UPSC current affairs · Thursday

Current Affairs, 2 April 2026

12 issues picked from 100 PIB releases · about 2 minutes each · written by UPSC Grade, each fact checked against its PIB release or by a second model

How to readRead “Why in news” and “What it is” for every issue. Open For Prelims or For Mains for the exam you’re preparing for, then Test yourself at the foot of each card. Half the news questions in Prelims are answered from background, not the news itself.

In 60 seconds

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010. Parliament passes Jan Vishwas Bill amending 784 provisions in 79 Central Acts to decriminalise minor offences.
Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS). IMD's in-house digital platform gives impact-based multi-hazard warnings, cutting forecast time and evacuation costs.
Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB). PM Modi marks CBC foundation day, urges duty-driven, tech-savvy, citizen-centric civil servants.
India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). Four years on, India-Australia ECTA doubled Indian exports; Australia now gives zero duty on all.
Subordinate Legislation Management System (SLMS) Portal. SLMS portal tracks drafting, laying, vetting and notification of subordinate legislation; 86 instruments currently listed.
AVGC Content Creator Labs and IICT. Budget 2026-27 funds AVGC content labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges, with IICT as nodal agency.
Export Promotion Mission (EPM). Rs 497 crore RELIEF under EPM offers ECGC cover and freight reimbursement to exporters.
BioE3 Policy. Rajya Sabha reply details BioE3 thematic areas, shared biomanufacturing facilities, ISS algae experiments and the Delhi biofoundry.
SHANTI Act and Nuclear Energy Mission. SHANTI Act aligns nuclear liability with global norms, aiming to unblock foreign reactor projects like Jaitapur and Kovvada.
National Highway Cost Escalation Compensation Mechanism (2026). Highways ministry speeds up price adjustment and payments to contractors for three months amid global cost rise.
IOS SAGAR and Vision MAHASAGAR. INS Sunayna sails as IOS SAGAR with 16 foreign navies, a Vision MAHASAGAR deployment.
Informal Group of Ministers on West Asia. Rajnath Singh's IGoM reviewed India's economic and fuel-supply steps against West Asia conflict fallout.

Law and statutory body

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010

GS2 Governance, laws and regulationGS3 Ease of doing businessPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026. It amends 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts to decriminalise minor offences.
What it is: The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 regulates weights, measures and packaged commodities to protect consumers and ensure fair trade. It requires registration, model approval and standard units, and penalises violations. The Jan Vishwas approach amends many Central Acts together to decriminalise or soften minor, procedural offences and promote ease of doing business.

Mechanism: A Legal Metrology Officer can issue an Improvement Notice that names the deficiency and gives reasonable time to rectify it.
Legal route: The notice was brought in through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which amends the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Who it covers: It applies to manufacturers, importers, packers, dealers, repairers, traders, MSMEs and other regulated entities.
Limits: Fraud, repeated violations and tampering still face strict action, and the notice covers only specified first-time procedural lapses.
Failure to comply: Not complying with the notice, or repeating the lapse, still attracts action under the Act.
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Section 29: The penalty of up to ₹1 lakh for using a Government Analyst's report in advertising a drug or cosmetic has been omitted.
Section 28A: Violations of procedural duties, such as keeping records and submitting information, now attract administrative penalties.
Low-risk cosmetics: Minor quality lapses and labelling errors in low-risk cosmetics fall under an administrative penalty framework. Spurious or adulterated cosmetics still face strict penal provisions.
Adjudication and appeal: Provisions for Adjudicating Authorities and an Appeal Mechanism have been introduced to dispose of such cases.
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Interfering with seized items now carries up to three months' imprisonment instead of six.
Obstructing a Food Safety Officer: This offence is omitted from the FSS Act because the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita already covers it.
Notification date: The amendments under the Clinical Establishments Act were notified on 22 June 2026.
Scope of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026: It covers 79 Central Acts run by 23 Ministries and Departments.
Health sector share: 35 provisions across five Acts of the Health Ministry were amended.
Fine to penalty: In Sections 40, 43 and 46, 'fine' is replaced by 'penalty', shifting from criminal prosecution to administrative adjudication.
Adjudicating authority: The Section 41 adjudicating authority is strengthened and now covers proceedings under Sections 40, 43 and 44.
Basis of reform: The notification implements recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Regulatory Reforms.
Scale of amendment: 784 provisions in 79 Central Acts, administered by 23 Ministries, are amended.
Split of changes: 717 provisions are decriminalised for ease of doing business and 67 are amended for ease of living.
Earlier law: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 was the first such law, amending 42 Central Acts.
Scale of the 2026 Bill: It amends 784 provisions of 79 Central Acts run by 23 Ministries.
Jan Vishwas Act, 2023: The first law in this series decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts.

Don’t confuse with Improvement Notice vs penalty: The notice is a chance to correct a first-time procedural lapse before penal proceedings begin. It is not a waiver of the offence for repeat or fraudulent acts.

Don’t confuse with Legal Metrology Act, 2009 vs Consumer Protection Act, 2019: The first regulates standards of weights, measures and packaged goods. The second gives consumers remedies for defective goods, deficient services and unfair trade practices.

Don’t confuse with Decriminalisation vs. legalisation: Jan Vishwas replaces jail or court fines with administrative penalties for minor lapses. The acts are still violations. Serious offences stay criminal.

Don’t confuse with Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 vs. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: The first governs the quality and sale of drugs and cosmetics. The second governs food safety and standards. Both were amended here.

Don’t confuse with Jan Vishwas Act 2023 vs 2026: The 2023 Act was the first round of decriminalisation; the 2026 Act is a later amendment covering 79 Central Acts.

Don’t confuse with Fine vs penalty: A fine is imposed by a court after criminal prosecution; a penalty here is imposed by an adjudicating authority after a hearing.

Don’t confuse with Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 vs Bill 2025 vs Bill 2026: 2023 Act: 183 provisions, 42 Acts. 2025 Bill: 355 provisions, 16 Acts, withdrawn. 2026 Bill: 784 provisions, 79 Acts.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

Why it matters

Reduces compliance burden and litigation for honest businesses, especially MSMEs, supporting ease of doing business.
Lets enforcement officers focus on deliberate and repeat violations that harm consumers.
Reduces the compliance burden and the fear of prosecution for businesses, supporting ease of doing business.
Separates technical lapses from serious public health offences, so enforcement is proportionate and courts are less burdened.
Decriminalising procedural lapses eases doing business and reduces fear of prosecution for clinics and hospitals.
Administrative adjudication with hearing and appeal reduces court burden and litigation.
Reduces compliance burden and fear of prosecution for businesses and citizens.
Supports trust-based governance and proportionate regulation.
Frees courts and enforcement from minor cases, so they can focus on serious offences.
Replaces jail terms for minor defaults with penalties, easing compliance and the business climate.
Reduces litigation load on courts through adjudication and appeal mechanisms.
Supports proportionate, trust-based regulation.

