11 issues picked from 66 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.
On 5 June 2026, the Finance Ministry announced steps to widen PROI investment in listed equities and to ease FPI access to G-Secs, including a tax exemption on their interest and capital gains.
What it is
The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 govern foreign investment in instruments such as equity. The Portfolio Investment Scheme lets NRIs/OCIs buy listed Indian company shares through designated bank branches. The Fully Accessible Route (FAR) lets non-residents invest in specified G-Secs without investment ceilings.
PROI access to PIS
Individual PROIs can now invest in listed Indian companies' equity through the Portfolio Investment Scheme, earlier open only to NRIs/OCIs.
Rules used
The change is made by notifying the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, through the Department of Economic Affairs.
FAR expansion
FAR now covers new G-Sec issues of 15, 30 and 40 year tenors and Sovereign Green Bonds.
General Route limits
Three restrictions are removed under the General Route, but the overall caps stay at 6% of Central G-Secs and 2% of State Government securities.
Don’t confuse with FAR vs General Route: FAR has no investment ceiling on specified G-Secs; the General Route has overall caps of 6% (Central) and 2% (State).
Don’t confuse with PROI vs NRI/OCI: PROI is the wider category of persons resident outside India; NRIs and OCIs are subsets of it that had PIS access earlier.
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.
Why it matters
Deeper G-Sec demand from long-term investors helps smooth the yield curve.
Stable foreign inflows can support the rupee and ease financing of the deficit.
Problems
Foreign holdings in G-Secs can reverse suddenly and raise volatility in yields and the exchange rate.
The tax exemption means some revenue loss.
Way forward
Monitor flows and keep tools to manage sudden outflows.
Deepen the domestic investor base so reliance on foreign capital stays moderate.
Put in your answer
FAR limits: General Route caps retained at 6% of Central and 2% of State securities.
Tax parity: The G-Sec tax exemption aligns India with comparable jurisdictions.
1.Under the Portfolio Investment Scheme, individual Persons Resident Outside India (PROIs) are now permitted to invest in listed Indian companies, a facility earlier available only to NRIs/OCIs.
2.Under the General Route, the overall FPI limit on Central Government securities has been removed along with the short-term, concentration and security-wise limits.
3.Sovereign Green Bonds in FAR-eligible tenors and new Government securities of 15, 30 and 40 year tenors have been brought under the Fully Accessible Route.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
True or false?
1 of 5
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.Under the Portfolio Investment Scheme, individual PROIs are now permitted to invest in listed Indian companies, a facility earlier available only to NRIs/OCIs.
True. PIS access has been extended to individual PROIs.
2.The overall limit for all individual PROIs under the scheme has been raised from 5% to 10%.
False. The individual limit per company rises from 5% to 10%; the overall limit for all individual PROIs rises from 10% to 24%.
3.Sovereign Green Bonds are now eligible under the Fully Accessible Route.
True. FAR now includes Sovereign Green Bonds in FAR-eligible tenors.
4.Under the General Route, the overall FPI limit on Central G-Secs has been removed along with the short-term, concentration and security-wise limits.
False. The overall limits of 6% (Central) and 2% (State) are retained.
5.Investment above 10% of a company's paid-up equity by a foreign portfolio investor is classified as foreign direct investment.
False. Under NDI Rules, a non-resident holding of 10% or more in an Indian company is treated as FDI, not portfolio investment, in the sense that the FPI limit is below 10%; the usual rule is that FPI holding must stay below 10% of paid-up equity.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
GS3 Energy and biofuelsGS3 AgriculturePrelims and Mains
Why in news
On 5 June 2026 (World Environment Day), Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched E85 fuel at an IndianOil outlet in New Delhi. It is available at 48 public sector OMC outlets and will expand nationwide.
What it is
The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is run by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Oil marketing companies blend fuel ethanol with petrol and sell it at retail outlets. It aims to cut crude imports, lower emissions and raise farmers' incomes. Ethanol comes from sugarcane, grain and maize.
Feedstock widened in 2018
The National Policy on Biofuels (May 2018) extended raw materials beyond sugarcane to maize and surplus grain.
E10 target met early
India met its E10 target in June 2022, five months ahead of schedule.
Standards
Ethanol and blended petrol must meet BIS specifications at every stage.
Crude import dependence
India imports about 88.5% of the crude oil it consumes.
Production capacity
Capacity grew nearly fivefold, from 421 crore litres in 2014 to about 2,000 crore litres in 2026.
Octane rating
Ethanol has a research octane number of about 108.5 against 84.4 for petrol.
Rice for ethanol
Only surplus rice, as determined and permitted by the DFPD after food security needs, goes to ethanol.
E85 composition
E85 has 80-85 per cent ethanol and 14-19 per cent petrol. It is meant only for flex-fuel vehicles.
Flex-fuel vehicles
FFVs can run on blends from E20 to E100.
Blending progress
Blending rose from 1.53 per cent in 2014 to 20 per cent, five years ahead of schedule. It saved over ₹1.84 lakh crore in foreign exchange.
Implementing ministry
The EBP Programme is run by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas through oil marketing companies.
Blending level
Ethanol blending rose from under 1.5% in 2013-14 to 20% in 2025-26, five years ahead of the target.
Flex-fuel range
Flex-fuel vehicles can run on ethanol-petrol blends from E20 up to E100.
E85 standard
E85 is identified as the mono-fuel standard for flex-fuel vehicles under BIS specifications.
Capacity growth
Ethanol production capacity grew nearly five-fold, from 421 crore litres in 2014 to about 2000 crore litres in 2026.
Outlet rollout
The plan proposes 50-100 FFV-ready outlets initially, about 500 by December 2026 and about 5,000 by end-2027.
NITI Aayog classification
NITI Aayog classifies ethanol-based flex-fuel vehicles as Zero-Emission Vehicles.
Don’t confuse with E10 vs E20: E10 is 10% ethanol in petrol (met June 2022); E20 is 20% (reached 2025-26).
Don’t confuse with Flex fuel vehicle vs E20-compliant vehicle: Flex fuel vehicles run on blends up to E85 or pure ethanol. E20-compliant vehicles are designed for up to 20% ethanol.
Don’t confuse with E20 vs E85: E20 is 20 per cent ethanol petrol, the standard fuel for ordinary compatible vehicles. E85 is for flex-fuel vehicles only.
Don’t confuse with Flex-fuel vs electric vehicles: FFVs run on ethanol blends in an engine. EVs use batteries and depend on imported batteries and critical minerals.
Don’t confuse with Flex-fuel vs blended-petrol vehicles: Flex-fuel vehicles are built to handle a wide range of ethanol blends. Ordinary vehicles run on limited blends such as E20.
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.
Why it matters
Cuts crude imports and foreign exchange outgo, improving energy security.
Gives farmers a assured market for sugarcane, maize and surplus grain.
Cuts crude imports and saves foreign exchange, strengthening energy security.
Gives farmers an additional market and income, and lowers CO2 emissions.
Cuts crude oil imports and saves foreign exchange, aiding energy security.
Raises farmers' incomes through assured ethanol demand.
Lowers lifecycle greenhouse gas and particulate emissions.
Cuts crude oil imports and saves foreign exchange, improving energy security.
Creates extra demand for farm feedstock, raising farmers' income, and lowers emissions.
Problems
Older vehicles not certified for E20 raise compatibility and mileage worries, and consumers have no choice of fuel at the pump.
Ethanol costs about as much as petrol at low crude prices, so E20 is not cheaper for consumers.
Ethanol procurement costs have risen above refined petrol costs, so the fiscal and consumer cost case weakens.
Feedstock use (sugarcane, rice) raises concerns about water use and food security.
Public doubts on mileage, engine damage and older vehicles need clear communication.
Few flex-fuel vehicles and few E85 outlets at present; consumers need both.
States' taxation on E85 and FFVs affects pricing and adoption.
Feedstock such as sugarcane and grain raises food-versus-fuel and water-use concerns.
Needs fuel outlets, storage and dispensing infrastructure for E85, which are not yet widespread.
Grain and sugarcane feedstock raises food-versus-fuel and water-use concerns.
Way forward
Keep diversifying feedstock beyond sugarcane and grain, with attention to food security.
Publish independent test data and enforce BIS quality standards to build consumer trust.
Shift to non-food feedstocks and second-generation ethanol, with water-efficient crop practices.
Publish transparent real-world vehicle data, and expand flex fuel vehicles and E20-compliant fleets.
Expand E85 outlets and make flex-fuel vehicles widely available.
Give States incentives for supportive taxation on E85 and FFVs.
Promote non-food feedstock and second-generation ethanol.
Expand E85 outlets and give pricing support and road tax concessions to speed adoption.
Diversify feedstock to agricultural waste, bamboo and seaweed.
Put in your answer
National Policy on Biofuels, 2018: Widened feedstock to maize and surplus grain.
Water use: An ethanol plant uses only 3-5 litres of processed water per litre of ethanol, and modern distilleries run Zero Liquid Discharge systems.
Blending growth: Ethanol blending rose from 1.53 per cent in 2014 to 20 per cent.
Brazil example: Over 80 per cent of Brazil's light vehicle fleet runs on flex-fuel technology.
Farmer gains projection: If 50 per cent of new two- and four-wheelers were flex-fuel, demand would exceed 312 crore litres, sending nearly ₹12,403 crore to farmers.
Blending progress: Blending rose from under 1.5% in 2013-14 to 20% in 2025-26.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Test yourself
Prelims practice · Statements
Ours, not from a UPSC paper
Consider the following statements:
1.India reached the 20 percent ethanol blending target in petrol five years ahead of the schedule originally set.
