UPSC Prelims Notes + MCQ | 14 May 2026

📚 UPSC Prelims Notes + MCQ

Current Affairs | 14 May 2026 | The Hindu + Indian Express

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⚡UPSC Current Affairs 14 May 2026 covers important topics from The Hindu and Indian Express including gold import duty, MSP for kharif crops, NEET reforms, coal gasification, cervical cancer vaccination and India-Africa relations for UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
1
Gold & Silver Import Duty Doubled
CAD | Customs Duty | Forex | Bullion Imports
GS-3 | Economy
Customs Duty CAD Forex Gold Imports RBI
📰 What Happened

The 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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
Customs DutyTax on imported goods to regulate trade and generate revenue
CAD DefinitionOccurs when imports exceed exports (goods + services + capital)
India's ImportsGold + Crude oil = 2 biggest contributors to CAD
RBI RoleManages foreign exchange reserves and external sector stability
Sovereign Gold BondsIntroduced to reduce physical gold demand
Other SchemesGold Monetisation Scheme, Digital Gold alternatives
💡 Exam Tip: CAD = Imports > Exports. India is the world's 2nd largest gold consumer. Higher import duty = reduce CAD pressure but may encourage smuggling. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) earn interest + linked to gold price.
✏️ Practice MCQ
With reference to India's Current Account Deficit (CAD), which of the following statements is/are correct?
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
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only Statement 3 is WRONG — Sovereign Gold Bonds aim to reduce physical gold demand (not increase it) by offering a paper/digital alternative. Statements 1 ✓, 2 ✓, and 4 ✓ are correct.
2
MSP for Kharif Crops Increased
CACP | FCI | Food Security | Farm Income
GS-3 | Agriculture
MSP CACP Kharif Crops FCI Food Security
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
MSP DefinitionMinimum price at which govt purchases crops to protect farmers from price crash
CACPCommission for Agricultural Costs and Prices — recommends MSP
Kharif SeasonSown in monsoon (June-July); harvested in autumn (Oct-Nov)
Major Kharif CropsPaddy, maize, pulses, cotton, soybean, millets
FCI RoleFood Corporation of India — main procurement agency
MSP FrameworkPart of India's food security and agricultural support system
💡 Exam Tip: CACP recommends → Govt announces MSP. FCI + State agencies procure. Kharif crops sown = monsoon. Rabi crops = winter. Remember: Paddy, Cotton, Maize = Kharif. Wheat, Mustard, Gram = Rabi.
✏️ Practice MCQ
Which of the following statements about Minimum Support Price (MSP) is/are correct?
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
✔ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only Statement 3 WRONG — Kharif crops sown during monsoon (not winter). Statement 4 WRONG — MSP is NOT legally guaranteed; it is an administrative mechanism. Statements 1 ✓ and 2 ✓ are correct.
3
NEET Credibility Crisis & Testing Reforms
NTA | Paper Leak | Article 14 | Examination Reforms
GS-2 | Governance
NEET-UG NTA Paper Leak Exam Reforms Article 14
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
NEET-UGNational entrance exam for undergraduate medical admissions
NTA Established2017 — for conducting national-level standardised exams
NTA ConductsNEET-UG, JEE Main, CUET, UGC-NET, CMAT etc.
NEET ModePen-and-paper (offline) — ~23 lakh students
JEE ModeComputer-based test (CBT) — reduces paper leak risk
CommitteeK. Radhakrishnan Committee — examination reform recommendations
Constitutional LinkArticle 14 — Right to Equality linked to fairness in exams
Reform NeedDigital infrastructure, encryption, cybersecurity safeguards
💡 Exam Tip: NTA established in 2017. NEET = offline (pen-paper). JEE = online (CBT). K. Radhakrishnan Committee recommended reforms. Article 14 = Right to Equality = fair examination system.
✏️ Practice MCQ
Consider the following statements about NEET and NTA:
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
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only Statement 2 WRONG — NEET-UG is conducted in pen-and-paper (offline) mode, NOT computer-based like JEE Main. This is its key structural vulnerability. Statements 1 ✓, 3 ✓, 4 ✓ are correct.
4
Millets — Odisha Budget Cut & Conservation
Ragi | Jowar | Bajra | Nutrition | Climate Resilience
GS-3 | Agriculture
Millets Climate Resilient Nutrition Security Tribal Farming IYM 2023
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
Millet TypesRagi, Jowar, Bajra, Foxtail millet, Little millet, Kodo millet
IYM 2023India declared 2023 = International Year of Millets (UN supported)
Nutritional ValueRich in fibre, protein, iron, calcium, and micronutrients
Climate BenefitLess water, drought-tolerant, suitable for poor soils
Odisha RoleLeading state in millet-based farming and tribal nutrition
Triple BenefitClimate change + Malnutrition + Agricultural sustainability
UPSC Trick: Millets are called "Shree Anna" (promoted by India). IYM = 2023. Millets = low water, high nutrition. India led the UN resolution for IYM 2023.
✏️ Practice MCQ
With reference to millets in India, consider the following:
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
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only Statement 2 WRONG — Millets require LESS water than rice and wheat. That's exactly why they are climate-resilient alternatives. Statements 1 ✓, 3 ✓, and 4 ✓ are correct.
5
Coal Gasification — ₹37,500 Cr Package
Syngas | Energy Security | Coal Reserves | Fertiliser
GS-3 | Energy
Coal Gasification Syngas Energy Security Fertiliser Methanol
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
India's Target100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030
India's Coal ReservesWorld's 5th largest coal reserves
Syngas UsesFertilisers, methanol, ammonia, synthetic natural gas, petrochemicals
Cleaner thanDirect coal combustion in certain industrial applications