Problems

Officers' discretion in deciding what is a genuine first-time lapse may cause inconsistency or misuse.
Weaker deterrence could let some traders treat violations as costless until noticed.
Administrative penalties may weaken deterrence if adjudicators are weak or penalties are low.
Adjudicating authorities and appeal bodies need capacity and independence to avoid delays and arbitrariness.
Weaker deterrence may hurt patient safety if penalties are too low or poorly enforced.
Adjudicating authorities need capacity, independence and uniform implementation across States, many of which have not adopted the Act.
Weaker deterrence where minor offences affect public safety, health or the environment.
Penalties may be too low or poorly enforced, and states must amend their own laws too.
Omnibus amendments across many Acts get limited scrutiny.
Weaker penalties may reduce deterrence where offences affect safety, health or environment.
Adjudicating Officers and Appellate Authorities need capacity and independence to avoid delays.
Amending 79 Acts in one Bill may limit detailed scrutiny of each change.

Way forward

Set clear rules and timelines for issuing notices, and keep a record to detect repeat offenders.
Publish data on notices issued and complied with, and keep consumer complaint channels strong.
Set up and staff adjudication and appeal bodies quickly, with published orders for transparency.
Keep strict criminal penalties for spurious, adulterated and unsafe products, and monitor outcomes.
Build adjudication capacity and publish penalty orders for transparency.
Monitor outcomes on patient safety and quality, and review penalty levels periodically.
Keep criminal liability for offences that cause real harm; use graded penalties.
Extend reforms to State laws and review the Acts the Select Committee flagged.
Build strong adjudication and appeal mechanisms for penalties.
Keep criminal liability for offences that cause harm or are repeated, and graduate penalties by risk.
Staff and train adjudicating and appellate bodies and set time limits.
Review state laws too, since many compliance burdens arise there.

Put in your answer

Trust-based governance: The Department describes the reform as part of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance', shifting from punishment to facilitation without dropping enforcement.

Proportionate enforcement example: Minor cosmetic labelling errors get administrative penalties, while spurious or adulterated cosmetics stay criminal. This shows the trust-based yet safeguarded approach.

Avoiding duplication: Obstructing a Food Safety Officer was dropped from the FSS Act because the BNS already covers it.

Principle: Trust-based governance: replace criminal penalties for procedural lapses with proportionate administrative penalties, while preserving oversight.

Due process safeguards: The amendments provide hearing, penalty recovery and an appeal framework.

Jan Vishwas Act, 2023: It decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts, the base for the current reform.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 11

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 amends provisions in 79 Central Acts administered by 23 Ministries and Departments.
2.Section 44 of the Clinical Establishments Act has been amended to provide graded and proportionate penalties for contraventions by companies.
3.The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 was published in the Official Gazette on 22 June 2026.
4.Of the provisions amended, 717 have been decriminalised to promote Ease of Doing Business.
5.The Bill was first introduced in the Rajya Sabha in August 2025.
6.The Select Committee on the Bill was chaired by Tejasvi Surya.
7.The Jan Vishwas approach generally replaces imprisonment for minor offences with monetary penalties in several cases.
8.The Select Committee recommended decriminalisation in 62 additional Central Acts.
9.The Bill's amended Acts are administered by a single Ministry.
10.The Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts.
11.The 2025 Jan Vishwas Bill was passed by Parliament and the 2026 Bill is a separate follow-up law.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 2 Apr, 19:51 IST · Release 287446

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Science and technology

Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS)

GS3 Disaster ManagementPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, PIB published a explainer on India's Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS), the IMD's digital forecasting platform, listing its results and awards.
What it is: MHEW-DSS is a webGIS-based forecasting platform built in-house by the India Meteorological Department using open-source technology. It automates data collection, model comparison and warning generation in one system. It issues colour-coded, impact-based warnings for cyclones, heavy rain, heatwaves, thunderstorms and marine conditions.

Developer and launch: IMD built it in-house under Mission Mausam; it was launched in January 2024.
Core of the system: The Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES) lets forecasters analyse data and visualise weather on GIS maps.
Mission Mausam: The Union Cabinet approved Mission Mausam in September 2024 to improve the accuracy, resolution and lead time of forecasts.
Mausamgram: A hyper-local forecast portal under the system, giving forecasts up to 10 days for over 6.2 lakh villages.
Impact-based forecasting: The system assesses how severe weather may affect sectors, not only the weather itself, and uses colour-coded warnings.
IMD as RSMC: IMD is a Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre giving cyclone advisories to countries around the North Indian Ocean.
IMD and MoES: IMD was established in 1875 and works under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Don’t confuse with MHEW-DSS vs Mausamgram: MHEW-DSS is the overall forecasting and warning platform; Mausamgram is one application under it for hyper-local forecasts.

Don’t confuse with MHEW-DSS vs Mission Mausam: Mission Mausam is the Cabinet-approved mission (Sept 2024); MHEW-DSS is the digital system launched in January 2024.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting disaster-management topic on IMD forecasting; few testable facts in the text, so no practice question.

Source: PIB Headquarters, 2 Apr, 11:24 IST · Release 287354

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB)

GS2 Governance - Civil ServicesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, PM Modi addressed the Karmayogi Sadhna Saptah by video on the foundation day of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). He stressed citizen-centric, duty-driven and technology-literate public service.
What it is: Mission Karmayogi is the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). It aims to shift civil service HR from rule-based to role-based systems. Its digital learning platform is iGOT Karmayogi, and a Capacity Building Commission and the Special Purpose Vehicle Karmayogi Bharat support it.

Approval: The Government approved the programme in September 2020.
Institutions: Karmayogi Bharat (the SPV) and the Capacity Building Commission have signed tripartite MoUs with 30 States and UTs.
Platform scale: iGOT has over 1.70 crore registered users and over 5600 courses.
Languages: Courses are offered in 23 Indian languages, including English and Hindi.
AI tools: iGOT AI Tutor, iGOT AI Sarthi and the AI-CBP Tool have been introduced for personalised learning and competency mapping.
Link to APAR: From 2025-26, Central employees and AIS officers must complete prescribed iGOT courses annually, recorded in their APAR.
Why CBC exists: The PM said a dedicated body was needed to raise the capability of every government employee, as earlier institutions had varied focuses.
Occasion: The address was a video message to the Karmayogi Sadhna Saptah, held on CBC's foundation day.
Learning platform: iGOT Karmayogi is the digital learning platform under Mission Karmayogi.
Governance mantra: The PM described the core governance principle as 'Nagrik Devo Bhava', treating the citizen as supreme.

