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

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    Farm Loan Waivers Return: Impact on Credit Culture

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News

    The Maharashtra government has announced a ₹35,000 crore farm loan waiver scheme, raising concerns from economists and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) about its impact on credit culture and state finances.

    Key Features of the Maharashtra Scheme

    • Total cost: ~₹35,000 crore
    • Beneficiaries: ~30 lakh farmers
      • 20 lakh non-defaulters will receive an ₹50,000 incentive for timely repayment.
    • Cost breakdown:
      • ₹20,000 crore for loan waiver of defaulters
      • ₹15,000 crore incentive for regular borrowers

    Why Governments Announce Farm Loan Waivers

    • Reduce farmers’ debt burden
    • Provide relief during agrarian distress
    • Enable farmers to restart productive investment
      • However, economists argue that such schemes often fail to provide long-term solutions.

    Major Farm Loan Waiver Schemes in India

    National Schemes

    1. Agricultural and Rural Debt Relief Scheme (ARDRS), 1990
      • Covered loans from public sector banks and regional rural banks.
      • Maximum relief ₹10,000 per farmer.
    2. Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme (ADWDRS), 2008
      • Covered banks and cooperative credit institutions.
      • Focus on small and marginal farmers (≤5 acres).

    Total spending on waivers in last 35 years: over ₹3 lakh crore.

    Trend Since 2014

    • Farm loan waivers increased significantly after 2014–15.
    • 10 states announced waivers worth about ₹2.4 lakh crore.
    • Many announcements occurred close to elections, according to RBI.

    RBI’s Concerns

    • Weakening of Credit Culture: Farmers may delay repayment expecting future waivers. Creates moral hazard in the credit system.
    • Reduced Agricultural Lending: Banks become reluctant to provide fresh loans.
    • Rise in NPAs: Agricultural sector gross NPAs reached about 8.44% (2019).
    • Fiscal Burden on States: Waiver costs can reach 0.1% to 2% of state GSDP. Payments often spread over 3–5 years, affecting budgets.

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

  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Khelo India Tribal Games 2026

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Diversity Of India

    Why in the News

    The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) will be held from March 25 to April 6, 2026 in Chhattisgarh, announced by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

    Key Details

    • Host Cities: Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Surguja
    • Participants: Tribal athletes from most States and Union Territories of India.

    Sports in the Games

    • Medal Sports (7): Athletics, Football, Hockey, Weightlifting, Archery, Swimming, and Wrestling. 
    • Demonstration Sports: Mallakhamb and Kabaddi

    Organising Bodies

    • Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
    • Sports Authority of India
    • Indian Olympic Association
    • National Sports Federations and the Chhattisgarh State Organising Committee.

    Mascot

    • “Morveer”
    • Derived from “Mor” (mine/our) and “Veer” (brave) in Chhattisgarhi.
    • Symbolises pride, courage and identity of tribal communities.

    Note: A mascot is a person, animal, or object adopted by a group—such as a sports team, school, or brand—to represent them, foster a public identity, and bring good luck.

    Significance

    • First national sports event dedicated exclusively to tribal athletes.
    • Aims to identify and nurture talent from tribal regions.
    • Strengthens grassroots sports under the Khelo India Scheme.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Khelo India Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2018.
    • The Khelo India Games were declared an “Event of National Importance” in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007.
    [2023] Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022: It was the first time that Chess Olympiad was held in India. The official mascot was named ‘Thambi’. The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup. The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four

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

  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    BEL–Bellatrix Partnership to Develop VLEO Satellite Systems

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News

    India’s defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and space-tech startup Bellatrix Aerospace have signed an MoU to jointly develop Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite systems.

    What is VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit)?

    • Altitude: About 150 km to 450 km above Earth.
    • Lower than Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
    • Satellites experience thin atmospheric drag, requiring propulsion systems to maintain orbit.

    How VLEO Satellites Work

    • At low altitude, satellites face aerodynamic drag from the upper atmosphere.
    • Advanced propulsion systems provide continuous thrust to maintain orbital position.
    • Bellatrix will use electric/green propulsion technologies for station-keeping.

    Key Features of VLEO Systems

    • High-Resolution Imaging: Closer proximity to Earth enables sub-meter imaging using smaller sensors.
    • Ultra-Low Latency Communication: Shorter signal distance enables faster data transmission and real-time communication.
    • Lower Launch Costs: Lower orbit requires less fuel to deploy satellites.
    • Reduced Space Debris: Failed satellites naturally re-enter and burn up due to atmospheric drag.

