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Feb 7, 2026 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 7th February 2026

The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Feb 7, 2026 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 7th February 2026

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Sarus Crane Category: Environment and Ecology Context: As per a government census conducted across 68 forest divisions of Uttar Pradesh, the population of sarus cranes in the state has gone up by 634 or 3.1% in a year. About Sarus Crane: Nature: It is non-migratory and India’s only resident breeding crane. Uniqueness: It is renowned as the tallest flying bird in the world, standing up to 156 cm (approx. 5.1 feet). Recognition: it is the official state bird of Uttar Pradesh. Habitat: They primarily live in wetlands like marshes, canals, and ponds, but they are also uniquely adapted to live in association with humans in paddy fields and cultivated plains. Diet: They are omnivorous in nature, feeding on insects, aquatic plants, grains, and small vertebrates. Worldwide spread: They live in Southeast Asia, northern India, and northern Australia. Distribution in India: In India, most sarus cranes are widely distributed along the Gangetic plain and in eastern Rajasthan in the northern states of India. Population densities decrease going to the south. Appearance: They can be distinguished by a predominantly grey plumage with a naked red head and upper neck, and pale red legs. Mating behaviour: They are strictly monogamous, famously mating for life and often cited as symbols of marital fidelity. Social behaviour: They are regarded as the least social crane species, found mostly in pairs or small groups of three or four. Lifespan: It has been estimated that cranes in general can live 30 to 40 years. Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix II Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule IV. Source: Hindustan Times Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Category: Economy Context: RBI conducted its first Monetary Policy Committee meeting of 2026, during which RBI Governor announced that the repo rate, will remain unchanged at 5.25%. About Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): Origin: It was established in 2016 following an amendment to the RBI Act, 1934 (specifically Section 45ZB). Replacement: The MPC replaced the previous arrangement of the Technical Advisory Committee. Composition: MPC will have six members: the RBI Governor (Chairperson), the RBI Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy, one official nominated by the RBI Board, and the remaining three members would represent the Government of India. Objective: It aims to maintain price stability while keeping growth in mind. The current inflation target is 4% with a tolerance band of ±2% (i.e., 2%–6%). Decision making: Decisions are made by majority vote, with each member having one vote. In the event of a tie, the RBI Governor has a casting vote. Meetings: It is required to meet at least four times a year. Quorum: The quorum for a meeting shall be four Members, at least one of whom shall be the Governor and, in his absence, the Deputy Governor, who is the Member of the MPC. Binding decision: The decision of the MPC would be binding on the RBI. About Monetary Policy: Definition: Monetary policy refers to the use of monetary instruments under the control of the central bank to regulate magnitudes such as interest rates, money supply, and availability of credit with a view to achieving the ultimate objective of economic policy. Responsibility of RBI: The RBI is vested with the responsibility of conducting monetary policy. This responsibility is explicitly mandated under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. Objective: The primary objective of monetary policy is to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth. Price stability is a necessary precondition to sustainable growth. Statutory basis: In May 2016, the RBI Act, 1934, was amended to provide a statutory basis for the implementation of the flexible inflation targeting framework. Inflation targeting: The amended RBI Act also provides for the inflation target to be set by the government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank, once in every five years. The MPC constituted by the central government under Section 45ZB determines the policy interest rate required to achieve the inflation target. Source: The Times of India Mt Aconcagua Category: Geography Recently, the Defence Minister flagged off a joint mountaineering expedition to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina from New Delhi. About Mt Aconcagua: Location: It is located in Argentina (near the border with Chile). Uniqueness: It is the highest mountain in South America and the tallest mountain outside of Asia. Origin: Aconcagua is of volcanic origin, but it is not itself an active volcano. Formation: The Mountain was formed when the heavier Nazca Plate dived beneath the South American Plate through a process known as subduction. Nature: It is a folded mountain composed of sedimentary and metamorphic rock. Boundary: It is one of the mountains in the Principle Cordillera, a mountain range in the Andes making up the boundary between Argentina and Central Chile. Seven summits: It is considered as one of the world’s “Seven Summits” (each of the seven tallest mountains in each continent). Climate Zones on the mountain: Dry and desert-like with sparse vegetation, Alpine desert zone and arctic conditions at the top. Glaciers: The mountain also contains glaciers, of which Ventisquero Horcones Inferior is the largest. Source: PIB Gulf Cooperation Council Category: International Organisations Context: Recently, India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed the Terms of Reference for a Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi. About Gulf Cooperation Council: Establishment: It is a regional political and economic alliance established in 1981. Members: The member countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objective: It aims to foster economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation among its members. This cooperation is based on common Islamic values, tribal links, and mutual security and development goals. History: It was formed in response to escalating regional tensions, particularly the Iranian Revolution (1979) and the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Significance: GCC countries are located strategically along the Persian Gulf, linking Europe, Asia, and Africa through maritime routes. Further, the bloc controls around 30% of global oil reserves and is a major exporter of natural gas. Organizational Structure: Supreme council is the highest authority of the GCC, composed of the heads of the member states. Ministerial council is composed of foreign ministers or their representatives from member states. It proposes policies and implements decisions of the Supreme Council. Key exports and imports from India: Key exports from India to GCC include engineering goods, rice, textiles, machinery, gems and jewelry. Key sectors of imports from GCC primarily comprise crude oil, LNG, petrochemicals, and precious metals such as gold. Source: News on AIR Jagannath Temple Category: History and Culture Context: The president of India, who is on a six-day tour to Odisha and Chhattisgarh, offered prayers at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri recently. About Jagannath Temple: Location: It is a Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha. Deity: It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu. Construction: It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the 12th century. However, the completion of the temple happened in 1230 AD under Anangbheema Deva III, who also installed the deities in the shrine. Significance: It is one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites, known as the Chaar Dhaams, that hold great significance for Hindus. Uniqueness: Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath temple. Architecture: It is a striking example of Kalinga architecture, a distinct style prevalent in the Odisha region. The entire temple complex is enclosed within two concentric walls. The temple complex includes shrines, gardens, and sacred tanks, creating a serene atmosphere for devotion. Artistic features: It is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day. Unlike other temples of the region, the carvings on the temples are predominantly of gods and goddesses. Source: News on AIR (MAINS Focus) Illegal Coal Mining and Governance Failure (GS Paper III – Environment, Internal Security, Resource Governance) Context (Introduction) The February 5, 2026 explosion in an illegal rat-hole coal mine in Meghalaya, killing at least 18 workers, highlights the persistence of illegal mining despite judicial prohibitions. The tragedy underscores a deeper governance failure where court orders and regulatory frameworks exist, but enforcement, accountability, and livelihood alternatives remain weak. Nature of the Problem: Rat-hole Mining in Meghalaya Rat-hole mining involves narrow, unengineered tunnels lacking roof or side-wall protection, making them prone to collapse Coal seams in Meghalaya are thin and scattered, favouring small-scale illegal extraction over mechanised mining Mining occurs on privately or community-owned land, complicating regulation and liability A high degree of fragmented ownership and contractorship diffuses accountability Strong local economic dependence on coal sustains social tolerance of illegality Legal and Regulatory Background Rat-hole mining was banned by the National Green Tribunal in 2014 due to environmental and safety concerns Meghalaya operates under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR Act) to regulate mining, transport, and storage Despite this, illegal mines continue to function, indicating weak enforcement capacity rather than absence of law Systemic Governance Gaps Court supervision cannot substitute governance: judicial bans lack last-mile enforcement Illegal coal is easily laundered into legal supply chains through intermediaries once it enters transport networks Accidents are underreported; workers are kept off formal records, masking injuries, child labour, and occupational disease Enforcement focuses on miners rather than intermediaries, transporters, and buyers, who face low risk and high profit Informal labour markets enable continuous supply of vulnerable workers Why Enforcement Alone Fails Bans without livelihood alternatives push mining further underground Administrative tolerance and local patronage networks dilute deterrence Weak monitoring makes detection costlier than non-compliance Way Forward: Making Illegality Costly and Alternatives Viable Increase expected cost of illegality through mandatory GPS tracking of coal carriers and route-based validation Integrate satellite imagery, drones, and control-room analytics to reduce detection costs Seize vehicles, cancel licences, prosecute intermediaries, and blacklist offenders from future auctions Introduce community-based monitoring, incentivised by sharing penalties with local bodies Offer conditional amnesty to workers to testify against contractors, while aggressively prosecuting organisers Rotate officials in hotspot districts and independently audit permits to curb administrative capture Displace illegal mining as an income source by expanding horticulture, construction, tourism, and small manufacturing, supported by credit and market linkages Reorient public works to absorb former mining labour Conclusion Treating illegal rat-hole mining solely as a law-and-order problem risks driving it deeper underground. Sustainable resolution requires raising the social and economic costs of illegality while simultaneously creating credible livelihood alternatives. Only a governance-led, incentive-aware approach can break the cycle of tragedy. Mains Question What do you understand by Rat hole mining? What are the causes behind its persistence? Discuss (250 words) Source: The Hindu AI and Energy as the New Axes of Global Power in a Fragmented World Order (GS Paper II – International Relations | GS Paper III – Technology & Energy) Context (Introduction) The contemporary international system is witnessing a decisive shift from a rules-based, institution-led order to a fragmented, power-centric and transactional system. Multilateral frameworks are weakening, global consensus on climate, trade and development is eroding, and national interest increasingly overrides shared norms. In this environment, capabilities — not commitments — shape influence, and two domains stand out as rule-defining: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Energy. How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping Global Power AI has moved beyond being a productivity tool to become a strategic asset that shapes economic competitiveness, military superiority and governance capacity. Geopolitical rivalry: The US–China contest increasingly revolves around AI leadership — semiconductors, data ecosystems, compute power and talent. Rule-making power: Countries leading in AI are setting standards on data governance, algorithmic accountability, cyber security and digital trade. Economic concentration: AI favours scale, capital and platforms, reinforcing hierarchies between technology leaders and followers. Strategic uncertainty: It remains unclear whether frontier innovation or rapid imitation will determine dominance, adding instability to global planning. Thus, AI is not merely disruptive — it is reconstituting global hierarchies. How Energy Dynamics Are Rewriting Strategic Calculations Energy, unlike speculative technology markets, remains anchored in material fundamentals, but its geopolitical role is intensifying. Structural oil surplus has kept prices stable despite wars, sanctions and regional instability. Narrowing cost gap between fossil fuels and renewables has slowed the green transition. Critical mineral constraints — especially copper, lithium and rare earths — are emerging as new chokepoints in electrification. Energy security over climate idealism is increasingly guiding national policies. Control over energy supply chains and transition materials is becoming a determinant of strategic autonomy. Combined Impact: Technology–Energy Nexus and Rule Rewriting AI and energy together shape: Industrial competitiveness Military capability Supply chain resilience Standards in trade, climate and digital governance In a fragmented order, rules follow power, and power increasingly flows from technological depth and energy control, not multilateral consensus. Challenges and Choices for India India faces a complex strategic balancing act: Strategic autonomy amid US–China rivalry without technological dependence Energy security during a slow and resource-constrained green transition AI capability building despite gaps in semiconductors, data infrastructure and R&D Institutional deficit in global rule-making forums despite growing economic weight India must avoid becoming a rule-taker in both AI governance and energy transitions. Conclusion In a world where multilateralism is thinning and power is increasingly transactional, AI and energy are the twin pillars of global influence. For India, the challenge is not merely adaptation but capability creation — ensuring that technological and energy choices reinforce sovereignty, competitiveness and long-term resilience rather than strategic vulnerability. Mains Question “The contemporary world order is shifting from rule-based multilateralism to transactional power politics. In this context, critically analyse how Artificial Intelligence and energy are redefining global hierarchies and assess India’s strategic positioning.” (250 words) Source: The Hindu

