📚 UPSC Prelims Notes + MCQ
Current Affairs | 14 May 2026 | The Hindu + Indian Express
Top 10 Topics | Read → Attempt MCQ → Click to Reveal Answer
🎯 UPSC | Banking | SSC | State PSC ReadyThe Central government doubled effective import duty on gold and silver to curb rising bullion imports, reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and manage the widening Current Account Deficit (CAD) amid global uncertainty.
- India = one of world's largest gold importers → vulnerable to price swings
- Rising gold imports widen CAD and pressure the rupee
- Higher duties may encourage gold smuggling and black-market trade
- Gold demand driven by cultural practices — demand is largely inelastic
- Affects jewellery manufacturing, exports, and employment in gems sector
1. CAD occurs when a country's imports of goods, services, and capital exceed its exports.
2. Gold imports are one of the major contributors to India's CAD.
3. Sovereign Gold Bonds are intended to increase physical gold demand.
4. The RBI manages India's foreign exchange reserves.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Government approved higher MSPs for kharif crops for 2026-27. Farmer groups raised concerns about impact of free trade agreements on domestic agriculture and farm incomes.
- Farmers demand legally guaranteed MSP procurement
- FTAs may expose Indian farmers to cheaper agricultural imports
- MSP benefits concentrated in few states + few crops (wheat, rice)
- Excessive MSP focus leads to monoculture, groundwater depletion
1. MSPs are announced based on recommendations of the CACP.
2. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the main agency for procurement operations.
3. Kharif crops are sown during winter and harvested in spring.
4. MSP is legally guaranteed to all farmers under Indian law.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Fresh allegations of paper leaks in NEET-UG reignited concerns about credibility of the National Testing Agency (NTA). NEET's pen-and-paper format — for 23 lakh students — makes secure paper management extremely difficult compared to JEE's computer-based mode.
- Repeated controversies weaken public trust in centralised examination system
- Large scale + physical paper = high risk of leaks and fraud
- Paper leaks undermine meritocracy and equal opportunity
- NTA involves thousands of centres — weak coordination is a risk
- NEET pen-paper vs JEE computer-based — structural vulnerability difference
1. NTA was established in 2017 to conduct national-level standardised examinations.
2. NEET-UG is currently conducted in computer-based mode like JEE Main.
3. The K. Radhakrishnan Committee was constituted to recommend examination reforms.
4. Article 14 of the Constitution is related to the Right to Equality.
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Activist groups criticised the Odisha government for reducing budget allocation for millet promotion programmes despite growing emphasis on millets as climate-resilient and nutrition-rich crops.
- Millets = less water, drought-tolerant, poor soils → climate resilient
- Budget cuts hurt tribal + smallholder farmers dependent on millets
- Reduced investment affects nutrition programmes and FPOs
- India's sustainable agriculture goals may be adversely affected
1. India declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets with UN support.
2. Millets require more water than rice and wheat cultivation.
3. Millets are rich in fibre, protein, iron, and micronutrients.
4. Odisha has been a leading state in promoting millet-based farming.
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Union Cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore incentive package for coal gasification projects to reduce India's dependence on imported fuels, fertilisers, methanol, and industrial feedstock chemicals.
- Coal gasification converts coal into syngas — used for fertilisers, methanol, chemicals
- Strengthens energy security amid geopolitical instability
- Environmental concerns: carbon emissions, high water consumption
- Critics: excessive coal investment may complicate India's net-zero goals
1. India possesses the world's largest coal reserves.
2. Syngas produced from coal gasification can be used for making fertilisers, methanol, and ammonia.
3. India's target is to achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030.
4. Coal gasification is considered relatively cleaner than direct coal combustion in certain industrial uses.
- (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (b) 1 and 4 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
DGFT prohibited exports of raw, white, and refined sugar until September 30. Reason: ensure domestic supply amid geopolitical instability and disruptions in global shipping linked to the West Asia crisis.
- West Asia crisis → disruptions in Strait of Hormuz → shipping uncertainty
- Rising crude oil prices increase imported inflation risk
- Export ban may affect global sugar markets and India's trade revenues
- Domestic price stability maintained but industry revenues affected
1. DGFT is the authority that regulates India's export and import policies.
2. The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of global oil and LNG trade.
3. Exports to the EU and US under preferential quotas are exempted from the sugar export ban.
4. India is among the world's largest producers and exporters of sugar.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Prosopis Juliflora now covers 63.48% of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi, threatening the Aravalli ecosystem. Wildlife Institute of India management plan recommended phased ecological restoration.
