Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Subject: Environment – Endangered Species; Conservation Technology; Wildlife Protection Act; Kaziranga; Brahmaputra Basin.
Why in News?
- India’s first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) was released in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam on May 15, 2026 (Endangered Species Day)
- Initiative by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with Kaziranga authorities and Assam Forest Department
- Funded by National Geographic Society
About the Ganges Soft-Shell Turtle
Scientific Name: Nilssonia gangetica
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest legal protection)
Key Characteristics
- Differentiated from other riverine turtles by distinct arrowhead-shaped markings on top of the head
- A major river predator; also feeds on dead and decaying animal matter (important for river health)
Distribution in India
- Found in large rivers, lakes, and reservoirs
- In Assam, the Brahmaputra river basin is a key habitat
Threats
- Habitat loss (sand mining, riverbed alteration)
- Poaching for meat and calipee (used in traditional medicine and exotic cuisine)
- Accidental entanglement in fishing nets
- Pollution and riverine development
Satellite Tagging Initiative
Objective
- Understand seasonal movement patterns, home range, and identify critical habitats (nesting, breeding) for active management of soft-shell turtles in the Brahmaputra river basin
Methodology
- A healthy adult turtle captured, fitted with satellite transmitter under veterinary supervision, released along the northern bank of Brahmaputra
Kaziranga’s Turtle Diversity
- Assam is one of the world’s top priority areas in freshwater turtle conservation
- Of the 8 soft-shell turtles reported from India, 5 are known from the Kaziranga landscape
Endangered Species Day (May 15)
- Observed annually on the third Friday of May
- Raises awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats
- First proclaimed by the United States Congress in 2006; now observed globally
Key Terms for Prelims
- Ganges Soft-Shell Turtle: Nilssonia gangetica – Endangered, Schedule I
- Satellite Tagging: Use of satellite transmitters to track animal movements and habitat use
- Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve: UNESCO World Heritage Site; known for one-horned rhinoceros
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Dehradun-based autonomous institution under MoEFCC
- National Geographic Society: International non-profit funding conservation projects
- Endangered Species Day: Third Friday of May
Source/Reference:
Subject: Geography – Northwestern Europe; International Relations – India-Netherlands Bilateral Ties; ICJ; ASML.
Why in News?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Netherlands as the second leg of his five-nation European tour (after UAE, before Sweden, Norway, Italy) in May 2026
Geographical Features
Climate
- Temperate – gentle winters, cool summers, rainfall in every season
Three Primary Geographic Regions
- Lowlands (lowest parts, many below sea level)
- Veluwe and Utrecht Hill Ridge
- Limburg Hills
Highest Point
- Vaalserberg – 1,058 feet (322 metres)
Major Rivers
- Rhine (Rijn), Meuse (Maas), Scheldt (Schelde)
Largest Freshwater Lake
- Ijsselmeer
Natural Resources
- One of the world’s largest natural gas fields
- Zinc, magnesium
Unique Features
Low-Lying Topography
- About one-quarter of the country lies below sea level
- Extensive system of dikes, polders, and canals – “God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands”
Port of Rotterdam
- Largest port in Europe
- One of the busiest ports in the world
India-Netherlands Relations (Context)
India PM Visit (May 2026)
- Focus on technology, water management, agriculture, renewable energy, and semiconductors
Existing Cooperation
- Strategic Partnership on Water (signed 2022) – Netherlands expertise in delta management, flood control
- Agriculture and Horticulture – Dutch technology for precision farming, floriculture
- Semiconductors – ASML (Dutch company) is world leader in chip-making lithography equipment; India seeking collaboration under India AI Mission
Key Terms for Prelims
- Polder: Low-lying land reclaimed from sea or river, protected by dikes
- Dike (Dyke): Embankment to prevent flooding
- Amsterdam: Constitutional capital; but The Hague is seat of government and Parliament
- International Court of Justice (ICJ): UN’s principal judicial organ – located in The Hague
- International Criminal Court (ICC): Also located in The Hague
- Eurozone: Netherlands adopted euro in 2002 (replaced Dutch guilder)
- ASML: Dutch company; world’s largest supplier of photolithography systems for semiconductor industry
Source/Reference:
Subject: Environment – Wildlife Sanctuary; Geography – Godavari Tributaries; Maharashtra; Pranahita River; Gond Tribe.
Why in News?
