💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (April Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • 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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • 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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • 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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • 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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • 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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • 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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • 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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • 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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    War in West Asia: Why Insurers Are Cancelling War Risk Covers as Ships Avoid Hormuz

    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 led global shipping lines to suspend or divert vessels from the Strait of Hormuz, while insurers rush to cancel war risk covers.

    What Is Happening?

    • Major container carriers have halted Hormuz transits.
    • Some vessels reversed course mid voyage.
    • Insurers issued war risk cancellation notices even before markets reopened.
    • Tanker hit near Oman, worsening risk perception.
    • Around 170 container ships are reportedly inside the strait, facing departure restrictions.

    Why Strait of Hormuz Matters

    • One of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.
    • Connects Persian Gulf to Arabian Sea.
    • Large share of global crude oil and LNG trade passes through it.
    • Disruption affects energy prices, freight rates and global supply chains.

    Why Insurers Are Cancelling War Risk Covers

    • Sharp Rise in Risk

        • War risk premiums in the Gulf were around 0.25% of vessel value.
          Now expected to jump up to 50%.
        • Example: For a 100 million dollar ship. Premium may rise from 250,000 dollars to 375,000 dollars per voyage.

    • Anticipation of Escalation

        • Missile strikes and drone attacks increase probability of vessel damage.
        • Ports in Israel also facing higher risk premiums.
        • Insurers prefer to cancel existing covers and reprice contracts at higher rates.

    • Legal and Financial Safeguard

      • War risk insurance is separate from standard marine insurance. Insurers can issue short notice cancellation during extraordinary events.

    Impact on Global Trade

    • Shipping delays and rerouting from Suez Canal.
    • Higher freight and insurance costs.
    • Potential spike in crude oil prices.
    • Inflationary pressure globally.

    Implications for India

    • India imports a large share of crude oil from the Gulf.
    • Shipping cost increase can widen trade deficit.
    • Energy inflation risk.
    • Strategic petroleum reserves become important.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman.
    • It is a narrow maritime chokepoint.
    • TEU stands for Twenty foot Equivalent Unit.
    • War risk insurance covers losses from war, piracy and armed conflict.
    [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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)

    GST Collections Rise 8.1% to ₹1.83 Lakh Crore in February

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    Gross Goods and Services Tax collections rose 8.1% year on year to over ₹1.83 lakh crore in February 2026, indicating steady consumption and import activity.

    Key Figures

    • Gross GST: ₹1.83 lakh crore
    • Net GST: ₹1.61 lakh crore up 7.9%
    • Gross domestic revenue: ₹1.36 lakh crore up 5.3%
    • Import revenue: ₹47,837 crore up 17.2%
    • Refunds: ₹22,595 crore up 10.2%
    • Cumulative GST collection so far this fiscal: ₹20.27 lakh crore up 8.3%.

    Policy Context

    • GST slabs merged into two major rates: 5% and 18%
    • 40% slab retained for ultra luxury goods and tobacco
    • Around 375 items saw rate cuts from September 2025
    • Initial dip in November after tax cuts followed by recovery in December, January and February.

    State Level Trends

    Negative growth observed in:

    • Tamil Nadu
    • Madhya Pradesh
    • Rajasthan

    Below national average growth in:

    • West Bengal
    • Haryana
    • Uttar Pradesh
    • Maharashtra

    Significance

    • Reflects resilience of consumption demand
    • Strong import growth suggests trade momentum
    • Stable revenue trend despite rate rationalisation
    • Indicates structural maturity of GST ecosystem
    [2017] What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’? 

    1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India. 
    2. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves. 
    3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor