💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Khet Bachao Abhiyan

    Why in the news?

    The Union Ministry of Agriculture launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, on June 1, 2026, to promote sustainable agriculture and soil conservation.

    Key Highlights

    • Initiative launched under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
    • Campaign aims to protect:
      • Soil health
      • Agricultural productivity
      • Long term food security
    • It will involve:
      • Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
      • Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions
      • Agricultural universities
      • State agriculture departments

    Major Objectives

    • Promote balanced use of fertilisers
    • Encourage:
      • Natural farming
      • Soil testing
      • Green manuring
      • Water conservation
    • Spread awareness regarding:
      • Soil Health Cards
      • Climate resilient agriculture
      • Alternative crops in low rainfall areas
    • Identify counterfeit:
      • Seeds
      • Fertilisers
      • Pesticides

    Important Concerns Highlighted

    • Rising temperatures
    • Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides
    • Declining soil fertility
    • Increasing climate crisis affecting agriculture

    Government Schemes Linked with Campaign

    The campaign seeks convergence with:

    • PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
    • Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
    • Crop Insurance Scheme
    • Soil Health Card Scheme
    • Agricultural Mechanisation programmes
    • Pulses and Oilseeds Mission

    Consider the following statements:
    The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at
    1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
    2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
    3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 3 only

    [C] 2 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Sacred Relics of Buddha’s Chief Disciples Enshrined in Mongolia

    Why in the news?

    The sacred relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery during Buddha Purnima (Vesak Day) 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • The relics were brought from India to Mongolia for a 10 day exposition from 31 May to 10 June 2026.
    • The exposition was inaugurated in the presence of:
      • Lakshman Prasad Acharya
      • Atul Malhari Gotsurve
      • Buddhist leaders and representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation.
    • The relics are preserved at the stupas of Sanchi Stupa.

    About the Relics

    Arhat Sariputra

    • One of the foremost disciples of Gautama Buddha.
    • Known for wisdom and deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

    Arhat Mahamoggallana

    • Another chief disciple of Buddha.
    • Famous for spiritual powers and meditative attainments.

    India-Mongolia Relations

    • India and Mongolia share strong Buddhist civilisational ties.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier described the two nations as “spiritual neighbours.”
    • The event coincides with:
      • 70 years of diplomatic relations
      • 10 years of Strategic Partnership

    [2023] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements::
    1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
    2.Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
    3.Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • Nepal PM’s Remarks on India-Nepal Border Dispute

    Why in the news?

    Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated in Parliament that Nepal has also “encroached upon Indian territory in many places,” triggering political controversy in Nepal.

    Key Highlights

    • The statement was made while discussing the disputed:
      • Kalapani
      • Lipulekh
      • Limpiyadhura regions.
    • Opposition lawmakers in Nepal demanded clarification and removal of the remarks from parliamentary records.

    India-Nepal Border Dispute

    Main disputed areas:

    • Kalapani: A strategic Himalayan region near the India-Nepal-China trijunction.
    • Lipulekh Pass: Important trade and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route.
    • Limpiyadhura: Claimed by Nepal as part of its territory.

    Background of the Dispute

    • The dispute intensified after:
      • India released a new political map in 2019.
      • Nepal amended its Constitution in 2020 to include the disputed regions in its official map.
    • Nepal bases its claims mainly on interpretations of the: Treaty of Sugauli (1816).

    What is Dasgaja?

    • “Dasgaja” refers to the no man’s land along the India-Nepal border.
    • Nepal’s Foreign Ministry later clarified that the PM’s remarks referred mainly to:
      • Cross border occupation
      • Technical boundary irregularities in riverine areas.

    Treaty of Sugauli (1816)

    • Signed between the East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal.
    • Signed after the Anglo-Nepal War.
    • Importance: Forms the basis of the present India-Nepal boundary disputes.

    India’s Position

    • India maintains that:
      • Lipulekh lies within Indian territory.
      • It is a historic trade and pilgrimage route.
    • India supports resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue.

    [2020] Consider the following statements:  

    1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade 

    2. “Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh. 

    3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 and 2 only 

    (b) 2 only 

    (c) 3 only 

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 

  • General N.S. Raja Subramani Assumes Charge as Chief of Defence Staff

    Why in the news?

    General N.S. Raja Subramani assumed charge as India’s third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs.

    Key Highlights

    • He paid tribute at the National War Memorial after assuming office.
    • A ceremonial Tri Services Guard of Honour was accorded at South Block.
    • He emphasised the “Whole of Nation” approach for strengthening India’s national security.

    What is “JAI”?

    General Subramani highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of:

    • Jointness
    • Aatma Nirbharta
    • Innovation

    About the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

    • CDS is the highest-ranking military officer in India.
    • Acts as the Principal military adviser to the Defence Minister on tri-service matters.
    • Heads: Department of Military Affairs (DMA).
    • Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee

    Department of Military Affairs (DMA)

    • Created in 2019.
    • Functions under Ministry of Defence.
    • Responsible for:
      • Promoting jointness among armed forces
      • Military staffing and training matters
      • Integration of services

    [2024] What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs?
    1. Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee
    2. Exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs
    3. Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-Service matters
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1, 2 and 3

    [B] 1 and 2 only

    [C] 2 and 3 only

    [D] 1 and 3 only

  • Webb Telescope Captures Weather on Exoplanet WASP-94A b

    Why in the news?

    Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope observed weather patterns on the exoplanet WASP-94A b located nearly 700 light years away from Earth.

    Key Highlights

    • The study was published in the journal Science on May 21, 2026.
    • Scientists detected:
      • Cloud formation
      • Atmospheric circulation
      • Dynamic weather cycles on the exoplanet.
    • The exoplanet studied is:
      • WASP-94A b.

    About WASP-94A b

    • It is a Gas giant exoplanet.
    • Nearly Twice the size of Jupiter.
    • It has about half Jupiter’s mass.
    • Completes one revolution around its star in Four days.

    What are Hot Jupiters?

    • “Hot Jupiters” are Massive gas giant exoplanets orbiting very close to their host stars.
    • Characteristics:
      • Extremely high temperatures
      • Tidally locked rotation
      • One side permanently facing the star.

    Tidally Locked Planets

    A tidally locked planet has:

    • Rotation period equal to revolution period.
    • As a result:
      • One side remains permanently day side.
      • The other side remains permanently night side.

    Weather on WASP-94A b

    Scientists observed:

    • Morning side: Clouds of magnesium silicate, iron and magnesium sulphide.
    • Evening side: Relatively clear skies.

    Clouds form on the cooler night side and move towards the hotter day side through powerful winds before dissipating.

    How Were the Atmospheres Studied?

    Scientists used:

    • Spectroscopy
    • Transit method

    Spectroscopy

    • Light from the host star is split into wavelengths.
    • Atmospheric gases absorb specific wavelengths.
    • This helps identify chemical compounds present in the atmosphere.

    Transit Method

    • The exoplanet passes in front of its host star.
    • The atmosphere absorbs part of the starlight.
    • Scientists analyse these changes to study atmospheric composition.

    About the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

    • Launched: December 2021.
    • Joint project of:
      • NASA
      • ESA
      • CSA.
    • Purpose:
      • Study the early universe
      • Exoplanets
      • Infrared astronomy.

    About Extremely Large Telescope (ELT)

    • Being built by the European Southern Observatory.
    • Location: Northern Chile.
    • Importance: May help discover more Earth like exoplanets and planetary systems.

    [2017] What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

    [A] To detect neutrinos

    [B] To detect gravitational waves

    [C] To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

    [D] To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

  • Balance of Payments (BoP) Deficit & Dollar Outflow

    Why in the news?

    The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Annual Report for 2025-26 revealed that India’s Balance of Payments (BoP) stood at a major deficit of $30.8 billion, marking an alarmingly sharp, six-fold increase over the previous year’s deficit.

    Key Findings

    • The Deficit Surge: The overall BoP went from a surplus of $63.7 billion in 2023-24 to a deficit of $5 billion in 2024-25, before cascading further to a $30.8 billion deficit in 2025-26 (provisional data up to Dec 31).
    • Depletion of Forex: To plug this widening gap, the RBI had to draw directly from India’s foreign exchange reserves, causing a significant dent in national buffers.

    Understanding the Double Whammy: Current vs. Capital Account

    The sudden collapse of India’s BoP position is driven by structural slippages in both component accounts:

    1. Widening Current Account Deficit (CAD)

    • Status: Hit a three-year high of $30.2 billion in 2025-26.
    • The Core Mechanism: While the physical trade deficit (merchandise) actually improved slightly—dropping to $251.6 billion from $286.9 billion—the surplus from India’s “invisibles” (software, services, and remittances) shrank much faster (falling from $263.9 billion to $221.4 billion).
    • Result: The services sector could no longer cushion the trade deficit, causing CAD to expand.

    2. Near-Total Collapse of the Capital Account Surplus

    • Status: Shrank by an unprecedented 99.5%, collapsing down to a mere $72 million from $16.6 billion the year prior.
    • Driven by “Other Capital”: Hit a record deficit of $22.6 billion. This reflects delayed export receipts, advance payments for imports amidst geopolitical friction, and domestic funds being parked abroad.
    • Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) Flight: Reversing a two-year positive streak, FPIs turned into net sellers, pulling out $4.3 billion more from Indian markets than they put in.

    [2014] With reference to Balance of Payments, which of the following constitutes/constitute the Current Account?
    1.Balance of invisibles
    2.Special Drawing Rights
    3.Balance of trade
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below;

    [A] 1 only

    [B] .2 and 3 only

    [C] .1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • SkyCast System

    Why in the news?

    Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first SkyCast System at Indira Gandhi International Airport under Mission Mausam.

    What is SkyCast?

    SkyCast is an advanced integrated aviation weather monitoring and forecasting system that provides:

    • Real-time weather intelligence
    • Fog monitoring
    • Turbulence detection
    • High-impact weather forecasting

    Key Features

    • Helps reduce:
      • Flight delays
      • Diversions
      • Cancellations
    • Provides short-term weather alerts to pilots and air traffic controllers
    • Monitors atmosphere up to nearly 3 km above airport

    Technologies Used

    SkyCast integrates:

    • Radar Wind Profiler
    • SODAR
    • Microwave Radiometer
    • Ground-based Fog Aerosol Spectrometer (GFAS)
    • Lidar-based Ceilometer

    [2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
    I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
    II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
    III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] I, II and III

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I only

    [D] I and II only

  • BSF Border Security Infrastructure in Gujarat

    Why in the news?

    Amit Shah inaugurated the G-7 and G-13 Border Out Posts (BOPs) in Bhuj, Gujarat, and highlighted plans to strengthen border security through advanced technology and CISF-style security grids.

    Key Highlights

    • New BOPs inaugurated along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat
    • Focus on:
      • Technological fencing
      • Smart border security
      • Territorial security concept
      • Leak-proof security grid

    About BSF (Border Security Force):

    • India’s “First Line of Defence”
    • Comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs
    • Guards borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh
    • Operates in extreme conditions from:
      • Desert regions
      • Marshlands
      • Forests
      • High-altitude areas

    Strategic Areas

    Sir Creek

    • The marshy disputed region between India and Pakistan
    • Security-sensitive coastal area

    Harami Nala

    • Creek area near Sir Creek
    • Vulnerable to infiltration and smuggling

    [2023] Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

    [A] Bhitarkanika Mangroves

    [B] Marakkanam Salt Pans

    [C] Naupada Swamp

    [D] Rann of Kutch

  • NFHS-6 (2023-24)

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), showing major improvements in maternal health, child nutrition, immunisation, and financial protection.

    About NFHS

    • Conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai
    • Covers population, health, nutrition, and family welfare indicators
    • NFHS-6 surveyed about 6.79 lakh households across 715 districts

    Key Findings

    Maternal and Child Health

    • (Hospital) Institutional deliveries increased: 88.6% → 90.6%
    • ANC coverage: 92.6% → 95.9%
    • Four or more ANC visits: 58.5% → 65.2%
    • Skilled birth attendance: 89.4% → 91.3%

    Child Immunisation

    • Full immunisation: 83.8% → 87.1%
    • Over 96% children received at least one vaccine
    • Rotavirus vaccine coverage: 36.4% → 85.4%
    • 95.6% vaccinations delivered through public health facilities

    Nutrition Indicators

    • Stunting reduced: 35.5% → 29.3%
    • Severe wasting reduced: 7.7% → 5.2%
    • Breastfeeding within one hour of birth: 41.8% → 50.1%

    Family Planning

    • Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 2.0
    • Contraceptive prevalence: 66.7% → 69.1%

    Health Insurance Coverage

    • Household coverage under health insurance schemes: 41.0% → 60.2%
    • Reflects expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

    Women’s Empowerment

    • Women using the internet: 33.3% → 64.3%
    • Women operating their own bank accounts: 78.6% → 89.0%
    • Women owning mobile phones: 53.9% → 63.6%

    [2022] The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as:

    [A] the number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year.

    [B] the number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population.

    [C] the birth rate minus death rate.

    [D] the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age.

  • NeSDA 2025 Portal

    Why in the news?

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) launched the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) 2025 Portal to strengthen digital governance and assess online public service delivery across India.

    What is NeSDA?

    NeSDA (National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment) is:

    • A biennial assessment framework
    • Developed by DARPG
    • Based on the UN Online Service Index (OSI)
    • Customized for India’s federal structure

    Note: The UN Online Service Index (OSI) is a key component of the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) published by the United Nations. It measures the quality and availability of digital government services provided by countries through online platforms.

    Objective

    To assess:

    • Availability
    • Accessibility
    • Quality
    • Maturity of online government services

    Across:

    • States
    • Union Territories
    • Selected Central Ministries

    Key Features of NeSDA 2025

    Portal Categories

    • Government Portals
    • Service Delivery Portals

    Sectors Covered

    • Finance, Education, Labour & Employment, Agriculture, Health, Transport, Tourism, Public Grievance, Environment, Local Governance, and Corporate Affairs

    [2022] Consider the following:
    1. Aarogya Setu
    2. COWIN
    3. DigiLocker
    4. DIKSHA
    Which of the above are built on to open-source digital platforms?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1, 3 and 4 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4