- Telangana irrigation engineers have assured that the proposed Pranahita-Chevella barrage on River Pranahita will not submerge the Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary located near the barrage site
About Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary
Location
- Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra
- Located on the bank of the confluence of Wardha and Wainganga rivers
- Pranhita River flows along its western boundary
- During monsoons, river water swells and enters the sanctuary
Indigenous Community
- Home to the indigenous Gond tribal community
Water Bodies
- Several water bodies contribute to biodiversity: Murgikunta, Raikonta, and Komatkunta tanks
Vegetation and Flora
Vegetation Type
- Dominated by southern tropical dry deciduous forests interspersed with grasslands
Key Tree Species
- Teak, arjun, salai, mahua, bel, dhawada, tendu, sissoo, semal
Fauna
Mammals
- Tiger, leopard, wild boar, sloth bear, wild dogs, langurs, blackbuck, spotted deer, sambar, jackal, mongoose
Aquatic Fauna (Riparian Ecosystem)
- Fish, prawns, turtles
Pranahita River (Context)
Origin and Course
- Formed by the confluence of Wardha and Wainganga rivers
- Flows through Maharashtra and Telangana
- Significant tributary of the Godavari River
Drainage
- Drains the entire Vidarbha region and southern slopes of Satpura Ranges
Forest Cover
- River course principally through dense forests, rich in Sagwan (teak) trees
Pranahita-Chevella Lift Irrigation Project
- Proposed to utilize river water for irrigation and drinking water supply to drought-prone areas in Telangana
Key Terms for Prelims
- Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary: Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra (on confluence of Wardha and Wainganga)
- Pranahita River: Tributary of Godavari (formed by Wardha + Wainganga)
- Gond Tribe: Indigenous community of central India (PVTG in some regions)
- Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest: Forest type with trees that shed leaves in dry season
- Riparian Ecosystem: Interface between land and river (supports diverse aquatic and terrestrial life)
- Pranahita-Chevella Project: Lift irrigation scheme for Telangana (drought-prone areas)
- Sagwan: Teak tree (Tectona grandis) – valuable timber species
Source/Reference:
Subject: Polity – Inter-state Water Management; Geography – Indus Basin Projects; BBMB; Rajasthan’s Demand.
Why in News?
- Rajasthan Water Resources Minister Suresh Singh Rawat sought permanent membership for Rajasthan in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)
- Rajasthan holds 52.96% share in Ravi-Beas waters but has no official member on the Board
About BBMB
Establishment
- Constituted in 1976 under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
Purpose
- To manage the Bhakra Dam (on Sutlej) and Beas Dam (on Beas) – along with associated power houses and irrigation systems
- Regulates allocation of water and power from these projects among Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Chandigarh
Current Composition
- Full-time Chairman (appointed by Government of India)
- Part-time Members from Punjab and Haryana
- No permanent member from Rajasthan – despite being a beneficiary state
Jurisdiction
- Hydel power stations: Bhakra Left Bank and Right Bank, Ganguwal, Kotla, Pong (all in Punjab/Himachal)
- Water supply: Provides irrigation water to Rajasthan (western districts), Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi
Rajasthan’s Dependence
- Irrigation, drinking water, and other requirements of western Rajasthan districts depend on BBMB system
- Rajasthan is situated at the tail-end of the system – vulnerable to inequitable distribution
Bhakra and Beas Dams – Quick Facts
Bhakra Dam (Himachal Pradesh)
- River: Sutlej
- Type: Concrete gravity dam
- Height: 226 metres (one of the highest gravity dams in the world)
- Reservoir: Gobind Sagar
- Named after: Bhakra village
- Part of: Bhakra Nangal Project (multi-purpose)
Beas Dam (Punjab)
- River: Beas
- Location: Pong Dam (also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar)
- Part of: Beas Project
Nangal Dam (Punjab)
- Located downstream of Bhakra
- Diverts water into two canals: Nangal Hydel Channel and Bhakra Canal
Key Terms for Prelims
- BBMB: Bhakra Beas Management Board (est. 1976 under Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966)
- Bhakra Dam: Highest concrete gravity dam in India (226 m); on Sutlej river; reservoir Govind Sagar
- Beas Dam (Pong Dam): On Beas river; reservoir Maharana Pratap Sagar
- Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966: Created Haryana; transferred territories; established BBMB
- Gobind Sagar: Reservoir of Bhakra Dam (named after Guru Gobind Singh)
- Maharana Pratap Sagar: Reservoir of Pong Dam (Beas Dam)
- Ranjit Sagar Dam: On Ravi river (Thein Dam) – also part of Indus basin projects
Source/Reference:
Subject: Geography – Western Disturbance; Climatology – Extreme Weather; Climate Change – Localised Wind Strengthening.
Why in News?
- Devastating storms in Uttar Pradesh on May 13-14, 2026 killed over 117 people
- Caused by interaction of multiple weather systems – wind speeds exceeded very severe cyclone threshold (119 km/hr) at some locations
Western Disturbance (WD) – Context
What is WD?