Feb 7, 2026 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 6th February 2026

Feb 7, 2026 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 6th February 2026

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) Category: Society Context: Denotified tribes, nomadic tribes, and semi-nomadic tribes across the country are coming together to push for a “separate column” for themselves in the 2027 Census. About Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs): Nomenclature: Also known as Vimukta Jati, these are communities that were historically “notified” as “born criminals” by the British under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. They were “de-notified” by the Government of India in 1952. Significance: The DNTs are among the most neglected, marginalised, and economically deprived communities, with most living a life of destitution. Background: Historically, these communities never had access to private land or home ownership and used forests and grazing lands for their livelihood and residential use. Population: In India, roughly 10 percent of the population are DNTs. Challenges faced by them: Persistent Stigma: Despite the 1952 repeal, they are still often profiled by law enforcement under the Habitual Offenders Act, 1952. Lack of Identity: Many lack basic documents like Caste Certificates, Ration Cards, or Aadhaar, making it difficult to access welfare schemes. Administrative Invisibility: Approximately 269 communities remain unclassified under any constitutional category (SC/ST/OBC), leaving them out of reservation benefits. Key Commissions & Reports: The following commissions have been instrumental in identifying and recommending welfare for these tribes: Ayyangar Committee (1949): Its report led to the repeal of the Criminal Tribes Act. Renke Commission (2008): The first to estimate their population at around 10.74 crore and highlight that many “escaped the attention” of the Constitution-makers. Idate Commission (2014-2018): Identified 1,262 communities and recommended the creation of a Permanent Commission for DNTs. Anthropological Survey of India (ASI) Study (2022-2025): Recently systematically categorised 268 communities that were previously unclassified, recommending 179 for inclusion in SC/ST/OBC lists. Welfare Schemes & Boards: Development and Welfare Board for DNTs, SNTs & NTs (DWBDNC): Established in 2019 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to implement welfare programs. SEED Scheme (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs): Launched in February 2022 with a budget of ₹200 crore for five years. It aims to provide free competitive exam coaching, health insurance, housing assistance, and livelihood initiatives to the members of DNTs Communities. Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships: Specifically for DNT students not covered under SC/ST/OBC. Source: The Hindu Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary has recorded over five lakh birds across 200 species in its latest census, a sharp 21% jump from 4.12 lakh in 2024. About Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary: Location: It is located approximately 64 km west of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Nomenclature: Nal Sarovar literally translates to ‘Tap Lake’. Nature: It is a natural lake with shallow waters and muddy lagoons, dotted by 36 islets. Area: Spread over an area of 120.82 sq.km., this sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. History: The history of Nalsarovar dates back to the 15th century, when the lake was created as a result of the construction of a check dam across the Sabarmati River. Evolution: The lake was initially used for irrigation and as a source of drinking water for nearby villages. Over time, the lake became an important habitat for a variety of bird species, and local communities recognized its ecological significance. Protected area: In the early 20th century, the British colonial administration recognized the importance of Nalsarovar as a wetland ecosystem and established it as a protected area. Recognition: In 1969, the Gujarat government declared Nalsarovar a bird sanctuary to primarily protect its bird population. It was declared as a Ramsar site on 24 September 2012. Flora: The sanctuary area has 48 species of algae and 72 species of flowering plants. The common aquatic plants are Cyperus sp., Scirpus sp., Typha ungustata, Eleocharis palustris, Ruppia, Potamogeton, Vallisnaria, Naias, Chara, etc. It also includes locally famous ‘pilu’ trees which harbor a red berry type edible fruit. Fauna: It is home to over 250 species of birds, including beautiful migratory birds that travel from places as far away as Europe and Siberia. Apart from these, typical species like pelicans, ducks, herons, and storks can be found easily. Other animals: On southern or southwestern fringes, small herds of wild ass can be seen. Mongoose, jungle cat, Indian fox, jackal, wolf, and hyena are also there. Source: The Times of India Bharat Taxi Category: Government Schemes Context: The Union Cooperation Minister recently launched India’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, “Bharat Taxi,” at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. About Bharat Taxi: Nature: Bharat Taxi is India’s first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform. Registration: It is registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Nodal ministry: It is a government-supported initiative developed under the Union Ministry of Cooperation and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD). Significance: It is India’s first cooperative taxi network, allowing drivers to become shareholders and co-owners. Promoters: It is being jointly promoted by leading cooperative and financial institutions including NCDC, IFFCO, AMUL, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDD Band NCEL. Driver-Owned Fleet: Drivers can purchase shares and become cooperative members, giving them transparency and decision-making power. Zero Commission: Unlike private cab aggregators that take a large cut, Bharat Taxi transfers the full fare to the driver. Transparent, No-Surge Pricing: Fares will remain predictable, with no surge charges. Platform Integration: Bharat Taxi platform will be integrated with national digital platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu. Security: It ensures adherence to Government of India’s data protection norms and cybersecurity standards. Source: PIB AI Stack Category: Science and Technology Context: India is anchored in the vision of AI for Humanity and building a robust AI stack is both a technological priority and a social commitment for India. About AI Stack: Definition: An AI stack is the complete set of tools and systems that work together to build and run AI applications. Objective: It makes artificial intelligence work in the real world, from the apps people use every day to the data, computing power, networks etc. Composition: It is made up of five layers: Application layer: It represents the user-facing component of the AI stack. It includes AI-powered apps and services such as health diagnostic tools, farming advisory platforms, chatbots, and language translation applications. AI model layer: It acts as the brain of AI systems. AI models are trained on data to recognize patterns, make predictions, and take decisions. It is the core intelligence that determines how effectively applications can understand, predict, and respond to real-world needs. Compute layer: It provides the computing power required to train and run AI models. During training, computers process vast amounts of data so the model can learn and improve. It is the critical enabler that determines the scale, speed, and sophistication of AI innovation. Data centres and network infrastructure layer: Data centres are where AI systems are stored and operated, while networks like the internet, broadband, and 5G move data between users, computers, and AI models. They provide the foundational backbone that enables AI systems to operate in real time. Energy layer: It keeps the entire AI stack running. AI data centres consume large amounts of electricity because powerful computers are needed to train and operate AI systems. Strategic Significance for India: Sovereign AI: Building an in-house stack ensures data sovereignty and prevents “Digital Colonialism” by keeping sensitive citizen data within local jurisdiction. India Stack 2.0: The AI Stack is often viewed as the next evolution of India Stack (Aadhaar, UPI), aimed at democratizing high-tech access. AI for Humanity: India’s philosophy focuses on inclusive growth, using AI to solve challenges in healthcare (e.g., TB screening), agriculture (crop yield prediction), and education. Economic Impact: AI is projected to add approximately $967 billion to the Indian economy by 2035. Source: PIB BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) Category: International Organisations Context: Recently, India joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi. About BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC): Nature: It is a multilateral, public–private platform that supports manufacturing companies and MSMEs in adopting advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and sustainable practices across BRICS and BRICS Plus countries. Launch: It was launched in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Establishment: It was established in 2024–25. Objective: It serves as a one-stop centre providing integrated support services to manufacturing companies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across BRICS countries. Implementation: The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies. Strategic alignment: The BCIC operates under the BRICS Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR), aimed at enhancing cross-regional cooperation and technology transfer. Significance: It enables Indian firms to integrate into BRICS value chains and access new markets. It also encourages productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness. Focus areas: Digital & Industry 4.0 support: Helps manufacturers adopt advanced technologies and transition into Factories of the Future. Partnership facilitation: Connects firms with technology providers, research institutions, and business partners across BRICS. Market intelligence & advisory: Provides guidance on market access, scaling operations, sustainability, and access to finance. Capacity