📚 UPSC Prelims Notes + MCQ
Current Affairs | 12 May 2026 | The Hindu + Indian Express
Top 10 Topics | Read → Attempt MCQ → Reveal Answer
🎯 Exam Ready | GS 1–3
⚡ How to Use: Read notes → Attempt MCQ → Click option to reveal answer instantly. 🔖
1
VB-GRAM G Act — Replacing MGNREGA
Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission
GS-2 | GS-3
📰 What Happened
VB-GRAM G Act will replace MGNREGA, 2005 from July 1. Major restructuring of rural employment guarantee architecture under "Viksit Bharat" framework — integrating employment, skilling, and rural asset creation.
⚠️ Key Issues
- No extensive pre-legislative consultation
- Concerns over legal enforceability of work guarantees
- Accountability mechanisms and fiscal commitments unclear
- Vulnerable rural workers at risk during agrarian distress
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
MGNREGA Enacted2005; came into force 2006
GuaranteeMin. 100 days wage employment per rural household/year
Demand-DrivenEmployment within 15 days; else State pays unemployment allowance
ImplementationThrough Gram Panchayats
Permissible WorksWater conservation, drought-proofing, irrigation, connectivity
Constitutional BasisArticle 41 (DPSP) — Right to work
Nodal MinistryMinistry of Rural Development
Social AuditsMandatory by Gram Panchayats
💡 Tip: Unemployment allowance paid by State govt — NOT Central!
✏️ Practice MCQ
With reference to MGNREGA:
1. Guarantees 100 days wage employment per rural household.
2. Unemployment allowance paid by Central government.
3. Social audits conducted by Gram Panchayats.
Which is/are correct?
1. Guarantees 100 days wage employment per rural household.
2. Unemployment allowance paid by Central government.
3. Social audits conducted by Gram Panchayats.
Which is/are correct?
✔ Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Statement 2 INCORRECT — Unemployment allowance paid by State government, NOT Central. Statements 1 ✓ and 3 ✓ correct.
2
Project Cheetah & Kuno National Park
Biodiversity | IUCN | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
GS-3 | Env
📰 What Happened
Two cheetahs from Botswana released into wild in Kuno National Park, MP under Project Cheetah — restoring cheetah presence after 1952 extinction.
⚠️ Key Issues
- Adaptability of African cheetahs to Indian conditions
- Prey availability and territorial concerns
- Habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict
- Carrying capacity of Kuno with other predators
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
Extinct in IndiaAsiatic Cheetah declared extinct 1952
Project Cheetah2022 — World's FIRST intercontinental large carnivore translocation
Source CountriesNamibia and Botswana
Kuno NPSheopur district, Madhya Pradesh
Earlier PurposeSecond home for Asiatic Lions from Gir
African Cheetah IUCN"Vulnerable"
Asiatic Cheetah IUCN"Critically Endangered" (Iran)
LawWildlife Protection Act, 1972 + CBD
⚡ African Cheetah = "Vulnerable". Asiatic (Iran) = "Critically Endangered". Source: Namibia & Botswana — NOT Iran!
✏️ Practice MCQ
About Project Cheetah:
1. World's first intercontinental large carnivore translocation.
2. Cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa.
3. Kuno NP was proposed for Asiatic Lions.
4. African Cheetah is "Critically Endangered".
Correct statements?
1. World's first intercontinental large carnivore translocation.
2. Cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa.
3. Kuno NP was proposed for Asiatic Lions.
4. African Cheetah is "Critically Endangered".
Correct statements?
✔ Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Stmt 2 WRONG — Source: Namibia + Botswana (not South Africa). Stmt 4 WRONG — African Cheetah = "Vulnerable"; Asiatic (Iran) = "Critically Endangered".
3
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
India-Led | 7 Big Cats | China's Likely Absence
GS-3 | GS-2
📰 What Happened
China unlikely to join India-led IBCA — geopolitical complexities in global environmental cooperation. IBCA launched 2023 for 7 big cat species conservation.
⚠️ Key Issues
- Geopolitical barriers in environmental cooperation
- Transboundary habitats need inter-country coordination
- Poaching, habitat loss, climate change threaten big cats
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
IBCA Launched2023 — 50th anniversary of Project Tiger
7 Big CatsTiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma
India's Tigers3,167 (Tiger Estimation 2022)
India's Share~75% of world's wild tigers
Project Tiger1973; managed by NTCA
LandscapesShivalik Hills, Central India, Western Ghats, NE Hills, Sundarbans
💡 7 big cats — Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma. Clouded Leopard NOT included!
✏️ Practice MCQ
IBCA conserves which big cats?
1. Tiger 2. Cheetah 3. Jaguar 4. Snow Leopard 5. Clouded Leopard 6. Puma
1. Tiger 2. Cheetah 3. Jaguar 4. Snow Leopard 5. Clouded Leopard 6. Puma
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 only
IBCA's 7: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma. Clouded Leopard (5) NOT included.
4
Four Labour Codes & Workers' Rights
29 Laws → 4 Codes | Gig Workers | Concurrent List
GS-2 | GS-3
📰 What Happened
29 central labour laws consolidated into 4 codes. Concerns about weakened unionisation, diluted labour protection, and hire-and-fire practices.
⚠️ Key Issues
- Retrenchment threshold raised: 100 → 300 workers
- Collective bargaining weakened; strikes harder
- Web-based inspections may weaken enforcement
- 90%+ workforce in informal sector needs protection
📌 The Four Labour Codes
1. Code on Wages, 2019Universal minimum wages across all sectors
2. Industrial Relations, 2020Retrenchment: 100→300 without govt approval
3. Social Security, 2020FIRST TIME — gig & platform workers covered!
4. OSH Code, 2020Unified safety, health & working conditions
ConstitutionLabour = Concurrent List
Informal Sector90%+ of India's workforce
💡 29 laws → 4 codes (NOT 44). Gig workers covered for FIRST time. Labour = Concurrent List.
✏️ Practice MCQ
About India's Labour Codes:
1. Consolidated 44 laws into 4 codes.
2. Social Security Code covers gig workers first time.
3. IR Code raises retrenchment threshold 100→300.
4. Labour under Union List.
Correct statements?
1. Consolidated 44 laws into 4 codes.
2. Social Security Code covers gig workers first time.
3. IR Code raises retrenchment threshold 100→300.
4. Labour under Union List.
Correct statements?
✔ Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
Stmt 1: 29 laws (not 44). Stmt 4: Labour = Concurrent List (not Union). Stmts 2 ✓ and 3 ✓.
5
India–Vietnam Strategic Partnership
Indo-Pacific | Act East | INS Kirpan | South China Sea
GS-2 | IR
📰 What Happened
Vietnamese President Tô Lâm's visit deepened cooperation in defence, trade, technology, maritime security, and Indo-Pacific coordination.
⚠️ Key Highlights
- BrahMos missile collaboration discussions
- Naval cooperation and maritime domain awareness
- Semiconductor and critical mineral partnerships
- South China Sea territorial tensions
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
Relations1972 established; CSP in 2016
Vietnam inASEAN + RCEP
South China SeaClaims by China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia
INS KirpanKhukri-class missile corvette → Vietnam 2023
Act East PolicyEconomic + strategic ties with SE Asia
SCS linksPacific Ocean ↔ Indian Ocean trade routes
💡 INS Kirpan = missile corvette (NOT aircraft carrier). CSP = 2016. Vietnam in ASEAN + RCEP.
✏️ Practice MCQ
India–Vietnam relations:
1. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016.
2. India transferred INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) to Vietnam 2023.
3. Vietnam in ASEAN and RCEP.
4. Act East Policy focuses on SE Asian nations.
1. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016.
2. India transferred INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) to Vietnam 2023.
3. Vietnam in ASEAN and RCEP.
4. Act East Policy focuses on SE Asian nations.
✔ Answer: (d) 1, 3 and 4 only
Stmt 2 WRONG — India transferred INS Kirpan (Khukri-class corvette), NOT INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier). Stmts 1 ✓, 3 ✓, 4 ✓.
6
POSH Act & NCW — TCS Case
Vishaka Guidelines 1997 | ICC | Statutory Body
GS-2
📰 What Happened
NCW flagged POSH Act violations and toxic workplace culture at TCS Nashik — systemic gaps in ICC implementation and grievance redressal.
