DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 16th April 2026

Subject: Polity – Judicial Impeachment; Articles 124, 217; Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968; Separation of Powers.

Why in News?

• Allahabad High Court Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav retired on April 15, 2026, rendering the pending parliamentary impeachment motion void, despite allegations of hate speech made at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event in December 2024.

Background of the Case

Controversial Speech (December 8, 2024)

• At a Vishwa Hindu Parishad legal cell event, he supported the UCC citing majority will, made indirect communal remarks, and controversially questioned the impact of animal slaughter on Muslim children’s values.

Previous Controversy (2021)

• While hearing a cow slaughter case, he claimed cows exhale oxygen and urged Parliament to grant cows national animal status and make their protection a fundamental right.

Impeachment Motion Process

What Happened After the Speech?

• Video went viral → widespread criticism
• Supreme Court asked Allahabad High Court for detailed report
• Six-member delegation of Opposition Rajya Sabha MPs submitted impeachment motion
• Charges: “Hate speech” and “incitement to communal disharmony” – violation of Constitution

Why the Motion Became Infructuous

• Motion pending at time of retirement (April 15, 2026)
• Impeachment applies only to sitting judges
• Retirement automatically nullifies all pending motions

Constitutional and Legal Framework for Judicial Impeachment

Constitutional Provisions

Article 124(4) (Supreme Court Judges)

• Judge can be removed by order of President
• Requires address by each House of Parliament
• Special majority: Majority of total membership + at least two-thirds of members present and voting
• Grounds: “Proved misbehaviour or incapacity”

Article 217(1)(b) (High Court Judges)

• Same removal process as Supreme Court judges

Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968

• Provides procedural framework for impeachment
• Three-member committee investigates charges:
  • Supreme Court Judge (Chairperson)
  • Chief Justice of a High Court
  • Distinguished jurist

Grounds for Removal

• Proved misbehaviour – includes violation of constitutional morality, hate speech, corruption, bias
• Incapacity – physical or mental inability to perform duties

Distinction: Removal of Judges vs. Removal of Other Constitutional Authorities

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Polity Syllabus)

• Article 124: Establishment of Supreme Court; appointment and removal of judges
• Article 217: High Court judges – appointment, tenure, removal
• Article 235: High Court’s control over subordinate courts
• Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968: Procedure for impeachment
• Restitution of Civil Rights: Hate speech is not a ground for removal unless proven as “misbehaviour”

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• Justice Shekhar Yadav retirement – pending impeachment motion nullified
• Hate speech by a sitting judge – raised questions about judicial conduct and accountability
• 2021 “cow exhales oxygen” remark – earlier instance of controversial judicial statements
• UCC debate – speech made in context of Uniform Civil Code discussion

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/justice-shekhar-yadav-retires-amid-pending-impeachment-claims-his-words-were-twisted/article70865732.ece/amp/

Subject: Polity – Delimitation; Constitutional Amendments; Federalism; Women’s Reservation; Electoral Representation.

Why in News?

• Parliament reconvened for a special three-day session (April 16-18, 2026) to pass three Bills:
  • Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 – increases Lok Sabha seats to up to 850
  • Delimitation Bill, 2026 – constitutes Delimitation Commission to redraw constituencies
  • Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 – aligns UT laws with new framework
• The exercise is tethered to implementing the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 (33% seats for women), which was kept in abeyance till delimitation 

What is Delimitation?

Definition

• Process of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and state Assembly constituencies
• Also adjusts number of seats allocated to each state based on population changes
• Aims to ensure “one vote, one value” – each MP represents roughly equal population

Constitutional Basis

• Article 82: Provides for readjustment of constituencies after every Census
• Article 81: States that ratio between number of seats and population should be same for all states

Delimitation Commission

• Independent body appointed by President
• Works in consultation with Election Commission of India
• Decisions have force of law and cannot be challenged in court

The Freeze on Delimitation (1976-2026)

Why Delimitation Stopped

• States with slower population growth feared losing Lok Sabha seats
• Southern states (successful in population control) would lose representation to northern states (higher growth rates)

Constitutional Freeze

• 1976 (42nd Amendment): Frozen delimitation for 25 years (based on 1971 Census)
• 2001 (84th Amendment): Extended freeze for another 25 years, till 2026