MissionNational Coal Gasification Mission — domestic value addition
Import ReductionLNG, methanol, ammonia, fertiliser imports can be reduced
💡 Exam Tip: India = 5th largest coal reserves. Syngas → fertilisers + methanol + ammonia. Target = 100 MT coal gasification by 2030. Coal gasification ≠ coal combustion (different process).
✏️ Practice MCQ
With reference to coal gasification in India:
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
✔ Answer: (c) 2, 3 and 4 only Statement 1 WRONG — India has the world's 5th largest coal reserves (not largest). Largest = USA or Russia. Statements 2 ✓, 3 ✓, and 4 ✓ are correct.
6
Sugar Export Ban & West Asia Crisis
DGFT | Strait of Hormuz | Food Security | Export Policy
GS-3 | Trade
Sugar Export Ban DGFT Strait of Hormuz Food Security West Asia
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
India's Sugar StatusAmong world's largest producers AND exporters of sugar
Ban CoversRaw, white, refined sugar; consignments not yet physically exported
ExemptionsEU and US preferential quota exports exempted
Strait of Hormuz~1/5th of global oil + LNG trade passes through
DGFTDirectorate General of Foreign Trade — regulates import/export
Sugar Stability ToolsExport quotas, buffer stocks, minimum selling prices
Key Fact: Strait of Hormuz = ~20% of global oil trade. DGFT under Ministry of Commerce. India = world's largest/2nd largest sugar producer. Sugar + Ethanol blending policy is connected.
✏️ Practice MCQ
Which of the following statements about India's sugar export policy is/are correct?
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
✔ Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 All four statements are CORRECT. DGFT ✓ regulates trade. Strait of Hormuz ✓ = ~20% global oil trade. EU/US exempted ✓. India ✓ = among world's largest sugar producers and exporters.
7
Prosopis Juliflora — Invasive Species Threat
Asola Bhatti | Aravalli | CBD | Invasive Alien Species
GS-3 | Environment
Invasive Species Asola Bhatti Aravalli Biodiversity CBD
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
Prosopis JulifloraDrought-resistant invasive tree; introduced during colonial afforestation
Asola Bhatti WLSAlong ecologically sensitive Aravalli range, Delhi
Sanctuary WildlifeNilgai, jackals, reptiles, birds, migratory fauna
Aravalli RoleEcological barrier against desertification; groundwater recharge in NW India
Invasive SpeciesOne of top global drivers of biodiversity loss (CBD recognised)
India and CBDIndia is signatory to Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
💡 Exam Tip: Prosopis Juliflora = colonial introduction. Aravalli = protects against desertification. Asola Bhatti = Delhi's only wildlife sanctuary. Invasive species = top threat to biodiversity (along with habitat loss).
✏️ Practice MCQ
Consider the following about Prosopis Juliflora and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary:
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
✔ Answer: (c) 2, 3 and 4 only Statement 1 WRONG — Prosopis Juliflora is an invasive alien species (NOT native). It was introduced during colonial afforestation. Statements 2 ✓, 3 ✓, and 4 ✓ are correct.
8
India–UAE Strategic Petroleum Reserves & Energy
ISPRL | SPR | CEPA | Visakhapatnam | LPG
GS-2 | GS-3
Strategic Petroleum ISPRL UAE CEPA 2022 Energy Security
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
ISPRLIndian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited — manages SPR
SPR LocationsVisakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur (underground rock caverns)
UAEMajor supplier of crude oil and LPG to India
India-UAE CEPAComprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement — signed 2022
Strait of HormuzCritical chokepoint — large share of India's energy imports pass through
SPR PurposeEmergency stockpile for supply disruptions and price shocks
💡 Exam Tip: SPR locations = Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, Padur. India-UAE CEPA signed in 2022. ISPRL manages SPR. Strait of Hormuz = critical for India's energy. SPR = emergency buffer against supply shocks.
✏️ Practice MCQ
Which of the following statements about India's Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) is/are correct?
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
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4 only Statement 3 WRONG — India-UAE CEPA was signed in 2022 (not 2020). Statements 1 ✓ (ISPRL manages SPR), 2 ✓ (3 locations), and 4 ✓ (SPR = emergency stockpile) are correct.
9
Cervical Cancer & HPV Vaccination in India
HPV | WHO Strategy | NHM | Ayushman Bharat | Lancet
GS-2 | Health
Cervical Cancer HPV Vaccine WHO Strategy NHM Women's Health
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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
📌 Key Facts for Exams
Cervical Cancer CausePersistent infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
WHO 90-70-90 Strategy90% HPV vaccination + 70% screening + 90% treatment access
HPV VaccinePreventive vaccine — protects against high-risk HPV strains
Screening MethodsPap smear test + HPV DNA testing (early detection)
India InitiativesNHM + Ayushman Bharat — expand preventive and primary healthcare
Global BurdenAmong leading causes of cancer deaths in Indian women
💡 Exam Tip: Cervical cancer = caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). WHO strategy = 90-70-90. Screening = Pap smear + HPV DNA test. India's CERVAVAC = indigenously developed HPV vaccine.
✏️ Practice MCQ
With reference to cervical cancer and HPV vaccination in India:
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
✔ Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3 only Statement 4 WRONG — India's HPV vaccination coverage remains uneven and has NOT achieved nationwide uniform coverage. Large inter-state disparities exist. Statements 1 ✓, 2 ✓ (WHO 90-70-90), and 3 ✓ are correct.
10
India–Africa Relations & IAFS
South-South Cooperation | AfCFTA | Critical Minerals | Lines of Credit
GS-2 | IR
India-Africa Forum IAFS AfCFTA South-South Critical Minerals
📰 What Happened