building: Promotes productivity enhancement, skill development, and industrial modernisation. Source: PIB (MAINS Focus) The Fading of Environmental Jurisprudence in India (GS Paper II – Judiciary & Constitution | GS Paper III – Environment & Sustainable Development) Context Recent judicial and policy developments reveal a gradual dilution of India’s environmental jurisprudence, where ecological safeguards are increasingly subordinated to developmental priorities, raising serious constitutional concerns regarding Article 21, environmental justice, and intergenerational equity. Evolution of Environmental Jurisprudence in India Indian courts historically played a transformative role in environmental protection by expanding the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life) to include the right to a clean and healthy environment. Landmark doctrines such as the Precautionary Principle, Polluter Pays Principle, and Public Trust Doctrinewere judicially evolved. In Vellore Citizens’ Welfare Forum vs Union of India (1996), the Supreme Court firmly embedded the precautionary principle into Indian environmental law. In M.C. Mehta vs Kamal Nath (1996), the Court held that natural resources are held by the State in trust for the people and cannot be exploited for private gain. Courts emerged as custodians of environmental rights, particularly when executive enforcement was weak. Recent Judicial Trends Indicating Dilution A policy shift allowing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) after land acquisition, even without clarity on location and extent, weakens preventive environmental scrutiny. The recall of Vanashakti vs Union of India (2025), which had banned retrospective environmental clearances, diluted deterrence against illegal mining and infrastructure violations. Earlier, in Common Cause vs Union of India (2017), the Court categorically held that post-facto environmental clearances undermine the rule of law and cannot legalise illegality. Despite this, judicial tolerance of conditional and retrospective clearances signals a departure from strict compliance-based environmental governance. Aravalli Ranges: A Case Study in Jurisprudential Retreat The Aravallis are ecologically vital for groundwater recharge, climate moderation, soil stability, and desertification control in north-west India. In M.C. Mehta vs Union of India (2004), the Supreme Court imposed a ban on mining in the Aravalli region, recognising irreversible ecological damage. Subsequent orders culminating in 2010 rejected attempts to define Aravallis solely based on elevation, noting that low-lying ridges are ecologically crucial. The Court explicitly rejected the 100-metre height criterion, recognising the Aravallis as a geomorphological and hydrological system, not isolated peaks. However, in In Re: Issue Relating to Definition of Aravalli Hills and Ranges (2025), the Supreme Court accepted the height-based definition, excluding large ecologically significant areas from protection. This arbitrary classification lacks rational nexus with ecological objectives, violating Article 14 (non-arbitrariness) and weakening Article 48A (Directive Principle on environment protection). Mangroves, Himalayas and Infrastructure Push Judicial approval for the destruction of 158 mangroves for Adani Cementation Ltd. (2025) in Raigarh reflects reliance on compensatory afforestation over ecological integrity. Mangroves act as natural flood buffers, carbon sinks, and biodiversity reservoirs, and cannot be replaced within short timeframes. In Citizens for Green Doon vs Union of India (2021), the Court acknowledged the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem but permitted wider roads under the Char Dham highway project citing strategic needs. A 2025 study identifying 811 landslide-prone zones along the project raises concerns about this “balancing approach”. The Himalayan floods and landslides expose the long-term ecological costs of infrastructure-led development. Procedural Fairness and Corporate Influence Environmental clearances for large corporations often pass with minimal scrutiny, while objections are labelled obstructionist. Public hearings are reduced to procedural formalities, undermining participatory governance envisaged under environmental laws. Preferential treatment to capital-intensive projects raises concerns under Article 14, as procedural fairness and equality before law are compromised. Environmental compliance risks becoming a checklist rather than a substantive safeguard. Constitutional Implications Dilution of environmental safeguards directly affects Article 21, which guarantees the right to a clean and healthy environment. Article 48A (State’s duty to protect environment) and Article 51A(g) (citizens’ duty) are rendered ineffective without judicial enforcement. Selective ecological protection based on artificial criteria violates the constitutional principle of non-arbitrariness. Intergenerational equity — central to sustainable development — is increasingly ignored. Way Forward: Reinvigorating Environmental Justice Restore ecosystem-based interpretations instead of narrow technical definitions. Strictly prohibit post-facto and conditional environmental clearances, in line with Common Cause (2017). Institutionalise regular Green Benches in the Supreme Court and High Courts with scientific and ecological expertise. Reaffirm foundational doctrines such as the Public Trust Doctrine and Precautionary Principle. Balance development and national security with ecological limits through transparent, science-based decision-making. Conclusion India’s environmental jurisprudence stands at a constitutional crossroads. Courts that once expanded ecological protections now risk legitimising environmental degradation. Reclaiming judicial leadership is essential to preserve constitutional morality, ecological resilience, and the rights of future generations. Mains Question Indian courts have historically strengthened environmental protection through constitutional interpretation and judicial doctrines. Discuss (250 words) Source: The Hindu DISCOMs and the Road Ahead (GS Paper III – Infrastructure, Energy, Economic Reforms) Context India’s power distribution sector, long considered the weakest link in the electricity value chain, is showing early signs of recovery. Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) have recorded improvements in operational efficiency, financial discipline, and cost recovery. However, the turnaround remains uneven and heavily dependent on State support, raising questions about long-term sustainability. Structural Problems in the Distribution Sector Chronic Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses due to outdated infrastructure, theft, and poor billing efficiency Persistent gap between Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realised (ARR) caused by non-cost-reflective tariffs Delayed or unpaid State government subsidies, worsening liquidity stress Rising accumulated losses and debt burden, with DISCOM losses increasing from ₹5.5 lakh crore (2020–21) to ₹6.47 lakh crore (2024–25) and debt touching ₹7.26 lakh crore Legacy issues inherited from State Electricity Boards (SEBs), despite Section 59 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 mandating profitability Signs of Improvement and Recent Performance DISCOMs recorded a positive Profit After Tax (PAT) of ₹2,701 crore in 2024–25, reversing a loss of ₹67,962 crore in 2013–14 AT&C losses declined from 22.62% to 15.04% over the same period ACS–ARR gap narrowed sharply from 78 paise per unit to 0.06 paise per unit (accrual basis), indicating near cost recovery Improved financial discipline reflected in timely payment of current dues to generators Role of Central Reforms and Policy Interventions Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) links fund release to performance benchmarks such as loss reduction, smart metering, and infrastructure upgrades Late Payment Surcharge Rules (2022) enabled DISCOMs to clear legacy dues in up to 48 EMIs, arresting the accumulation of surcharges Outstanding legacy dues declined from ₹1.39 lakh crore (June 2022) to about ₹4,927 crore by January 2026 Amendments to Electricity Rules improved payment security mechanisms and reduced stress on generators Dependence on State Support: A Key Concern Financial turnaround in many States is largely driven by tariff subsidies and loss takeovers, not structural self-sufficiency Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (TNPDCL) recorded a PAT of ₹2,073 crore in 2024–25 only after receiving ₹15,772 crore in tariff subsidy and ₹16,107 crore in loss takeover Without State support, TNPDCL would have posted a loss of ₹14,034 crore (PFC Integrated Rating Exercise, 2026) Similar trends observed in Rajasthan’s JDVVNL, which reported profit only after receiving substantial State assistance Sustainability Challenges Ahead Revenue surpluses may be temporary, especially with future pay revisions and rising operational costs Free or highly subsidised electricity, particularly for domestic consumers, distorts price signals and disproportionately benefits higher-income households Unmetered agricultural supply limits accurate assessment of consumption and losses Way Forward Expand feeder segregation to States with unmetered farm supply to improve data accuracy and accountability Promote solar pumps in agriculture, as recommended by NITI Aayog (2021), to reduce procurement costs and peak demand Gradual transition to cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Accelerate smart metering and digital billing systems to curb losses and improve collection efficiency Strengthen regulatory independence of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) Political commitment to reform, combined with administrative capacity, is essential for long-term viability Conclusion The recent improvement in DISCOM performance reflects the impact of focused reforms and enhanced financial discipline. However, the continued reliance on State subsidies and loss absorption highlights unresolved structural weaknesses. Sustainable turnaround requires deeper efficiency gains, tariff rationalisation, and depoliticisation of electricity pricing. UPSC Mains Question Critically examine the status of DISCOMs and discuss the challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability. Suggest measures to ensure durable reforms in the distribution sector. (250 words) Source: The Hindu

