All posts tagged: upsc 2026 prelims

India’s informal sector, Agni missile with MIRV system, and Labour Codes rules notified

India’s informal sector, Agni missile with MIRV system, and Labour Codes rules notified

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social development. Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.  What’s the ongoing story: India’s informal sector is becoming less indebted, with the interest they paid as well as the amount of loans they need to repay falling sharply, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) full report on its Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) conducted in 2025.  Key Points to Ponder: — What is the informal sector?  — What is the difference between the formal and informal sectors?  — What are the structural constraints of India’s unincorporated sector and their implications for employment quality and productivity? — How declining indebtedness in the informal sector does not necessarily indicate economic strength.  Story continues below this ad — What are the vulnerabilities of small, informal enterprises to input cost shocks, and what measures should be taken to enhance their resilience? — What is the significance of unincorporated enterprises in India’s economy? — What are the government initiatives …

UPSC Essentials subject-wise quiz : Economy (Week 161)

UPSC Essentials subject-wise quiz : Economy (Week 161)

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on the Economy to check your progress. Gear up for UPSC Prelims 2026—Practice smarter, revise faster, and succeed with our Special Quiz Magazine. (Click Here) With reference to the India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, consider the following statements: 1. The trade agreement between India and ASEAN countries was signed in 2009. 2. Bilateral trade between India and Vietnam has doubled over the past decade. 3. India’s trade deficit with the fast-growing ASEAN region has declined over the last decade. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Relevance: This topic is important for UPSC Prelims because ASEAN is central to India’s Act East Policy, regional connectivity, and Indo-Pacific strategy. It helps in understanding free trade agreements, regional economic integration, and India’s trade relations with major Southeast Asian economies. …

UPSC Essentials subject-wise quiz : Economy (Week 160)

UPSC Essentials subject-wise quiz : Economy (Week 160)

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on the Economy to check your progress. Gear up for UPSC Prelims 2026—Practice smarter, revise faster, and succeed with our Special Quiz Magazine. (Click Here) With reference to the India-New Zealand trade, consider the following statements: 1. India’s free trade agreement (FTA) with New Zealand provides duty-free access for 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand. 2. In FY26, India’s exports to New Zealand were mainly scrap metals, coal and farm-linked inputs. 3. New Zealand is the “first country to secure preferential access for apples” in any Indian FTA. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Relevance: The question tests understanding of India’s evolving Free Trade Agreement (FTA) strategy and its shift towards comprehensive economic partnerships. It reflects the growing importance of Indo-Pacific economic relations, especially with developed partners like New Zealand, …

UPSC Essentials subject-wise quiz : Economy (Week 158)

UPSC Essentials subject-wise quiz : Economy (Week 158)

UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on the Economy to check your progress. Gear up for UPSC Prelims 2026—Practice smarter, revise faster, and succeed with our Special Quiz Magazine. (Click Here) 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for March 2026. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at [email protected]🚨 1. India depends on imports to meet over 88% of its crude oil needs, 40% of which depend on the Strait of Hormuz. 2. As for natural gas, India’s import dependency is about 50%, and almost half of India’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports come via the Strait of Hormuz. 3. In the case of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), India’s reliance on imports is 60%, and 90% of those come through the Strait of Hormuz. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Relevance: The question is important …

India-Seychelles relations, PMKVY, and NUDGE campaign

India-Seychelles relations, PMKVY, and NUDGE campaign

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.  What’s the ongoing story: While stressing that defence and maritime cooperation are important pillars in the relationship between India and Seychelles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that in the coming days, the two countries would also cooperate in renewable energy and climate solutions. He was addressing a joint press meet in New Delhi along with visiting Seychelles President Patrick Herminie. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the history of India-Seychelles relations? — What are the emerging areas of cooperation between India and Seychelles? — What is the Colombo Security Conclave? — What is India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) Vision? — What is the strategic significance of Seychelles for India? — Map work: Locate Seychelles on world map.  Key Takeaways: — “In the areas of marine research, capacity-building and data-sharing, India will share its expertise with Seychelles. Defence cooperation and …