⚠️ Key Issues
- Weak ICC implementation despite statutory requirements
- Fear of retaliation and stigma discourage reporting
- Hierarchical pressure reduces trust in mechanisms
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
POSH ActSexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013
OriginVishaka vs State of Rajasthan (1997)
ICCMandatory for 10+ employees
NCWEstablished 1992 under NCW Act, 1990
NCW NatureStatutory body (NOT constitutional)
NCW PowerSuo motu cognisance of women's rights
💡 POSH = 2013. Vishaka = 1997. ICC = 10+ employees. NCW = statutory (not constitutional)!
✏️ Practice MCQ
About POSH Act, 2013:
1. Originated from Vishaka Guidelines 1997.
2. ICC mandatory for 20+ employees.
3. NCW is a constitutional body.
4. NCW can take suo motu cognisance.
1. Originated from Vishaka Guidelines 1997.
2. ICC mandatory for 20+ employees.
3. NCW is a constitutional body.
4. NCW can take suo motu cognisance.
✔ Answer: (a) 1 and 4 only
Stmt 2: ICC = 10+ employees (not 20). Stmt 3: NCW = statutory body (not constitutional). Stmts 1 ✓ and 4 ✓.
7
Noise Pollution Rules & Urban Health
Rules 2000 | EPA 1986 | CPCB | 85 dB | Silence Zones
GS-3 | GS-2
📰 What Happened
Rising urban noise pollution — major health concern. Weak enforcement of regulations linked to loudspeakers, traffic, rallies, and construction across Indian cities.
⚠️ Key Issues
- High dB exposure → hearing loss, cardiovascular stress, sleep disorders
- Weak enforcement of noise regulations
- Dense settlements and traffic worsening noise levels
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
RuleNoise Pollution Rules, 2000
Parent ActEnvironment (Protection) Act, 1986
Hearing DamageAbove 85 dB (prolonged exposure)
ZonesIndustrial, Commercial, Residential, Silence
Silence Zone100m around hospitals, courts, schools
MonitoringCPCB + State PCBs
💡 Silence zone = 100m (NOT 200). 85 dB = hearing damage. Noise Rules under EPA 1986.
✏️ Practice MCQ
Noise Pollution Rules, 2000:
1. Under EPA, 1986.
2. Silence zones = 200m around hospitals.
3. Above 85 dB = permanent hearing damage.
4. CPCB + State PCBs monitor noise.
1. Under EPA, 1986.
2. Silence zones = 200m around hospitals.
3. Above 85 dB = permanent hearing damage.
4. CPCB + State PCBs monitor noise.
✔ Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
Stmt 2 WRONG — Silence zones = 100 metres (not 200). Stmts 1 ✓, 3 ✓, 4 ✓.
8
Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)
RBI | BoP | CAD | USD 2,50,000 | Forex
GS-3 | Economy
📰 What Happened
RBI data: foreign travel spending declining while overseas investments + property purchases abroad increasing — concerns about capital outflows and forex management.
⚠️ Key Issues
- Rising overseas investments = capital outflows
- Large LRS remittances affect Balance of Payments
- Currency fluctuations affecting decisions
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
LRS LimitUSD 2,50,000 per year per resident Indian
CoversTravel, education, medical, gifts, shares, property abroad
Administered byReserve Bank of India
NOT CoveredTrade in goods — separate mechanism
India's Crude Import80%+ of requirements
Forex ReservesRBI maintains for external stability
⚡ LRS covers travel, education, shares, property abroad. Trade in goods NOT under LRS. Limit = USD 2,50,000/year.
✏️ Practice MCQ
LRS permits which transactions?
1. Foreign travel
2. Overseas education
3. Investment in shares abroad
4. Property abroad
5. Trade in goods
1. Foreign travel
2. Overseas education
3. Investment in shares abroad
4. Property abroad
5. Trade in goods
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
Trade in goods (5) NOT under LRS — falls under trade finance mechanisms. Others all permitted.
9
Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP)
E20 Achieved | 2G Ethanol | Energy Security
GS-3 | Energy
📰 What Happened
India achieved E20 (20% ethanol blending) ahead of schedule. Aims: reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions, improve farmer incomes.