Feb 5, 2026 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 5th February 2026

Feb 5, 2026 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 5th February 2026

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Exercise Khanjar Category: Defence and Security Context: The 13th edition of the joint military Exercise KHANJAR between India and Kyrgyzstan begins recently at Misamari in Sonitpur district of Assam. About Exercise Khanjar: Countries involved: It is the Joint Special Forces Exercise held between India and Kyrgyzstan. Origin: Initiated in December 2011 in Nahan, India. It became an annual event following PM Narendra Modi’s 2015 visit to the Kyrgyz Republic. Format: The exercise is conducted annually, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan. Focus Areas: Specialised skills such as sniping, complex building intervention, mountain craft, and insertion/extraction techniques. Strategic Significance: Strengthens bilateral defence cooperation and strategic trust. Addresses shared regional security concerns like international terrorism and extremism. Promotes interoperability between elite units of both nations. About Exercise Khanjar-XIII: It is held in Misamari in the Sonitpur district of Assam. The 14-day-long military exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations. Indian Contingent is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while Kyrgyzstan Contingent is represented by the ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade (Scorpion Brigade) The 2026 exercise will focus on joint operations in urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios under the United Nations mandate. The training modules will include close-quarter battle techniques, room intervention procedures, hostage-rescue simulations, counter-terrorism operations, and joint tactical manoeuvres. Source: News on AIR Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Category: Geography Context: India and Bhutan recently deliberated on the commercial optimization of power output from the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1020 MW). About Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project: Nature: It is a 1020 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric power project. Location: It is located in the Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan on the right bank of the Punatsangchhu River. Development: The project is being developed by the Punatsangchhu II Hydroelectric Project Authority, under an Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India. Funding: It is funded by the Government of India (GoI): 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest, repayable in 30 equated semi-annual installments commencing one year after the mean date of operation. Significance: With the completion of the Punatsangchhu-II project, Bhutan’s installed power generation capacity has increased by about 40 percent to over 3500 MW. Structure: The project involves the construction of a 91 m-high and 223.8 m-long concrete gravity dam, along with a diversion tunnel with a discharge capacity of 1118 cubic metres per second. Cofferdams: The project involves a 168.75 m-long and 22 m-high upper cofferdam and a 102.02 m-long and 13.5 m-tall downstream cofferdam. It will also comprise an underground powerhouse equipped with six Francis turbines of 170 MW capacity each. Source: The Hindu PM VIKAS Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, the union minister of minority affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme. About PM VIKAS Scheme: Full Form: PM VIKAS stands for Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan. Nature: It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2025. Objective: It aims to ensure inclusive growth for not only the minority and artisan communities but also for the youth and women. Convergent Umbrella Scheme: PM VIKAS integrates five erstwhile schemes of the Ministry to streamline resources and enhance impact: Seekho aur Kamao: Skill development for minority youth. USTTAD: Upgrading skills in traditional arts and crafts. Hamari Dharohar: Preservation of the rich heritage of minority communities. Nai Roshni: Leadership development for minority women. Nai Manzil: Education and skilling for school dropouts. Nodal Ministry: The nodal ministry for the scheme is Ministry of Minority Affairs. Target Beneficiaries: It targets primarily Indian nationals from the six notified minority communities: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis. Inclusive Mandates: The scheme emphasizes gender inclusivity, with 33% of seats in skilling and 50% in education earmarked for women. A 3% reservation is also provided for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Timeline: It is aligned with the 15th Finance Commission cycle, targeting benefits for approximately 9 lakh candidates through 2025–26. Collaboration: It is implemented in convergence with the Skill India Mission and the Skill India Portal (SIP). Credit access: It facilitates credit access through the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) and market support via the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH). Focus areas: Skill Development: To build capacity of minority communities through targeted interventions by providing skill training support in need-based courses and ensuring employment. Cultural Preservation: To preserve and promote the cultural heritage including traditional arts and craft forms by propagation of literature/ documents/ manuscripts and showcasing their unique ICH. Educational Support: To provide formal education and certification up to 8th, 10th, and 12th through open schooling to school dropouts from minority communities. Leadership and Entrepreneurship: To empower women from minority communities and instil confidence amongst them by providing leadership and entrepreneurship support. Source: PIB Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, scientists from the Botanical Survey of India have identified a new species of flowering plant in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary and named it as Dicliptera pakhalica. About Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary: Location: It is located in the Warangal district of Telangana. Vegetation: It has mixed deciduous forests. Lake: The Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary houses the Pakhal Lake which was excavated on the orders of King Ganapati Deva of the Kakatiya empire in 1213 AD. Flora: It consists of bamboo, teak, and diverse flora, including Terminalia, Pterocarpus, and Mohua. It also consists of various kinds of herbs, shrubs and climbers. Fauna: These include Leopard, wild boar, panthers, hyenas, sloth bear, chital, mountain gazelle, blackbuck etc. About Dicliptera Pakhalica: Nature: It is a flowering plant species belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Habitat: The plant was found growing along stream banks and rocky areas. Flowering season: It flowers between November and January, with fruiting extending from December to March. Significance: The species occurs in association with other native plants such as Tarenna asiatica, Eranthemum purpurascens, Ruellia prostrata and Mallotus philippensis, among others. Source: The New Indian Express Myoglobin Category: Science and Technology Context: Researchers have developed a flexible, low-cost biosensor capable of detecting myoglobin which is associated with the early stages of a heart attack. About Myoglobin: Nature: It is a small protein that accounts for about 2% of total muscle protein. Presence: It is found predominantly in striated muscle tissue, namely skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle. Specifically, it is in the cytoplasm of cardiac myocytes and the sarcoplasm of oxidative skeletal muscle fibers. Primary function: It acts as an intracellular storage site (reservoir) for oxygen in muscle tissues, releasing it during high metabolic demand or hypoxia. Structure: It encodes a single polypeptide chain with one oxygen binding site. Association with hemoglobin: It is one of the members of the globin superfamily, which also includes hemoglobin. It often gets compared structurally and functionally to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin has 4 polypeptide chains and four oxygen binding sites. Composition: It is made of amino acids, iron and other molecules that work together to hold onto oxygen. Transports Oxygen: It transports oxygen from the bloodstream to your muscles when they need it to convert stored energy into movements. It serves as a sensitive indicator of cellular damage when detected in urine or plasma. It serves as a buffer of intracellular oxygen concentrations and as an oxygen reservoir in muscle. Enzymatic functions: It is necessary for the decomposition of bioactive nitric oxide to nitrate. The removal of nitric oxide enhances mitochondrial respiration. Nobel Prize Connection: The three-dimensional structure of myoglobin was the first to be determined by X-ray crystallography, earning John Kendrew and Max Perutz the 1962 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Significance: Biomarker for Heart Attacks: It is an early indicator of cardiac injury. Elevated levels appear in the blood within 1–3 hours of a heart attack, though it lacks specificity compared to Troponin because it also rises during general muscle injury. Toxicity: While vital in muscles, free myoglobin in the bloodstream (often from rhabdomyolysis—severe muscle breakdown) is filtered by the kidneys and can be toxic, potentially leading to kidney failure. Colour of Meat: The “red liquid” in meat packages is not blood, but a mixture of water and myoglobin. Its oxidation state determines whether meat looks purple-red, bright red, or brown. Diving mammals: Animals like whales and seals have exceptionally high levels of myoglobin (10–30 times more than humans), enabling them to stay submerged for long periods. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) Imperative of Fiscal Consolidation (GS Paper III – Indian Economy, Public Finance) Context (Introduction) The Union Budget 2026–27 has been presented at a time when India is pursuing the ambitious goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047, amid global uncertainty and domestic structural constraints. While the Budget outlines an expansive developmental vision, it also brings to the fore a critical concern: the slowing pace of fiscal consolidation and its implications for macroeconomic stability and long-term growth. Current Fiscal Position: Key Trends Shift in Expenditure Composition: Revenue expenditure has declined from 88% of total expenditure in 2014–15 to about 77% in 2026–27 (BE), reflecting conscious fiscal restructuring. Rationalisation of Subsidies: Central subsidies have reduced by about 7 percentage points of total expenditure over the decade. Capital Expenditure Push: Capital expenditure has increased its share and supported post-COVID growth, remaining around 3.1% of GDP in recent years. Moderating Capex Growth: Capex growth slowed from 28.3% (2023–24) to 4.2% (2025–26 RE), with a modest rebound to 11.5% in 2026–27 (BE). Cautious Revenue Projections: Tax revenue assumptions for 2026–27 appear realistic, avoiding over-optimism. Revenue Constraints and Tax Buoyancy Issues Declining Tax Buoyancy: Overall gross tax buoyancy has fallen to 0.8 in 2026–27 (BE), below the desirable benchmark of 1. Direct vs Indirect Taxes: Direct taxes show buoyancy of 1.1, but indirect taxes lag significantly at 0.3. GST Underperformance: GST collections are projected to grow slower than GDP, weakening overall revenue elasticity. Need for Indirect Tax Reform: Enhancing GST efficiency and compliance is essential to raise revenue buoyancy without increasing rates. Centre–State Fiscal Dynamics Status Quo on Tax Devolution: The Sixteenth Finance Commission (FC16) retained States’ share in the divisible pool at 41%. Reduction in Grants: FC16 discontinued revenue deficit grants and reduced overall Finance Commission grants from 0.43% of GDP (2025–26 RE) to 0.33% (2026–27 BE). Increased Burden on States: Lower grants constrain States’ fiscal space even as they shoulder greater responsibility for welfare and capital spending. Slowing Pace of Fiscal Consolidation Diminishing Deficit Reduction: Annual fiscal deficit reduction has slowed from 0.7 percentage points (2024–25) to just 0.1 percentage point in 2026–27 (BE). Shift to Debt Targeting: Emphasis on debt-to-GDP targeting without a clear glide path for fiscal deficit weakens transparency. Interdependence of Targets: Debt-GDP and fiscal deficit ratios move together and depend critically on nominal GDP growth assumptions. FRBM Credibility at Stake: The Budget does not clearly indicate when the FRBM targets of 3% fiscal deficit and 40% debt-GDP ratio will be achieved. Risks from High Public Debt Rising Interest Burden: Effective interest rate on government debt is estimated at 7.12% in 2026–27, increasing steadily. Crowding Out Effect: Interest payments absorb nearly 40% of revenue receipts, limiting space for developmental expenditure. Private Investment Constraint: High combined Centre–State deficits (8–9% of GDP) reduce investible resources for the private sector. Growth–Stability Trade-off: Sustained growth cannot rely indefinitely on public capex without reviving private investment. Way Forward: Recalibrating Fiscal Strategy Restore Tax Buoyancy: Strengthen GST administration, widen base, and improve compliance to raise indirect tax elasticity. Transparent Fiscal Roadmap: Publish a clear five-year glide path for fiscal deficit and debt-GDP ratios with growth assumptions. Balance Capex with Consolidation: Maintain productive public investment while ensuring credible deficit reduction. Reinforce Centre–State Fiscal Federalism: Reassess grant structures to prevent erosion of State-level fiscal capacity. Support Private Investment: Fiscal consolidation must create room for credit availability and crowd-in private capital. Conclusion Budget 2026–27 presents a credible development vision, but the slowing pace of fiscal consolidation raises concerns about long-term macroeconomic stability. Sustained growth towards Viksit Bharat 2047 requires not only strategic expenditure but also disciplined fiscal management. Reinvigorating tax buoyancy, restoring transparency in fiscal targets, and balancing public investment with private sector revival are essential to ensure that growth remains durable and inclusive. Mains Question Fiscal consolidation is essential for sustaining high growth while preserving macroeconomic stability. Examine the challenges to India’s fiscal consolidation path and suggest measures to achieve this. (250 words) Source: The Hindu Competition Commission of India and Digital Market Dominance (GS Paper II – Statutory Bodies | GS Paper III – Competition, Digital Economy) Context (Introduction) The Supreme Court’s scrutiny of Meta–WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices has brought the Competition Commission of India (CCI) into sharp focus, highlighting how competition law must respond to monopolistic digital platforms, coerced consent, and the economic value of user data in India’s rapidly expanding digital economy. Competition Commission of India: Mandate and Nature The Competition Commission of India is a statutory, quasi-judicial body established under the Competition Act, 2002. Its core mandate is to prevent anti-competitive practices, promote fair competition, protect consumer interests, and ensure freedom of trade. The CCI exercises adjudicatory, investigative, and remedial powers, including penalties, behavioural remedies, and structural directions. In digital markets, the CCI increasingly addresses abuse of dominance, network effects, data concentration, and platform monopolies. WhatsApp–Meta Case: CCI’s Intervention In 2021, WhatsApp introduced a “take-it-or-leave-it” privacy policy, mandating greater data sharing with Meta. The CCI held that WhatsApp’s near-monopoly in India (over 500 million users) eliminated meaningful choice, making consent coercive rather than voluntary. The Commission imposed a penalty of ₹213 crore and ordered restrictions on data sharing for advertising purposes, recognising data as a source of competitive advantage. The ruling reflected a shift from viewing data as a privacy issue alone to recognising it as a competition assetthat can distort markets. Judicial Trajectory and Supreme Court’s Concerns While the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal upheld the finding of abuse of dominance, it diluted the CCI’s remedial directions. The Supreme Court of India, however, adopted a more structural view of digital dominance. The Court questioned whether “consent” is meaningful in a monopolistic ecosystem, especially in a country with uneven digital literacy. It raised concerns beyond privacy, including economic value extraction, rent-sharing, and whether citizens should be protected from exploitative data monetisation. By impleading the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Court signalled the need for policy coherence between competition law and data governance. Digital Markets and CCI’s Evolving Role: Comparable Cases In the Google Android case, the CCI penalised Google for forcing pre-installation of apps, recognising ecosystem-level dominance. In Amazon–Flipkart investigations, the CCI examined preferential listings and deep discounting in e-commerce. These cases underline the CCI’s gradual move toward ex-ante regulation in winner-takes-all digital markets. Key Challenges Before the CCI Network Effects: Dominant platforms become indispensable, weakening consumer exit options. Data Asymmetry: Firms control vast datasets that competitors and users cannot access. Overlap with Data Protection Law: The DPDP Act, 2023 protects privacy but does not address economic exploitation of data. Limited Structural Remedies: Penalties alone are insufficient deterrents for trillion-dollar platforms. Digital Literacy Gap: Formal consent mechanisms often fail in practice due to information asymmetry. Need for Reforms and Way Forward Explicit Digital Competition Framework: Introduce ex-ante obligations for gatekeeper platforms, similar to the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Data as an Economic Resource: Recognise user data as a source of value, requiring fair-use and non-extractive practices. Stronger Remedies: Empower CCI to impose time-bound data-sharing restrictions and interoperability mandates. Institutional Coordination: Align CCI’s mandate with data protection authorities to address privacy–competition overlaps. Capacity Building: Enhance technical expertise within the CCI for algorithmic audits and digital market assessments. User-Centric Standards: Shift from formal consent to meaningful, comprehensible consent standards. Conclusion The Meta–WhatsApp case marks a turning point in India’s competition jurisprudence. As digital platforms become essential infrastructure, the CCI’s role must evolve from penalising misconduct to structurally disciplining digital power. Effective regulation will determine whether India’s digital economy remains inclusive or becomes extractive. Mains Question Digital platforms challenge traditional notions of competition and consumer choice. Examine the role of the Competition Commission of India in regulating digital market dominance, with reference to recent judicial Judgements. (250 words)

