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

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    SEBI to Leverage AI and Tech to Crack Down on Market Manipulators

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the regulator will strengthen surveillance using Artificial Intelligence and technology to curb market manipulation and cyber fraud.

    Key Announcements

    • Tech Driven Surveillance

      • Use of AI to detect market manipulation and suspicious trading patterns.
      • Stronger enforcement against fraudulent brokers and cyber criminals.

    • SEBI Check Tool

      • Integrated within UPI interface.
      • Helps investors verify registered intermediaries before making payments.
      • Aimed at curbing fake brokers promising unrealistic returns.
      • SEBI has partnered with Bengaluru based AI firm SARVAM for multilingual awareness campaigns.

    • Investor Awareness Push

      • AI based outreach pilot contacted 3.85 lakh people.
      • Campaigns to caution against financial influencers promising “astronomical” returns.
      • Emphasis on disciplined and long term investing.

    • Derivatives & Market Stability

      • Measures introduced to cool speculation in equity derivatives.
      • Focus on short duration options segment.
      • SEBI says no signs of systemic instability.

    • Enforcement Record

      • Action against unregistered advisors and alleged market manipulators.
      • High success rate in tribunal and Supreme Court cases.
      • Regulator defends combined legislative, executive and quasi judicial role.

    • Future Focus Areas

      • Revitalising agricultural commodity markets.
      • Deepening corporate bond market.
      • More scientific policy making with impact assessment.

    Significance

    • Strengthens investor protection.
    • Improves trust and transparency in capital markets.
    • Reflects shift toward data driven regulation.
    • Aligns with digital public infrastructure ecosystem including UPI.
    [2025] Consider the following statements: I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally, thus exhibiting a great boom. 

    II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past, even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point in time. 

    III. There is no regulatory body either to warn small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard. 

    Which of the statements given above are correct? 

    (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III

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

  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Iran–Israel Escalation After Killing of Khamenei

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

    Why in the News

    Iran launched missile and drone strikes across Israel and parts of the Gulf after the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli bombardment, triggering a widening regional conflict.

    What Happened

    • U.S. and Israeli strikes hit targets in Tehran.
    • Iran retaliated with missiles targeting Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. forces.
    • Israel vowed “non-stop” strikes on Iranian leadership and military sites.
    • Casualties reported in Israel, Iran, and among U.S. personnel.

    Leadership Transition in Iran

    • President Masoud Pezeshkian announced an interim leadership council.
    • Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a new Supreme Leader would be chosen soon.
    • Ayatollah Alireza Arafi named to interim council.
    • Permanent leader to be elected by the Assembly of Experts.

    Wider Regional Impact

    • Explosions heard in Tel Aviv; strike reported in Beit Shemesh.
    • Shrapnel and debris incidents reported in Abu Dhabi.
    • Attacks extended to Oman.
    • U.S. President Donald Trump warned of severe retaliation if Iran escalates further.

    Strategic Significance

    • Raises risk of full-scale regional war in West Asia.
    • Direct involvement of U.S. forces increases geopolitical stakes.
    • Implications for global oil supply and maritime security in the Gulf.
    • Potential impact on India’s energy security and diaspora in the region.
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 

    Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. 

    Statement-II: The ‘Arab Peace Initiative’ mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League. 

    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

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

  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    President Undertakes Sortie in LCH Prachand

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    Why in the News

    President Droupadi Murmu undertook a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter Prachand at Air Force Station Jaisalmer on February 27, 2026.

    About LCH Prachand

    • India’s indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter.
    • Designed for high altitude warfare and desert operations.
    • Equipped with:
      • Air to ground missiles
      • Rocket systems
      • 20 mm turret gun
    • Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

    Significance

    • Highlights indigenous defence capability.
    • Demonstrates operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
    • Symbolic boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

    Prelims Pointers

    • LCH Prachand inducted into Indian Air Force in 2022.
    • Designed for operations at high altitude including Himalayan region.
    • Air Force Station Jaisalmer is a key western sector air base.
    • President is Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces under Article 53.
    [2025] With reference to India’s defence, consider the following pairs: Aircraft type : Description 

    I. Dornier-228 : Maritime patrol aircraft 

    II. IL-76 : Supersonic combat aircraft 

    III. C-17 Globemaster : Military transport aircraft 

    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All the three (d) None

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

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-SAARC Nations

    India–Bhutan Cooperation on Trans-Boundary Rivers and Hydropower

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

    Why in the News

    India and Bhutan reviewed cooperation on trans-boundary rivers and hydropower projects during a visit by the Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti, to Bhutan (February 24–27, 2026).

    Key Areas of Cooperation

    • Hydropower Projects Reviewed

      • Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project under construction
      • Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project recently commissioned
      • These projects are being implemented in partnership with India.

