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Type: Prelims Only

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    India–US Trade Issue and ILO Compliance  

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

    Why in the News?

    India responded to investigations by the United States Trade Representative under Section 301 on forced labour and excess capacity.

    Key Points

    • Section 301: US law to investigate unfair trade practices and impose tariffs.
    • India on Forced Labour: India has ratified International Labour Organization conventions:
      • Forced Labour Convention, 1930
      • Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957
    • India on Excess Capacity: Economy is largely domestic demand driven
      • Export to GDP ratio about 12 percent
    • Trade Surplus Argument: Trade surplus is a normal outcome of global trade
      • Based on comparative advantage
    • US Concerns: Overcapacity affecting US jobs and industries
    • India’s Counter
      • India accounts for only about 3.1 percent of US imports
      • Limited role in US trade deficit
    [2018] International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to: 
    (a) Child labour 
    (b) Adaptation of agriculture practices to global climate change 
    (c) Regulation of food prices and food security 
    (d) Gender parity at the workplace

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    State of India’s Bats Report  

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    • First-ever national assessment “State of India’s Bats (2024–25)” highlights threats, neglect, and data gaps in bat conservation in India.

    Key Findings

    • Total bat species in India: ~135
    • 16 species endemic (found only in India)
    • 7 species threatened (IUCN Red List)
    • 35 species:
      • Not assessed / data deficient
    • Indicates serious knowledge gap

    About the Report

    • Title: State of India’s Bats (2024–25)
    • Led by:
      • Nature Conservation Foundation
      • Bat Conservation International
    • Contributors: 36 experts and 27 institutions
    [2024] Consider the following statements : 
    Statement-I : The Indian Flying Fox is placed under the “vermin” category in the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 
    Statement-II : The Indian Flying Fox feeds on the blood of other animals. 
    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

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Delimitation Using Old Census Data — Supreme Court View 

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the News?

    • The Supreme Court of India cautioned that conducting delimitation before Census post-2026 could disturb the constitutional electoral framework.

    Core Issue

    • Whether delimitation can be done using old Census data (pre-2026)
    • Petition demanded parity with Jammu & Kashmir delimitation (2022)

    Supreme Court’s Key Observations

    1. Constitutional Timeline Must Be Followed

    • Delimitation cannot be done until:
      • First Census after 2026 is published
      • Based on: Article 82 (Lok Sabha) and Article 170 (State Assemblies)

    2. Risk to Electoral Framework

    • Using old data may:
      • Destabilize uniform electoral system
      • Disturb fair representation
      • Blur line between: Constitutional mandate and Political discretion

    3. Equality Principle (Article 14)

    • Selective delimitation (only some States) would: Violate Article 14
    • All States must be treated equally

    Court’s Decision

    • Rejected plea for delimitation in: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
    • Reason: Violates constitutional embargo
    • In India, there is a constitutional embargo on delimitation:
    • Under:
      • Article 82
      • Article 170
    • It states that: No readjustment of seats can be done until:
      • First Census after 2026 is published
    • This is the constitutional embargo referred to by the Supreme Court.

    Judicial Review of Delimitation

    • General Rule: Courts have limited power to review delimitation
    • Exception: Court can intervene if:
      • Arbitrary
      • Unreasonable
      • Violates constitutional values
    • Reinforced in: Kishorchandra Chhanganlal Rathod case

    Important Case Reference

    • Indira Nehru Gandhi vs Raj Narain
      • Parliament responsible for: Free & fair elections and Delimitation laws

    Current Relevance

    • Important due to: Proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026
      • Debate on: Using 2011 Census for delimitation
    [2023] With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements: 
    1 The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law. 
    2 When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State 
    3 Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders. 
    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

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Africa

    India–Zambia Talks on Critical Minerals 

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

    Why in the News?

    • India’s negotiations with Zambia over critical minerals mining have stalled due to lack of clarity on mining rights.
    • Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa bordered by eight nations: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (north), Tanzania (northeast), Malawi and Mozambique (east), Zimbabwe and Botswana (south), Namibia (southwest), and Angola (west).