2.India imports less than half of the crude oil it consumes.
3.Ethanol has a higher research octane number than petrol.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
True or false?
1 of 11
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.India reached the 20 percent ethanol blending target in petrol ahead of the schedule originally set.
True. The target was achieved five years ahead of schedule.
2.India imports less than half of the crude oil it consumes.
False. India imports about 88.5 percent of its crude oil.
3.Ethanol has a higher research octane number than petrol.
True. Ethanol's RON is about 108.5 against 84.4 for petrol.
4.Ethanol has a lower calorific value than petrol.
True. Ethanol's calorific value is lower than petrol's, which is the basis of the claimed mileage reduction.
5.Under the EBP Programme, any rice stock can be diverted to ethanol production at the choice of distilleries.
False. Only surplus rice permitted by the DFPD after food security needs is diverted.
6.The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme is implemented under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
True. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas runs the EBP Programme.
7.E85 contains mainly petrol with a small share of ethanol.
False. E85 has 80-85 per cent ethanol and 14-19 per cent petrol.
8.Flex-fuel vehicles can operate on ethanol blends ranging from E20 to E100.
True. FFVs run on E20 to E100.
9.India reached 20 per cent ethanol blending five years ahead of its target schedule.
True. The 20 per cent target was achieved five years early.
10.Ethanol has a Research Octane Number of about 108, giving it better knock resistance than petrol.
True. Ethanol's RON is about 108.
11.The Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
False. It is run by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
Mains practice
15 marks · 250 words
India has reached 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol, five years ahead of schedule, under the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme. Examine how the programme helps India's energy security, farmers and environment, and discuss the challenges it faces, including food security, water use and rising ethanol procurement costs.
On 5 June 2026, PM Modi welcomed the designation of Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, as India's 100th Ramsar site.
What it is
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands. A Ramsar Site is a wetland listed as a Wetland of International Importance because it meets at least one of nine criteria. In India, States propose sites and the Environment Ministry sends them to the Ramsar Secretariat.
India joined
India became a Party to the Convention on 1 February 1982.
Montreux Record
A register of Ramsar Sites where ecological character has changed or is likely to change. Chilika was removed from it in 2002.
Site
Glaw Lake was designated India's 101st Ramsar Site.
Location
The lake lies within Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.
Growth of network
India had 26 Ramsar Sites in 2014, according to the Minister.
Water source
The lake is fed by perennial mountain streams.
Biodiversity
Over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species are recorded in the site and its catchment.
Convention
The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
100th site
Surha Tal is India's 100th Ramsar site.
New site
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, was designated a Ramsar site.
Flyway
The site is a stopover on the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds in winter.
Ramsar Convention
Adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, it is an intergovernmental treaty for conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Listing body
In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change handles Ramsar site nominations.
Number of sites
India has 98 Ramsar sites, up from 26 in 2014.
Convention adoption
The Convention was adopted on 2 February 1971 at Ramsar, Iran. World Wetlands Day marks this date.
India's accession
India became a signatory to the Convention on 1 February 1982.
Asia ranking
India leads Asia in the number of Ramsar sites.
2026 theme
The theme was 'Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage'. The Ministry released the document Cultural Wonders of Ramsar Sites.
New sites
Patna Bird Sanctuary (Etah, Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Kutch, Gujarat) were added to the Ramsar list.
India's count
India's Ramsar network grew from 26 sites in 2014 to 98 at present, per the Minister.
Wildlife
The two wetlands host migratory and resident birds, and animals such as chinkara, wolf, caracal, desert cat and desert fox.
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is observed on 2 February, the anniversary of the Convention's adoption in 1971.
Don’t confuse with Montreux Record vs Ramsar List: The Ramsar List holds all designated sites. The Montreux Record holds only sites under ecological threat.
Don’t confuse with Ramsar Site vs Wetland City Accreditation: A Ramsar Site is a wetland. Accreditation is for cities, such as Indore and Udaipur in January 2025.
Don’t confuse with Ramsar Convention vs Montreux Record: The Montreux Record lists Ramsar Sites facing ecological change; it is not the list of designations.
Don’t confuse with Ramsar Site vs Montreux Record: Ramsar Sites are listed wetlands of international importance. The Montreux Record lists Ramsar sites where ecological character has changed or is under threat.
Don’t confuse with Ramsar Convention vs CMS: Ramsar covers wetlands (1971, Iran); the Convention on Migratory Species (Bonn, 1979) covers migratory animals.
Don’t confuse with Ramsar Site vs Wildlife Sanctuary: Ramsar is an international listing for wetlands; a sanctuary is a domestic protected area under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A site may fall within one.
Places in the news: 26 Prelims questions since 2013, rising (12% of news questions in 2022–26); they test location and why it matters.
Ramsar listing gives international visibility, expert advice and access to small grants.
Adds an Eastern Himalayan freshwater wetland to the Ramsar network and gives Arunachal Pradesh its first site.
Supports biodiversity, water security and livelihoods of dependent communities.
Reaching 100 sites shows growing wetland protection and global recognition of Indian wetlands.
Wetlands support biodiversity, migratory birds, flood control, groundwater recharge and livelihoods.
Community and cultural links, such as Wetland Mitras, make conservation more durable.
Ramsar listing gives international recognition and supports wetland conservation and wise use.
Problems
Listing alone does not stop encroachment, waste dumping and untreated effluent.
Ecological character needs regular monitoring and updated management plans across 28 States and UTs.
Remote high-altitude wetlands face climate change and catchment pressure.
Designation does not itself ensure funded management or local participation.
Listing does not itself stop encroachment, pollution or drainage of wetlands.
Urbanisation, encroachment and pollution damage wetlands.
Ramsar listing gives no legal protection by itself; it relies on domestic law.
Listing alone does not stop encroachment, pollution or drying of wetlands; management must follow.
Way forward
Notify sites under the 2017 Rules with Integrated Management Plans and monitor them regularly.
Strengthen community stewardship, data sharing and sustainable livelihoods around wetlands.
Prepare and implement a wetland management plan with community involvement.
Monitor water quality and biodiversity regularly.
Prepare site-level management plans with community participation and monitor water quality and bird populations.
Enforce the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 and prepare site management plans.
Involve local communities and use traditional knowledge in wetland management.
Prepare and enforce site management plans with local community involvement and regular monitoring.
Put in your answer
MISHTI: Targets mangrove restoration over 540 sq km in nine States and four UTs.
Glaw biodiversity: Over 150 tree species and 49 orchid species are recorded in the site and catchment.
100 Ramsar sites: India now has 100 Ramsar sites, a useful data point on wetland conservation.
Growth in sites: India's Ramsar sites rose from 26 in 2014 to 98.
Urban pressure example: Delhi's minister said urbanisation, encroachments and human activity have hurt wetlands; Delhi targets restoring its water bodies in two years.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Test yourself
Prelims practice · Pairs
Ours, not from a UPSC paper
Consider the following pairs about the Ramsar Convention and Ramsar Sites in India:
1.Montreux Record — Register of Ramsar Sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur
2.Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 — Notified under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
3.Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park — India's first Ramsar Sites, designated in 1981
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
True or false?
1 of 32
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
True. Adopted at Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.
2.India ranks first in the world in the number of Ramsar Sites.
False. India ranks first in Asia and third in the world.
3.A wetland must satisfy all nine criteria to be designated a Ramsar Site.
False. It must meet at least one of the nine criteria.
4.The Montreux Record lists Ramsar Sites where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring or are likely to occur.
True. It is a register of sites needing priority conservation attention.
5.Chilika Lake and Keoladeo National Park were India's first Ramsar Sites, designated in 1981.
True. Both became Ramsar Sites on 1 October 1981.
6.Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Ramsar Sites among Indian States.
False. Tamil Nadu has the most (20), followed by Uttar Pradesh (14).
7.The Ramsar Information Sheet of a designated site must be updated every six years.
True. The sheet is updated every six years.
8.Glaw Lake is the first Ramsar Site of Arunachal Pradesh.
True. The release calls it the State's first Ramsar Site.
9.Glaw Lake is located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
True. It lies within Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
10.Glaw Lake is a brackish coastal lagoon.
False. It is a freshwater lake in the Eastern Himalayas.
11.With Glaw Lake, India has 101 Ramsar Sites.
True. The tally reached 101.
12.The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
True. It was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
13.Glaw Lake is fed mainly by glacial melt and has no perennial streams.
False. It is fed by perennial mountain streams.
14.Surha Tal, designated as India's 100th Ramsar site, is located in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh.
True. Surha Tal (Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary) is in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
15.The Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary is notable for its avifaunal diversity, including migratory and resident birds.
True. The release describes it as rich in birdlife, migratory and resident.
16.Surha Tal is the 100th Ramsar site in India and lies in Bihar.
False. It lies in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh.
17.India lists Ramsar sites through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
True. The MoEFCC is the nodal ministry for India's Ramsar listings.
18.Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary is located in Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh.
True. It is in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
19.With this designation, India has 99 Ramsar sites.
True. India's total is 99.
20.Shekha Jheel is described as a stopover on the Central Asian Flyway.
True. It lies on the Central Asian Flyway.
21.Shekha Jheel is a stopover on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
False. It is on the Central Asian Flyway.
22.The Ramsar Convention is a treaty concerned mainly with conservation of migratory species of wild animals.
False. It concerns conservation and wise use of wetlands; migratory species is the CMS (Bonn Convention).
23.The Ramsar Convention was adopted in 1971 at Ramsar in Iran.
