Economy
Wheat Procurement by FCI:
Context: Increased wheat procurement.
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- The procurement is conducted by Food Corporation of India.
- Ensures buffer stock for food security.
- Procurement done at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Wheat is a Rabi crop.
- Supports Public Distribution System (PDS).
- Major producers: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh.
- Helps stabilize market prices.
- Crucial for National Food Security Act implementation.
(ET)
Geography, Mapping, Ecology & Environment and DM
Forest Fires in Uttarakhand:
Context: Rising forest fire incidents in Uttarakhand.
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- Forest fires peak during dry summer months (March–June).
- Major causes: dry vegetation, human negligence.
- Affects biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
- Leads to loss of soil fertility and increased erosion.
- Releases carbon dioxide and particulate matter.
- Monitored by Forest Survey of India.
- Satellite-based detection used for early warning systems.
- Himalayan states more vulnerable due to pine forest composition.
(TH)
Coal Gasification Push:
Context: India’s push for coal gasification.
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- Converts coal into syngas (CO + H₂).
- Supports cleaner utilization of coal resources.
- Reduces dependence on imported natural gas.
- Used in fertilizer and chemical industries.
- Part of National Coal Gasification Mission.
- Helps in energy security and self-reliance.
- Produces feedstock for methanol and ammonia.
- Lower emissions compared to direct coal burning (relative).
(PIB)
Great Nicobar Project:
Context: The Government of India is implementing the Great Nicobar Project in the Great Nicobar Island to enhance strategic, economic, and infrastructure capabilities in the region.
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- Strategic location: Located near the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
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- Strategic objective: Aims to strengthen India’s geopolitical presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Key Components of Project: Includes transshipment port, airport, township, and power infrastructure.
- Transshipment port development: Will reduce dependence on foreign ports like Singapore and Colombo.
- Defence significance: Enhances naval and surveillance capabilities in the Andaman Sea.
- Economic Benefits: Promotes trade, logistics, and regional economic growth.
- Connectivity improvement: Strengthens connectivity between mainland India and island territories.
- Environmental concerns: Project area includes ecologically sensitive zones with rich biodiversity.
- Tribal impact: Home to indigenous tribes (e.g., Shompen) requiring careful protection.
- Integrated development approach: Combines infrastructure, security, and sustainability considerations.
(PIB)
Defence
INS Sunayna Deployment:
Context: Deployment of INS Sunayna in the Indian Ocean Region.
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- Offshore patrol vessel of Indian Navy.
- Deployed for maritime security operations under Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative.
- Supports anti-piracy missions.
- Enhances maritime domain awareness.
- Linked with India’s SAGAR doctrine.
- Protects Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs).
- Engages in joint operations with friendly nations.
- Important for energy and trade security and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
(TH)
Important data/facts
Economy
India’s Pharma Export Growth:
Context: Growth in India’s pharmaceutical exports.
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- India is known as “Pharmacy of the World”.
- Major exporter of generic medicines.
- Key markets: USA, Africa, Europe.
- Regulated by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.
- Supported by PLI scheme.
- Includes exports of vaccines and APIs.
- Important for foreign exchange earnings.
- Ensures affordable medicines globally.
(ET)
Miscellaneous
World Press Freedom Index 2026:
Context: The World Press Freedom Index 2026 was released by Reporters Without Borders.
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- Published annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
- Measures degree of press freedom across countries.
- Based on indicators: pluralism, independence, legal framework, safety.
- Countries ranked on a 0–100 score scale.
- Norway continues to rank among the top performers.
- India ranked 157th out of 180 countries.
- Highlights issues like journalist safety and censorship.
- Important for assessing democratic health globally.
(IE)
Global Food Crisis Report:
Context: The Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC).
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- Published by Food Security Information Network (FSIN).
- Assesses acute food insecurity globally.
- Uses IPC classification system.
- Major drivers: conflict, climate shocks, economic instability.
- Key Findings: The GRFC 2025 indicated that over 295 million people in 53 countries and territories experienced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2024, driven by conflict, economic shocks, and climate extremes.
- Africa and West Asia most affected regions.
- Climate phenomena like El Nino worsen conditions.
- Helps guide humanitarian interventions.
- Linked to SDG-2 (Zero Hunger).
(ET)
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