    Key Highlights

    • India allocated: ~9,000 sq km in Zambia for exploration
    • Minerals: Cobalt and Copper
    • Exploration: Indian geologists collected samples
    • Plan:
      • 3-year exploration
      • Later private sector participation (if mining rights granted)

    What are Critical Minerals

    • Essential for:
      • Energy transition
      • Strategic industries
      • High-tech manufacturing

    Key Minerals

    1. Cobalt

    • Used in: EV batteries and Electronics
    • India: Highly import dependent

    2. Copper

    • Used in: Power infrastructure, Electronics, and Construction
    • Imports rising due to domestic constraints

    Why Talks Stalled

    • Zambia has not assured: Mining rights
    • Without rights: Commercial extraction not possible

    India’s Strategy

    • Secure minerals via: Government-to-government deals
    • Focus regions: Africa, Australia, and Latin America
    [2023] About three-fourths of world’s cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by: 
    (a) Argentina 
    (b) Botswana 
    (c) the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
    (d) Kazakhstan

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

    WPI Inflation Hits 3-Year High  

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    • India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to a 38-month high of 3.88% in March 2026, driven by a sharp surge in crude oil prices due to the West Asia conflict.

    Key Highlights

    • WPI Inflation (March 2026): 3.88%
    • WPI Inflation (February 2026): 2.13%
    • Highest level in over 3 years
    FeatureWholesale Price Index (WPI)Consumer Price Index (CPI)
    Primary FocusPrices at the wholesale/producer level.Prices at the retail/consumer level.
    CompositionOnly Goods.Both Goods and Services.
    Who publishes it?Ministry of Commerce and Industry.National Statistical Office (NSO).
    Key ComponentsFuel, Power, Manufactured products.Food, Beverages, Housing, Education, Health.
    ImpactReflects business-to-business (B2B) costs.Reflects the cost of living (B2C).
    Base YearCurrently 2011-12 (in many regions), but changed the base from 2011-12 to 2022-23Base revised from 2012 to 2024 using Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24
    [2020] Consider the following statements: 
    1.The weightage of food in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). 
    2.The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which the CPI does. 
    3.The Reserve Bank of India uses WPI as its key measure of inflation to decide changes in policy rates. 
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 2 and 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

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

    Himalayan Vegetation Shifting Upwards 

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    • A study published in Ecography shows that alpine vegetation in the Himalayas is shifting upward due to climate change, warming, and reduced snow depth.

    Key Findings

    • Study period: 1999 to 2022 (24 years)
    • Regions studied: Ladakh, Reckong, Ngari, Manthang (Nepal), Khumbu (Mt Everest region), and Bhutan

    Magnitude of Shift

    • Maximum shift: 6.95 metres/year (Manthang, Nepal)
    • Minimum shift: 1.42 metres/year (Khumbu region)
      • Indicates rapid ecological response to warming

    What is Alpine Vegetation

    • Found at: 4,100–5,000 m above mean sea level
    • Above this:
      • Sub-nival zone (5,000–5,500 m) → sparse vegetation
      • >5,500 m → snow, glaciers, rocks

    Causes of Upward Shift

    1. Rising Temperature

    • Himalayas warming faster than global average

    2. Reduced Snow Depth

    • Less snow cover → longer growing season

    3. Climate Change

    • Changes in: Temperature, Moisture, and Nutrient availability

    Greening vs Browning

    Greening

    • Increase in vegetation cover
    • More leafy growth
    • Observed in most regions

    Browning

    • Decline in vegetation / more woody shrubs
    • Seen in: Eastern Himalayas (Khumbu, Bhutan)
    • Main reason: Changes in precipitation patterns
    [2014] If you travel through the Himalayas, you are Iikely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? 
    1. Oak 
    2. Rhododendron 
    3. Sandalwood 
    Select the correct answer using the code given below 
    [A] 1 and 2 only [B] 3 only [C] 1 and 3 only [D] 1, 2 and 3

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

    Cinematograph Act, 1952  

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Why in the News?

    • Leak of Tamil film Jana Nayagan before release has highlighted stricter anti-piracy provisions under the amended Cinematograph Act, 1952.

    About Cinematograph Act, 1952

    What it is

    • Primary law governing:
      • Film certification
      • Public exhibition of films in India
    • Established: Central Board of Film Certification

    Objectives

    • Ensure films adhere to: Public order, Decency, and Morality
    • Provide age-based classification
    • Prevent film piracy

    Certification Categories

    • U (Universal): Suitable for all
    • UA (Parental Guidance): UA 7+, UA 13+, and UA 16+
    • A (Adults Only): 18+
    • S (Specialised): Restricted to specific groups (e.g., doctors)

    Key Features (2023 Amendments)

    1. Strong Anti-Piracy Provisions

    • Prohibits:
      • Unauthorized recording in theatres
      • Unauthorized exhibition of pirated content
    • Even attempt to record is punishable