- Extra-tropical storm originating in Mediterranean Sea region
- Travels eastward via subtropical westerly jet stream
- Normally brings winter rain to northwest India and snow to Western Himalayas
Anomaly (Climate Change Impact)
- WD activity has increased during summer and monsoon months
- Decreased during winter period – shift in seasonal pattern
- Contributed to unseasonal storms in May
Climate Change Link
Mechanism
- Warmer atmosphere holds more moisture (7% more per 1°C warming)
- Global average temperature has risen by ~1.2°C in last ~180 years
- This creates a cycle – more moisture → more energy for storms
Pressure Gradient Effect
- Larger pressure gradient between equator and polar regions has decreased
- Slows down planetary winds
- But localised winds in convective storm systems and cyclones become stronger
Observed Impacts
- Tornadoes, cyclones, thunderstorms – all showing localised strengthening
Key Terms for Prelims
- Western Disturbance: Extra-tropical storm from Mediterranean; winter rain/snow source for northwest India
- Upper Air Cyclonic Circulation: Cyclonic system at higher atmospheric levels (not surface)
- Low-pressure trough: Elongated area of low pressure
- Convection: Vertical movement of warm, moist air leading to thunderstorm formation
- Planetary Winds: Large-scale global wind systems (westerlies, trade winds, polar easterlies)
- Pressure Gradient: Difference in atmospheric pressure over distance (drives wind speed)
Source/Reference:
(MAINS Focus)
GS Paper III – Economy (Inflation; Energy Security) | GS Paper II – Governance
Fuel Pricing; Monetary Policy; Supply Chain Disruptions; West Asia Crisis
Introduction
After more than four years, India raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre and CNG prices by ₹2 per kg due to rising global crude oil prices amid the West Asia crisis and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. While the direct impact on inflation is limited, higher transport costs may increase food and essential commodity prices.
Main Body
Why the Hike Happened
Global Crude Oil Price Surge:
- Global oil prices surged past $120 per barrel after the Strait of Hormuz was severely disrupted following US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
- Prices later eased to the 100–105 per barrel range.
- Before the West Asia conflict, crude oil was trading below $75 per barrel—a more than 50% jump in just three months.
OMC Losses:
- State-run fuel retailers stopped daily price revisions in April 2022 to shield consumers from volatile global oil prices (post-Russia-Ukraine invasion).
- OMCs incurred losses during that period and recouped them later when prices fell.
- The recent surge in crude prices made price adjustments unavoidable.
India’s Delay:
- India was among the last major economies to raise retail fuel prices.
- The government had kept prices unchanged through the election period.
Direct Impact on Inflation
Weight of Fuel in CPI:
- Petrol and diesel together account for nearly 5% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Direct Impact Calculation:
- A ₹3 increase translates into roughly a 3% rise in fuel prices.
- This alone could have a direct impact of about 0.15% (15 basis points) on headline CPI inflation.
- To this must be added the effects of earlier hikes in LPG and CNG prices.
Expert View (Madan Sabnavis, Bank of Baroda):
- “From an inflation perspective, the impact is significant… there will certainly be upward pressure on inflation.”
Potential for Further Hikes:
- This may not be a one-time increase. Experts assume another round of increases may follow.
- A ₹3 per litre hike may not be sufficient to fully offset OMC losses.
- Emkay expects a ₹10 per litre fuel price hike in the immediate future (either in one shot or via creeping hikes over 2-3 weeks), covering only about 50% of OMC under-recoveries.
Indirect (Secondary) Effects on Inflation
Transmission Mechanism:
- Higher CNG prices lead to higher auto fares (buses, taxis, autos).
- Higher diesel prices raise transportation costs for goods.
- As transportation costs rise, the impact filters through multiple sectors of the economy, including agriculture.
Sectors Most Immediately Impacted:
- Agriculture (fertiliser transport, farm machinery fuel, produce transport).
- Food (transport from farm to market, cold chain costs).
- FMCG (distribution and logistics costs).
- Steel (mining, transport of raw materials and finished goods).
- E-commerce (last-mile delivery costs).
- Tourism (bus, taxi, flight fuel costs).
Inflation Pass-Through:
- Even if 60% to 70% of the increase in fuel prices is passed on to consumers, the overall impact on inflation may not be very significant in the near term.
- Sujan Hajra (Anand Rathi): “Even if fuel inflation crosses 10%, headline CPI inflation is still likely to remain around 5%… within the 4.5% to 5% range.”
- Emkay estimates the hike could push inflation up by ~75 basis points (including second-order effects), causing a meaningful drag on consumption.