Don’t confuse with Mission Karmayogi vs Karmayogi Bharat: Mission Karmayogi is the national programme. Karmayogi Bharat is the Special Purpose Vehicle that runs the iGOT platform under it.

Don’t confuse with Capacity Building Commission vs Karmayogi Bharat: The Commission sets standards and oversees capacity building. Karmayogi Bharat is the SPV that delivers the digital platform.

Don’t confuse with CBC vs Karmayogi Bharat: The Capacity Building Commission oversees capacity-building plans and standards. Karmayogi Bharat is the Special Purpose Vehicle that runs the digital platform.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting governance reform on civil services capacity building; mostly speeches, so no question likely.

Source: PIB, Prime Minister's Office, 2 Apr, 11:52 IST · Release 287356

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

International relations

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA)

GS2 International RelationsGS3 TradePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, the Commerce Ministry marked four years since India and Australia signed the ECTA. It reported that India's exports to Australia more than doubled and that all Indian exports now get zero duty from 1 January 2026.

Signing date: The ECTA was signed on 2 April 2022.
Australia's market access: Australia gave preferential access on 100% of its tariff lines, covering 100% of imports from India.
India's market access: India gave preferential access on 70.3% of its tariff lines, covering 90.6% of trade value.
Organic MRA: A Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Organic Products was signed on 24 September 2025. Each side recognises the other's certification systems.

Don’t confuse with ECTA vs CECA: ECTA is the interim, early-harvest deal signed in 2022. CECA is the wider, more comprehensive agreement still under negotiation.

Don’t confuse with Preferential access vs free trade: ECTA gives tariff preferences on most lines, not on all. India covers 70.3% of its lines, while Australia covers 100%.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting trade agreement; anniversary data only. International bodies and agreements make 19% of news-linked Prelims questions, but this is routine data.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 2 Apr, 13:19 IST · Release 287363

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

Subordinate Legislation Management System (SLMS) Portal

GS2 PolityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs told Lok Sabha in a written reply that the SLMS portal is operational to track stages of subordinate legislation. It currently shows progress of 86 subordinate legislations.
What it is: Subordinate legislation means rules, regulations and orders made by the executive under powers delegated by an Act of Parliament. The SLMS portal is an online tool to monitor such instruments through their stages. It was built on a recommendation of the Lok Sabha Committee on Subordinate Legislation, which scrutinises whether delegated powers are properly used.

Stages tracked: The portal monitors framing/drafting, laying, vetting and notification of subordinate legislations.
Origin: It is based on a recommendation of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation of Lok Sabha.
Stakeholders: Credentials were shared with Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha Secretariats, Cabinet Secretariat, Legislative Department and all Ministries/Departments.
Scale: Progress of 86 subordinate legislations is available on the portal at present.
Nodal ministry: The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs runs the portal and held a training-cum-workshop for stakeholders.

Don’t confuse with Committee on Subordinate Legislation vs Committee on Government Assurances: The first scrutinises whether rules and regulations stay within delegated powers; the second tracks whether ministers' promises on the floor are fulfilled.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Parliamentary oversight of delegated legislation is syllabus-relevant; little for statements to turn on, so no question.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, 2 Apr, 13:58 IST · Release 287365

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

AVGC Content Creator Labs and IICT

GS3 EconomyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, the Government told the Lok Sabha that AVGC Content Creator Labs will be set up in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges under Budget 2026-27, with ₹250 crore allocated.
What it is: AVGC Content Creator Labs are a Budget 2026-27 proposal to build skills in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) in schools and colleges. The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), Mumbai, plans and coordinates the rollout. It forms part of the push to grow the 'orange economy', the creative and content industries.

Nodal agency: IICT, Mumbai is the nodal agency for planning, coordination and phased rollout of the labs.
Create in India Challenge: Season I held 33 challenges with industry partners and ended at WAVES 2025, drawing over one lakh creators.

Don’t confuse with WaveX vs WAVES Bazaar: WaveX is the startup accelerator programme; WAVES Bazaar is a marketplace platform where selected creators present content.

Don’t confuse with IICT as NCoE vs nodal agency: As NCoE, IICT trains students and trainers in AVGC-XR. As nodal agency, it plans and coordinates the Content Creator Labs rollout.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Budget 2026-27 scheme with figures (15,000 schools, 500 colleges, Rs 250 crore); a modest topic with weak odds of a question.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 2 Apr, 14:13 IST · Release 287367

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

GS3 Economy, external sectorPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026 the Government said it has approved RELIEF, a Rs 497 crore intervention under the Export Promotion Mission, to help exporters hit by West Asia logistics disruptions. The Minister of State for MSME gave this in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
What it is: The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is a Commerce Ministry mission that bundles financial and non-financial support for exporters into one framework. It is run through DGFT with Export Promotion Councils and industry bodies as partners. It covers areas such as export credit, factoring, warehousing and logistics, certification, trade intelligence and market access.