True. Adopted on 2 February 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
24.India has 98 Ramsar sites at present, up from 26 in 2014.
True. The count rose from 26 in 2014 to 98.
25.India has the largest number of Ramsar sites in the world.
False. India leads Asia, not the world; the UK and Mexico have more sites.
26.World Wetlands Day is observed every year on 2 February.
True. It marks the adoption of the Convention on 2 February 1971.
27.The Montreux Record is a register of Ramsar sites where ecological change has occurred or is likely.
True. It flags Ramsar sites under threat of ecological change.
28.Patna Bird Sanctuary, newly designated a Ramsar site, is located in Etah district of Uttar Pradesh.
True. Patna Bird Sanctuary is in Etah district, Uttar Pradesh.
29.Chhari-Dhand, newly added to the Ramsar list, is located in Rajasthan.
False. Chhari-Dhand is in Kutch district, Gujarat.
30.With these additions, India has 98 Ramsar sites, according to the Minister.
True. India's tally is 98 sites, up from 26 in 2014.
31.The Ramsar Convention was signed in Ramsar, Iran.
True. It was signed at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
32.Designation as a Ramsar site makes a wetland a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
False. Ramsar listing is under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, separate from the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
Mains practice
15 marks · 250 words
India's Ramsar network has grown from 26 sites in 2014 to 103 sites in October 2026, ranking first in Asia and third in the world. Examine the significance of Ramsar designation for wetland conservation in India. Discuss the adequacy of the legal and institutional framework, including the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and suggest a way forward.
On 5 June 2026, MoSPI released Provisional Estimates of GDP for 2025-26 and Q4 estimates, the first under the new base year 2022-23 series. Real GDP grew 7.7% in 2025-26 and 7.8% in Q4.
What it is
GDP estimates are compiled by MoSPI's National Statistics Office. The new series moves the base year to 2022-23 and replaces the earlier 2011-12 base. Real GDP is measured at constant prices, and nominal GDP at current prices.
Real GDP growth 2025-26
Real GDP is estimated to have grown 7.7% in 2025-26, against 7.1% in 2024-25.
Nominal GDP growth
Nominal GDP is estimated at ₹346.36 lakh crore, a growth of 8.9%.
GVA growth
Real GVA grew 7.9% in 2025-26, against 7.3% in 2024-25.
Methodology
Provisional Estimates use the Benchmark-Indicator method, extrapolating the previous year's estimates using indicators.
Quarterly guidelines
The new quarterly GDP estimates broadly follow the IMF's Quarterly National Accounts Manual, 2017.
Next release
Q1 2026-27 estimates are due on 31 August 2026, with revised IIP and WPI/PPI series on base 2022-23.
Don’t confuse with GDP vs GVA: GVA measures output by producers at basic prices; GDP adds net product taxes.
Don’t confuse with Advance vs Provisional Estimates: Advance Estimates use data up to Q3; Provisional Estimates add Q4 data.
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.
Why it matters
The new base year captures current economic structure and improves policy and fiscal planning.
Problems
Provisional figures are revised later, and revised IIP and WPI/PPI series are yet to be incorporated.
Way forward
Publish detailed Sources and Methods and strengthen data sources to improve reliability.
GS3 Economy · Insurance and maritime tradePrelims and Mains
Why in news
On 5 June 2026 a workshop on the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool was held in Mumbai. The Finance Ministry said war-risk premiums have fallen 27-48% and set out a three-step plan for domestic P&I cover.
What it is
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is a pool of Indian insurers that covers Hull & Machinery, Cargo, P&I and War risks for Indian-linked vessels and cargo. Member insurers issue policies and reinsure the risks among themselves. The government backs the pool with a sovereign guarantee. It aims to cut dependence on foreign insurers and P&I clubs.
Administrator
GIC Re runs the pool day to day as Pool Administrator. A Governing Body oversees it and an Underwriting Committee manages risk evaluation.
Duration
The pool runs for 10 years, extendable up to 15 years.
Eligible vessels
Eligible vessels are Indian-flagged ones, those owned, managed or controlled by Indian entities, and cargo vessels to or from India.
Premium cut
Premiums fell 27% for Hull war and 48% for Cargo war covers under the pool.
Pool manager
GIC Re is the pool manager and answered shipowners' queries on coverage.
Sovereign guarantee
The sovereign guarantee lets the pool charge lower premiums, making cover affordable.
P&I dependence
Indian vessels depend heavily on International Group P&I Clubs for third-party liability cover.
Indian tonnage
Indian tonnage has grown 36% since 2015, to 1600 vessels.
P&I cover
Protection and Indemnity insurance covers a shipowner's third-party liabilities, such as crew injury, pollution and cargo damage.
Risks covered
It covers Hull and Machinery, Cargo, P&I and War risks.
Underwriting capacity
Member insurers issue policies using the pool's combined capacity of around Rs 950 crore.
Who is covered
Indian flagged or controlled vessels, and vessels going to or starting from India.
Oversight
A Governing Body constituted for the pool oversees its formation and functioning.
P&I insurance
Protection and Indemnity insurance covers third-party liabilities of shipowners, such as pollution, wreck removal and crew injury.
Don’t confuse with Hull & Machinery vs P&I: Hull & Machinery insures the ship itself. P&I covers liabilities to third parties, such as pollution or crew injury.
Don’t confuse with GIC Re vs IRDAI: GIC Re is the national reinsurer and runs the pool. IRDAI is the insurance regulator.
Don’t confuse with War risk vs P&I: War risk covers losses from war and related perils; P&I covers third-party liabilities.
Don’t confuse with P&I vs Hull and Machinery: P&I covers third-party liabilities; Hull and Machinery covers damage to the vessel itself.
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.
Why it matters
Reduces outflow of premiums and dependence on foreign insurers and P&I clubs.
Protects energy and trade routes by giving cover when foreign insurers withdraw or raise premiums.
Lowers insurance cost for Indian trade during geopolitical stress.
Builds self-reliance and cuts dependence on foreign insurers.
Keeps trade insured if foreign cover is withdrawn due to sanctions or conflict.
Builds domestic marine underwriting, claims and legal expertise.
Problems
Capacity of ₹13,906.50 crore is small against large marine losses.
Domestic marine underwriting and claims expertise is still being built.
Domestic insurers lack the capital and global acceptance of IG P&I Clubs.
Foreign ports and charterers may not accept non-IG P&I certificates.
The pool's capacity of about Rs 950 crore is small against large global fleet and cargo risks.
Fiscal liability arises if the sovereign guarantee is invoked.
Way forward
Build human capital, legal frameworks and reinsurance partnerships.
Grow the pool so that reliance on the sovereign guarantee stays minimal.
Develop a domestic P&I product and extend cover to ocean-going vessels.
Seek recognition through a mutual club that meets international standards.
Raise capacity gradually and develop reinsurance links.
Build skills and align cover with international shipping and port requirements.
Put in your answer
Foreign P&I outflow: Annual outflow of USD 45–60 million in P&I premiums shows the dependence on foreign insurers.
Fall in war-risk premiums: War-risk premiums have fallen by about 35–40% since the peak of the West Asia conflict.
Share of trade by sea: 95% of India's trade value and 70% of trade volume move by sea.
Premium reduction: BMIP cut Hull war premiums by 27% and Cargo war by 48%.
Sovereign guarantee: Rs 12,980 crore guarantee shows state backing for strategic self-reliance in insurance.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Test yourself
Prelims practice · Single answer
Ours, not from a UPSC paper
Consider the following statements about the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP):
Which one of the following statements is correct?
True or false?
1 of 19
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is backed by a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore.
True. The sovereign backing is ₹12,980 crore (USD 1.4 billion).
2.The Pool Administrator of the BMIP is the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India.
False. General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) is the Pool Administrator.
3.Under the BMIP, the sovereign guarantee is used first for every claim, before the pool reserves.
False. Claims up to USD 100 million are met from reserves and reinsurance; the guarantee applies only after reserves are exhausted.
4.The BMIP has an initial duration of 10 years, extendable up to 15 years.
True. Duration is 10 years, extendable up to 15 years.
5.Policies under the BMIP are issued by domestic insurers that are members of the pool, and the risks are reinsured collectively in proportion to each member's committed capacity.
True. Members issue policies and reinsure risks in proportion to committed capacity.
6.The BMIP covers only Indian-flagged vessels and excludes cargo vessels bound to or from India that are foreign-flagged.
False. Eligible vessels also include those owned, managed or controlled by Indian entities, and cargo vessels to or from India.
7.Protection and Indemnity cover addresses third-party liabilities such as pollution, wreck removal and crew injury.
True. P&I cover deals with liabilities such as pollution, wreck removal, crew injury and cargo damage.
8.The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool is managed by GIC Re.
True. GIC Re is the pool manager.
9.The pool's lower premiums are made possible by a sovereign guarantee extended to shipowners.
True. The sovereign guarantee allows lower premiums.
10.Indian vessels currently depend heavily on International Group P&I Clubs for third-party liability insurance.
True. There is high dependence on IG P&I Clubs.
11.Indian tonnage has grown 36% since 2015, reaching about 1600 vessels.
True. 36% growth to 1600 vessels.
12.Protection and Indemnity insurance mainly covers damage to the ship's own hull and machinery.
False. P&I covers third-party liabilities; hull and machinery is a separate cover.
13.The roadmap's three steps include exploring mutual club formation compatible with international regulations to integrate with IG P&I Clubs.
True. Step three explores integration with IG Clubs via a mutual club.
14.The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool has been approved with a sovereign guarantee of Rs 12,980 crore.
