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Type: Prelims Only

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

    EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

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

    Why in the news?

    A recent study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research stated that the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could significantly strengthen global climate action and reduce carbon leakage.

    What is CBAM?

    The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is:

    • A carbon tariff imposed by the European Union on imports of carbon intensive products.
    • Importers must pay a carbon levy unless the exporting country already has an equivalent carbon pricing system.

    Objectives of CBAM

    • Prevent: Carbon leakage
    • Protect: EU industries from unfair competition
    • Encourage: Other countries to adopt carbon pricing policies
    • Support: Global decarbonisation efforts

    What is Carbon Leakage?

    Carbon leakage occurs when:

    • Industries shift production from countries with strict climate policies to countries with weaker environmental regulations.
    • This causes emissions reductions in one country to be offset by increased emissions elsewhere.

    Findings of the Study

    • Without CBAM, Around 40% of EU emission reductions could be offset by carbon leakage.
    • With CBAM, Carbon leakage could be reduced to 15%.
    • Global emission reductions may increase significantly if major trading partners adopt carbon pricing systems.

    What is Carbon Pricing?

    Carbon pricing means:

    • Putting a monetary cost on carbon emissions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Major forms: Carbon tax and Emissions Trading System (ETS)

    Criticism of CBAM

    Critics argue:

    • Developing countries may face higher export costs.
    • It may act as a trade barrier.
    • EU does not provide sufficient:
      • Climate finance
      • Technology support
        for industrial decarbonisation in poorer countries.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I:Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
    Statement-II:Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State
    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 Statements II is incorrect

    [D] Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.

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  • Missing Data on Clean Cooking Fuel in NFHS-6

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

    Why in the news?

    The NFHS-6 factsheet released in 2026 omitted data on “households using clean cooking fuel”, an important indicator previously included in NFHS-5.

    Key Highlights

    • NFHS-6 showed: Households with electricity increased to: 98.3%.
    • However, data on: Access to clean cooking fuel was removed from the factsheet.

    About NFHS

    The National Family Health Survey (NFHS):

    • Is India’s largest household health survey.
    • Conducted by: International Institute for Population Sciences
    • Under: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

    Clean Cooking Fuel in NFHS-5

    NFHS-5 (2019-21) reported:

    • Only 58.6% households had access to clean cooking fuel.
    • About 40.6% households still depended on Firewood, Dung cakes, and Biomass fuels.

    [2019] Consider the following:
    1. Carbon monoxide
    2. Methane
    3. Ozone
    4. Sulphur dioxide
    Which of the above are released into the atmosphere due to the burning of crop/biomass residue?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1 and 4 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Tylosaurus rex – The “T. rex of the Sea”

    2 June 2026 | Discovered / FoundPrelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news?

    Scientists have identified a new species of giant marine reptile named Tylosaurus rex, a fearsome predator that lived during the age of dinosaurs. The findings were published in the Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History.

    Key Highlights

    • Tylosaurus rex was:
      • A giant marine reptile.
      • One of the apex predators of the Cretaceous Period.
    • Scientists identified it as a distinct species based on:
      • Huge body size
      • Serrated teeth
      • Strong jaw and neck musculature
      • Anatomical differences from related species.

    About Tylosaurus rex

    • Lived around 80 million years ago.
    • Habitat: an inland sea that once divided North America.
    • Features:
      • Streamlined body
      • Long snout
      • Paddle like flippers
      • Powerful tail.

    What are Mosasaurs?

    Tylosaurus rex belonged to:

    • Mosasaurs: Group of extinct marine reptiles.
    • They evolved from Land dwelling lizards.
    • Became: Apex marine predators during the late Cretaceous Period.

    [2018] The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of

    A. Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.

    B. Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.

    C. Large scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.

    D. Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    IIP Growth Slows to 4.9% in April 2026

    2 June 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the news?

    India’s industrial output, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew by 4.9% in April 2026, slower than 5.8% recorded in April 2025. The government also released a revised IIP series with a new base year of 2022-23.

    What is IIP?

    The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) measures:

    • Short term changes in industrial production in India.
    • Published monthly by:
      • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

    It is an important indicator of:

    • Industrial performance
    • Economic activity
    • Manufacturing trends

    New IIP Series

    • Base year changed from: 2011-12 to 2022-23.
    • Index value for base year is taken as: 100.
    • New basket includes:
      • 1,042 products
      • 463 item groups.
    • Earlier series had:
      • 839 items
      • 407 item groups.

    Major Changes in the New Series

    The revised IIP has expanded coverage by including:

    • Gas supply
    • Water supply
    • Sewerage activities
    • Waste management activities

    Sectoral Performance

    • Mining and Quarrying: Output contracted by more than 5% in April 2026.
    • Manufacturing Grew by: 6.2%.
    • Manufacturing contributes nearly: 75% of IIP weight.

    [2015] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight?

    (a) Coal Production

    (b) Electricity generation

    (c) Fertilizer production

    (d) Steel production.

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

    Khet Bachao Abhiyan

    1 June 2026 | PIBPrelims Only | Agriculture
    Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch- India-Central Asia

    Sacred Relics of Buddha’s Chief Disciples Enshrined in Mongolia

    1 June 2026 | PIBPrelims Only | Art and Culture
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-01.Indian Culture- Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

    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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Nepal

    Nepal PM’s Remarks on India-Nepal Border Dispute

    1 June 2026 | Prelims Only | International Relations
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-18.Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

    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 

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

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

    1 June 2026 | Prelims Only | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    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

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Webb Telescope Captures Weather on Exoplanet WASP-94A b

    1 June 2026 | Discovered / FoundPrelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    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

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    Balance of Payments (BoP) Deficit & Dollar Outflow

    30 May 2026 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    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

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