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.

⚠️ Key Issues
  • 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)
📌 Key Facts for Exams
IAFSIndia-Africa Forum Summit — principal platform for India-Africa engagement
India's ModelSouth-South cooperation, capacity building, demand-driven partnerships
India ProvidesLines of Credit, scholarships, healthcare, IT training, digital infrastructure
Africa ResourcesCritical minerals, hydrocarbons, agricultural resources, rare earth elements
AfCFTAAfrican Continental Free Trade Area — one of world's largest free trade zones
India vs ChinaIndia = capacity building model; China = infrastructure-heavy loans model
Key Distinction: India's Africa model = South-South cooperation (demand-driven, capacity building). China's model = infrastructure investment + debt diplomacy. AfCFTA = Africa's free trade zone. IAFS = India's summit platform for Africa.
✏️ Practice MCQ
With reference to India-Africa relations, consider the following:
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
✔ Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 All four statements are CORRECT. IAFS ✓ (principal platform). South-South cooperation ✓. AfCFTA ✓ (largest FTA). Lines of Credit + digital infra ✓. India's Africa engagement covers all these dimensions.

⚡ Quick Revision Table — 14 May 2026

#TopicMust-RememberExam
1Gold Import DutyCAD = imports > exports; SGB reduces physical demand; RBI manages forexUPSC, Banking
2Kharif MSPCACP recommends; FCI procures; Kharif = monsoon; MSP NOT legally guaranteedAll Exams
3NEET & NTANTA=2017; NEET=offline; JEE=CBT; K.Radhakrishnan Committee; Art.14UPSC, SSC
4MilletsIYM 2023; Less water; Ragi/Jowar/Bajra; Odisha leads; "Shree Anna"All Exams
5Coal GasificationIndia = 5th largest coal reserves; Syngas → fertilisers; 100MT by 2030UPSC, Banking
6Sugar Export BanDGFT banned exports; Hormuz = 20% global oil; EU/US exemptedUPSC, Banking
7Prosopis JulifloraInvasive species; 63.48% of Asola Bhatti; Aravalli = desertification barrierUPSC, State PSC
8India-UAE SPRISPRL manages SPR; Vizag+Mangaluru+Padur; CEPA=2022; Hormuz criticalUPSC, Banking
9Cervical Cancer/HPVHPV = cause; WHO 90-70-90; Pap smear + HPV DNA; uneven India coverageUPSC, Health
10India-Africa/IAFSIAFS = principal platform; South-South coop; AfCFTA = largest FTAUPSC, Banking

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