Current Proposal

• Government not extending freeze further
• Delimitation based on 2011 Census (not waiting for 2027 Census results) 
• Proposed Lok Sabha strength: up to 850 seats (815 from states, 35 from UTs) 

The North-South Controversy

Southern States’ Concerns

• Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana have lower population growth (successful family planning)
• They fear losing proportional representation in Lok Sabha

Northern States’ Advantage

• Higher population growth would translate to more Lok Sabha seats
• Opposition alleges this tilts federal balance in favour of Hindi heartland states

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Polity Syllabus)

• Article 82: Delimitation after each Census
• Article 81: Seat allocation based on population ratio
• Article 170: Readjustment of state Assembly constituencies
• Delimitation Commission Act, 1952 – amended 2002
• 42nd Amendment (1976): Froze delimitation during Emergency
• 84th Amendment (2001): Extended freeze till 2026

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• Special Parliament session (April 16-18, 2026) – three Bills introduced
• Lok Sabha expansion: 543 → up to 850 seats
• Delimitation based on 2011 Census (not waiting for 2027 results)
• North-South divide – southern states fear loss of representation
• PoJK provision – 24 seats reserved for PoJK (vacant till integration)

Source/Reference:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgeel8g27po

Subject: Polity – Uniform Civil Code; Tribal Rights; Sixth Schedule; Article 44; Federalism.

Why in News?

Some tribal group has opposed the proposed UCC, arguing it threatens tribal identity and autonomy.

Tribal Opposition to UCC: Key Arguments

Distinct Tribal Identity

• Tribals have their own systems, traditions, and cultures – distinct from mainstream Hindu society
• Traditional practices are “gift of forefathers” – way of keeping centuries-old history alive
• UCC would force tribals to give up traditions – “we will not accept this”

Nature Worship vs. Idol Worship

• Tribals do not pray to sculptures – worship nature instead
• Worship rooted in nature – part of tribal identity

Different Marriage Ceremonies

• Tribals do not have marriage ceremonies like Hindus
• UCC would impose alien practices on tribal communities

Constitutional and Legal Framework

Constitutional Protections for Tribals

Article 25(2)(b)

• Provides for social welfare and reform of Hindu religious institutions
• Does not override distinct tribal religious practices

Article 29

• Protects distinct language, script, and culture of any section of citizens

Article 371 (Special provisions for certain states)

• Some states (Nagaland, Mizoram, etc.) have explicit protection of customary laws
• Article 371A (Nagaland): No Act of Parliament applies to religious or social practices of Nagas

Sixth Schedule (Article 244)

• Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) have powers to make laws on:
  • Marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession (customary laws)
  • Social customs and village administration
• UCC would directly conflict with these constitutional protections

Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

• Recognizes rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities
• UCC could disrupt community forest governance structures

UCC Debate: Tribal Perspective

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Polity Syllabus)

• Article 44 (DPSP): UCC as directive principle – not justiciable but aspirational
• Article 25: Freedom of conscience and free profession of religion
• Article 26: Freedom to manage religious affairs
• Article 29: Protection of minorities’ distinct culture
• Sixth Schedule (Article 244): Autonomous councils for tribal areas (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram)
• Article 371: Special provisions for various states protecting customary laws

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• West Bengal Assembly elections – UCC as a campaign issue
• BJP promise: Implement UCC within six months if voted to power
• Tribal opposition: Across party lines (not limited to West Bengal)
• Birbaha Hansda’s interview – tribal minister’s articulation of opposition

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/elections/west-bengal-assembly/west-bengal-forest-minister-birbaha-hansda-the-hindu-interview/article70865194.ece

Subject: Sports – FIFA World Cup 2026; International Relations – Iran controversy; India’s absence.

Why in News?