Rollout status: Ten EPM interventions are already rolled out. The branding component is still under stakeholder consultation.
Interest subvention: After industry feedback, interest subvention was extended to small and micro exporters on identified tariff lines.
Committee schedule: The Norms Committee, Policy Relaxation Committee, EPCG Committee and Exim Facilitation Committees will meet fortnightly. The SCOMET inter-ministerial group meets monthly.
District Export Hubs drive: A 90-day activation drive for District Export Hubs began on 1 June 2026, using District Export Promotion Committees and District Export Action Plans.
Implementing agency: DGFT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the main agency for foreign trade policy and facilitation.
EPM period: The Export Promotion Mission is approved for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, aimed at export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs.
RELIEF outlay: RELIEF has a financial outlay of Rs 497 crore under EPM, to support exporters amid West Asia logistics disruptions.
Cover for already insured consignments: Exporters with ECGC cover for eligible consignments get up to 100% risk coverage over and above existing cover, for 14 Feb to 15 Mar 2026.
Support for upcoming consignments: For 16 Mar to 15 Jun 2026, exporters are encouraged to take ECGC cover, with Government support for up to 95% risk coverage over existing cover.
Reimbursement for non-insured MSMEs: Eligible MSME exporters without ECGC insurance get partial reimbursement of up to 50% of freight and insurance surcharge burden, capped at Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
Two sub-schemes: EPM has NIRYAT PROTSAHAN for trade finance (interest subvention, factoring, collateral guarantees) and NIRYAT DISHA for other enablers (quality, branding, market access, logistics, trade intelligence).
Nodal agency: ECGC Ltd, wholly owned by the Government of India under the Commerce Ministry, verifies claims, pays out and monitors RELIEF.
Outlay: RELIEF has an approved outlay of Rs 497 crore, funded under EPM.
Cover for existing ECGC policyholders: Exporters with ECGC cover get up to 100% extra risk coverage for consignments from 14 Feb to 15 Mar 2026.
Cover for future shipments: For consignments from 16 Mar to 15 Jun 2026, government support covers up to 95% risk coverage over existing ECGC cover.
MSME reimbursement: Non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can get up to 50% partial reimbursement of freight and insurance surcharges, capped at Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
Review: The EPM Steering Committee will review RELIEF periodically and may modify, continue or withdraw it.
Approval and outlay: The Government approved EPM in November 2025. Its outlay is ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.
LIFT: LIFT supports hinterland exporters on transport costs. It covers up to 30% of the cost, capped at ₹20 lakh per exporter per year.
Two verticals: EPM combines financial support under Niryat Protsahan with trade ecosystem support under Niryat Disha, in a digitally monitored framework.
TRACE: Reimburses 60% (Positive List) or 75% (Priority Positive List) of testing, inspection and certification costs, up to ₹25 lakh per IEC a year.
Status: With this launch, 10 of the 11 proposed EPM interventions are operational.
Implementing ministries: Jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance.
Collateral guarantee: Offered with CGTMSE: cover up to 85% for Micro and Small exporters, 65% for Medium, with max guaranteed exposure of ₹10 crore per exporter per year.

Don’t confuse with EPC vs DGFT: Export Promotion Councils are industry-facing bodies of exporters that promote specific sectors. DGFT is the government office that administers foreign trade policy.

Don’t confuse with EPCG vs EPC: EPCG is the Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme allowing concessional duty on capital goods imports. EPC is a Council of exporters.

Don’t confuse with NIRYAT PROTSAHAN vs NIRYAT DISHA: PROTSAHAN deals with trade finance; DISHA covers non-financial enablers such as compliance, branding, market access, logistics and trade intelligence.

Don’t confuse with ECGC cover vs RELIEF support: ECGC is the credit insurer; RELIEF is a Government intervention that adds cover on top of ECGC's existing cover or reimburses costs for uninsured MSMEs.

Don’t confuse with ECGC vs EXIM Bank: ECGC insures exporters against non-payment and political risk. EXIM Bank is a financial institution that lends for trade.

Don’t confuse with RELIEF vs EPM: EPM is the umbrella mission. RELIEF is one time-bound intervention under it.

Don’t confuse with EPM vs earlier schemes: EPM replaces earlier schemes such as the Interest Equalisation Scheme and the Market Access Initiative, whose arrears are being cleared under it.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Brings exporter support schemes under one mission, helping use of FTA market access.
District-level hubs can bring new exporters and local products such as GI goods into exports.
Cushions exporters, especially MSMEs, from conflict-driven freight and insurance cost shocks.
Sustains shipment flows and exporter confidence during logistics uncertainty.
Cushions exporters and jobs, especially MSMEs, from conflict-driven freight and insurance costs.
Shows EPM can be used flexibly for quick response to external shocks.
Using ECGC's existing machinery lets support reach exporters fast.
Merges scattered export aid into one framework, reducing fragmentation for MSME exporters.
Eases credit, compliance and logistics costs, which can help competitiveness and market diversification.
Lowers the cost of capital and widens trade finance options for MSMEs.
Helps MSMEs meet international standards and cut logistics disadvantages, supporting broad-based export growth.
Lowers the cost of export credit and eases working capital for MSME exporters.
Improves bank lending to export-oriented MSMEs and supports market diversification and global value chain integration.

Problems

Low uptake of schemes by exporters, especially small ones, needs outreach and handholding.
Pendency and delays in facilitation committees hurt predictability for exporters.
Support is time-bound and conditional on documentary verification and ceilings, so smaller exporters may face compliance burden.
Exporters outside the eligible windows or without ECGC cover (non-MSME) get limited relief.
Fiscal cost is open-ended if the disruption lasts beyond the support window.
Documentary verification and claim processing may delay MSMEs' relief.
Only ECGC-linked or MSME exporters are covered, so other exporters stay exposed to higher costs.
Many separate interventions with caps and eligibility lists may be hard for small exporters to navigate.
Early uptake is low for some components, such as about 60 exporters for collateral support since January 2026.
MSMEs may find it hard to access schemes and claim reimbursements, and many lack awareness of them.
Caps on assistance per IEC or MSME may limit impact, and export growth also depends on global demand and trade barriers.
Caps (₹50 lakh per IEC) and a positive list may limit reach; the pilot depends on RBI and CGTMSE guidelines.
Banks' risk aversion and operational readiness can delay uptake, especially for emerging-market incentives.

Way forward

Run focused outreach with banks and Export Promotion Councils, and track measurable outcomes.
Use FTAs to target new markets and products, with district action plans.
Speed up claim verification and disbursal through digital processes.
Diversify routes and markets, and build lasting logistics resilience beyond one-off relief.
Keep real-time dashboard tracking and review the scheme as conditions change.
Widen ECGC coverage among MSMEs and diversify routes and markets to cut dependence on chokepoints.
Simplify applications on the digital portals and spread awareness among first-time exporters.
Track uptake and release funds on time, including arrears under older schemes.
Keep the digital claim process simple and time-bound, and run outreach through EPCs and district export hubs.
Review outcomes regularly and link support to FTA market opportunities.
Use pilot feedback and data to refine rates, caps and the positive list, with bi-annual reviews.
Pair finance support with NIRYAT DISHA measures on compliance, logistics and market access.

Put in your answer

District Export Hubs: Example of last-mile export promotion: District Export Promotion Committees and District Export Action Plans identify products and districts with export potential.

EPM structure: Cite EPM's two sub-schemes, NIRYAT PROTSAHAN (trade finance) and NIRYAT DISHA (trade enablers), as an example of integrated export support.

RELIEF under EPM: A targeted, time-bound intervention with Rs 497 crore to offset war-related freight and insurance costs.

EPM outlay: ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, with a focus on MSMEs.

Interest subvention rate: Interest subvention of 2.75%, up to ₹50 lakh, on pre- and post-shipment export credit for MSMEs.