Distinguishing Direct vs. Indirect Effects
Direct Impact:
- Immediate rise in the inflation index due to increased fuel costs.
- Visible immediately in the next CPI release.
- Estimated at 0.15% for the ₹3 hike (more if further hikes occur).
Indirect Effects:
- Broader and emerge over time (next 2-3 months).
- Higher transportation costs lead to increased prices of goods and services across multiple sectors.
- More difficult to estimate but potentially larger than direct impact.
The Cascading Chain:
- Crude price rise → OMC losses → retail fuel price hike → higher transport costs → higher food and essential commodity prices → broader inflation.
Implications for Monetary Policy
RBI’s Dilemma:
- The fuel price hike adds upward pressure on inflation at a time when growth is already slowing.
- RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee had kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its April meeting, citing supply shock concerns.
- Further fuel price hikes (expected ₹10 per litre) could push inflation higher, forcing RBI to choose between:
- Raising rates to curb inflation (which would hurt growth).
- Keeping rates unchanged (which would allow inflation to rise).
Base Effect:
- The base effect could influence the overall inflation trajectory.
- Even after accounting for that, inflation is expected to stay broadly within the 4.5% to 5% range, according to some experts.
Conclusion
After over four years, India raised petrol and diesel prices by ₹3 per litre and CNG by ₹2 per kg amid a sharp rise in global crude prices due to the West Asia crisis. While the direct CPI impact is limited, higher transport costs may raise food and essential prices, affecting sectors like agriculture, FMCG, and tourism, while complicating the RBI’s balance between inflation control and growth.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
- Examine the causes of the recent fuel price hike and its impact on inflation, key sectors, and monetary policy. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS Paper III – Economy (Agriculture; Food Processing) | GS Paper I – Society (Nutrition)
Sugarcane Diversification; Rural Livelihoods; Value Addition; Exports; Nutritional Security
Introduction
India produces over 70% of the world’s jaggery, supporting nearly 2.5 million rural livelihoods and providing a nutritious alternative to refined sugar. Rising exports and government initiatives like PMFME, PM Kisan SAMPADA, ODOP, and GI tagging are boosting value addition and rural enterprise development.
Main Body
Production and Economic Significance
- India produces over 70% of global jaggery.
- 20–30% of sugarcane output goes to jaggery (sugarcane production: 444.9 million tonnes in 2024-25).
- Top producing states: Uttar Pradesh (48.5%), Maharashtra (24.1%), Karnataka (10.5%).
- The sector supports approximately 2.5 million rural livelihoods through decentralized, small-scale cottage industries.
Export Growth and Domestic Demand
- Exports grew from USD 197 million (2015-16) to USD 406.8 million (2024-25) – a 106.5% increase.
- Volume increased by 61.2% (from 292.8 MT to 471.9 MT).
- Major export destinations: Indonesia, USA, UAE, Nigeria, Nepal.
- Domestic jaggery sales reached about 5,000 metric tonnes annually by August 2024.
- Jaggery and honey recorded a CAGR of 15–20% during 2021-24.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
- Retains minerals lost in sugar refining: calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese.
- Iron content: 10-13 mg per 100 grams (helps address anaemia).
- Trace vitamins: folic acid, B-complex, vitamins A, C, D, E.
- Provides sustained energy (complex sucrose digested slowly).
- Ayurvedic benefits: treats throat/lung infections, supports digestion, detoxifies respiratory tract.
- Natural detoxifying agent; supports blood purification, reduces fatigue, maintains blood pressure.
Jaggery in Nutrition Interventions: Tamil Nadu Model
- Jaggery constitutes 27% of the complementary food mix (Sathumavu) under Tamil Nadu’s ICDS framework.
- Distributed as Take-Home Rations to eligible beneficiaries for 300 days each year.
- Procured from 25 women-run cooperatives (1,450 members, mostly widows and vulnerable women).
- Provides nutritious food to nearly 32.75 lakh beneficiaries.
- Integrates nutrition support with livelihood generation.
Value Addition: Case Study
- Farmer Anthonisamy (Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu) produces organic jaggery powder.
- Organic jaggery powder: ₹75 per kg vs conventional jaggery: ₹50 per kg.
- Production cost for both: about ₹30 per kg.
- Organic gives nearly double the profit margin (₹45 vs ₹20).
- Diversified products: jaggery-flavoured chocolate and coconut.
Government Policy Support
- PMKSY (CEFPPC): 5 jaggery processing units approved; ₹17.07 crore grants-in-aid.
- PMFME Scheme: 3,528 jaggery-based micro units supported; ₹102.31 crore subsidies.
