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

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • 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

  • 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