Cost of capital and compliance: The new interventions aim to address MSME constraints: high cost of capital, limited trade finance instruments, compliance burdens, logistics disadvantages and market entry barriers.

FTA reach: Nine concluded FTAs give access to nearly 70% of global GDP and two-thirds of global trade, as stated by the Minister.

Mission outlay: ₹25,060 crore over FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, focused on MSMEs, first-time exporters and labour-intensive sectors.

Guarantee design: Cover of 85% for Micro and Small and 65% for Medium exporters, up to ₹10 crore exposure per exporter.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 19

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.ECGC Ltd has been designated the nodal agency for implementing RELIEF.
2.RELIEF is funded separately from the Export Promotion Mission through a standalone allocation.
3.For existing ECGC policyholders, RELIEF offers up to 100% additional risk coverage for consignments in the period 14 February to 15 March 2026.
4.Non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can get partial reimbursement of up to 50% of surcharge burdens, subject to a ceiling of Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
5.ECGC provides export credit insurance against commercial and political risks.
6.RELIEF is a permanent scheme with no provision for withdrawal.
7.Under the Export Promotion Mission, financial enablers are grouped under Niryat Protsahan and trade ecosystem support under Niryat Disha.
8.The export factoring intervention offers an interest subvention of 2.75% on factoring cost.
9.TRACE reimburses a higher share of testing and certification costs for items on the Priority Positive List than on the Positive List.
10.LIFT is meant to reduce the geographical disadvantage of exporters in districts with high export intensity.
11.INSIGHT can provide up to 100% support for proposals from Central and State Government institutions and Indian Missions abroad.
12.All 11 proposed interventions under the Export Promotion Mission are now operational.
13.The Export Promotion Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025.
14.The Mission is implemented solely by the Department of Commerce.
15.NIRYAT DISHA focuses on access to affordable trade finance, while NIRYAT PROTSAHAN supports non-financial enablers such as branding and logistics.
16.The base interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit is 2.75 per cent.
17.The interest subvention applies to all tariff lines without restriction.
18.The collateral guarantee for export credit is being introduced in partnership with CGTMSE.
19.Guarantee coverage is up to 65 per cent for Micro and Small exporters and up to 85 per cent for Medium exporters.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises, 2 Apr, 16:15 IST · Release 287401

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

BioE3 Policy

GS3 Science and TechnologyGS3 EconomyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, the Science Minister told the Rajya Sabha about BioE3 progress: Bio-AI hubs, biofoundries, biomanufacturing hubs, ISS microalgae experiments and the new DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry in New Delhi.
What it is: BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) is a policy approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024. It aims to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem for bio-based products. It is run mainly by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its public sector company BIRAC.

Policy name and approval: BioE3 stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment. The Union Cabinet approved it in August 2024.
Six thematic sectors: These are bio-based chemicals/enzymes, smart proteins and functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and futuristic marine and space research.
BioE3 Strain Resource Centre: It is set up at BRIC-NCCS, Pune. It gives access to indigenous microbial strains with freedom-to-operate, cutting reliance on imported strains.
Funding by DBT and BIRAC: DBT gives academia grant-in-aid. BIRAC supports start-ups and academia by grant-in-aid, and SMEs and industry through cofunding and royalty sharing.
State BioE3 Cells: BioE3 Cells have been notified in Assam, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh as State coordination units.
Six thematic areas: The Policy covers biobased chemicals, enzymes and APIs; smart proteins and functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture and utilization; and marine and space research.
Shared facilities (BioEnablers): The Policy plans Bio-AI Hubs, Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs across the country in PPP mode, under the 'Moolankur' BioEnablers name.
Biomanufacturing Hubs: They give startups, academia and SMEs shared pilot-scale and pre-commercial-scale facilities, bridging lab research and full-scale manufacturing.
ISS microalgae experiment: Three indigenous microalgae (Chlorella sorokiniana-I, Parachlorella kessleri-I, Dysmorphococcus globosus-HI) were tested on the ISS for effects of microgravity, CO2 and O2 levels.
Cyanobacteria experiment: An Indian Spirulina isolate and a fast-growing Synechococcus strain were tested on nitrate and urea in microgravity, towards biological life support for space missions.
DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry: The New Delhi facility uses bacteria and yeast as microbial platforms and can scale production up to 20 litres.
2030 target: India aims for a USD 300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
Startups: More than 11,800 biotech startups support the sector, which has more than doubled in size since 2020.
RDI Fund: The Research, Development and Innovation Fund has an outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore; BIRAC has a key role in backing biotech ventures under it.
BIRAC: BIRAC is the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, which helps connect research with industry and bring ideas to market.

Don’t confuse with DBT vs BIRAC: DBT is the government department for biotechnology. BIRAC is its public sector enterprise that funds start-ups, SMEs and industry.

Don’t confuse with Biofoundry vs Biomanufacturing Hub: A biofoundry gives early scale-up of proof-of-concept work using automation and the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle. A hub offers larger shared pilot and pre-commercial-scale capacity.

Don’t confuse with Microalgae vs cyanobacteria: Chlorella and related species are eukaryotic microalgae. Spirulina and Synechococcus are cyanobacteria, which are prokaryotes.

Don’t confuse with BioE3 vs. BIRAC: BioE3 is a policy for the bioeconomy. BIRAC is an agency that funds and supports biotech startups and innovation.

Don’t confuse with IBER vs. BIRAC Impact Report: IBER measures the size of India's bioeconomy. The BIRAC Impact Report shows the outcomes of BIRAC's funding and incubation.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Builds a domestic biomanufacturing base and cuts import dependence on strains, chemicals and APIs.
Links the bioeconomy with climate goals through carbon capture and bio-based alternatives.
Shared facilities cut upfront costs for startups and SMEs, helping move lab innovations to market.
Space experiments with algae and cyanobacteria point to CO2 capture and food supply in life support systems.
Biotech now drives growth in healthcare, agriculture, climate solutions and sustainable manufacturing.
Bio-based industries can cut dependence on fossil-based products and create jobs.

Problems

Only three States have so far notified BioE3 Cells, so Centre-State coordination is uneven.
Scaling from pilot to commercial production needs shared infrastructure, finance and regulatory clarity.
Scale-up from lab to commercial production is hard and capital-intensive; the Delhi biofoundry reaches only 20 litres.
PPP-based shared infrastructure needs steady funding and skilled manpower.
Scale-up and commercialisation of lab innovations needs long-term capital and shared infrastructure.
Talent and startup activity are concentrated in a few cities, so tier-2 and tier-3 cities need support.