True. The guarantee is Rs 12,980 crore.
15.The pool covers only Hull and Machinery and Cargo risks, and excludes P&I and War risks.
False. It covers Hull and Machinery, Cargo, P&I and War risks.
16.Policies under the pool are issued by member insurers using the pool's combined underwriting capacity.
True. Pool member insurers issue policies using combined capacity of around Rs 950 crore.
17.The pool is meant for vessels that are Indian flagged or controlled, or that are going to or from India.
True. Coverage extends to Indian-linked vessels and those destined to or starting from India.
18.Indian vessels have depended heavily on the International Group of P&I Clubs for third-party liability cover.
True. The release notes high dependence on the IGP&I Club for P&I cover.
19.P&I insurance mainly covers physical damage to the ship's own hull.
False. P&I covers third-party liabilities; hull damage falls under Hull and Machinery cover.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
GS3 Environment · BiodiversityGS2 Statutory bodiesPrelims and Mains
Why in news
On 5 June 2026 (World Environment Day), PIB published a explainer on India's biodiversity governance. It covers the three-tier structure under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) results and India's first Nagoya Protocol report.
What it is
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) is a statutory body under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, headquartered in Chennai. It regulates access to India's biological resources and associated knowledge by commercial users and foreign entities. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) requires users to share benefits with the providers and local communities, in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol.
Amount and recipients
Rs 1.19 crore went to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one UT Biodiversity Council.
Basis of allocation
Because resources were bought through markets or traders, individual benefit claimers could not be identified. Shares were set in proportion to estimated cultivation areas.
Use of funds
Funds must be used only for activities under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Legal basis and seat
NBA was set up under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and is headquartered in Chennai.
COP 17
COP 17 of the CBD is scheduled for 19-30 October 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia.
Top sector
The agri-seed sector gave the largest share, Rs 7.16 crore, followed by food and beverages.
Cumulative since 2008
NBA has realised about Rs 278 crore through ABS and disbursed over Rs 200 crore for conservation and benefit claimers.
Disbursal route
Funds go through State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils to support People's Biodiversity Registers and Biodiversity Management Committees.
Legal basis and HQ
NBA is a statutory body under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, headquartered in Chennai.
Amended framework
The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 and the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024 have strengthened the framework under the 2002 Act. States are urged to align their rules with it.
ABS funds shared
The NBA has shared over ₹200 crore of ABS funds with farmers, communities, BMCs, SBBs, UTBCs and research institutions.
Local bodies
The Minister called for making the more than 2.76 lakh Biodiversity Management Committees functional.
International reporting
India submitted its 7th National Report to the CBD and its 1st National Report on the Nagoya Protocol.
NBA basis and seat
The NBA is a statutory body under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, headquartered in Chennai.
Amount sanctioned
₹8.23 crore was sanctioned to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 5 UT Biodiversity Councils, from bitter gourd, okra, chilli and onion.
Distribution basis
The resources came from the open market or traders, so no individual providers could be traced. Shares go to States by area under cultivation, as published by the Agriculture Ministry.
Legal basis
The NBA was established in 2003 under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and is headquartered in Chennai. It is a statutory, autonomous body.
Three-tier structure
The Act sets up the NBA at the national level, State Biodiversity Boards in States, and Biodiversity Management Committees at local body level.
Okra component
The largest part is for okra: Rs. 3.51 crore released to 32 SBBs and UTBCs, from money paid by Nunhems India.
Distribution modality
Since the resources came from markets and traders, the share is split among States and UTs where the resource is cultivated, as recommended by an Expert Committee and approved by the Authority.
Cumulative total
Total ABS disbursed by the NBA has crossed Rs. 191 crore.
Amount and source
Rs. 15.52 crore came from Pioneer Overseas Corporation, which developed ten mustard hybrids using Indian biological resources.
Intermediary rule
Where the resource came through intermediaries, ABS is shared among the SBBs/UTBCs of the areas where it is cultivated.
Unidentified source of access
Where resources were accessed via markets, traders or intermediaries, the source could not be identified, so the NBA used benefit-sharing modalities prepared by an Expert Committee.
Basis of distribution
Money was shared among SBBs/UTBCs of States where the crops are grown, using cultivation-area data of the Agriculture Ministry.
Local structures
State Biodiversity Boards and Biodiversity Management Committees are set up under the Act; the NBA is at the national level.
Payer
The money came from Pioneer Overseas Corporation, an international seed company that used Indian rice varieties to develop hybrids.
State share basis
Rs 5.75 crore went to 33 State Biodiversity Boards and UT Councils, allocated by each State's rice-growing area. Uttar Pradesh got the most.
Global link
The initiative contributes to Target 13 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, on fair and equitable benefit sharing.
Headquarters
The NBA is headquartered in Chennai.
Where the money goes
If the geographical source of a resource can be established, the ABS amount goes to the State Biodiversity Boards. If not, it stays in the National Biodiversity Fund under Section 27 of the Act.
Basis of State shares
State allocation is proportional to each State's area under cotton, using AICRP (ICAR) data.
Total released
Total ABS funds released by the NBA have reached Rs 152.24 crore.
Effect of notification
Notification regulates or prohibits collection of the species and provides for its rehabilitation and conservation. The Centre may delegate the power to States.
Numbers notified
159 plant and 173 animal species notified as threatened, across 17 States and 3 UTs.
Who the SOP helps
It assists State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils, which recommend species to the State Government for notification.
Link to ABS Regulations
The 2025 ABS Regulations treat benefit-sharing differently where the resource belongs to a species notified as threatened under Section 38.
Money realized
NBA has realized over Rs 266 crore through ABS since 2008, including Rs 21.26 crore in FY 2025-26.
Transfer rule
Under the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024, NBA transfers 85-90 per cent of the ABS amount to State Biodiversity Boards for disbursal.
Reach
Benefits reached over 10,500 Biodiversity Management Committees across 23 States and 4 Union Territories.
Leadership
Dr P. L. Gautam, a former head of the NBA and PPVFRA, chairs the committee. The PPVFRA Chairperson is Co-Chair.
Age of the committee
It has been an advisory body of the NBA since 2005 and is reconstituted periodically.
Scope of work
It examines seed sector issues, reviews guidelines for international collaborative research, and recommends measures to conserve threatened native crop varieties and livestock breeds.
International link
The committee gives inputs on India's engagement with the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
NBA headquarters
The NBA is headquartered in Chennai.
People's Biodiversity Register
A BMC prepares the PBR in consultation with local people. It records resources, habitats, landraces and traditional knowledge.
National Biodiversity Authority Fund
The NBAF is a statutory fund created under section 27 of the Act. It supports benefit sharing and conservation.
Section 39 repositories
The Central Government can designate institutions as repositories for biological resources. Twenty institutions have been designated so far.
Nagoya Protocol
It is a legally binding supplementary agreement to the CBD, adopted in October 2010 at COP-10 in Nagoya, on fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
Prior registration for IPR
Applicants covered under Section 7 must get a Certificate of Registration from the NBA before seeking IPR, including patents, based on Indian biological resources.
2025-26 numbers
The NBA received 1,077 IPR applications and issued 885 CoRs between April 2025 and March 2026.
2024-25 numbers
Around 857 IPR applications were received and 792 CoRs issued from April 2024 to March 2025.
International basis
The Act implements the Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992; the Nagoya Protocol (2010) deals with access and benefit sharing.
Who got the money
Biodiversity Management Committees in 24 districts across nine States and one Union Territory received the current release. One Haryana dairy farmer was also paid for supplying Murrah buffalo.
Cumulative ABS
Total ABS disbursements at the national level have crossed ₹145 crore, about USD 16 million.
Resources behind the funds
The funds came from commercial use of microorganisms, marine microalgae and seaweed, among others, plus plants such as Tulsi, Moringa, neem and ashwagandha.
International commitments
The NBA implements India's obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol, and contributes to the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Who receives benefits
Benefits go to institutes, local communities, farmers and Biodiversity Management Committees that provided the parental lines of seeds.
Payout
NBA released Rs 45.05 lakh through State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils to benefit claimers.
Resources used
Benefits came from insects, soil and water microorganisms and cultivated Red Sanders.
International links
NBA advances India's obligations under the CBD and the Nagoya Protocol on ABS.
Amount released
The NBA released Rs 17 lakh to the Mumbai civic body's Biodiversity Management Committee, routed through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.
Source of benefit
The money comes from the commercial use of soil micro-organisms of the Bacillus genus in probiotic products.
National total
Cumulative ABS disbursements have crossed Rs 144.37 crore, about USD 16 million.
Maharashtra's position
Maharashtra is the second major beneficiary State, next to Andhra Pradesh, whose figure is driven by Red Sanders.
Global frameworks
The outcomes are linked to Targets 13 and 19 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Latest payout
The NBA released ₹45 lakh to Andhra Pradesh farmers through the State Biodiversity Board.
Statutory status and seat
The NBA is a statutory body under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, with headquarters in Chennai.
Red Sanders share
Over ₹104 crore of the total has gone to Andhra Pradesh for Red Sanders conservation, protection and benefit claimers.
Don’t confuse with NBA vs SBB vs BMC: NBA is the national body. State Biodiversity Boards work at State level. Biodiversity Management Committees are local bodies under the same Act.
Don’t confuse with CBD vs Nagoya Protocol: The CBD is the parent treaty. The Nagoya Protocol is its supplementary agreement on access and fair benefit sharing.
Don’t confuse with NBA vs State Biodiversity Board: NBA is the national regulator at Chennai. State Biodiversity Boards regulate use by Indians at the state level and channel benefits.