- Invasive species displace native vegetation and alter ecosystems
- Prosopis consumes significant groundwater, suppresses native flora
- Urbanisation, encroachment, pollution worsening Aravalli ecology
- Invasive alien species = one of major global drivers of biodiversity loss
1. Prosopis Juliflora is a native Indian tree species used for reforestation.
2. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary lies along the Aravalli range in Delhi.
3. The Aravalli range acts as an ecological barrier against desertification.
4. Invasive alien species are recognised as a major driver of global biodiversity loss.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
India–UAE discussed agreements on Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) and LPG supply cooperation during PM Modi's UAE visit amid West Asia instability. Reflects India's push for long-term energy security.
- West Asia tensions threaten India's energy imports through Strait of Hormuz
- India needs to diversify crude oil and LPG supply chains
- SPR expansion protects against supply disruptions and oil price shocks
- UAE partnership = part of broader strategic + economic cooperation
1. India's strategic petroleum reserves are managed by ISPRL.
2. SPR facilities are located at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur.
3. India and UAE signed CEPA in 2020.
4. Strategic petroleum reserves are emergency stockpiles to ensure energy security during supply disruptions.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
A Lancet modelling study estimated India could prevent millions of cervical cancer cases over the next century if it achieves WHO targets on HPV vaccination, regular screening, and timely treatment.
- Disproportionate burden on rural, poor, marginalised women
- Logistical barriers, affordability, and awareness gaps restrict vaccination
- Large inter-state disparities in cervical cancer screening coverage
- Nationwide HPV coverage remains uneven despite available vaccines
1. Persistent infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer.
2. WHO Global Strategy aims for 90% HPV vaccination, 70% screening, and 90% treatment access.
3. Pap smear and HPV DNA testing are used for cervical cancer screening.
4. India has achieved nationwide uniform HPV vaccination coverage.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS), experts called for continuity and sustained implementation in India's Africa policy amid growing geopolitical competition from China in the continent.
- Africa's demographic growth, natural resources, and economic potential growing
- Gaps between diplomatic commitments and actual project implementation
- China's expanding presence intensifying strategic competition in Africa
- India's model: capacity building, digital infrastructure, healthcare (inclusive)
1. The India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is the principal platform for engagement between India and African nations.
2. India's Africa policy is guided by South-South cooperation and demand-driven development partnerships.
3. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to create one of the world's largest free trade zones.
4. India provides Lines of Credit and digital infrastructure support to African countries.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
⚡ Quick Revision Table — 14 May 2026
| # | Topic | Must-Remember | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gold Import Duty | CAD = imports > exports; SGB reduces physical demand; RBI manages forex | UPSC, Banking |
| 2 | Kharif MSP | CACP recommends; FCI procures; Kharif = monsoon; MSP NOT legally guaranteed | All Exams |
| 3 | NEET & NTA | NTA=2017; NEET=offline; JEE=CBT; K.Radhakrishnan Committee; Art.14 | UPSC, SSC |
| 4 | Millets | IYM 2023; Less water; Ragi/Jowar/Bajra; Odisha leads; "Shree Anna" | All Exams |
| 5 | Coal Gasification | India = 5th largest coal reserves; Syngas → fertilisers; 100MT by 2030 | UPSC, Banking |
| 6 | Sugar Export Ban | DGFT banned exports; Hormuz = 20% global oil; EU/US exempted | UPSC, Banking |
| 7 | Prosopis Juliflora | Invasive species; 63.48% of Asola Bhatti; Aravalli = desertification barrier | UPSC, State PSC |
| 8 | India-UAE SPR | ISPRL manages SPR; Vizag+Mangaluru+Padur; CEPA=2022; Hormuz critical | UPSC, Banking |
| 9 | Cervical Cancer/HPV | HPV = cause; WHO 90-70-90; Pap smear + HPV DNA; uneven India coverage | UPSC, Health |
| 10 | India-Africa/IAFS | IAFS = principal platform; South-South coop; AfCFTA = largest FTA | UPSC, Banking |
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