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Type: Prelims Only

  • Tax Reforms

    Why Did the Government Cut Excise Duty on Petrol and Diesel but Prices Did Not Fall?

    28 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in News?

    The Union Government reduced Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre each. However, fuel prices at petrol pumps remained unchanged because the benefit was not passed on to consumers.

    Why Did Fuel Prices Not Decrease Despite Excise Duty Cut?

    • Government reduced Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED)
    • Diesel duty reduced to Zero
    • Petrol duty reduced to ₹3 per litre
    • Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) absorbed benefit instead of consumers
    • Objective was to reduce losses faced by OMCs
    • Government clarified cut not meant to lower retail prices

    Why Are Oil Marketing Companies Facing Losses?

    • Global crude oil prices surged above $111 per barrel
    • Public sector OMCs selling fuel below cost
    • Under recovery around ₹24 per litre petrol
    • Under recovery around ₹30 per litre diesel
    • Total losses around ₹2,400 crore per day

    Why Did Government Increase Export Duties?

    • Export duty on diesel increased to ₹21.5 per litre
    • Export duty on ATF increased to ₹29.5 per litre
    • Expected additional revenue ₹1,500 crore
    • Helps offset fiscal loss from excise duty cut

    What Is the Fiscal Impact of the Decision?

    • Excise duty cut cost around ₹7,000 crore
    • Export duty increase adds ₹1,500 crore
    • Net revenue loss around ₹5,500 crore per 15 days
    • Review every fortnight by government

    What Other Measures Were Announced?

    • Commercial LPG allocation increased by 20%
    • Total LPG allocation raised to 70% of pre crisis levels
    • Priority sectors where Piped Natural Gas (PNG) unavailable

    [2025] Suppose the revenue expenditure is ₹80,000 crores and the revenue receipts of the Government are ₹60,000 crores. The Government budget also shows borrowings of ₹10,000 crores and interest payments of ₹6,000 crores. Which of the following statements are correct?
    I Revenue deficit is ₹20,000 crores.
    II Fiscal deficit is ₹10,000 crores. 
    III Primary deficit is ₹4,000 crores. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III

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  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    Home Ministry Sends 290 Takedown Notices Daily

    27 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

    Why in News

    Union Home Ministry issued average 290 online content takedown notices per day under Information Technology Act 2000, indicating rise in online regulation and cybersecurity threats.

    Key Highlights

    • 1,11,185 suspicious online content blocked in 2024 to 25
    • 290 takedown notices per day issued by Home Ministry
    • Social media platforms must remove content within 3 hours
    • Sharp rise in cybersecurity incidents reported

    Legal Provision

    Section 79 of Information Technology Act 2000

    Section 79(1)

    • Provides Safe Harbour Protection
    • Platforms not liable for user generated content

    Section 79(3)(b)

    • Safe harbour removed if
    • Platform fails to remove flagged unlawful content
    • Government can issue takedown notices

    Nodal Agency

    Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre I4C

    • Designated on March 13, 2024
    • Empowered to issue takedown notices
    • Functions under Ministry of Home Affairs

    Sahyog Portal

    • Centralised portal for sending takedown notices
    • Police agencies across India can issue requests
    • Used to coordinate with social media platforms

    3 Hour Rule

    Social media platforms must Remove unlawful content Within 3 hours of receiving order. Order may come from Court, Government agency, and Law enforcement

    Rise in Cybersecurity Incidents

    • According to CERT In
      • 2021: 14.02 lakh incidents
      • 2022: 13.91 lakh incidents
      • 2023: 15.92 lakh incidents
      • 2024: 20.41 lakh incidents
      • 2025: 29.44 lakh incidents
    • Highest incidents reported from National Capital Territory of Delhi

    What is CERT In

    Indian Computer Emergency Response Team

    • National cybersecurity agency
    • Established under Section 70B of IT Act 2000
    • Functions under Ministry of Electronics and IT

    Functions
    • Track cyber threats
    • Issue alerts
    • Incident response
    • Cybersecurity coordination

    [2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
    1 Service providers 
    2 Data Centres 
    3 Body corporate 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Social Media: Prospect and Challenges

    US Jury Verdicts Against Meta and Google Raise Questions Over Tech Liability Shield

    27 March 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in News

    US juries held Meta and Google liable in lawsuits related to harm caused to children, potentially challenging legal protections under Section 230 of US law.

    Key Verdicts

    California Case

    • Los Angeles jury found Meta and Google liable
     • Harm caused: Depression and suicidal thoughts
     • Platforms involved: Instagram and YouTube
     • Compensation ordered: $6 million

    New Mexico Case

    • Jury found Meta liable
     • Allegation: Misleading about child safety
    • Issue: Sexual exploitation risks on platform
     • Compensation ordered: $375 million

    What is Tech Liability Shield

    • Tech Liability Shield refers to legal protection given to technology platforms such as social media companies so they are not held responsible for user generated content.
    • This protection mainly comes from Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act 1996 in the United States.