Don’t confuse with Nagoya Protocol vs Cartagena Protocol: Nagoya concerns access and benefit sharing of genetic resources. Cartagena concerns the biosafety of living modified organisms.
Don’t confuse with NBA vs National Green Tribunal: The NBA is a regulator under the Biological Diversity Act. The NGT is a judicial body under the NGT Act, 2010.
Don’t confuse with Nagoya Protocol vs Kunming-Montreal Framework: Nagoya is a legal protocol on ABS under the CBD; the Kunming-Montreal Framework is a 2022 global target set, with Target 13 on benefit sharing.
Don’t confuse with Section 38 vs IUCN Red List: Section 38 notification is a legal act under Indian law that restricts collection. The IUCN Red List is a global assessment with no legal force in India.
Don’t confuse with Section 38 vs Wild Life (Protection) Act Schedules: Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act covers threatened species and regulates collection; the Wild Life (Protection) Act uses Schedules to protect wild animals and plants.
Don’t confuse with Rs 266 crore vs Rs 145 crore: Rs 266 crore is realized from users; Rs 145 crore is what has been disbursed to beneficiaries so far.
Don’t confuse with NBA vs PPVFRA: The NBA works under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and regulates access and benefit sharing. The PPVFRA works under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 and registers plant varieties and protects farmers' rights.
Don’t confuse with NBA vs State Biodiversity Boards: The NBA is the national body. State Biodiversity Boards regulate certain uses within their states, and Biodiversity Management Committees work at the local level.
Don’t confuse with NBA vs State Biodiversity Boards vs BMCs: The NBA is national, the SBBs work at state level, and BMCs are local bodies that prepare PBRs.
Don’t confuse with Convention on Biological Diversity vs Nagoya Protocol: The CBD is the parent treaty of 1992. The Nagoya Protocol is its supplementary agreement dealing specifically with access and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
Don’t confuse with NBA vs SBB: NBA is the national regulator. State Biodiversity Boards regulate at State level, and BMCs work at local body level.
Don’t confuse with NBA vs Biodiversity Management Committees: Biodiversity Management Committees are local-level bodies that document local biodiversity. The NBA and State Boards sit above them.
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
Channels commercial gains from biological resources back to conservation and local communities.
Shows agriculture as a new source of ABS funds, supporting agricultural biodiversity.
ABS ties commercial use of biological resources to conservation and local community benefit.
It operationalises India's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol.
ABS funds can give tangible benefits to communities and link livelihoods to conservation.
Aligned State rules help implement India's CBD and Nagoya Protocol commitments uniformly.
Turns the fair and equitable benefit-sharing principle into money reaching States for conservation and communities.
Supports India's commitments under the CBD, Nagoya Protocol and Kunming-Montreal Framework Target 13.
Channels commercial gains from biological resources back to conservation and communities.
Strengthens State-level institutions for biodiversity documentation and restoration.
Channels commercial gains from genetic resources to conservation and local communities.
Puts the Nagoya Protocol and Target 13 of the Kunming-Montreal Framework into practice.
Links commercial use of genetic resources to community welfare and conservation funding.
Supports India's commitments under the Nagoya Protocol and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Turns commercial use of genetic resources into funds for conservation and for research institutions.
Shows India applying the Nagoya Protocol's benefit-sharing principle in practice.
Reinvests commercial gains from biological resources into conservation and local livelihoods.
Gives a workable model for benefit sharing when resources come through traders and no claimant can be identified.
Uniform scientific method for States can reduce arbitrary or delayed listing of threatened species.
Supports India's NBSAP 2024-2030 Target 4 and the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
Links conservation to community income, backing the idea that those who protect biodiversity should gain from its use.
Helps India meet Nagoya Protocol and Kunming-Montreal Target 13 commitments.
Links agricultural research and seed exports with biodiversity law and benefit sharing.
Supports conservation of native crop varieties and livestock breeds, which aids climate-resilient farming.
Gives a legal route for local communities to share in profits from their biological resources and knowledge.
Local registers and BMCs bring community participation into conservation.
Prior registration links patents to benefit sharing, checking biopiracy of India's biological resources and traditional knowledge.
Clear approval pathways ease research and industry access while keeping conservation aims.
ABS gives local communities a direct economic reason to conserve biodiversity.
It helps India meet its CBD, Nagoya Protocol and Kunming–Montreal commitments.
ABS payments give money to local communities and farmers who hold biological resources and knowledge, linking livelihoods to conservation.
It shows India implementing its Nagoya Protocol obligations through domestic law.
ABS payments give communities a share of commercial gains, which links livelihoods to conservation.
It supports India's commitments under the CBD, Nagoya Protocol and Kunming-Montreal Framework.
Links conservation with local livelihoods by returning a share of commercial gains to communities.
Shows microbial resources have commercial value, and strengthens India's case under the CBD and Nagoya Protocol.
Links conservation of an endangered, endemic species with direct income for farmers.
Puts into practice the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from biological resources.
Problems
When resources are bought through traders, actual providers cannot be identified, so area-based proxies are used.
Amounts are small relative to the commercial value of biological resources.
Receipts are small and concentrated in a few sectors and firms, mainly agri-seed.
Local communities and BMCs may have weak capacity to document knowledge and claim benefits.
Many Biodiversity Management Committees exist on paper but are not functional.
States and UTs need to align rules and build capacity, and People’s Biodiversity Registers need better quality.
When resources are bought on the open market, source communities cannot be identified, so area-based sharing may miss real knowledge holders.
State boards and local committees have uneven capacity to use funds and keep People's Biodiversity Registers updated.
Market-sourced resources cannot be traced to specific farmers or communities, so benefits reach States rather than holders of knowledge.
Capacity of SBBs and local committees to document and use funds well is uneven.
Where sources are traders and intermediaries, individual providers cannot be traced, so benefits reach States, not communities.
Funds may be poorly used by Boards and local committees if registers and Biodiversity Management Committees are weak.
Resources accessed through markets and traders make the original source hard to trace, forcing area-based sharing.
Small local bodies may lack capacity to use funds well or reach the actual custodian communities.
Few users come forward, so compliance depends on detecting unreported use of resources.
Funds may not reach local farmers and knowledge holders who conserved the varieties.
Tracing the source of resources that pass through traders and intermediaries is hard.
Individual conservers and communities may not receive direct benefit when funds go to State boards.
Many States lack taxonomic expertise and data to assess species; only 17 States and 3 UTs have notified species so far.
Notification may restrict local communities' collection of resources, risking livelihood conflicts.
Collections are concentrated: Red Sanders, seeds and pharma/AYUSH give about 91 per cent, so the base is narrow.
Rs 266 crore realized against Rs 145 crore disbursed shows a gap, and funds pass through several layers before reaching communities.
Balancing ABS compliance with the freedom of agricultural research and plant breeding.
The committee is advisory only, and its term is short at one year.
Many BMCs and PBRs may exist on paper only, with uneven quality and updating.
Balancing research and industry access against fair benefit sharing is difficult.
Balancing ease of doing business with strict benefit sharing to local communities.
Weak capacity of Biodiversity Management Committees and uneven documentation of traditional knowledge.
Not all applications get CoRs, so processing time and compliance burden remain concerns.
The amount paid so far is small compared with the scale of commercial use and the number of BMCs.
Many BMCs have weak capacity, thin documentation and poor People's Biodiversity Registers, which delays benefit claims.
Compliance depends on companies applying; the NBA itself urges all sectors to comply.
Benefits must actually reach grassroot providers through BMCs, and procedures must stay simple without weakening safeguards.
Many benefit claimers and BMCs are yet to document resources or receive payments.
Simplified rules for ease of doing business must not dilute community interests.
Payouts are uneven across States and depend on a few high-value resources such as Red Sanders.
Many Biodiversity Management Committees have limited capacity to document resources and use funds well.
Benefit claimers must be identified and reached, and delays in payouts can weaken trust.
Illegal trade in Red Sanders continues to threaten the species.
Way forward
Strengthen Biodiversity Management Committees and People's Biodiversity Registers to identify benefit claimers.
Improve compliance monitoring and transparent tracking of fund use by State Boards.
Strengthen BMCs and People's Biodiversity Registers so communities can claim benefits.
Widen compliance monitoring and tracking of users across sectors, including AYUSH and biotechnology.
Train and fund BMCs, and make People’s Biodiversity Registers dynamic inputs for local planning.
Ensure transparent ABS distribution so benefits reach local communities.
Strengthen Biodiversity Management Committees and PBRs so providers can be traced and paid directly.
Publish State-wise utilisation data and audit how funds are spent.
Ensure funds reach Biodiversity Management Committees and local communities, with public reporting of use.
Complete People's Biodiversity Registers and strengthen monitoring of ABS agreements.
Build capacity of State Boards and Biodiversity Management Committees and track fund use under Section 32.
Strengthen documentation through People's Biodiversity Registers so sources can be traced.
Strengthen People's Biodiversity Registers and BMCs so benefits reach local custodians directly.
Improve traceability and monitoring of how States use ABS funds.
Strengthen Biodiversity Management Committees and People's Biodiversity Registers so local holders can claim benefits.
Track fund use by State Boards and report it publicly.
Strengthen People's Biodiversity Registers and Biodiversity Management Committees so that sources can be documented.
Track how State Biodiversity Boards use the funds.
Build capacity of State Biodiversity Boards with BSI, ZSI and academic institutions, and involve Biodiversity Management Committees.
Follow notification with funded recovery plans, regular monitoring and periodic review.