Feb 4, 2026 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 4th February 2026

Feb 4, 2026 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th February 2026

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Moltbook Category: Science and Technology Context: The much-talked-about AI-only social network for bots, Moltbook, may not quite be the revolutionary uprising of machines that many had imagined. About Moltbook: Nature: Moltbook is a new online platform where artificial intelligence agents interact with each other without direct human participation. Launch: It was launched in January 2026 by developer Matt Schlicht. Objective: It allows AI systems to post, interact, and exchange information in a shared digital space. Diverse discussions: It is designed as a machine-to-machine space where discussions range from technical issues to philosophical topics like “consciousness” or identity. The agents generate text based on patterns they learned from training data and from interactions. Autonomous interaction: On Moltbook, AI agents do talk to each other by posting, replying and upvoting comments in thread conversations. This communication happens autonomously once a human owner connects their agent to the platform. Emergent behaviour: AI agents on Moltbook appear to update their behaviour based on interactions with other bots. They remix ideas they encounter in discussions and sometimes adjust responses over time, creating threads that resemble ongoing debates. Multi-Agent Systems (MAS): It demonstrates the capability of AI models to coordinate and simulate complex social structures autonomously. Ethical concerns: It raises questions regarding AI alignment, accountability, and the risk of unmonitored AI groups spreading misinformation or engaging in adversarial behavior like stealing API keys. Security risks: Experts warn that platforms like Moltbook could facilitate indirect prompt injection attacks, where agents are manipulated into compromising their owner’s data. Source: India Today World Wetlands Day Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Marking World Wetlands Day, the Department of Posts released a special postal cover featuring the blackbuck found in Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary. About World Wetlands Day: Date: It is celebrated every year on 2 February. Origin: It marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. Other names: The agreement is also known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Focus: It emphasizes the connection between local communities and wetlands, highlighting how traditional practices ensure sustainable use. UN recognition: It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2021 and has been a United Nations International Day since 2022. Uniqueness: It is one of the oldest modern international environmental agreements and the only one focused entirely on a single ecosystem- wetlands. Parties: There are 172 Contracting Parties to the convention and over 2500 listed Ramsar wetlands worldwide. Each year, the Convention Secretariat leads the World Wetlands Day campaign, with participation from governments, conservation organisations, businesses, NGOs, media, youth groups, and communities worldwide. 2026 Theme: The global theme for 2026, ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage’, highlights the role of indigenous and local communities in conserving and managing wetlands. India’s Status: Signatory: India joined the convention on February 1, 1982. Leading states: Tamil Nadu has the most Ramsar sites (20), followed by Uttar Pradesh (11 including the 2026 addition). Largest and smallest wetland: Sundarbans (West Bengal) is the largest wetland, while Renuka Wetland (Himachal Pradesh) is the smallest. Count: India’s Ramsar site count has reached 98, the highest in Asia. Source: The Hindu Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha Category: History and Culture Context: India is set to undertake a profound gesture of spiritual outreach & cultural diplomacy through the exposition of the sacred Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka. About Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha: Location: The Devnimori Relics originate from the Devnimori archaeological site, located near Shamlaji in the Aravalli district of Gujarat. Discovery: It was first explored in 1957 by eminent archaeologist Prof. S. N. Chowdhry. Timeline: The site dates back to the 3rd to 4th century CE (early centuries of the Common Era). Significance: The excavations revealed important Buddhist structures and relics that stand testimony to the flourishing of Buddhism in western India. Relic casket: The relic casket found within Devnimori Stupa at a height of 24 feet from the base, made out of green schist. Inscription: It is inscribed in Brahmi Script and Sanskrit language, it reads. “dashabala sharira nilay” – the abode of the Buddha’s bodily relic. It holds a copper box having organic matter with holy ashes, with silk cloth and beads. Contents: The casket contained a copper box, which held a gold-coated silver-copper bottle containing sacred ashes, silk cloth, and beads. Architecture: The site featured a large Sharirika Stupa (housing physical remains) and a Vihara (monastery). Art style: The terracotta Buddha sculptures found here show a strong Gandhara influence, distinct from the Mathura or Gupta styles. Spiritual diplomacy: This exposition is part of India’s “soft power” initiative to strengthen cultural ties with Buddhist nations. Other relic expositions: Similar diplomatic outreach has involved the Kapilavastu Relics being sent to Mongolia and Thailand. Source: PIB SAKSHAM 2026 Category: Government Schemes Context: HPCL in collaboration with all oil and gas companies, flagged off SAKSHAM 2026, an event aimed at raising awareness about fuel conservation. About SAKSHAM 2026: Full Form: Saksham stands for Samrakshan Kshamatha Mahotsav. Nodal ministry: It is an annual awareness campaign initiated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. Objective: It is designed to promote fuel conservation and raise awareness of sustainable energy practices. Duration: The 2026 edition is a fortnight-long campaign running from 2nd February to 16th February 2026. Event: Organized by oil and gas public sector enterprises in collaboration with local authorities, educational institutions, industries, and key stakeholders, Saksham aims to drive India towards a greener future. Activities: It features diverse activities to engage citizens, debates, wall paintings, cyclothons, walkathons, workshops, seminars, and awareness programs. Target: The campaign will target various groups, such as schoolchildren, youth, LPG users, fleet operators, farmers, and industry professionals. Impact: Previous campaigns led to a significant reduction in idling fuel losses through behaviour-changing initiatives like “switching off engines at red lights”. Theme: The theme for the 2026 campaign, “Conserve Oil and Gas, Go Green” (Tel aur Gas Bachao, Harit Urja Apnao), underscores the transition towards renewable energy sources and energy-efficient solutions for environmental sustainability. Source: The Hindu Pennaiyar River Category: Geography Context: The Supreme Court recently directed the Centre to constitute a tribunal to adjudicate dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the sharing of Pennaiyar River water. About Pennaiyar River: Location: The Pennaiyar River is a major river in southern India flowing through Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Other names: It is also known as the South Pennar River, Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada, and Thenpennai, Ponnaiyar, or Pennaiyar in Tamil. Origin: It rises in the Nandi Hills of the Chikkaballapura district in Karnataka. Course: It flows southward for 80 km through Karnataka to northwestern Tamil Nadu, where it turns and flows southeastward to enter the Bay of Bengal at Cuddalore. Significance: It is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu, stretching 497 km in length. It is also the second largest interstate east-flowing river basin, situated between the Pennar and Cauvery basins. Boundaries: The Basin is bounded on the northwest and south by various ranges of the Eastern Ghats, like the Velikonda Range, the Nagari hills, the Javadu hills, the Shevaroy hills, and the Kalrayan hills, and in the east by the Bay of Bengal. Tributaries: Key tributaries include the Markandeyanadhi (the primary point of current dispute), Kambainallur, Pambar, Chinnar, and Vaniar. Dams: Notable structures include the Sathanur Dam (the largest), Krishnagiri Dam, and Kelavarapalli Dam. Concerns: Heavy rains at the river’s source cause sudden, but short-lived, floods. The river is extensively dammed for irrigation, especially in Tamil Nadu. Dispute: Tamil Nadu claims that Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structures would reduce the water flow into their state, affecting their irrigation and drinking water needs. Source: The Hindu (MAINS Focus) How did the Space Sector fare in Budget 2026–27? GS Paper III – Economy (Infrastructure ) and Science and Technology (Space Sector) Context (Introduction) India’s space sector is at an inflection point. Post-pandemic disruptions have eased, global space markets are rapidly commercialising, and India has formally opened its space ecosystem to private players since 2020. Budget 2026–27 was therefore expected to move beyond stabilising the public space programme and actively enable a globally competitive private space industry. Current Status: What the Budget Signals Budgetary stabilisation of the public programme: Space allocations in 2026–27 exceed the pre-pandemic peak (₹13,017 crore in 2019–20) by ~5.3%, signalling operational normalisation for ISRO and continuity for missions like Gaganyaan and planetary exploration. Ecosystem scale still modest: Including internal resource mobilisation by NewSpace India Limited, total ecosystem spending is ~₹15,000 crore — small relative to ambitions of capturing 10% of the global space economy by 2030 (from ~3% today). Public-sector centric fiscal design: The Budget largely channels funds to ISRO and administrative support for IN-SPACe, reinforcing a state-led rather than industry-facilitated growth model. Key Structural Gaps Highlighted by Industry No Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for space manufacturing: Despite success of PLIs in electronics, Budget 2026–27 ignores demands for incentivising space-grade components, where costs are high, volumes low, and learning curves steep. GST-induced liquidity trap: Space firms pay ~18% GST on imported inputs and raw materials, but final outputs (launch services/satellites) are often exempt, leading to non-refundable input taxes. This creates a hidden manufacturing tax, making “Make in India” space hardware costlier than imports. Absence of ‘critical infrastructure’ status: Without this tag, private players cannot access long-term, low-cost institutional finance. Industry estimates suggest this raises cost of capital by 2–3 percentage points, fatal in a sector with long gestation and high fixed costs. The ‘death valley’ remains unaddressed: The gap between R&D and first commercial revenue persists. While a ₹1,000 crore space VC fund exists (₹150 crore earmarked so far), equity financing alone cannot substitute fiscal support, tax credits, or R&D grants in deep-tech sectors. Implications for India’s Space Ambitions Private firms risk remaining subcontractors to ISRO rather than IP-owning innovators, limiting breakthroughs in reusable launch systems, satellite IoT, and downstream applications. Global competitiveness erodes, as U.S. and European firms access cheaper capital, tax incentives, and infrastructure support. Brain drain risks rise, with high-skilled engineers migrating to ecosystems that reward risk-taking and innovation. Way Forward: What Budget Strategy Must Evolve Into Shift from fund-provider to market-facilitator: Allocate meaningful scheme-based funds to IN-SPACe (₹1,000 crore+), enabling demand creation for private launch vehicles, satellite platforms, and payloads. GST zero-rating for space manufacturing: Treat space outputs like exports to allow full input tax refunds and ease liquidity stress. Grant ‘critical infrastructure’ status: Enable access to long-tenure, low-cost finance for launch pads, ground stations, and telemetry networks. Blend fiscal tools with venture capital: Introduce time-bound tax holidays, R&D tax credits, and mission-mode grants to complement the VC fund and bridge the innovation “death valley”. Conclusion Budget 2026–27 stabilises India’s public space programme but falls short of catalysing a private-led space economy. Liberalisation without fiscal restructuring risks perpetuating a state-dominated, low-innovation equilibrium. For India to move from a launch-capable nation to a space industrial power, future budgets must align rhetoric on privatisation with decisive structural reforms that lower risk, cost, and uncertainty for private innovators. Mains Question Despite policy liberalisation, India’s private space sector continues to face structural and fiscal constraints. Examine the performance of the space sector and discuss the reforms required to build a globally competitive space ecosystem. (250 words) Source: The Hindu India–U.S. Partnership: Resilience in a Turbulent World Order (GS Paper II – International Relations) Context (Introduction) The recent easing of India–U.S. trade tensions after a phase of sharp tariff actions under President Donald Trump’s second term highlights a deeper reality: despite episodic frictions, the India–U.S. partnership has displayed remarkable resilience. In an era marked by geopolitical churn, tariff wars, and great power rivalry, India–U.S. relations underline how structural convergence can outweigh transactional shocks. Current Situation: State of India–U.S. Relations Trade Frictions Managed, Not Escalated: Despite punitive tariffs and hard bargaining, India avoided capitulation or retaliation, opting for sustained diplomatic engagement. Dense Institutional Architecture: Over the last 25 years, cooperation has expanded across defence, technology, intelligence, supply chains, higher education, and people-to-people ties. Strategic Continuity Despite Political Change: The partnership has survived leadership transitions, ideological differences, and episodic policy disagreements. Economic Reorientation: India’s economic diplomacy is increasingly aligned with Western markets, capital, and technology ecosystems. Trade Deal Momentum: Resolution of tariff disputes signals a return to long-term agenda-setting rather than crisis management. Structural Drivers of Partnership Stability China as the Central Variable: Both India and the U.S. share concerns over China’s rising economic and military dominance in the Indo-Pacific. Indo-Pacific Convergence: U.S. strategy of preventing domination by a single power aligns with India’s vision of a multipolar Asia. Defence and Security Cooperation: Growing defence interoperability, technology transfers, and joint exercises anchor strategic trust. Burden-Sharing Logic: U.S. emphasis on partners assuming regional responsibility creates space for India’s leadership in South Asia and the Indian Ocean. Economic Complementarity: U.S. capital and technology complement India’s market size, skills, and growth potential. Complicating Factors — Why They Did Not Derail Ties Pakistan Factor Contained: Despite renewed U.S. engagement with Pakistan, strategic parity with India is no longer viable due to widening economic and geopolitical asymmetry. Russia Dimension Managed: India’s Russian oil imports were market-driven, not ideological; Delhi has calibrated ties without allowing them to clash with U.S. relations. Trump’s Tactical Unpredictability: While rhetoric fluctuated, core U.S. strategic documents reaffirmed long-term priorities aligned with India’s interests. Absence of Hyphenation: Regional engagement is no longer framed through an India–Pakistan binary in U.S. strategic thinking. India’s Strategic Positioning From Hedging to Shaping: India is moving beyond anxieties of entrapment or abandonment toward proactive regional strategy. Leveraging Multipolarity: India balances relations with major powers while deepening alignment where interests converge. Economic Statecraft: Trade, technology, energy, and defence are increasingly integrated into India’s foreign policy toolkit. Regional Leadership Imperative: Greater responsibility in neighbourhood stability and maritime security is both an opportunity and necessity. Way Forward: Need of the Hour Deepen Economic Integration: Conclude and operationalise trade agreements, especially in technology, clean energy, defence manufacturing, and critical minerals. Strengthen Technology Collaboration: Expand cooperation in semiconductors, AI, defence tech, space, and digital public infrastructure. Enhance Defence Industrial Ties: Move from buyer–seller dynamics to co-development and co-production. Shape Indo-Pacific Institutions: Jointly strengthen multilateral and minilateral platforms for maritime security and supply chain resilience. Proactive Regional Strategy: Use convergence with the U.S. to expand India’s influence in South Asia, the Indian Ocean, and ASEAN. Strategic Patience: Maintain consistency despite leadership changes and short-term policy volatility in Washington. Conclusion India–U.S. relations are no longer personality-driven but structurally embedded. Strategic convergence on China, economic complementarities, and a dense institutional framework have given the partnership durability against shocks. With calibrated diplomacy and proactive regional strategy, India can convert this resilience into long-term strategic leverage, shaping Asia’s balance of power in a turbulent global order. Mains Question Despite periodic trade frictions and geopolitical uncertainties, India–U.S. relations have shown remarkable resilience in recent years. Analyse the structural factors underpinning this durability and examine how India can leverage the partnership to advance its strategic and economic interests in the Indo-Pacific. (250 words) Source: Indian Express