    Section 230 Tech Liability Shield

    Section 230 states

    • Online platforms are not treated as publishers
    • Platforms not liable for user posted content
    • Companies protected from lawsuits over user activity

    Often called The law that built the internet

    [2019] Which of the following adopted a law on data protection and privacy for its citizens known as ‘General Data Protection Regulation’ (GDPR) in April 2016 and started implementation of it from 25th May, 2018? 
    (a) Australia (b) Canada (c) The European Union (d) The United States of America

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  • Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme IVFRT

    27 March 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in News

    Union Cabinet approved extension of Immigration Visa Foreigners Registration and Tracking Scheme (IVFRT) for five years till 2031 with ₹1800 crore budget outlay to modernise India’s immigration system and strengthen security.

    What is IVFRT Scheme

    • Centralised immigration management system
    • Integrates visa issuance, immigration clearance and foreigner registration
    • Implemented by Ministry of Home Affairs
    • Managed by Bureau of Immigration
    • Covers airports, seaports and land immigration posts

    Background

    • Approved in 2010
    • Initial budget ₹1011 crore
    • Aims to digitise immigration and visa processes
    • Now extended to strengthen new immigration framework

    Why Extension is Needed

    1. New Immigration Law 2025

    • Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 enacted
    • Need for modernised immigration tracking
    • Strengthening foreigner monitoring system

    2. Rising Illegal Migration

    • Tracking overstaying foreigners
    • Monitoring visa misuse
    • Addressing human trafficking networks
    • Strengthening border management

    3. Increasing International Travel

    • Growth in tourism and business travel
    • Need for faster immigration clearance
    • Efficient passenger management

    Key Features of IVFRT

    • Online visa application system
    • Biometric based identification
    • Real time tracking of foreigners
    • Integrated immigration database
    • Automated alerts and risk assessment
    • Contactless visa and immigration process

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements: 
    1 There is only one citizenship and one domicile. 
    2 A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State. 
    3 A foreigner, once granted citizenship, cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3

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  • Antibiotics Resistance

    Antibiotic Resistance Fuels 87 Percent of India’s Typhoid Economic Burden

    27 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Social Justice
    Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Why in News

    A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia (2026) found that antibiotic resistant typhoid infections accounted for 87 percent of India’s typhoid economic burden in 2023.

    Key Findings

    • Total economic burden of typhoid in India: ₹123 billion
    • Antibiotic resistant typhoid share: 87 percent
    • Children under 10 years contributed to over 50 percent of costs
    • Households bore 91 percent of total expenses
    • Around 70,000 families faced catastrophic health expenditure

    High Burden States

    • Five states accounted for 51 percent of national burden
    • Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal

    What is Typhoid

    • Bacterial infectious disease
    • Caused by Salmonella Typhi
    • Spread through contaminated food and water
    • Linked to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water

    What is Antibiotic Resistance

    • Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics
    • Medicines become less effective
    • Treatment becomes longer and more expensive
    • Higher risk of complications

    [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 1 Genetic predisposition of some people. 2 Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases. 3 Using antibiotics in livestock farming. 4 Multiple chronic diseases in some people. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    India’s Power Demand Hits Five Year High in Early 2026

    27 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in News

    India recorded highest electricity demand in five years during January February 2026, driven by unusual winter weather patterns, cold spells and early heat conditions.

    Key Data

    January 2026

    • Electricity demand: 143 Billion Units
     • January 2025: 136 Billion Units
     • Peak demand: 245.4 GW
     • January 2022 peak: 193 GW
     • Five year increase: Nearly 28 percent

    February 2026

    • Electricity demand: 133 Billion Units
     • Peak demand: 244 GW
     • Highest February demand in five years
    • Nearly equal to summer demand

    Long Term Trend

    • January demand increased 28 percent since 2022
     • February demand increased 23 percent since 2022
     • Peak load increased 26 to 27 percent
     • Indicates structural growth in electricity demand

    [2025] Consider the following statements: 
    1 Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ​ ) emissions in India are less than 0.5 t CO 2 ​ /capita. 
    2 In terms of CO 2 ​ emissions from fuel combustion, India ranks second in Asia-Pacific region.
    3 Electricity and heat producers are the largest sources of CO 2 ​ emissions in India. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Death of Winter in Kashmir: Shrinking Snowfall and Himalayan Climate Crisis

    26 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in News

    • A Down To Earth report (March 2026) highlighted that Kashmir has recorded seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall.  