⚠️ Key Trade-offs
- Sugarcane-based ethanol = water-intensive → groundwater stress
- Food vs Fuel dilemma — diverting food crops
- Need 2G ethanol from agri-residues to reduce pressure
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
EBP Launched2003
E2020% ethanol + 80% petrol (achieved early)
1G EthanolSugarcane, maize, food grains
2G EthanolAgri-waste, crop residues (NOT food crops)
India's Crude Import80%+ — biofuel critical
PolicyNational Policy on Biofuels
💡 EBP = 2003. E20 = 20% ethanol. 2G = agri-waste (better than 1G). Aim = reduce IMPORTS (not exports)!
✏️ Practice MCQ
About EBP Programme:
1. Launched in 2003.
2. 2G ethanol from agri-residues.
3. E20 = 20% ethanol + 80% petrol.
4. Aims to reduce crude oil exports.
1. Launched in 2003.
2. 2G ethanol from agri-residues.
3. E20 = 20% ethanol + 80% petrol.
4. Aims to reduce crude oil exports.
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
Stmt 4 WRONG — EBP reduces crude oil IMPORTS (not exports). India imports 80%+ crude. Stmts 1 ✓, 2 ✓, 3 ✓.
10
El Niño, La Niña & Western Disturbances
ENSO | Monsoon | IMD | Heatwaves | Wet Bulb Temp
GS-1 | GS-3
📰 What Happened
Intense summer in India — discussions on Western Disturbances, El Niño, La Niña, heatwaves and their impact on monsoon, agriculture, and public health.
⚠️ Key Issues
- Global warming → more frequent heatwaves
- El Niño weakens monsoon → drought + heatwave risk
- Urbanisation + heat island effect worsening
📌 Key Facts for Prelims
Western DisturbancesFrom Mediterranean → winter rainfall to NW India + Himalayas
El NiñoPacific WARMS → Indian monsoon WEAK
La NiñaPacific COOLS → Indian monsoon STRONG
ENSOEl Niño Southern Oscillation — parent phenomenon
HeatwaveIMD declares based on regional temp thresholds
Wet Bulb TempHeat + humidity — body can't cool via sweat
⚡ Quick Memory:
🔴 El Niño = WARMS → Weak Monsoon (drought)
🔵 La Niña = COOLS → Strong Monsoon (floods)
🌬️ WD = Mediterranean → NW India WINTER rain
🔴 El Niño = WARMS → Weak Monsoon (drought)
🔵 La Niña = COOLS → Strong Monsoon (floods)
🌬️ WD = Mediterranean → NW India WINTER rain
✏️ Practice MCQ
Climate phenomena affecting India:
1. WD from Mediterranean → NW India winter rainfall.
2. El Niño = abnormal cooling of Pacific.
3. El Niño + La Niña are ENSO phases.
4. Wet Bulb Temp assesses heat stress.
1. WD from Mediterranean → NW India winter rainfall.
2. El Niño = abnormal cooling of Pacific.
3. El Niño + La Niña are ENSO phases.
4. Wet Bulb Temp assesses heat stress.
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Stmt 2 WRONG — El Niño = WARMING (not cooling). La Niña = cooling. El Niño → Weak Monsoon. Stmts 1 ✓, 3 ✓, 4 ✓.
⚡ Quick Revision Table
| # | Topic | Must-Remember |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | MGNREGA | 100 days; State pays allowance; Art. 41 |
| 2 | Project Cheetah | 1st translocation; Namibia+Botswana; Vulnerable |
| 3 | IBCA | 2023; 7 big cats; India = 75% tigers |
| 4 | Labour Codes | 29→4; Gig workers 1st time; Concurrent |
| 5 | India-Vietnam | CSP 2016; INS Kirpan; ASEAN+RCEP |
| 6 | POSH/NCW | 2013; Vishaka 1997; ICC 10+; Statutory |
| 7 | Noise Rules | 2000; EPA 1986; 85dB; Silence=100m |
| 8 | LRS | USD 2.5L/yr; No trade in goods |
| 9 | EBP | 2003; E20; 2G=agri-waste; Reduce imports |
| 10 | El Niño/WD | El Niño=warm=weak; La Niña=cool=strong |
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