    • Flood Forecasting & Data Sharing

      • Strengthening hydro-meteorological observation networks
      • Improving real-time data sharing on trans-border rivers
      • Enhancing flood forecasting mechanisms

    • Climate & Disaster Resilience

      • Focus on:
      • Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
      • Extreme weather events
      • Climate change related risks

    • Institutional Engagement

      • Meetings with Bhutan’s National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology
      • Review of flood monitoring stations
      • Capacity building and technical exchanges

    Significance

    • Reinforces India–Bhutan strategic partnership in water and energy security
    • Enhances downstream flood management in Assam and West Bengal
    • Supports clean energy cooperation
    • Strengthens climate resilience in Himalayan river basins

    Prelims Pointers

    • Trans-boundary rivers between India and Bhutan are part of the Brahmaputra basin.
    • Hydropower is a key pillar of India–Bhutan relations.
    • GLOFs are sudden releases of water from glacial lakes.
    • Ministry of Jal Shakti oversees water resource cooperation.
    [2016] Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra? 

    1. Dibang 
    2. Kameng 
    3. Lohit 

    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

  • Indian Air Force Updates

    Vayu Shakti 2026 Exercise

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News

    The President of India Droupadi Murmu witnessed the Vayu Shakti 2026 exercise at Pokhran Firing Range, Jaisalmer.

    About Vayu Shakti

    • Conducted by the Indian Air Force
    • Venue: Pokhran Firing Range, Rajasthan
    • Simulated integrated combat theatre
    • Objective: Demonstrate precision strike capability and operational readiness

    Prelims Pointers

    • Pokhran Firing Range located in Rajasthan
    • Vayu Shakti is a firepower demonstration by the Indian Air Force
    • Rafale inducted into IAF in 2020
    • Tejas is India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft
    • Apache and Chinook are US origin helicopters inducted into IAF
    [2024] Consider the following aircraft: 1. Rafael 

    2. MiG-29 

    3. Tejas MK-1 

    How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft? 

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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

  • Finance Commission – Issues related to devolution of resources

    16th Finance Commission Boosts Urban Local Bodies

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Constitutional Bodies

    Why in the News

    The Finance Commission of India (16th FC) has significantly increased grants for Urban Local Bodies in recognition of rising urbanisation.

    Key Highlights

    • Higher Share for Urban Bodies

      • 16th FC: 45% of local body grants to urban areas
      • 15th FC: 36%
      • 13th FC: 26%

    • Sharp Rise in Funds

      • ₹3.56 lakh crore recommended for urban local bodies
      • More than double the 15th FC allocation
      • Nearly 15 times the 13th FC allocation

    Why the Shift?

    • Projected urbanisation: 41% by 2031
    • 2011 Census urban population: 31%
    • Increasing migration and expansion of cities
    • Need for stronger grassroots urban governance

    Distribution Pattern

    • Grants distributed using population based formula
    • Significant variation among states
      • Kerala up over 400%
      • Maharashtra up over 300%
      • Odisha up 13%
      • Bihar down 8%

    Significance

    • Aligns fiscal transfers with demographic trends
    • Strengthens municipal capacity for infrastructure and service delivery
    • Prepares cities for higher urbanisation post Census 2027

    Prelims Pointers

    • Finance Commission constituted under Article 280 of the Constitution.
    • Reconstituted every five years.
    • Recommends tax devolution and grants to states and local bodies.
    • 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments institutionalised local governments.
    [2025] Which of the following statements with regard to recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission of India are correct? I. It has recommended grants of ₹4,800 crores from the year 2022–23 to 2025–26 for incentivizing States to enhance educational outcomes. 

    II. 45% of the net proceeds of Union taxes are to be shared with States. 

    III. ₹45,000 crores are to be kept as performance-based incentive for all States for carrying out agricultural reforms. 

    IV. It reintroduced tax effort criteria to reward fiscal performance. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) I, II and III (b) I, II and IV (c) I, III and IV (d) II, III and IV

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

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Canada

    Canada PM Mark Carney Begins India Visit

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

    Why in the News

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney began a four day official visit to India, aimed at normalising ties and expanding cooperation across trade, energy and emerging technologies.

    Key Highlights of the Visit

    • Major Uranium Deal

      • Likely signing of a 10 year, US$ 2 billion uranium supply agreement.
      • Supports India’s civil nuclear energy requirements.

    • Focus Areas of Cooperation

      • Talks expected on:
      • Oil and gas
      • Environment and climate
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Quantum computing
      • Education and culture
      • Critical minerals

    • Bilateral Talks

      • Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House.
      • Delegation level discussions to review Strategic Partnership.
      • India Canada CEOs Forum to be held.

    • Background Context

      • Visit comes after strained ties following allegations made under former PM Justin Trudeau.
      • Seen as a step toward diplomatic reset.

    Strategic Significance

    • Canada is a key supplier of uranium and critical minerals.
    • Large Indian diaspora in Canada strengthens people to people ties.
    • Cooperation in AI and quantum aligns with India’s tech ambitions.
    • Engagement signals mutual interest in restoring stability in relations.