    Key Findings

    Declining Snowfall

    • Seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall
    • Winter 2025 to 26 precipitation:
      • Actual: 100.6 mm
      • Normal: 284.9 mm
      • Deficit: 65 percent

    February 2026 Rainfall

    • Actual rainfall: 14.2 mm
    • Normal rainfall: 130.4 mm
    • Deficit: 89 percent

    Srinagar Record

    • Only 5.3 mm precipitation
    • One of the lowest since 1901

    Rising Winter Temperatures

    Record Temperatures

    • Srinagar February average maximum:
      • 15.6°C in 2026
      • Previous record: 14.9°C in 2016

    Gulmarg Temperature

    • Early March temperature:
      • 17.2°C
      • 13.7°C above normal

    Why Snowfall Matters in the Himalayas

    Natural Water Storage

    • Snow acts as natural reservoir
    • Gradual melting feeds: Rivers, Streams and Irrigation systems
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    RBI Scraps Treasury Bill Auctions to Boost Liquidity

    26 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in News

    • Reserve Bank of India rejected all bids in Treasury Bill auction
    • Government planned to raise ₹35,000 crore
    • Move aimed at boosting banking system liquidity before financial year end (March 31)

    What RBI Did

    • Cancelled auction of:
      • 91 day Treasury Bills
      • 182 day Treasury Bills
      • 364 day Treasury Bills
    • No borrowing by government
    • First full cancellation in 13 months

    What are Treasury Bills

    • Short term government borrowing instruments
    • Issued by Government of India
    • Managed by Reserve Bank of India
    • Zero coupon securities
    • Sold at discount, redeemed at face value
    • Types of T Bills: 91 day Treasury Bills, 182 day Treasury Bills and 364 day Treasury Bills. 

    Why RBI Cancelled Auction

    1. Improve Banking Liquidity

    • Government not borrowing means:
      • Money remains in banking system
      • Banks have more funds to lend
    • Liquidity boost estimated: ₹35,000 crore

    2. Financial Year End Liquidity Needs

    • Banks need funds for:
      • Balance sheet adjustments
      • Meeting regulatory requirements
      • Managing withdrawals

    3. Tax Inflows to Government

    • Government recently received: Advance tax payments and GST collections
    • Reduced need for immediate borrowing

    4. Avoid Market Pressure

    • Higher yields expected in auction
    • RBI avoided: Interest rate spikes and Market volatility
    [2018] Consider the following statements: 
    1 The Reserve Bank of India manages and services Government of India Securities but not any State Government Securities. 
    2 Treasury bills are issued by the Government of India and there are no treasury bills issued by the State Governments. 
    3 Treasury bills offer are issued at a discount from the par value. 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Supreme Court: Vande Mataram Advisory Not Mandatory or Threat to Conform

    26 March 2026 | 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 stated that the Union Home Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram is not mandatory and does not violate constitutional freedoms.

    Background

    • Union Home Ministry issued January 28 advisory
    • Suggested:
      • Playing Vande Mataram in full
      • At public and ceremonial events
    • Petition filed challenging advisory

    Supreme Court Observations

    Advisory Not Mandatory

    • Court clarified:
      • Advisory is not binding
      • No penalty for non compliance
      • No legal consequences

    Court stated

    • Advisory only prescribes protocol
    • No threat to constitutional freedoms
    • Petition based on vague apprehensions

    Petitioner’s Arguments

    Petitioner argued

    • Advisory makes singing socially mandatory
    • Creates pressure to conform
    • May burden those refusing to sing
    • Playing Vande Mataram before National Anthem reduces anthem’s importance

    Court’s Response

    • No legal burden exists
    • No notice or punishment mentioned
    • Advisory uses non mandatory language

    Example

    • Schools may begin day with Vande Mataram
    • “May” means optional

    Government’s Position

    Solicitor General argued

    • Respect for national symbols should be organic
    • Cited Article 51A Fundamental Duties
    • Citizens must respect:
      • National Flag
      • National Anthem

    National Anthem vs National Song

    Historical Context

    • January 24, 1950 decision
    • Jana Gana Mana adopted as National Anthem
    • Vande Mataram adopted as National Song

    Important

    • Article 51A mentions National Anthem
    • Does not explicitly mention National Song

    Supreme Court Decision

    • Petition termed premature
    • Court refused to intervene
    • Petitioners may approach court if: Discrimination occurs and Coercion happens
    [2011] Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a Fundamental Duty? 
    (a) To vote in public elections 
    (b) To develop the scientific temper 
    (c) To safeguard public property 
    (d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals

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  • River Interlinking

    Cauvery Basin May Face Water Decline Till 2050 

    26 March 2026 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News

    A study by IIT Gandhinagar published in Earth’s Future journal warns that the Cauvery river basin may face a decline in water availability until 2050, unlike most other Indian rivers expected to see increased flows due to climate change.

    Key Findings of the Study

    Decline in Cauvery Water

    • 3.5 percent decline in Cauvery water expected
    • Time period: 2026 to 2050
    • Minimal increase expected after 2051

    Historical Decline

    • Cauvery streamflow declined 28 percent between 1951 and 2012
    • Based on data from Kollegal monitoring station

    Contrast with Other Rivers

    • Most major Indian rivers expected to see increase in flow
    • Projected increases
      • Indus: 25 percent increase
      • Ganga: 8 percent increase
      • Krishna: 16 percent increase
    • Cauvery stands as exception
    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin? 
    1 Nagarhole National Park 
    2 Papikonda National Park 
    3 Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve 
    4 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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