Widen compliance across more sectors and users, and track unreported use of biological resources.
Speed up and publish disbursal to BMCs, and strengthen their capacity and People's Biodiversity Registers.
Give clear and consistent guidance on seed exports and collaborative research approvals.
Align ABS rules with the ITPGRFA and farmers' rights.
Update, verify and digitise PBRs and link them to the ABS portal.
Build capacity of BMCs so benefits reach communities.
Strengthen BMCs and People's Biodiversity Registers so benefits reach local communities.
Ensure timely, transparent disposal of applications and track benefit-sharing outcomes publicly.
Strengthen BMCs with training, funding and updated People's Biodiversity Registers.
Improve tracking of commercial users so that benefit-sharing is paid on time and transparently.
Strengthen BMCs and people's biodiversity registers so providers can be identified and paid.
Widen compliance across sectors while keeping procedures simple and transparent.
Strengthen BMCs and complete People's Biodiversity Registers with traditional knowledge.
Build awareness and capacity among communities and industry for timely ABS compliance.
Strengthen Biodiversity Management Committees and People's Biodiversity Registers to track resource use.
Improve monitoring of commercial users so that benefit-sharing agreements are enforced, and spread payouts more widely.
Widen benefit sharing to more States and communities, and make payouts timely.
Strengthen documentation of local biodiversity and traceability of lawful Red Sanders trade.
Put in your answer
Section 32(2) activities: Funds go to documentation, conservation, local governance, research, capacity building and livelihoods.
Cumulative ABS: About Rs 278 crore realised since 2008, with over Rs 200 crore disbursed to benefit claimers.
ABS distribution: The NBA has shared over ₹200 crore of ABS funds with communities, local bodies and institutions.
ABS milestone: Cumulative NBA ABS disbursement now exceeds ₹200 crore.
Example of area-based sharing: Maharashtra gets a large share because it holds over 49 per cent of India's onion area.
Global target: Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 13 calls for fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
ABS total: NBA has disbursed over Rs. 191 crore of ABS funds so far.
Okra example: Okra: Rs. 3.51 crore released to 32 SBBs and UTBCs, showing the market-sourced distribution modality.
Expert Committee modality: For resources accessed via intermediaries, benefit is shared among States where the resource is cultivated.
Global framework: The release links ABS to Targets 13 and 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Rice ABS payment: Rs 8.22 crore was shared from one seed company's use of Indian rice varieties, split between research institutions and State Boards.
Total ABS disbursed: Total NBA ABS disbursements across all sectors have crossed Rs 162 crore.
Global Biodiversity Framework: The initiative contributes to Kunming-Montreal Target 13 on fair sharing of benefits and Target 4 on conserving genetic diversity.
Species notified so far: 159 plant and 173 animal species notified as threatened across 17 States and 3 UTs.
NBSAP 2024-2030 Target 4: Target 4 aims to halt human-induced extinction, promote species recovery and maintain genetic diversity.
Local use of funds: Funds support medicinal plant parks, community gene banks and updating People's Biodiversity Registers.
Expert committees under Section 13: The NBA uses Section 13(1) to set up expert committees for specialised advice, as with agrobiodiversity.
ABS benefits released: Nearly Rs 145 crore has been released to beneficiaries, reaching about 11,000 BMCs.
ABS disbursement: Cumulative ABS payouts have passed ₹145 crore, showing the mechanism works at a modest scale.
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: The Act is India's law implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity and creates the three-tier institutional structure.
ABS payments to date: Cumulative ABS payments have crossed Rs 145 crore, about USD 16 million.
ABS disbursement total: Cumulative ABS disbursements have crossed Rs 144.37 crore, which can be cited as evidence of the Act's working.
Biotechnology contribution: The biotechnology sector has contributed about Rs 10 crore to the accrued ABS fund.
ABS releases to date: India's cumulative ABS releases exceed ₹143.5 crore, with most going to Andhra Pradesh for Red Sanders.
Recent payouts: In three months, ₹5.35 crore went to over 220 Red Sanders farmers in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Test yourself
Prelims practice · Single answer
Ours, not from a UPSC paper
With reference to the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism in India, consider the following statements:
1. The NBA is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
2. The headquarters of the NBA is in New Delhi.
3. In the latest disbursal, allocations to States were made in proportion to the estimated cultivation areas of the biological resources.
4. The funds disbursed to State Biodiversity Boards must be used exclusively for activities specified under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
How many of the above statements are correct?
How many of the above statements are correct?
True or false?
1 of 53
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.The National Biodiversity Authority is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
True. NBA is created by the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
2.The headquarters of the National Biodiversity Authority is in New Delhi.
False. NBA is headquartered in Chennai.
3.In the latest disbursal, allocations to States were made in proportion to the estimated cultivation areas of the biological resources.
True. Allocation followed estimated cultivation area, using official agricultural statistics.
4.The funds disbursed to State Biodiversity Boards must be used exclusively for activities specified under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
True. Use of funds is restricted to Section 32(2) activities.
5.The Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism of the NBA gives effect to the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
True. The Nagoya Protocol on ABS is a protocol to the CBD; India's ABS regime implements it.
6.The seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD is scheduled to be held in India.
False. COP 17 is scheduled in Yerevan, Armenia, 19-30 October 2026.
7.The National Biodiversity Authority is headquartered in New Delhi.
False. NBA is headquartered in Chennai.
8.ABS funds are disbursed through State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils.
True. Disbursal goes through State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils.
9.Biodiversity Management Committees are constituted at the local body level under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
True. The Act provides for BMCs at local body level to promote conservation and document biodiversity through People's Biodiversity Registers.
10.The ABS mechanism in India is meant to give effect to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.
True. The Nagoya Protocol, under the CBD, deals with access and fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
11.The headquarters of the National Biodiversity Authority is in Bengaluru.
False. The NBA is headquartered in Chennai.
12.In the latest disbursement, the benefit share was distributed among States according to the area under cultivation of the crops.
True. Distribution was based on area under cultivation published by the Agriculture Ministry.
13.The funds received by State Biodiversity Boards must be used for activities listed under Section 32(2) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
True. Section 32(2) lists permitted uses such as PBRs, conservation and livelihoods.
14.The latest ABS proceeds were realised from farmers who had supplied the crops directly to seed companies.
False. The resources were accessed through the open market or traders, so individual farmers could not be traced.
15.The ABS framework under the Biological Diversity Act gives effect to the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
True. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing is a CBD protocol that India implements through the Act and ABS regulations.
16.Biodiversity Management Committees are constituted by the National Biodiversity Authority at the State level.
False. BMCs are set up by local bodies at village, panchayat or municipal level; State Biodiversity Boards operate at State level.
17.The funds disbursed to State Biodiversity Boards are to be utilised as per Section 32 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
True. Section 32 governs use of the benefit-sharing funds by SBBs and UTBCs.
18.The Access and Benefit-Sharing regime in India gives effect to the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
True. ABS rules implement the CBD's Nagoya Protocol.
19.The largest ABS component in this disbursement relates to watermelon.
False. The largest component relates to okra (Rs. 3.51 crore).
20.Among the major recipients in this disbursement, Gujarat received the highest amount, followed by West Bengal.
True. Gujarat got Rs. 88.79 lakh and West Bengal Rs. 78.09 lakh.
21.In the mustard case, the ABS share of each State was calculated on the basis of the area under mustard cultivation in it.
True. Shares were based on each State's mustard cultivation area.
22.In the mustard case, the ABS amount was paid directly to the farmers who supplied the parental lines.
False. The parental lines came from the open market and traders, so no farmer or community could be identified; money went to State Boards and UT Councils.
23.Utilisation of ABS money by State Biodiversity Boards is governed by Section 32 of the Biological Diversity Act.
True. Section 32 governs use of the funds.
24.The Nagoya Protocol deals with fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
True. The Nagoya Protocol is the CBD's ABS protocol.
25.The cultivation-area data used to calculate the State shares was sourced from the National Biodiversity Authority's own survey.
False. The figures came from ICAR-Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur.
26.The National Biodiversity Authority is headquartered in Chennai.
True. NBA headquarters is in Chennai.
27.India's Access and Benefit Sharing framework is aligned with the Nagoya Protocol.
True. The ABS framework follows the Nagoya Protocol.
28.Where the original source of access cannot be identified, the benefit-sharing amount is retained by the NBA and not passed to State Biodiversity Boards.
False. The NBA adopted Expert Committee modalities and disbursed the amount among SBBs/UTBCs of crop-growing States.
29.In the latest release, the amount was shared among States in proportion to cultivation-area data published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
True. Distribution used cultivation-area data of the Agriculture Ministry.
30.The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 gives effect to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which was adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
True. The CBD was opened for signature at Rio in 1992 and the Act implements it in India.
31.The recipient boards may use the funds only for cash payments to individual farmers and not for conservation work.
False. Funds go to People's Biodiversity Registers, in-situ and ex-situ conservation, Biodiversity Heritage Sites, BMC capacity building and community development.
32.The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework's Target 13 deals with fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
True. Target 13 covers benefit sharing from genetic resources.
33.The National Biodiversity Authority is headquartered in Hyderabad.
False. The NBA is headquartered in Chennai.
34.Where the geographical source of a biological resource cannot be established, the ABS funds are retained in the National Biodiversity Fund.
True. Such funds stay in the National Biodiversity Fund and are used under Section 27 of the Act.
35.The Nagoya Protocol deals with the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the utilisation of genetic resources.
True. The Nagoya Protocol, under the Convention on Biological Diversity, covers access and benefit sharing.