    2. Severe Penalties

    • Imprisonment: 3 months to 3 years
    • Fine: ₹3 lakh to 5% of production cost

    3. Perpetual Validity

    • Film certificates now: Valid indefinitely
    • Earlier: Valid for 10 years

    4. Refined UA Classification

    • Sub-categories introduced: Better age guidance for parents

    5. Removal of Govt Revisional Power

    • Central Government can no longer:
      • Overrule CBFC decisions
      •  Strengthens CBFC autonomy

    6. Certification for Other Media

    • Films rated: A or S
    • Cannot be shown on TV unless:
      • Re-certified with modifications

    7. Fair Use Provision

    • Allows limited use under: Copyright Act, 1957
    • For: Education, Criticism, and Reporting
    [2025] With reference to India, consider the following pairs:
    Organization: Union Ministry 
    1. The National Automotive Board: Ministry of Commerce and Industry 
    2. The Coir Board: Ministry of Heavy Industries 
    3. The National Centre for Trade Information: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises 
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? 
    [A] Only one [B] Only two [C] All the three [D] None

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    e-SafeHER Programme  

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched e-SafeHER, a large-scale cybersecurity training initiative aimed at empowering 1 million rural women.

    About e-SafeHER Programme

    • A cybersecurity awareness and training programme for rural women
    • Operates under: Information Security Education and Awareness Programme
    • Focus: Bridging gap between digital access and digital safety

    Aim

    • Train 1 million women by 2029
    • Promote safe digital participation
    • Strengthen cybersecurity awareness in: Digital payments and Online livelihoods
    [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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  • Start-up Ecosystem In India

    Startup India Fund of Funds (FoF) 2.0  

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues,Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    • Government notified Startup India FoF 2.0 (April 13, 2026) with a ₹10,000 crore corpus to boost startup funding.

    About FoF 2.0

    What it is

    • A government-backed Fund of Funds
    • Invests in: Alternative Investment Funds
    • These AIFs then invest in startups
      • Indirect funding mechanism (not direct investment)

    Institutional Framework

    • Nodal Department: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
    • Implementation Agency: Small Industries Development Bank of India
    • Regulator for AIFs: Securities and Exchange Board of India

    Background

    • FoF 1.0 (2016) under Startup India Action Plan
    • FoF 2.0 builds on it with:
      • More focus on advanced technologies
      • Stronger capital mobilization
    [2025] With reference to investments, consider the following: 
    I. Bonds 
    II. Hedge Funds 
    III. Stocks
    IV. Venture Capital 
    How many of the above are treated as Alternative Investment Funds? 
    (a) Only one (b) Only two (Hedge Funds and Venture Capital) (c) Only three (d) All the four

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Delimitation & Women’s Reservation 

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Why in the News?

    • The Centre has proposed inter-State redistribution of Lok Sabha seats based on the 2011 Census, along with implementing 33% women’s reservation.

    Key Proposals

    1. Fresh Delimitation

    • Based on latest published Census (likely 2011)
    • Ends earlier freeze based on 1971 Census
    • Mandates readjustment of seats among States

    2. Increase in Lok Sabha Strength

    • Current: 543 seats
    • Proposed:
      • Up to 850 seats
      • Around 815 for States
      • 35 for Union Territories

    3. Women’s Reservation

    • 33% reservation in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies
    • Linked to:
      • Delimitation
      • Census-based seat allocation

    Major Impact  

    Shift in Representation

    • Hindi heartland States
      • Share increases: 38.1% → 43.1%
    • Southern States
      • Share decreases: 24.3% → 20.7%

    Examples of Seat Changes

    • Uttar Pradesh: +58 seats (80 → ~138)
    • Bihar: 40 → 72
    • Maharashtra: 48 → 78
    • Tamil Nadu: 39 → 50  
    • Kerala: 20 → 23  

    Constitutional Background

    Current System

    • Seat allocation based on:
      • 1971 Census (inter-State)
      • 2001 Census (intra-State)

    Relevant Articles

    • Article 81 — Composition of Lok Sabha
    • Article 82 — Readjustment after Census

    Freeze

    • Delimitation frozen till 2026
    • Reason: Promote population control policies
    [2024] Consider the following statements regarding ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’: 
    1 Provisions will come into effect from the 18th Lok Sabha. 
    2 This will be in force for 15 years after becoming an Act. 
    3 There are provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes Women within the quota reserved for the Scheduled Castes. 
    Which of the statements given above are correct? 
    (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 3 only

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