    Prelims Pointers

    • India Canada relations upgraded to Strategic Partnership in 2015.
    • Canada is a major uranium exporter.
    • Hyderabad House is venue for high level diplomatic talks in New Delhi.
    • G7 summit held in Kananaskis in 2025 attended by India.
    [2024] The longest border between any two countries in the world is between: (a) Canada and the United States of America 

    (b) Chile and Argentina 

    (c) China and India 

    (d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation

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

  • Indian Navy Updates

    INS Anjadip Commissioned

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

    Why in the News

    The Indian Navy commissioned INS Anjadip, the fourth indigenously designed and built Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Chennai Port.

    About INS Anjadip

    • Type: Anti Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
    • Length: 77 metres
    • Built by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers at Kattupalli
    • Named after: Anjadip Island off Karwar coast

    Key Capabilities

    • Designed for shallow and coastal waters
    • Detect, track and neutralise enemy submarines
    • Equipped with:
      • Shallow water sonars
      • Lightweight torpedoes
      • Anti submarine rockets
      • Combat management system

    Operational Roles

    • Anti submarine warfare in littoral zones
    • Coastal surveillance
    • Low intensity maritime operations
    • Search and rescue missions

    Significance

    • Enhances India’s anti submarine warfare capability
    • Strengthens coastal defence architecture
    • Reflects Aatmanirbhar Bharat in naval shipbuilding
    • Boosts indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem
    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (a) Amphibious warfare ship 

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine 

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel 

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

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

  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    SEBI Revamps Mutual Fund Rulebook

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India introduced major reforms for the ₹81 lakh crore mutual fund industry to ensure schemes remain true to their stated objectives.

    Key Changes

    1. Solution-Oriented Schemes Discontinued

    • No fresh inflows allowed in retirement and children funds.
    • Existing schemes to be merged with similar asset allocation schemes.
    • Aim: Remove redundant category and improve clarity.

    2. Introduction of Life Cycle Funds

    • Goal-based, open-ended schemes.
    • Asset allocation shifts automatically over time via glide path.
    • Designed around target maturity dates.

    3. Higher Exposure Limits

    • Up to 35% investment allowed in:
      • Gold
      • Silver
      • Infrastructure Investment Trusts
    • Provides equity funds greater flexibility and diversification.

    4. Restriction on Portfolio Overlap

    • Less than 50% overlap required:
      • Between sectoral and thematic funds
      • Between equity and sectoral or thematic funds
    • Objective: Reduce duplication and ensure differentiated strategies.

    5. Relaxation for Contra and Value Funds

    • Earlier: Only one of the two allowed per fund house.
    • Now: Both can be offered.

    Prelims Pointers

    • SEBI regulates securities market and mutual funds in India.
    • InvITs pool funds for infrastructure projects.
    • Life cycle funds follow glide path asset allocation.
    • Portfolio overlap norms aim to prevent excessive duplication across schemes.
    [2023] Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Interest income from the deposits in Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) distributed to their investors is exempted from tax, but the dividend is taxable. 

    Statement-II: InvITs are recognized as borrowers under the ‘Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002’. 

    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

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

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Middle East

    India–Israel Elevate Ties to Special Strategic Partnership

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

    Why in the News

    India and Israel elevated bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. A total of 17 pacts were signed.

    Key Outcomes

    1. Upgrade of Bilateral Ties

    • Earlier: Strategic Partnership since 2017
    • Now: Special Strategic Partnership
    • Focus on technology, defence, innovation and economic cooperation

    2. Technology Partnership

    • Launch of Critical and Emerging Technologies Partnership
    • Cooperation in:
      • Artificial Intelligence
      • Quantum technologies
      • Cyber security
      • Critical minerals

    3. Defence Cooperation

    • Roadmap for joint development and joint production
    • Emphasis on transfer of technology
    • Defence ties described as expanding in scope and scale

    4. Economic & Trade Measures

    • Bilateral Investment Agreement operationalised
    • FTA negotiations to be finalised soon
    • UPI to be enabled in Israel
    • Financial dialogue mechanism launched

    5. Agriculture & Innovation

    • Target of 100 Centres of Excellence
    • Plan for Villages of Excellence
    • India Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture to be set up
    • 20 joint agricultural research fellowships

    6. Manpower & People Ties

    • Expansion of labour mobility under 2023 agreement
    • Quota of up to 50,000 Indian workers over five years
    • Launch of India Israel Academic Forum

    7. Regional & Global Issues

    • Strong condemnation of terrorism
    • Support for Gaza peace efforts
    • Focus on IMEEC and I2U2 initiatives

    Prelims Pointers

    • India Israel ties established in 1992
    • Strategic Partnership declared in 2017
    • Now elevated to Special Strategic Partnership in 2026
    • Cooperation spans defence, agriculture, AI, cyber security and innovation
    • IMEEC: India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor
    • I2U2: India Israel UAE USA grouping
    [2018] The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (a) China  

    (b) Israel 

    (c) Iraq  

    (d) Yemen

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