Way forward

Speed up State BioE3 Action Plans and Cells.
Expand biofoundries and biomanufacturing hubs, and link them with industry for commercial scale-up.
Build more pilot and commercial-scale hubs with regulatory support and training in bio-automation.
Link research outputs to industry partners for market entry.
Build shared facilities such as bio foundries and biomanufacturing platforms, and channel RDI Fund money to scale-up projects.
Strengthen industry-academia links and support young researchers and women entrepreneurs.

Put in your answer

Strain Resource Centre: The SRC provides indigenous strains with freedom-to-operate, supporting Make in India.

BioE3 Policy: Approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024; six thematic areas and BioEnablers to build biomanufacturing capacity.

Biofoundry example: The DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry replaces slow manual processes with bio-automation and AI in the DBTL cycle.

Bioeconomy data: India's bioeconomy was USD 195.3 billion in 2025, about 4.8% of GDP, with a CAGR of nearly 18%.

BioE3 focus areas: The policy promotes precision biotherapeutics, smart proteins, climate-resilient agriculture, bio-based chemicals and carbon capture.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Science & Technology, 2 Apr, 16:53 IST · Release 287420

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

SHANTI Act and Nuclear Energy Mission

GS3 Energy: nuclear powerGS2 LawsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, the Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh told Rajya Sabha that the SHANTI Act aligns India's nuclear civil liability rules with the international framework. He said it should remove supplier worries that stalled projects at Jaitapur and Kovvada.
What it is: The SHANTI Act, 2025 is India's new nuclear energy law. It opens nuclear energy activity to public and private entities and revises the civil liability regime that earlier rested on the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. It sits within the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to scale up clean base-load power.

CLND Act, 2010: The Act provides compensation to victims of a nuclear incident or accident.
Contested sections: Section 17(b) gave the operator a right of recourse against the supplier. Section 46 preserved the effect of other laws. Both were out of line with the international liability framework.
Stalled projects: Liability issues delayed commercial agreements for Jaitapur (Maharashtra, with France) and Kovvada (Andhra Pradesh, with the USA).
Russian cooperation: Four 1000 MW reactors, KKNPP 3&4 and 5&6, are under construction with Russia.
Mission target: 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047, to support net-zero emissions by 2070.
Reactor designs: DAE is designing the 220 MWe BSMR-200, the 55 MWe SMR-55 and a High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor of up to 5 MWth for hydrogen production.
Current capacity: Nuclear capacity is 8780 MW (excluding RAPS-1), expected to reach 22,380 MW by 2031-32.
BRNS: The Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences is an advisory body and extramural funding agency of DAE that funds academic research.
Budget provision: ₹20,000 crore is provided under the Nuclear Energy Mission for SMR research, design, development and deployment.
Sites: Tarapur (Maharashtra) is the site for lead units of BSMR-200 and SMR-55; BARC's Vizag site (Andhra Pradesh) is for the HTGCR.
HTGCR progress: The HTGCR has in-principle approval, a prepared DPR, siting consent and Terms of Reference for environmental clearance from MoEF&CC.

Don’t confuse with CLND Act 2010 vs SHANTI Act 2025: The CLND Act is the older liability law with supplier recourse provisions. The SHANTI Act is the newer law that aligns liability with the international framework.

Don’t confuse with NSG waiver vs Indo-US agreement: The Indo-US civil nuclear agreement is a bilateral deal. The NSG waiver is the group-level permission that let India trade nuclear items with other countries.

Don’t confuse with BRNS vs AERB: BRNS funds and advises on research under DAE; the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board is the safety regulator.

Don’t confuse with MWe vs MWth: MWe is electrical output; MWth is thermal output. The HTGCR is rated in MWth, the SMRs in MWe.

Don’t confuse with BSMR-200 vs SMR-55: BSMR-200 is the 220 MWe Bharat design with BARC and NPCIL; SMR-55 is a separate 55 MWe design, planned as 2 units.

Why it matters

Clearer liability rules can bring in foreign reactor technology and fuel, helping scale up clean base-load power.
Opening the sector to private entities can raise investment and speed up capacity addition.
Nuclear power is reliable base-load clean energy that supports the net-zero 2070 goal and cuts fossil fuel dependence.
Private and public participation can bring in capital, technology and vendors for faster capacity addition.
SMRs can repurpose retiring coal plant sites, serve industry captive needs and remote off-grid areas.
SMRs can supply clean base-load power and support India's net-zero goals.
Hydrogen-producing high temperature reactors can help decarbonise industry.

Problems

Victims' right to compensation must stay adequate while supplier fears are eased.
Safety regulation and public trust need to keep pace with wider private participation.
Capacity must grow from 8780 MW to 100 GWe, a very steep scale-up.
Safety, liability, waste disposal and public acceptance of land acquisition remain contested issues with private participation.
Dependence on imported reactor designs and fuel conflicts with the self-reliance aim.
Approvals remain pending: BSMR-200 awaits Cabinet Committee sanction, so construction timelines of 60-72 months push results far out.
Technology is yet to be demonstrated at scale and needs detailed engineering and supply chains.

Way forward

Strengthen an independent nuclear regulator and transparent safety oversight.
Conclude the pending commercial agreements for Jaitapur and Kovvada on clear liability terms.
Build a strong, independent regulator and clear liability rules to give confidence on safety.
Develop domestic vendors and skilled manpower through DAE training, incubation centres and BRNS funding.
Speed up SMR and thorium-based programmes alongside renewables for a balanced clean energy mix.
Complete approvals and clearances quickly and build the lead units as technology demonstrators.
Involve PSUs and industry in engineering and manufacturing to build a domestic supply chain.

Put in your answer

Two-pronged strategy: Large 700 MWe PHWRs and imported advanced reactors at greenfield sites, plus SMRs at brownfield sites.

Atal Incubation Centres: DAE has set up four Atal Incubation Centres to work with start-ups and MSMEs on nuclear technology.

SMR funding: ₹20,000 crore under the Nuclear Energy Mission for SMRs, Budget 2025-26.