Feb 3, 2026 Daily Prelims CA Quiz

UPSC Quiz – 2026 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 3rd February 2026

Feb 3, 2026 IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 3rd February 2026

Archives (PRELIMS Focus) Sovereign Gold Bonds Category: Economy Context: Budget clarified that capital gains tax exemption on sovereign gold bonds will not apply to investors who purchase them in the secondary market and hold them to maturity. About Sovereign Gold Bonds: Nature: These bonds are government securities denominated in grams of gold. Launch: The Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme was first launched by the Government of India (GOI) on October 30, 2015. Significance: They are substitutes for holding physical gold. Investors have to pay the issue price, and the bonds will be redeemed upon maturity. Issuance: The bond is issued by the Reserve Bank on behalf of the GOI. Eligibility: The bonds will be restricted for sale to resident Indian entities, including individuals, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Trusts, Universities and Charitable Institutions. Investment limits: The bonds are issued in denominations of one gram of gold and in multiples thereof. The minimum investment in the bond shall be one gram, with a maximum subscription limit of 4 kg for individuals, 4 kg for HUFs, and 20 kg for trusts. Term: The term of the bond will be for a period of 8 years, with an exit option in the 5th, 6th, and 7th years, to be exercised on the interest payment dates. Selling: Bonds are sold through offices or branches of Nationalised Banks, Scheduled Private Banks, Scheduled Foreign Banks, designated Post Offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd. (SHCIL), and the authorised stock exchanges either directly or through their agents. Source: The Hindu Businessline Guru Ravidas Category: History and Culture Context: The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the Adampur Airport in Punjab and renamed it after Sri Sant Guru Ravidas Ji to honour the revered saint on his birth anniversary. About Guru Ravidas: Time period: Guru Ravidas (1377-1527 C.E.) was a renowned saint known for his contributions to the Bhakti movement. His devotional songs and verses made a lasting impact upon the Bhakti Movement. Other names: Guru Ravidas is also known as Raidas, Rohidas, and Ruhidas. Birth: Ravidas was born in a village called Sir Gobardhanpur, near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Today, his birthplace is a special place known as Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan. His birthday is celebrated as Ravidas Jayanti. Contemporaries: Ravidas is traditionally seen as a student of the bhakti-poet Ramananda. He is also thought to have lived around the same time as Kabir, another famous poet-saint. Contributions: He was a well-known poet. His poems, written in local languages, inspired many people. 41 of his devotional songs and poems are found in the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. Many of his poems are also in the Panch Vani text of the Dadu Panthi tradition within Hinduism. Philosophy and teachings: The core of Guru Ravidas’s philosophy was the rejection of the caste system and the promotion of human rights and dignity. He envisioned a society called ‘Beghumpura’ (a city without sorrow), where there is no suffering, no fear, and no discrimination. Symbolism: He also became a symbol of opposition to untouchability in society by the higher caste people for the lower caste people. He emphasised the philosophy of spiritual freedom. Nirguna saint: He abandoned the saguna (with attributes, image) forms of supreme beings and focussed on the nirguna (without attributes, abstract) form of supreme beings. Disciple: Meera Bai, a revered figure in Hindu spiritualism, is said to have considered Guru Ravidas as her spiritual Guru. Ravidassia religion: The Guru’s teachings now form the basis of the Ravidassia religion. Ravidassias believe that Guru Ravidas should be treated as a saint just like the other gurus, as he lived before the first Sikh Guru, and his teachings were studied by the Sikh Gurus. Holy book: The Ravidassia community adopted the Amrit Bani Guru Ravidass as its holy book and established its own symbols and rituals. Source: India Today Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, the Finance Minister proposed an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore over the next five years in Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies. About Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS): Definition: CCUS refers to technologies designed to capture CO2 emissions from large point sources and either reuse them or store them permanently underground to prevent atmospheric release. Objective: It aims to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants, refineries and other industrial facilities. Process: It involves a three-stage process: Capture: This involves separating CO₂ from other gases. Methods include post-combustion (after burning fuel), pre-combustion (before full combustion), oxy-fuel combustion (burning in pure oxygen), and Direct Air Capture (DAC). Transport: Captured CO₂ is compressed and moved via pipelines, ships, or trucks. Utilisation or storage: CCU converts CO₂ into products like Green Urea or building materials, or uses it for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). CCS involves injecting CO₂ into geological formations such as depleted oil/gas fields or saline aquifers for permanent storage. Capturing methods: The main methods for capturing CO2 are: post-combustion; pre-combustion; and oxy-fuel combustion. Post-combustion technology: It separates CO2 from the flue gas, by using a chemical solvent for instance, after the fuel is burnt. Pre-combustion methods: It involves converting the fuel into a gas mixture consisting of hydrogen and CO2 before it is burnt. Oxy-fuel Combustion: Oxy-fuel technology involves burning a fuel with almost pure oxygen to produce CO2 and steam, with the released CO2 subsequently captured. Policy: NITI Aayog released a policy framework in 2022 emphasizing CCUS for sustainable development and an “Atmanirbhar Bharat”. Challenges: These include high capital cost, technological maturity, and infrastructural requirements for transport and storage. Significance: CCUS can play a strategic role in global decarbonisation efforts in a number of ways. Reducing emissions in ‘hard-to-abate’ industries Producing low-carbon electricity and hydrogen, this can be used to decarbonise various activities Removing existing CO2 from the atmosphere. Source: The Indian Express Biopharma SHAKTI Category: Science and Technology Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Finance announced the launch of Biopharma Shakti initiative in budget 2026-27. About Biopharma SHAKTI: Full form: SHAKTI stands for Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology & Innovation. Objective: It is designed to develop India into a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub. Ecosystem: This will build the ecosystem for domestic production of biologics and biosimilars. It will include a Biopharma-focused network with 3 new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) and upgrading 7 existing ones. Network: It will also create a network of over 1000 accredited India Clinical Trials sites. Financial outlay: It involves Rs. 10,000 crore over the next five years. Significance: This initiative will catalyse investments in advanced biomanufacturing infrastructure, promote innovation and enhance India’s capabilities in high-value, next-generation therapies. Focus areas: It will focus on building a biopharma-centric innovation and manufacturing network, responding to India’s rapidly changing disease profile marked by a rising burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders. About Biologics and Biosimilars: Biologics: These are complex medicines derived from living organisms. Their complex manufacturing processes have traditionally limited their availability, primarily serving high-income countries. Biosimilars: These are highly similar versions of biologic medicines, developed through comprehensive analytical studies and rigorous clinical trials to ensure therapeutic equivalence. These products offer equally effective and safe alternatives thereby increasing market competition and reducing the costs of biologic therapies. Source: PIB Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative Category: Government Schemes Context: In the Union Budget, Finance Minister announced the launch of the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative aimed at strengthening Khadi, handloom, and handicrafts. About Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj Initiative (MGGSI): Launch: It was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 to strengthen India’s traditional craft sectors. Objective: It is aimed at making traditional rural industries more competitive while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for artisans and weavers. Focus areas: It is a major initiative to strengthen the khadi, handloom, and handicrafts sector by improving global market access, branding, and market linkages. Beneficiaries: The programme mainly targets weavers, village industries, beneficiaries of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, and rural youth, and MGGSI aims to address structural challenges. Preservation of traditional craftsmanship: MGGSI encourages artisans to adopt modern production methods, while preserving traditional craftsmanship. The initiative also focuses on improving market access by better branding and marketing to enable artisans to reach organised retail, export markets, and online platforms. Atmanirbhar Bharat: It aligns with the “Vocal for Local” philosophy and efforts to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). By reinforcing traditional industries, the initiative