- One District One Product (ODOP): Jaggery identified in 19 districts.
- AGMARK certification: Jaggery is a notified commodity (quality assurance and export readiness).
GI Tagged Jaggery Varieties
- Kolhapur jaggery (Maharashtra): Golden colour, high sucrose content.
- Muzaffarnagar gur (Uttar Pradesh): Export-oriented, high-quality cane.
- Marayoor and Central Travancore jaggery (Kerala): Purity, medicinal value, traditional processing.
GI recognition strengthens regional branding, promotes traditional practices, and improves market access for rural producers.
Conclusion
India produces over 70% of global jaggery, supporting 2.5 million rural livelihoods, while exports have grown rapidly to USD 406.8 million in 2024–25. Rich in iron and minerals, jaggery is also being integrated into nutrition programmes like Sathumavu Scheme. Government schemes, GI tagging, and value-added organic production are strengthening the sector, though scaling up processing, quality standards, and nutrition integration remains essential.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
- Examine the economic and nutritional significance of India’s jaggery sector and the role of value addition, GI tagging, and nutrition integration in its growth. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2261676®=3&lang=1
GS Paper III – Science & Technology (Indigenous Development) | GS Paper III – Economy (Industrial Policy)
Quantum Technologies; Artificial Intelligence; Deep-Tech Financing; RDI Fund; National Security
Introduction
Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted that quantum and AI sovereignty will shape India’s future growth. The RDI Fund and National Quantum Mission aim to boost private-sector R&D, deep-tech innovation, and quantum-secure communication, supporting India’s transition towards an innovation-driven economy.
Main Body
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund Scheme
Purpose and Progress:
- Aims to accelerate private sector participation in R&D through institutional and financial support mechanisms.
- Technology Development Board (TDB) became the first Second Level Fund Manager to launch calls, sign agreements, and release funds.
- Received 124 project proposals worth over ₹25,000 crore within a short period.
- 22 companies selected for funding; 15 selected through Bharat Innovates 2026 (global showcase in Nice, France, June 2026).
- First electronic fund disbursement: ₹50 crore to M/s Eyestem Research Private Limited.
Five High-Impact RDI Projects Approved
- Advanced Lithium-ion Battery Cells (Maharashtra): Patented 3-Dimensional Electrode Architecture (3DEA) technology for cost-efficient battery production.
- Project Garud (Telangana): Indigenous 500 kg-class modular satellite platform for mass production and constellation-scale deployment.
- Cell Therapies for Incurable Diseases (Karnataka): First-in-class therapies for Geographic Atrophy and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
- Intelligent Mobile Life Support System (Uttar Pradesh): Portable ICU-grade emergency care platform with AI-assisted guidance for Indian conditions.
- Project Sabal-200 (Uttar Pradesh): Indigenous unmanned helicopter with payload exceeding 200 kg for high-altitude logistics, disaster response, and surveillance.
National Quantum Mission: Progress and Preparedness
Achievements:
- India is among select countries investing in quantum communication, computing, sensing, and materials.
- Original target: 2,000 km quantum-secure communication in eight years.
- Achieved nearly half (approx. 1,000 km) in less than four years.
Quantum-Safe Infrastructure:
- Emerging quantum computing may challenge existing cryptographic systems in banking, governance, telecom, and strategic infrastructure.
- Post-quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, and quantum-safe infrastructure are critical for long-term national security.
- India must prepare for the “Q-Day” scenario when current encryption becomes vulnerable.
- Report on “Quantum-Safe Ecosystem in India” released, recommending national preparedness across finance, healthcare, governance, and defence.
Compendium and Policy Reforms
- Compendium on RDI Scheme status report released, detailing proposals, sector-wise distribution, approved projects, and funding trends.
- Space sector reforms have demonstrated how strategic policy interventions unlock innovation and public participation.
- Bharat Innovates 2026 will showcase India’s technology innovation globally.
Challenges:
- RDI Fund is in early stages; long-term commercialization impact remains to be seen.
- Quantum-safe infrastructure requires coordination across multiple ministries.
- Private sector R&D investment in India remains low (less than 1% of GDP).
Conclusion
India’s RDI Fund Scheme has approved major deep-tech projects in batteries, space, healthcare, and unmanned systems, with proposals worth over ₹25,000 crore. Meanwhile, the National Quantum Mission is advancing quantum-secure communication and quantum-safe infrastructure, strengthening India’s push towards AI and quantum sovereignty under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
- Examine the role of the RDI Fund and the National Quantum Mission in strengthening India’s deep-tech ecosystem and quantum-safe infrastructure. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2261737®=3&lang=1