BSMR timeline: BSMR construction is estimated at 60 to 72 months from administrative and financial approval.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 14

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The Nuclear Energy Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.
2.The Nuclear Energy Mission aims at 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2070.
3.The budget provision of Rs 20,000 crore under the Mission is meant for Small Modular Reactors.
4.The Mission aims to operationalise at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033.
5.The 55 MWe SMR-55 is the larger of the two SMR designs being developed by DAE, compared with the 220 MWe BSMR-200.
6.The High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor being developed by DAE is meant for hydrogen production.
7.The Three Stage Nuclear Power Programme is designed to use India's vast thorium reserves in the long term.
8.The Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences is a regulatory body that licenses nuclear plants.
9.Under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in Union Budget 2025-26, ₹20,000 crore has been provided for research, design, development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors.
10.The Bharat Small Modular Reactor is being designed jointly by BARC and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
11.The lead units of BSMR-200 and SMR-55 are planned at Vizag in Andhra Pradesh.
12.The high temperature gas cooled reactor under development by BARC is meant for hydrogen generation.
13.Small Modular Reactors are designed so that major components can be factory-fabricated and transported to the site for assembly.
14.The Atomic Energy Commission has already given final financial sanction to construct BSMR-200 and the project has started construction.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Department of Atomic Energy, 2 Apr, 16:55 IST · Release 287425

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

National Highway Cost Escalation Compensation Mechanism (2026)

GS3 InfrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 2 April 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways announced a cost escalation compensation mechanism for National Highway projects. It runs from 1 April to 30 June 2026, or until further review, because of rising fuel and material prices.
What it is: This is a temporary relief package for contractors and concessionaires building and maintaining National Highways under EPC and HAM contracts. It changes how and when price adjustment is calculated and paid, to ease cash flow. EPC means the government pays the contractor for construction; HAM (Hybrid Annuity Model) splits payment between the government and the developer.

Period: The measures apply for three months, 1 April to 30 June 2026, or until further review based on the global economic situation.
Monthly payments: Provisions for EPC and HAM projects are relaxed so contractors and concessionaires get monthly payments for work done to prescribed quality standards.
WPI reference month: Under EPC contracts, WPI for items such as cement, mild steel and construction machinery is now taken for one month before the IPC month, not three months before.
Bitumen: For bitumen, the official retail price on the first day of the month, one month before the IPC month, is used instead of the earlier three-month reference.
HAM price escalation: In HAM projects, price escalation calculated using the Price Index Multiple (PIM) can also be released monthly.

Don’t confuse with EPC vs HAM: In EPC the government funds the whole construction cost. In HAM the government pays part of the cost during construction and the rest comes from the developer, who is repaid through annuities.

Don’t confuse with WPI vs CPI: WPI tracks wholesale prices of goods and is used here for price adjustment. CPI tracks retail prices paid by consumers.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Temporary three-month relief for EPC and HAM contracts amid fuel price rise; contract-model terms are useful but unlikely to be asked.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 2 Apr, 18:11 IST · Release 287431

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Defence and security

IOS SAGAR and Vision MAHASAGAR

GS2 International RelationsGS3 SecurityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On April 2, 2026, INS Sunayna sailed from Mumbai as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, flagged off by Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth. It carries naval personnel from India and sixteen friendly foreign countries.
What it is: IOS SAGAR is an Indian Navy deployment in which an Indian ship carries personnel from friendly foreign navies on a joint training voyage with port calls in the Indian Ocean region. It is described as an operational expression of Vision MAHASAGAR, India's maritime cooperation approach. MAHASAGAR builds on the earlier SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) outlook.

Ship: INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, sailed from Mumbai as IOS SAGAR on April 2, 2026.
Participants: Naval personnel from India and sixteen maritime forces of friendly foreign countries are on board.
Phases: The Harbour Phase ran from March 16-29, 2026. The Sea Phase runs from April 2 to May 20, 2026 across the South-Eastern Indian Ocean Region.
Port calls: Port calls are planned at Colombo, Phuket, Jakarta, Singapore, Chittagong, Yangon and Male. The deployment ends at Kochi.
MAHASAGAR: MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. IOS SAGAR is called its practical and operational expression.
Training: Crew training covers seamanship, navigation, firefighting, damage control, VBSS operations and bridgemanship.
Edition and start: The second edition of IOS SAGAR commenced on 16 March 2026.
IONS chair: The Indian Navy took over the chair of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium in February 2026.
Participation: Naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries take part in this edition.
MAHASAGAR expansion: MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, and builds on SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Training phase: The programme begins with training at Indian Naval training establishments in Kochi, followed by sailing on an Indian Naval ship.

Don’t confuse with SAGAR vs MAHASAGAR: SAGAR is Security and Growth for All in the Region, the earlier Indian Ocean outlook. MAHASAGAR is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, a broader vision.

Don’t confuse with IOS SAGAR vs INS Sagar: IOS SAGAR is a deployment name for a ship carrying multinational crew, not a separate ship class.

Don’t confuse with IOS SAGAR vs IONS: IOS SAGAR is an Indian Navy training deployment on a ship. IONS is a forum of Indian Ocean navies, now chaired by India.

Defence: Prelims tests exercises (with whom), equipment (who makes it) and firsts.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Defence, 2 Apr, 19:39 IST · Release 287443

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

International relations

Informal Group of Ministers on West Asia

GS2 International RelationsGS3 Energy securityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: The second meeting of the Raksha Mantri-led Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) on West Asia was held in New Delhi on April 2, 2026. It reviewed steps to limit the impact of the West Asia conflict on India.
What it is: The Informal Group of Ministers on West Asia is a ministerial panel set up to monitor the evolving West Asia situation and suggest proactive measures to minimise its impact on India. It is chaired by the Defence Minister and draws in ministers of finance, petroleum, external affairs, power, fertilizers, food and others. It works with seven Empowered Groups of Secretaries that brief it on steps being taken.

Chair and purpose: The IGoM is chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. It monitors West Asia developments and suggests measures to keep the impact on India minimal.
Supporting machinery: Seven Empowered Groups of Secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken.
Customs relief: Full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products was notified, valid till June 30, 2026.
Inter-ministerial group: The PM said an inter-ministerial group meets daily to assess import and export difficulties and work out solutions.
Strait of Hormuz: India imports large quantities of crude oil, gas and fertilizers through the Strait of Hormuz, and shipping there has become highly challenging.
Indians in the Gulf: Nearly ten million Indians live and work in the Gulf countries.
Strategic petroleum reserve: India has a strategic petroleum reserve of over 5.3 million metric tonnes, to be expanded to over 6.5 million metric tonnes.
India's position: India opposes attacks on civilians, energy and transport infrastructure, and says dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution.
Cause of supply stress: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is the reason for the steps on petroleum products and LPG.
Legal powers against hoarding: States can act against hoarding and black marketing under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the LPG Control Order, 2000.
Seafarers in the Gulf: 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf, monitored by DG Shipping.
Return of Indians: Over 3,50,000 passengers have returned to India from the region since 28 February.
LPG exposure: India imports about 60% of its LPG consumption, and about 90% of these imports pass through Hormuz.
Natural Gas Control Order: Issued on 9 March 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act to manage gas supply and protect priority sectors. Domestic PNG and CNG get full supply.
LPG demand management: The minimum gap between LPG bookings was raised from 21 to 25 days. Domestic LPG output rose about 25% after refineries were told to maximise LPG.
Seafarers and diaspora: 28 Indian-flagged vessels are in the Persian Gulf region. About one crore Indians live in GCC countries.
Who met: The Cabinet Committee on Security met under the Prime Minister's chairmanship to review the West Asia situation.
Trigger: The CCS was briefed on air strikes in Iran on 28 February and the escalation that followed, including attacks in Gulf countries.
Main concern: The Committee expressed serious concern over the safety and security of the large Indian expatriate community in the region.
Direction given: All concerned departments were told to take necessary and feasible measures to assist affected Indian nationals.
India's stance: The CCS stressed early cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.