• The 23rd FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, marking the first edition with 48 teams (expanded from 32) and 104 matches 
• For the first time, the tournament is co-hosted by three countries: United States, Canada, and Mexico 
• The opening match will take place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City (capacity 87,000) on June 11 
• The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19 

World Cup Debutants 

• Curacao, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, Jordan 

Iran’s Participation Controversy

Geopolitical Tensions

• Iran qualified for World Cup but requested to move matches from USA to Mexico citing security concerns after US-Israeli offensive (February 28, 2026) 
• FIFA rejected the request – “no plan B, C, or D” 
• Iran’s Sports Minister stated country “could not take part under any circumstances”
• US President Donald Trump said Iran’s team would be welcome but “not appropriate for their own life and safety”
• Current status: FIFA President Infantino confident Iran will participate; team scheduled to face New Zealand, Belgium (Los Angeles) and Egypt (Seattle) 

India’s Absence 

• India did not qualify for World Cup 2026
• Finished third in qualifying group behind Qatar and Kuwait
• Indian football team has never featured in the FIFA World Cup
• Only close call: Qualified for 1950 Brazil World Cup but withdrew before tournament

Key Milestones 

• 1,000th FIFA World Cup match – Tunisia vs. Japan on June 20 in Monterrey (reprise of 2002 match that sent Japan to knockout stage for first time)
• Smallest nation ever – Curacao (population ~150,000)
• Record tournament length – 39 days
• Record number of matches – 104

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Sports / International Relations Syllabus)

• FIFA – founded 1904; headquarters in Zurich; 211 member associations
• World Cup history – first held 1930 in Uruguay; won by 8 nations (Brazil 5, Germany/Italy 4 each, Argentina 3, France/Uruguay 2 each, England/Spain 1 each)
• India in FIFA – joined 1948; highest FIFA ranking 94 (1996); never qualified for World Cup

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• 48-team expansion – largest World Cup in history
• First tri-nation hosting – US, Canada, Mexico
• Iran participation controversy – security concerns amid US-Iran tensions
• Asian record – 9 teams from AFC (highest ever)
• Four debutants – Curacao, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, Jordan

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/iran-participating-in-world-cup-fifa-president-confirms/article70867482.ece

Subject: Economy – WPI; Inflation Measurement; Price Indices; DPIIT; Base Year 2011-12.

Why in News?

• The annual WPI inflation for March 2026 stood at 3.88% (provisional), up from 2.13% in February 2026
• Released by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry on April 15, 2026
• Base Year: 2011-12 (current series)

Policy Implications

RBI MPC Context

• WPI at 3.88% (vs. CPI at 3.4% for March 2026)
• Both WPI and CPI remain within RBI’s tolerance band (2-6%)
• West Asia crisis impact: Crude petroleum inflation (35.98% YoY) signals pass-through pressure
• Transport inflation remains flat (0% in CPI) – suggesting incomplete pass-through

Understanding WPI

What is WPI?

• Measures wholesale price inflation at the level of bulk transactions between businesses
• Base Year: 2011-12 (current series)
• Published by: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Frequency: Monthly (on 14th of every month, lag of 2 weeks)
• Response rate targets: Provisional (~77-80%), Final (~92-95%)

Major Groups and Weights

• Manufactured Products: 64.23% (highest weight)
• Primary Articles: 22.62%
• Fuel & Power: 13.15%
• Food Index (within primary + manufactured): 24.38%

WPI vs. CPI

• WPI tracks wholesale prices; CPI tracks retail prices
• WPI has lower weight for food (~24%) vs. CPI (~46%)
• WPI includes indirect taxes (earlier), CPI includes service prices
• RBI uses CPI for monetary policy (not WPI)

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Economy Syllabus)

• WPI series evolution: Base years – 1993-94, 2004-05, 2011-12
• Index numbers: Laspeyres formula for WPI calculation
• Price indices in India: WPI (DPIIT), CPI (MoSPI), SPPI (services)
• RBI’s inflation targeting: Uses CPI, not WPI (since 2016)

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• March 2026 WPI at 3.88% – up from 2.13% in February
• Crude petroleum surge (35.98% YoY) – direct impact of West Asia crisis (Strait of Hormuz closure)
• Manufacturing inflation (3.39%) – input cost pressures building
• Food deflation in vegetables, potato, onion – seasonal arrivals
• April 2026 WPI to be released on May 14, 2026

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2252109&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Science & Tech – Neuromorphic Computing; AI Hardware; Memristors; Brain-Inspired Systems; India’s Semiconductor Push.