36.The National Biodiversity Authority functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
False. The NBA functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
37.Section 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 deals with the notification of threatened species.
True. Section 38 covers notification of threatened species.
38.The Central Government may delegate its power to notify threatened species to State Governments.
True. The Act allows delegation of this power to States.
39.Notification of a species as threatened can regulate or prohibit its collection.
True. Notification regulates or prohibits collection and provides for rehabilitation.
40.The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 provides for State Biodiversity Boards and local Biodiversity Management Committees besides the NBA.
True. The Act has a three-tier structure: NBA, State Biodiversity Boards, Biodiversity Management Committees.
41.The 2025 ABS Regulations apply identical benefit-sharing obligations to all biological resources, including threatened species.
False. They provide differential treatment where resources belong to species notified as threatened under Section 38.
42.The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity dealing with access and benefit sharing.
True. Nagoya Protocol supplements the CBD on ABS.
43.Under the Biological Diversity Rules, 2024, NBA transfers 85-90 per cent of the ABS amount to State Biodiversity Boards for onward disbursal.
True. 85-90 per cent goes to State Biodiversity Boards.
44.Seeds accounted for the largest share of ABS realization, ahead of Red Sanders.
False. Red Sanders was largest at Rs 120 crore (45 per cent); seeds were second at 32.3 per cent.
45.The ABS framework contributes to Target 13 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework on fair and equitable benefit sharing.
True. Target 13 of the KMGBF concerns benefit sharing.
46.Benefits under the ABS framework have so far reached Biodiversity Management Committees in all States and Union Territories.
False. They reached over 10,500 BMCs across 23 States and 4 Union Territories.
47.The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 provides for Biodiversity Management Committees at the level of local bodies.
True. BMCs are the local-level tier under the Act.
48.The Nagoya Protocol, which the Biological Diversity Act helps implement, deals with the conservation of wetlands.
False. The Nagoya Protocol deals with access to genetic resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits; wetlands fall under the Ramsar Convention.
49.Benefit-sharing payments reach Biodiversity Management Committees through State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils.
True. NBA disbursed the amount through State Biodiversity Boards and UT Biodiversity Councils.
50.The Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism in India gives effect to the Nagoya Protocol under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
True. NBA advances India's obligations under the CBD and the Nagoya Protocol on ABS.
51.Cumulative ABS payments made through the NBA have crossed Rs 145 crore.
52.Biodiversity Management Committees are constituted by the Central Government at the national level.
False. BMCs are constituted by local bodies under the Act.
53.The latest payout was generated only from wild-collected Red Sanders and did not involve microorganisms.
False. It also came from insects and microorganisms in soil and water, and Red Sanders was cultivated.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
Mains practice
15 marks · 250 words
The National Biodiversity Authority received Rs 9.68 crore in Access and Benefit Sharing payments in April-September 2026, mostly from the agri-seed sector. Examine the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 on access and benefit sharing and discuss the challenges in ensuring that local communities benefit from the use of India's biological resources.
GS3 Economy · Financial inclusionGS2 Welfare schemesPrelims and Mains
Why in news
On 5 June 2026, PIB marked four years of the Jan Samarth Portal, launched on 6 June 2022, and gave its scale: about 54.10 lakh applications processed by 1 June 2026.
What it is
Jan Samarth is a digital single-window portal run under the Ministry of Finance. It links applicants for government credit-linked schemes directly with lenders. It checks eligibility, gives in-principle sanction and sends the application to a bank branch.
Launch
The portal was launched on 6 June 2022 as a platform for credit-linked government schemes.
Schemes covered
It is a unified gateway for applications to 16 credit-linked Central Government schemes.
Languages
It is available in 8 languages, to help rural and underprivileged users.
Lenders
269 Member Lending Institutions are onboarded, including banks, NBFCs, RRBs and cooperative banks.
Data integration
It runs real-time checks against government databases such as UIDAI, UDYAM, AgriStack and GST.
Lenders onboarded
About 254 lenders onboarded as on 20 March 2026, including 12 PSBs, 20 private banks, 28 RRBs, 173 DCCBs, 15 NBFCs and 6 SFBs.
Progress
41.14 lakh applications worth ₹1,06,306 crore processed; banks gave digital approval to 35.07 lakh beneficiaries worth ₹84,365.55 crore.
How it works
The portal checks eligibility, gives in-principle sanction and forwards the application to the chosen bank branch.
Data links
Real-time checks with CBDT, GST, UDYAM, NeSL, UIDAI, CIBIL, AgriStack and others speed up processing.
Don’t confuse with Jan Samarth vs Jan Dhan: Jan Samarth is a credit-application portal for linked schemes. Jan Dhan Yojana is about opening bank accounts.
Don’t confuse with Jan Samarth vs UDGAM/other portals: Jan Samarth links applicants to lenders for scheme loans. It is not a regulator or a credit bureau, though it uses CIBIL data.
Don’t confuse with Jan Samarth vs Udyamimitra: Both are digital loan portals. Jan Samarth covers 15 Central credit-linked schemes across sectors, not only MSME loans.
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
Cuts the need to visit many portals and bank branches, helping financial inclusion.
Links lenders directly with beneficiaries, which improves transparency and speed of credit delivery.
A single window cuts multiple bank visits and paperwork, helping financial inclusion and ease of doing business.
Real-time data checks and a built-in rule engine speed up approvals and reduce discretion.
Problems
Rural users may lack digital literacy and connectivity.
Approval still depends on bank branch decisions, so sanctioned amounts may differ from applications.
Digital divide and low digital literacy can exclude rural and poor applicants.
Final sanction still rests with banks, so rejections and delays may continue.
Way forward
Expand assisted mode through business correspondents and add more regional languages.
Track approvals to disbursement and cut rejection and delay.
Expand assisted mode through business correspondents and more regional languages.
Onboard more State and Central schemes and track approval-to-disbursal outcomes.
Put in your answer
Assisted mode: Bank business correspondents and assisted partners can submit applications for users.
Access features: Available in 8 languages, with an assisted mode through business correspondents.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Single-window credit-linked scheme portal is a lasting topic. Little for a statement beyond the 2022 launch date, so no practice question.
GS3 Science & Technology · BioenergyPrelims and Mains
Why in news
On 5 June 2026, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under DST announced support to Greenjoules Pvt Ltd, Pune, to commercialise its indigenous second-generation diesel-equivalent biofuel technology.
What it is
Second-generation biofuels are made from non-food biomass such as crop residues and agro-industrial waste, not food crops. Greenjoules' Abhilasha Biofuel (ABF) is a drop-in renewable diesel and naphtha alternative made by thermo-chemical conversion. TDB is a statutory body under DST that funds commercialisation of indigenous technology.
Drop-in fuel
ABF can replace fossil diesel without changes to engines, fuel systems or distribution infrastructure.
Process
The process combines thermal cracking, catalytic upgrading and downstream refining.
Feedstock
The fuel has been produced from nearly forty different feedstocks.
Co-products
The plant also yields renewable naphtha, biochar and gaseous fuels, and helps cut stubble burning.
Funder
TDB is a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, set up under the Technology Development Board Act, 1995.
Don’t confuse with 1G vs 2G biofuels: First-generation fuels use food crops such as sugarcane or grain. Second-generation fuels use non-food biomass and waste, such as crop residues.
Don’t confuse with Drop-in biofuel vs blended biofuel: A drop-in fuel is chemically equivalent to fossil fuel and needs no engine change. Ethanol is blended with petrol only up to a limit and needs compatible engines.
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.
Why it matters
Turns crop residue into fuel, reducing stubble burning and rural waste.
Cuts dependence on imported crude and supports net-zero goals through indigenous technology.
Problems
Reliable, low-cost collection and supply of dispersed biomass is hard.
Scaling from pilot to commercial output at competitive cost against fossil diesel is uncertain.
Way forward
Build biomass aggregation and supply chains with farmer incentives.
Give viability support and assured offtake for advanced biofuels under the National Policy on Biofuels.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Drop-in biofuel from agri-waste links to biofuel topics. Support to a single firm gives little for a statement.
On 5 June 2026, the Ministry of Science & Technology reported an Indian Institute of Astrophysics study using 100+ years of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory data. It shows how the Sun's surface convection network responds to the 11-year solar cycle.
What it is
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in Tamil Nadu holds India's oldest continuous series of solar data. It is run by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology. Its archive of Ca II K spectroheliograms covers more than nine solar cycles and is used to study solar activity.
Data source
The study used about 34,000 Ca II K images from the Kodaikanal archive, starting from 1907.
Who ran it
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, an autonomous institute of DST, led by Prof KP Raju, did the study.
Network cell size
Network cells last about 24 hours on average and are about 30,000 km across.
Time lag
Lane-width correlations peak at solar maximum, while intensity correlations peak 1.25–1.5 years after it.
Cycle coverage
The archive covers more than nine solar cycles. The NLST is expected to add high-resolution studies of supergranular dynamics.
Don’t confuse with Granulation vs supergranulation: Granulations are small-scale convective cells; supergranulations are large-scale cells forming the network structure on the solar surface.
Don’t confuse with Solar minimum vs maximum: Minimum is the low point of the roughly 11-year activity cycle (e.g. 1913 in the figure); maximum is the peak (e.g. 1917).
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.
Why it matters
Better understanding of supergranulation can improve solar cycle prediction.
Helps estimate variations in solar irradiance, especially UV, which affects space weather and satellites.
Problems
The origin and size determination of supergranulations remain unresolved.
