immunisation programme due to ongoing research on its single-dose effectiveness.

    HPV Vaccine Campaign in India

    • India plans to vaccinate 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years.
    • The campaign currently uses Gardasil-4, developed by Merck.
    • Vaccination is supported by funding from Gavi.

    About the Indigenous Vaccine: Cervavac

    • Developed through collaboration between:
      • Department of Biotechnology
      • BIRAC
      • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
      • Serum Institute of India
    • Officially launched in 2022.
    • Estimated price if procured by government: ₹200–400 per dose (much cheaper than global vaccines).

    Why Cervavac is Not Yet in the Programme

    • Ongoing ICMR Study: The Indian Council of Medical Research is studying whether one dose of Cervavac produces enough long-lasting antibodies. Results expected by 2027.
    • WHO Recommendation Change: The World Health Organization now allows single-dose HPV vaccination in national programmes. Gardasil already has WHO prequalification for single-dose use, while Cervavac does not yet.
    • Free Vaccine Supply: India received GAVI support providing limited “free” HPV vaccine doses, encouraging the use of Gardasil initially.

    Two-Dose vs Single-Dose Debate

    • Earlier recommendation: 2 doses for girls aged 9–15 (6 months apart).
    • New WHO guidance (2022): Countries may use single-dose schedules to improve coverage and reduce costs.
    • Single-dose programmes are easier to implement because adolescent girls may not return for the second dose.

    Burden of Cervical Cancer in India

    • Second most common cancer among Indian women.
    • About 80,000 new cases annually.
    • Around 42,000 deaths each year.
    • India accounts for about 20% of global cervical cancer cases.

    About HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

    • A group of viruses spread mainly through sexual contact.
    • Certain strains such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 cause most cervical cancers.
    • Vaccination significantly reduces risk.
    [2022] In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements: The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector-based platform. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    Morbi Ceramic Industry Faces Shutdown Risk

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The ceramic industry in Morbi, Gujarat may face a shutdown due to disruptions in natural gas and propane supplies following escalating conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

    Importance of Morbi Ceramic Cluster

    • Morbi is India’s largest ceramic manufacturing hub.
    • Around 600 ceramic units operate in the region.
    • The industry employs 2–4 lakh workers directly and indirectly.
    • Produces tiles, sanitaryware and vitrified products exported globally.

    Why the Industry is Affected

    • Dependence on Gas-Based Fuel
      • Ceramic units rely heavily on propane and natural gas for: Firing kilns and Drying processes. About 80% of units use propane as the main fuel.
    • Disruption of Energy Supplies
      • Gas shipments from Gulf countries are stuck due to tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Closure or disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, has interrupted supplies.
    • Limited Fuel Stocks
      • Propane stocks: 2–4 days.
      • Natural gas (CNG) supplies: about one week.
      • If supplies do not resume soon, the industry may suspend operations within 7–10 days.
    [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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  • 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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