Prelims Mantra – (19/03/2026)

International Relations

Global Oil Price Volatility:

Context

Global crude oil prices showed volatility due to geopolitical tensions.

1. Oil prices influenced by:

• • • Supply disruptions
    • Geopolitical conflicts.

2. Major producers:

• • • OPEC countries.

3. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries regulates production levels.

4. India imports ~85% of crude oil.

5. Rising oil prices lead to:

• • • Inflation
    • Fiscal pressure.

6. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) act as buffer.

• • NOTE: Government, through a Special Purpose Vehicle called Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited (ISPRL), has established Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) facilities with total capacity of 5.33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of crude oil at 3 locations namely

a) Vishakhapatnam (1.33 MMT),

b) Mangaluru (1.5 MMT) and

c) Padur (2.5 MMT) capacity.

7. Oil priced in US dollars.

8. Exchange rate affects import bill.

 

(ET)

Economy

Food Security and Buffer Stocks:

Context

Government reviewed foodgrain buffer stock levels to ensure food security.

• • Buffer stocks maintained by
    Food Corporation of India.
  • Includes:
    • Wheat
    • Rice.
  • Used for:
    • Public Distribution System (PDS)
    • Food security schemes.
  • Helps stabilize:
    • Prices
    • Supply.
  • Norms fixed for minimum buffer levels.
  • Excess stock leads to:
    • Storage issues
    • Fiscal burden.
  • MSP system linked to procurement.
  • Ensures food security during crises.

 

(PIB)

Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment and DM

Blue Economy and Coastal Development:

Context

Discussions on sustainable utilization of ocean resources under the Blue Economy framework.

• • Blue Economy focuses on:
    • Sustainable use of ocean resources.
  • Includes sectors:
    • Fisheries
    • Shipping
    • Offshore energy.
  • Aims to balance:
    • Economic growth
    • Environmental protection.
  • India has ~7500 km coastline.
  • Linked to SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
  • Coastal ecosystems include:
    • Mangroves
    • Coral reefs.
  • Threats:
    • Overfishing
    • Pollution
    • Climate change.
  • Important for:
    • Livelihood
    • Trade.

 

(TH)

Science & Technology

India’s AI Governance Framework Discussions:

Context

India is advancing discussions on a regulatory framework for Artificial Intelligence balancing innovation and ethical concerns.

• • AI governance focuses on:
    • Transparency
    • Accountability
    • Ethical use.
  • Concerns include:
    • Algorithmic bias
    • Data privacy
    • Misinformation.
  • AI regulation may involve:
    • Risk-based classification
    • Sector-specific rules.
  • India emphasizes “pro-innovation approach”.
  • AI intersects with:
    • Data protection laws
    • Cybersecurity frameworks.
  • Global efforts include EU AI Act-type models.
  • Generative AI raises concerns of deepfakes.
  • Governance aims to ensure responsible AI deployment.

 

(IE)

Space Sector Reforms in India:

Context

India’s space sector reforms continue to boost private participation.

• • Role of Indian Space Research Organisation shifting to:
    • Research
    • Advanced missions.
  • Private sector enabled through:
    • IN-SPACe.
  • NewSpace India Limited handles commercialization.
  • Growth of:
    • Satellite startups
    • Launch services.
  • Applications:
    • Communication
    • Remote sensing.
  • Space sector important for:
    • Economy
    • Defence.
  • Global space economy expanding rapidly.

 

(ET)

Internal Security

Cybersecurity Threat Landscape:

Context

Growing cybersecurity threats highlighted need for stronger digital security infrastructure.

1. Cyber threats include:

• • • Phishing
    • Ransomware
    • Malware.

2. Critical infrastructure is vulnerable:

• • • Power grids
    • Banking systems.

3. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) handles incidents. It is the nodal agency under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, established in 2004 to secure India’s cyberspace.

4. Cybersecurity linked to:

• • • National security
    • Data protection.

5. Increasing use of AI in cyber attacks.

6. Need for:

• • • Encryption
    • Awareness
    • Regulations.

7. Cyber warfare is an emerging domain.

 

(IE)

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