Why in News?

• April 2026: Indian scientists developed a frog-inspired neuromorphic sensor using humidity-responsive supramolecular nanofibers, integrating sensing, memory, and processing in a single device 
• March 2026: IISc launched a “moonshot” project (funded by Pratiksha Trust) to develop brain co-processors combining neuromorphic hardware with AI algorithms for stroke rehabilitation 

What is Neuromorphic Computing?

Definition

• Computing process designed to mimic the structure and function of the human brain using artificial neurons and synapses 
• Represents a paradigm shift from traditional von Neumann architecture (separate memory and processing) to integrated memory-processing units

Working Mechanism

• Uses Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) where artificial neurons communicate through electrical spikes, closely resembling biological neuronal behavior 
• Enables parallel processing and real-time learning from the environment, unlike predefined programming in traditional computers 

Key Components

• Memristors: Two-terminal electronic devices that emulate synaptic plasticity by modulating resistance states; combine memory and logic operations within same physical unit 
• Molecular films: Ultra-thin layers engineered to exhibit specific electrical and optical properties, enabling brain-inspired data storage 

Advantages Over Traditional Computing

Energy Efficiency

• Memristors achieve switching energies as low as 10 femtojoules per operation – up to 90% energy savings compared to CMOS devices 
• Neuromorphic sensors compute only when relevant events occur, unlike continuous power draw of traditional chips

Speed and Parallelism

• Can process multiple streams of information simultaneously (vs. sequential processing in traditional computers) 
• Defense application: Memristor-based system demonstrated 4,000x fewer computational steps for image reconstruction with no perceptual loss in quality 

Integration of Memory and Processing

• Eliminates von Neumann bottleneck (constant data shuffling between memory and CPU)
• Reduces data movement by approximately 80%, lowering latency and energy use 

Applications and Future Potential

Defense and Intelligence

• Real-time image processing for satellite and drone data with lower power consumption 
• Faster battlefield awareness where milliseconds can alter outcomes

Healthcare

• Brain co-processors for stroke rehabilitation and neurological disorders 
• Wearable health devices using neuromorphic sensors 

AI and Consumer Electronics

• Enabling LLMs to run on personal devices rather than resource-heavy data centers 
• Environmental monitoring systems and IoT technologies 

Static-Dynamic Linkage

Static (Science & Technology Syllabus)

• Von Neumann vs. Non-von Neumann architectures – fundamental computer organization
• CMOS technology – current dominant semiconductor manufacturing process
• Moore’s Law – nearing physical limits, driving need for alternative computing paradigms
• Synaptic plasticity – biological basis of learning and memory (LTP, LTD)

Dynamic (Current Affairs – 2026)

• April 2026 frog-inspired sensor – India’s breakthrough in neuromorphic hardware
• IISc brain co-processor project – indigenous development for stroke rehabilitation
• Memristor defense applications – 4,000x computational efficiency for image processing
• India’s AI hardware push – National AI Strategy, India Semiconductor Mission

Source/Reference:

https://iisc.ac.in/events/iisc-launches-moonshot-project-on-brain-co-processors-supported-by-pratiksha-trust/

UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper II – Social Justice (Health & Nutrition) | GS Paper I – Society
Sub-topic: Nutrition Security; Early Childhood Care; Digital Governance; Community Mobilisation

Introduction

Launched in 2018, POSHAN Abhiyaan shifted nutrition from welfare to a human capital priority. In 2021, it was subsumed under Mission Poshan 2.0, integrating key schemes. With a lifecycle focus on the first 1,000 days, it operates through three pillars: nutrition support, ECCE, and Anganwadi infrastructure.