No single latitude tracks the solar cycle for all quantities, which complicates prediction.
Way forward
Combine century-long archives with high-resolution facilities such as the NLST.
Pursue further research on mechanisms behind the observed lags.
Put in your answer
Kodaikanal archive: India's oldest continuous solar data series, covering more than nine solar cycles, shows the value of long-term scientific records.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Study result on supergranulation; observatory is a lasting topic. Sci-tech Prelims asks mostly concepts (36 of 57), so no question here.
GS3 Environment · Climate changeGS3 EconomyPrelims and Mains
Why in news
On 5 June 2026 (World Environment Day), India showcased its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme and renewable energy standards at the WTO Trade and Environment Week 2026 in Geneva.
What it is
The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) is India's framework for a national carbon market. It uses market-based instruments to reward activities that cut greenhouse gas emissions. The legal basis is the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, as amended in 2022, with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency as the administrator.
Aim of CCTS
The CCTS framework aims to set up a national electronic platform for trading carbon credits and to use market-based tools for emission reduction.
Non-fossil capacity
As of March 2026, non-fossil share of installed electricity capacity was 53.21%, against the 2030 target of 50%.
Emissions intensity
Emissions intensity of GDP fell 37.38% between 2005 and 2022, beating the NDC target of 33-35% by 2030.
Green hydrogen standards
Emission thresholds and technical criteria have been notified to classify hydrogen as Green Hydrogen under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Legal basis
The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 enabled the carbon credit trading scheme; the BEE acts as its administrator.
First round
The first GEI targets were notified in October 2025 for four sectors and 282 entities.
Two mechanisms
CCTS has a Compliance Mechanism and an Offset Mechanism.
How credits arise
Entities that beat their intensity target get Carbon Credit Certificates and can trade them with those that miss targets.
Don’t confuse with Compliance vs offset mechanism: The compliance mechanism sets emission intensity targets for obligated industries. The offset mechanism gives credits to voluntary projects that reduce or remove emissions.
Don’t confuse with Carbon credit vs carbon tax: A carbon credit is a tradable certificate for a tonne of CO2e reduced. A carbon tax is a direct price levied on emissions.
Don’t confuse with Emission intensity vs absolute cap: Intensity targets limit emissions per unit of output; absolute caps limit total emissions.
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.
Why it matters
Gives India a market route to meet its NDC and net-zero 2070 goals at lower cost.
Prepares Indian industry for carbon-linked trade measures abroad.
Prices carbon in heavy industry and gives firms a market incentive to cut emissions.
Supports India's net-zero pathway while allowing industrial growth.
Wider sector coverage deepens the market and trading volume.
Problems
Weak monitoring, reporting and verification capacity, and price discovery in a new market.
Foreign carbon border measures like CBAM may burden exporters regardless of domestic carbon pricing.
Intensity targets may not cut total emissions if output rises.
Needs reliable monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions data.
Price discovery and market liquidity are uncertain in a new market.
Way forward
Build robust MRV and registry systems and expand sector coverage in phases.
Seek recognition of Indian carbon pricing in trade talks, guided by CBDR-RC.
Tighten targets over time and move towards absolute caps.
Strengthen MRV capacity and transparent registry and trading oversight.
Add more sectors and link the offset mechanism to credible projects.
Put in your answer
Non-fossil capacity 53.21%: Use this as evidence India is ahead of its 2030 NDC target on non-fossil power capacity.
Emissions intensity fall: A 37.38% fall in GDP emissions intensity from 2005 to 2022 shows decoupling of growth and emissions.
Legal anchor: The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 enabled the carbon market.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
Test yourself
Prelims practice · Statements
Ours, not from a UPSC paper
Consider the following statements:
1.Under the compliance mechanism of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, obligated entities are assigned Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity targets rather than absolute emission caps.
2.The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme operates through a Compliance Mechanism and an Offset Mechanism.
3.The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme derives its legal basis from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
True or false?
1 of 6
Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.
1.The January 2026 notification brought Petroleum Refineries, Petrochemicals, Textiles and Secondary Aluminium under the Indian Carbon Market's compliance mechanism.
True. These four sectors were added, covering 208 entities.
2.The CCTS operates through a Compliance Mechanism and an Offset Mechanism.
True. These are the two mechanisms of CCTS.
3.Under the compliance mechanism, obligated entities are assigned absolute emission caps rather than emission intensity targets.
False. They are assigned Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets.
4.Obligated entities that outperform their targets can receive Carbon Credit Certificates and trade them.
5.The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is the administrator of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.
True. BEE acts as administrator under the Energy Conservation Act framework.
6.The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme derives its legal basis from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
False. It is based on the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, as amended in 2022.
Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.
Mains practice
15 marks · 250 words
The Government has recently notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity targets for 208 more entities in petroleum refining, petrochemicals, textiles and secondary aluminium, taking the Indian Carbon Market's compliance mechanism to 490 obligated entities. Discuss the main features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme and examine the challenges in making the Indian Carbon Market an effective tool for India's climate goals.
On 5 June 2026 the Agriculture Ministry reported that over 9.42 lakh farmers had joined the Khet Bachao Abhiyan as of 4 June 2026. The campaign promotes balanced fertiliser use and soil health.
What it is
Khet Bachao Abhiyan is a nationwide awareness campaign of the Union Agriculture Ministry on soil health. It asks farmers to use fertilisers in balance on the basis of soil testing, rotate crops and move towards natural farming. It works through scientists and officials visiting villages and holding meetings with farmers.
Launch
Launched nationwide from Taraori in Karnal district, Haryana, by the Union Agriculture Minister.
Duration
A village-level campaign from 22 October to 30 November 2026.
Three principles
Balanced fertiliser use based on Soil Health Cards, crop rotation with pulses, and natural farming on at least half an acre.
Who delivers it
Vice-chancellors of agricultural universities, ICAR, scientists and officials are to visit villages and hold meetings with farmers; KVKs joined the launch virtually.
Fertiliser subsidy
The Centre bears a fertiliser subsidy of over ₹1.5 lakh crore so that urea costs ₹266 and DAP ₹1,350 per bag.
Crop residue
The campaign discourages stubble burning, which causes air pollution and kills soil microbes and earthworms.
Aim
Promote balanced fertiliser use, soil-test-based nutrient management and conservation of soil fertility.
Run by
Launched under the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
Farmer groups
FPOs, SHGs and FIGs take part in the campaign.
Who runs it
Panchayats, KVKs, ICAR and state governments will jointly run it. KVKs are the key coordinators.
Core aim
Minimise reckless use of chemical fertilisers. Farmers are to use inputs based on soil tests and more green manure, organic and bio-products.
Demonstrations
Live demonstrations of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) will be held.
Scheme linkage
The campaign will also link left-out beneficiaries to Kisan Credit Card and PM-KISAN, and carry the Pulses-Oilseeds Mission, Oil Palm and Cotton Mission to the farm.
Don’t confuse with Khet Bachao Abhiyan vs Soil Health Card scheme: The Abhiyan is a time-bound awareness drive. The Soil Health Card scheme issues cards with crop-wise nutrient advice, which the Abhiyan asks farmers to use.
Don’t confuse with Natural farming vs organic farming: The campaign promotes natural farming with inputs like Beejamrit and Ghanjeevamrit made from cow dung, cow urine and soil. Organic farming is a broader category.
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
Curbs overuse of subsidised urea and DAP, which protects soil health and cuts the subsidy bill.
Links soil health, crop diversification, stubble management and food safety in one message.
Balanced use of fertilisers can protect soil health and cut input costs for farmers.
Less excess chemical fertiliser reduces environmental harm and the fertiliser subsidy burden.
Cuts input cost for farmers and eases pressure on the fertiliser subsidy.
Protects soil health and supports sustainable agriculture.
Problems
Cheap, subsidised urea and DAP encourage overuse, and an awareness drive does not change prices.
Assured procurement of paddy and wheat discourages shifting to pulses.
Awareness alone may not change practice if fertiliser prices and subsidies favour excess urea use.
Limited access to soil testing and extension services in many areas.
A one-month campaign may not change long-standing fertiliser habits.
Low soil-testing coverage and subsidised urea prices encourage overuse.
Way forward
Back soil-test-based advice with fertiliser pricing and subsidy reform such as nutrient-based targeting.
Provide assured procurement and support for pulses and for natural farming inputs.
Link outreach with soil testing and soil health advice at the village level.
Promote alternatives such as organic and integrated nutrient sources and reform incentives for balanced use.
Link advice to soil test results and keep field support going beyond June.
Reform fertiliser pricing gradually and promote organic and bio-inputs.
Put in your answer
Fertiliser subsidy: The Centre spends over ₹1.5 lakh crore on fertiliser subsidy, yet farmers pay only ₹266 per urea bag.
Pulses in rotation: Pulse roots fix nitrogen in the soil, so replacing paddy-wheat repetition with chickpea, lentil or pigeon pea restores fertility.
Integrated Nutrient Management: INM demonstrations show a combined approach of chemical, organic and bio-sources of nutrients.
Decentralised delivery: The campaign is meant to run through partnership from Panchayat to State and Centre, not top-down.
UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.
No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Campaign on balanced fertiliser use is relevant to agriculture; progress data is routine, so no question.
The Government has recently widened Persons Resident Outside India's access to listed equities under the Portfolio Investment Scheme, expanded the Fully Accessible Route for G-Secs, relaxed General Route limits for FPIs and exempted their G-Sec interest and capital gains from income tax. Discuss the objectives of these measures and examine their likely benefits and risks for India's macroeconomic stability.