    Aim of the Partnership

    • Develop indigenous VLEO satellite platforms and payloads.
    • Provide solutions for defence and civilian applications.
    • Combine PSU manufacturing capability with startup innovation.

    Strategic Significance

    • Strengthens India’s self-reliance in space technology.
    • Enables high-resolution surveillance and intelligence gathering.
    • Useful for:
      • Border monitoring
      • Earth observation
      • Real-time communication systems.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) operates under the Ministry of Defence.
    • Bellatrix Aerospace develops satellite propulsion systems.
    • VLEO satellites orbit at lower altitude than conventional Earth-observation satellites, offering improved imaging and reduced debris risk.
    [2011] An artificial satellite orbiting around the Earth does not fall down. This is so because the attraction of Earth (a) does not exist at such a distance. (b) is neutralized by the attraction of the moon. (c) provides the necessary speed for its steady motion. (d) provides the necessary acceleration for its motion

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

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Middle East

    India Taps Alternative Crude Supplies

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

    Why in the News
     Due to the West Asia conflict affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, India is securing crude oil from alternative sources.

    Key Points:

    • India imports about 88% of its crude oil needs; nearly half normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
    • Indian refiners are sourcing additional crude from:
      • United States
      • Russia
      • West Africa and Latin America.
    • Refineries have deferred maintenance shutdowns to maintain supply buffers.
    • A 30-day U.S. waiver (till April 5) allows delivery of already-loaded Russian oil cargoes to India.
    • Around 120 million barrels of Russian crude are currently in transit globally, some near India.

    Concerns:

    • Alternative routes may increase freight and insurance costs.
    • Rising oil prices could increase India’s import bill, widen the current account deficit, and pressure the rupee.
    • Every $10 rise in crude prices may raise inflation by ~20–25 basis points.
    [2011] In the context of global oil prices, “Brent crude oil” is frequently referred to in the news. What does this term imply? It is a major classification of crude oil. It is sourced from the North Sea. It does not contain sulphur. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 2 only (b) 1 and 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-United States

    F-1 Visas for Indian Students Drop

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

    Why in the News?
    Data from the United States Department of State shows a 69% fall in F-1 visas issued to Indian students in June–July 2025 compared to 2024.

    Key Points:

    • F-1 visa: Non-immigrant visa for international students studying in the U.S.
    • Visas issued to Indians fell from 41,336 (2024) to 12,776 (2025) during the peak admission period.
    • Decline followed stricter immigration measures under Donald Trump’s administration, including:
      • Temporary pause in visa interviews
      • Expanded social media screening for applicants.
    • Chinese students also saw a decline, but smaller (about 56%).
    • Despite the drop, Indians remain the largest international student group in the U.S., with about 3.63 lakh students (31%) in 2024-25.

    F-1 Visa

    • The F-1 visa is a non immigrant student visa issued by the United States that allows foreign students to study full time at accredited academic institutions in the United States.
    • It is the most common visa for international students pursuing higher education in the U.S.
    [2018] Consider the following statements: Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process, which enables 1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital. 2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country. 3. accumulation of tangible wealth. 4. accumulation of intangible wealth.Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2  (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4

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

  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Aravalli Definition Case: Amicus Says Panel “Suppressed” FSI Views

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Why in the News

    In the ongoing Aravalli definition case, the Amicus Curiae assisting the Supreme Court of India has alleged that a committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) suppressed the views of the Forest Survey of India (FSI) while recommending a new definition of the Aravalli Range.

    About Amicus Curiae is a Latin term meaning “friend of the court.”It refers to a person or lawyer appointed by a court to assist it in deciding a case, especially when the court requires additional expertise, independent opinion, or legal clarification.

    Key Allegations by the Amicus Curiae

    1. FSI’s views ignored: The committee report allegedly did not include the FSI’s warning that the proposed definition would exclude most Aravalli hills.
    2. 100-metre elevation criterion questioned
      • The committee proposed defining Aravalli hills as landforms with 100 m elevation above local relief.
      • FSI reportedly warned that this could exclude nearly 90% of the Aravalli landforms from protection.
    3. Procedural issues in the report: The report was described as “unsigned and undated.”
      • It was not placed before or approved by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
    4. Risk of weaker environmental protection: The definition may exclude many low-height hills, potentially allowing mining or construction in sensitive areas.
    [2017] Consider the following statements: In India, the Himalayas are spread over five States only. Western Ghats are spread over five States only. 3. Pulicat Lake is spread over two States only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 3 only  (c) 2 and 3 only  (d) 1 and 3 only

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

  • 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

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

  • 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

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

  • 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

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

  • 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

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