Main Body

Policy Evolution: From ICDS to Mission Poshan 2.0

Foundational Platforms:

• ICDS (1975): Provided foundational platform for supplementary nutrition and early childhood care through Anganwadi Centres
• PMMVY (2017): Maternity benefits through direct cash transfers for pregnant and lactating mothers
• NITI Aayog National Nutrition Strategy (2017): Emphasised convergence, improved monitoring, and mission-mode approach

POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018):

• Multi-ministerial mission bringing over 26 ministries under unified framework
• Time-bound targets, digital monitoring, Jan Andolan approach

Mission Poshan 2.0 (2021-22):

• Consolidated fragmented schemes into unified integrated framework
• Sharpened focus on maternal nutrition, IYCF norms, and treatment of SAM/MAM
• Emphasised wellness through AYUSH-based practices

Three Primary Verticals of Mission Poshan 2.0

(i) Nutrition Support:

• Supplementary Nutrition for children (6 months to 6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls
• Revised norms (January 2023): Shift from calorie-specific to comprehensive diet diversity principles (quality protein, healthy fats, micronutrients like Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Folate, Vitamins B6 and B12)
• Extra nutrition for SAM children under NFSA
• Poshan Vatikas (Nutri-gardens) at Anganwadi Centres, schools, and Gram Panchayat lands for diet diversity
• Protocol for Management of Malnutrition (jointly with MoHFW): Growth monitoring, referral to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs), home-based management for children without medical complications

(ii) Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Integration:

• National ECCE Policy (2013) and NEP 2020 framework: 5+3+3+4 structure with 5-year Foundational Stage (3 years preschool/Anganwadi + Classes 1-2)
• Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB): Improving ECCE quality through Anganwadi system
• Capacity building: 41,645 State Level Master Trainers and 10,58,317 Anganwadi Workers trained as of March 2026
• Navchetana (0-3 years): National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation; 140 age-appropriate activities based on “Serve and return,” “Love, Talk, Play,” and positive guidance
• Aadharshila (3-6 years): National Curriculum for ECCE; 130+ activities based on NEP 2020’s 5+1 domains of development
• Vidyarambh Certificate: ECCE certificate for children transitioning to formal schooling; over 22 lakh certificates issued
• Co-location Guidelines (September 2025): Anganwadi Centres within Government Primary Schools; over 2.9 lakh centres integrated
• Home Visit Scheduler (April 2026): IT-enabled system supporting 23 structured home visits from pregnancy to 3 years

(iii) Saksham Upgradation:

• Upgradation of existing Anganwadi Centres with modern amenities
• 2 lakh centres sanctioned for strengthening with LED screens, water purifiers, smart learning aids, and Poshan Vatikas

Technology and Governance Transformation: Poshan Tracker

Scale (as of March 2026):

• Nearly 14,03,170 Anganwadi Centres monitored
• Approximately 8,95,29,425 eligible beneficiaries tracked (pregnant women, lactating mothers, children up to 6 years, adolescent girls)

Key Features:

• Near real-time data collection for Anganwadi Services (centre opening, daily attendance, ECCE activities, growth monitoring)
• Facial Recognition System (FRS) for last-mile tracking and beneficiary verification
• Aadhaar-based tracking to prevent leakages and eliminate ghost entries
• Home Visit Scheduler with auto-scheduling and age-appropriate counselling videos

Recognition: Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024

Grievance Redressal:

• Poshan Helpline (1515) available in 17 languages for beneficiary concerns

Community Engagement: Nutrition as Jan Andolan

Poshan Pakhwada (8th edition: April 9-23, 2026):

• Theme: “Maximizing Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life”
• Key focus areas: Mother and child nutrition, early stimulation for brain development, play-based education, minimizing screen time, community support for Anganwadi

Rashtriya Poshan Maah (September annually):

• 8th Poshan Maah launched by Prime Minister on September 17, 2025 from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh
• Jointly implemented with MoHFW under Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan

Cumulative Impact:

• Over 150 crore activities generated through Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada
• Nationwide community mobilisation through Gram Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, schools, health facilities, and Anganwadi Centres

Conclusion

Mission Poshan 2.0 marks a shift from calorie support to lifecycle-based nutrition and human capital development. It integrates schemes, leverages the Poshan Tracker, and drives community action via Jan Andolan. Linking ECCE with National Education Policy 2020 through Navchetana and Aadharshila strengthens early learning. Sustained focus is key for a healthy workforce by 2047.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

2. Examine the shift in Mission Poshan 2.0 toward lifecycle-based nutrition, its key components and tech interventions, and how the Jan Andolan model sets it apart from traditional welfare programmes. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2251769&reg=3&lang=1

UPSC Mains Subject: GS Paper III – Economy (Food Security) | GS Paper II – International Relations
Sub-topic: Supply Chain Disruptions; Fertiliser Security; Inflation; Global South Vulnerabilities

Introduction

The Strait of Hormuz disruption is tightening pressure on global food systems. With major shares of oil, gas, and fertilisers stalled, upcoming planting cycles are at risk. Current food prices remain stable due to buffer stocks, but this relief is temporary. As Máximo Torero cautions, the window to act is narrow—delays could trigger a broader food crisis.