seeks to generate sustainable employment, and reduce rural distress, thereby aligning with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Constitutional link: While the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 provided the political framework for Panchayati Raj, schemes like MGGSI aim to provide the economic foundation necessary for true self-rule. Source: The Indian Express (MAINS Focus) Wetlands as a National Public Good (GS Paper III – Environment, Conservation, Climate Change) Context (Introduction) India’s wetlands, central to water security, biodiversity and disaster resilience, are rapidly declining despite legal protection. World Wetlands Day 2026 underscores the urgency of integrating traditional knowledge with science-based governance to safeguard these fragile ecosystems. Current Status of Wetlands in India Rapid Decline: Nearly 40% of India’s wetlands have disappeared in the last three decades, while about 50% of the remaining wetlands are degraded, reducing their ecological and economic value. Ecological & Economic Role: Wetlands support fisheries, agriculture, groundwater recharge, flood control and livelihoods, especially for rural and coastal communities, acting as both ecological buffers and local economic assets. Global Commitments: India has designated 98 Ramsar sites, reflecting international recognition, but designation alone has not ensured on-ground protection or restoration. Urban Wetland Stress: Urban wetlands are overburdened with sewage inflows, stormwater, solid waste and encroachments, often without legal buffers or hydrological protection. Climate Vulnerability: Coastal wetlands such as mangroves face a dual threat from sea-level rise and development pressure, limiting their ability to migrate or regenerate. Key Issues and Challenges Weak Implementation: Although the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 exist, poor notification, demarcation and enforcement have diluted their impact. Encroachment & Land Conversion: Infrastructure, real estate and road projects have replaced wetlands, treating them as “spare land” rather than active ecological systems. Hydrological Disruption: Dams, embankments, sand mining and groundwater over-extraction alter natural water flows, degrading wetland functions, especially floodplains and riparian zones. Pollution Load: Untreated sewage, industrial effluents and agricultural runoff cause eutrophication, biodiversity loss and public health risks. Institutional Capacity Gaps: State Wetland Authorities are often underfunded and understaffed, lacking expertise in hydrology, ecology, GIS and community engagement. Government Efforts So Far Regulatory Framework: The Wetlands Rules, 2017 mandate identification, notification and restriction of harmful activities in wetlands. NPCA Guidelines: The National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) promotes structured planning, monitoring and outcome-based wetland management. CRZ Regulations: The Coastal Regulation Zone framework seeks to protect coastal wetlands like mangroves and lagoons from unregulated development. Technology Use: Increasing use of remote sensing, GIS and satellite monitoring to track encroachment, water spread and vegetation change. Community-linked Models: Pilot projects by research institutions and NGOs demonstrate participatory wetland management linked to local livelihoods. Way Forward From Projects to Programmes: Shift from isolated beautification projects to long-term, basin-level wetland programmes focused on ecological functionality. Boundary Notification & Transparency: Ensure clear demarcation, public maps, grievance redress mechanisms and community-led ground verification of wetland boundaries. Treat Wastewater at Source: Urban wetlands must receive only treated effluents; wetlands cannot substitute for sewage treatment plants. Catchment & Connectivity Protection: Manage wetlands as part of entire watersheds by restoring feeder channels and preventing physical blockages. Nature-based Infrastructure: Recognise wetlands as disaster risk reduction assets, comparable to grey infrastructure, especially for floods and cyclones. Capacity Building: Launch a national training mission for wetland managers in hydrology, restoration ecology, GIS, environmental law and participatory governance. Conclusion Wetlands are not wastelands but national public goods vital for India’s water security, climate resilience and livelihoods. Aligning science, policy and community stewardship—while scaling from cosmetic interventions to ecosystem-based governance—is essential to restore wetlands as living, working systems for a sustainable future. Mains Question Examine the importance of wetlands for India’s water security, climate resilience and livelihoods. Discuss the challenges in their conservation. (250 words) Source: The Hindu Next Phase of Rural Women Entrepreneurship in India GS Paper II (Social Justice) and GS Paper III (Inclusive Growth). Context Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as one of India’s most effective instruments for poverty reduction, financial inclusion and grassroots democracy. Over the last decade, the rural economy has diversified beyond subsistence agriculture, raising aspirations among women for enterprise-led growth rather than mere income support. As India enters the next planning cycle (2026–31), the question is how to transition rural women from collective micro-finance participants to independent, scalable entrepreneurs. Current Status: What DAY-NRLM Has Achieved Scale and Reach: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission has mobilised 10 crore rural households into 91 lakh SHGs, federated into 5.35 lakh Village Organisations and 33,558 Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs). Financial Inclusion: SHGs have leveraged over ₹11 lakh crore bank credit with NPAs of just ~1.7%, far lower than conventional retail lending. Income Outcomes: The number of Lakhpati Didis has crossed 2 crore, reflecting successful livelihood diversification. Political and Social Capital: SHGs have strengthened women’s bargaining power, enabling States to use women collectives as delivery platforms for DBT schemes (e.g., Ladli Laxmi Yojana – MP, Jeevika – Bihar, Kudumbashree – Kerala). Institutional Backbone: CLFs function as sub-block institutions anchoring finance, livelihoods, training and social mobilisation. Key Challenges Limiting the Next Leap Weak Autonomy of CLFs: Many CLFs function under administrative control of officials, diluting their original vision as community-owned institutions; leadership decision-making remains constrained. Idle and Poorly Governed Funds: Over ₹56,000 crore of capitalisation support lies with community institutions, increasing risks of underutilisation and misuse in absence of strong social and statutory audits. Credit Ceiling for Mature Enterprises: SHG-bank linkage loans are often too small for enterprise expansion; most women lack individual credit histories or CIBIL scores, restricting access to larger loans. Overdependence on Debt Financing: Current financing is dominated by loans; there is limited access to equity, venture capital or blended finance, which constrains innovation and scaling. Fragmented Livelihood Support: Sub-schemes operate in silos (farm, livestock, non-farm), reducing cumulative impact despite availability of planning tools like Village Prosperity and Resilience Plans (VPRPs). Severe Marketing Bottlenecks: SHG products face weak branding, poor packaging, lack of logistics and minimal access to organised retail or e-commerce markets. Way Forward: Strategy for 2026–2031 Reclaim CLFs as Community Institutions: Strengthen CLFs as autonomous, professionally managed bodies on the lines of Kudumbashree (Kerala) and Jeevika (Bihar), insulated from routine bureaucratic interference. Robust Financial Governance: Institutionalise mandatory social audits, statutory audits and transparent MIS for CLFs to ensure accountable use of large community funds. Graduation to Individual Credit: Generate individual credit scores for SHG members and position CLFs as guarantor-cum-monitoring agencies to facilitate higher-value enterprise loans. Innovative Financing Models: Move beyond micro-credit to equity funding, blended finance and venture support, in partnership with SIDBI, NBFCs, fintechs and neo-banks, tailored to rural women entrepreneurs. Business Clinic Model: Transform CLFs into one-stop enterprise hubs offering training, finance facilitation, compliance support, technology access and mentoring. Institutionalised Convergence: Establish a Convergence Cell at NITI Aayog to align NRLM with schemes of agriculture, dairy, food processing and MSMEs, reducing duplication and ensuring scale. Dedicated Marketing Architecture: Create a National Marketing Vertical for SHG products focusing on branding, quality certification, logistics and partnerships with private players; select CLFs can act as regional logistics hubs. Professional Human Resources: Deploy trained professionals (finance, marketing, agri-business, digital commerce) while respecting the organic growth pace of community institutions. Conclusion The next phase of rural women entrepreneurship must shift from credit-led inclusion to enterprise-led transformation. If CLFs are empowered as autonomous institutions, finance is diversified beyond debt, and market access is professionalised, DAY-NRLM can evolve from a poverty alleviation programme into India’s largest platform for women-led rural economic growth, social leadership and resilient livelihoods. Mains Questions Self-Help Groups have emerged as key institutions of economic and social empowerment in rural India. In this context, evaluate the role of Cluster-Level Federations (CLFs) in deepening women entrepreneurship and financial autonomy. What reforms are required to strengthen them? (250 words) Source: The Hindu

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