Don’t confuse with IGoM vs GoM: An informal group of ministers is set up by executive decision for coordination and has no statutory or constitutional status. Empowered Groups of Secretaries are bureaucratic bodies that brief it.

Don’t confuse with Strait of Hormuz vs Bab-el-Mandeb: Hormuz links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Bab-el-Mandeb links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

Don’t confuse with PNG vs LPG: PNG is piped natural gas supplied through city gas distribution networks. LPG is bottled liquefied petroleum gas.

Don’t confuse with PNG/CNG vs LPG: PNG and CNG are natural gas, mainly methane. LPG is propane and butane from refining and gas processing.

Why it matters

Coordinated ministerial oversight lets India respond quickly to energy, trade and price shocks from a distant conflict.
Covering fuel, fertilizer, food and finance in one forum reflects India's exposure to West Asia through energy imports and trade.
Gulf supplies much of India's crude oil and gas, so the conflict directly affects energy security.
Nearly ten million Indians in the Gulf make evacuation, remittances and welfare a core concern.
Shows how a chokepoint closure threatens India's energy security, given its import dependence.
Coordinates Centre and States on supply, enforcement and citizen safety.
Shows India's exposure to a single chokepoint for crude, LNG and LPG.
Diversified crude buying across about 40 countries cushions supply shocks.
Tests crisis coordination across ministries and States, including diaspora protection.
Shows the government treating the West Asia crisis as a security and economic issue, not only a diplomatic one.
Large Indian diaspora in the Gulf makes evacuation and welfare of nationals a central concern.

Problems

Supply panic, hoarding and black marketing, such as in LPG, can create shortages even when stocks are adequate.
Misinformation on social media can fuel panic and complicate management.
Disrupted shipping through Hormuz threatens oil, LPG and fertilizer supplies and raises prices.
Dependence on imports for LPG and fertilizers exposes households and farmers to shocks.
LPG supply remains a concern, with panic buying and hoarding.
States differ in implementation: 17 States/UTs had yet to issue kerosene allocation orders.
Heavy LPG and LNG dependence on Hormuz cannot be shifted quickly.
Rationing gas hurts fertiliser and industry output, and price rises hurt households.
Panic buying and hoarding strain distribution; seafarers and about one crore Gulf Indians face risk.
Safety of Indian expatriates and disruption to travellers and students in the region.
Wider effects on regional security and on economic and commercial activity.

Way forward

Build medium to long-term preparedness, including diversified energy sources and alternatives like PNG.
Enforce action against hoarding and communicate through official sources.
Diversify energy and fertilizer sources and expand strategic reserves.
Speed up renewables, ethanol blending and electric mobility while pursuing diplomacy for safe passage.
Speed up PNG and city gas network expansion by clearing approvals quickly.
Build supply diversification and reserves to cut exposure to a single chokepoint.
Build strategic reserves of crude, LPG and gas, and add import routes.
Raise domestic output and speed up the shift to alternative fuels.
Keep Gulf diplomacy active and prepare evacuation and shipping-safety plans.
Coordinate departments for assistance to affected Indian nationals.
Press for de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.

Put in your answer

LPG supply measures: Domestic LPG output was raised to meet consumption, with raids against hoarding and black marketing. Over 80% of pre-crisis commercial LPG supply was maintained.

Renewable capacity: Renewable capacity has crossed 250 GW, about half of installed capacity.

Demand and supply rationalisation: The LPG booking interval was raised from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas.

Diaspora in GCC: About one crore Indians live in GCC countries, making their safety central to India's policy.

LPG subsidy support: Government approved ₹30,000 crore compensation to oil marketing companies for LPG under-recoveries.

Government's response: The CCS reviewed difficulties of Indian travellers and students and the implications for regional security and economic activity.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Defence, 2 Apr, 21:32 IST · Release 287450

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2027: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Quick facts

Government fully exempted customs duty on critical petrochemicals (ammonia, methanol, toluene, styrene and others) till 30 June 2026 because of the West Asia conflict.
India's defence exports hit a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, up 62.66% from Rs 23,622 crore; DPSUs gave 54.84% and private sector 45.16%.
Captive and commercial coal mines produced 210.46 MT in FY 2025-26, crossing 200 MT for the first time (up 10.22%).
Section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 bars display of election matter in the 48 hours before poll closes (silence period).

Source: PIB, 2 Apr

What we left out: 84 of 100 releases

Greetings and ceremonies (2)
Speeches without a decision (3)
Routine parliament replies (31)
Same issue as another release (25)
Internal administrative news (1)
Courtesy meetings (3)
Routine MoUs (2)
Ceremonies and campaigns (5)
Appointments (3)
Research findings (2)
Company production records (2)
Routine annual summaries (1)
Routine bilateral meetings (1)
Review meetings (1)
Hackathons and webinars (2)

Practise the day’s news

In UPSC’s formats, inside each issue. The answer and why come after you choose.

1Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010MCQ · 11 true or false · Mains
2Export Promotion Mission (EPM)MCQ · 19 true or false · Mains
3BioE3 PolicyMCQ · 3 true or false
4SHANTI Act and Nuclear Energy MissionMCQ · 14 true or false · Mains
5IOS SAGAR and Vision MAHASAGARMCQ · 5 true or false
6Informal Group of Ministers on West AsiaMCQ · 9 true or false · Mains

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

The Parliament has recently passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, which amends 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts to decriminalise minor offences. Examine the key features of the Jan Vishwas approach and critically discuss its significance for ease of doing business and ease of living, along with the challenges in decriminalising minor offences.

From: Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010

Write and get it marked

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The day after

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Practice · 6 Mains question