Main Body

The Disruption: Scale and Stagnation

What Is Not Moving (FAO Estimates):

• 30-35% of crude oil
• 20% of natural gas
• 20-30% of fertilisers

Why Movement Has Stopped:

• US blockade on ships using Iranian ports (newly announced)
• Shipowners and insurers reluctant to risk costly assets and crews
• Talks mediated by Pakistan over the weekend failed to yield breakthrough
• Even if tensions ease, normalisation will take days or weeks

The Critical Delay:

• Cargo that left the Gulf before the crisis has already reached destinations
• “We are going to see the real stop in supply” in the days ahead (David Laborde, FAO)

Why Food Prices Haven’t Surged (Yet)

FAO Food Price Index (March):

• Only modest increases
• Strong global stocks and good harvests last year provide buffer

Torero’s Warning:

• “We have enough supplies…and good stocks which allow the agri-food system to be resilient to this shock”
• But this buffer may be short-lived

The Planting Season Constraint:

• Farmers facing higher costs and limited fertiliser access may reduce input use or shift crops
• Lower yields in the next season will drive up food prices later in the year and into the next

The Chain of Interdependence

Energy Underpins Everything:

• Farm machinery
• Transport and logistics
• Refrigeration and storage

Fertilisers Critical for Yields:

• Nitrogen-based fertilisers linked to natural gas
• Disruptions directly affect crop productivity

Biofuel Feedback Loop:

• Higher oil prices increase incentives to divert maize, sugar, and oilseeds to biofuels
• Tightens balance between food and fuel
• “If we have rising demand because biofuels start to consume more…and lower supply because we have less input…food prices will go up” (Laborde)

Global South: Most Exposed

Why the Global South Is Vulnerable:

• Reliance on imported energy and fertilisers
• Position in the crop calendar (planting decisions happening now)
• Limited fiscal space for subsidies or imports

Regional Impacts:

• South Asia: Rising fuel and fertiliser costs filtering into food prices and farm decisions
• Nepal: Millions of households rely on remittances from Gulf countries; disruptions already being felt
• Africa (Kenya, etc.): Import-dependent countries face heightened exposure to price shocks

Torero’s Warning:

• “This will start to move from east to west…but also from the south to the north”

Risks of a ‘Perfect Storm’

Additional Pressures That Could Worsen the Crisis:

• Export restrictions (countries protecting domestic markets)
• Climate shocks (El Niño weather pattern)
• Monetary policy tightening (inflation forcing rate hikes, slowing growth, increasing debt burdens)

Torero’s Urgent Appeal:

• “We need to avoid export restrictions…especially now for fertilisers and energy”
• Without coordination, vulnerable countries could be priced out of essential supplies

Farmers Under Pressure:

• Rising input costs and uncertainty squeezing margins
• “When you push them too much, you may bring them into bankruptcy” (Laborde)
• Bankrupt farmers mean supply problems “for a longer period”

Way Forward: FAO’s Recommendations

Short-Term Priorities:

• Avoid trade restrictions (export bans on fertilisers and energy)
• Support vulnerable households through social protection schemes
• Ensure liquidity for farmers (credit lines, import financing)

Medium-Term Actions:

• Diversify energy sources to reduce dependence on single chokepoints
• Strengthen infrastructure for alternative supply routes
• Build strategic fertiliser reserves

Long-Term Imperatives:

• Reduce reliance on Strait of Hormuz through supply chain diversification
• Strengthen early warning systems for food supply disruptions
• Pursue diplomatic solutions to prevent recurrence

Torero’s Urgency:

• “Let’s avoid a perfect storm – be aware of the risks, put the right policies in place and pursue the diplomatic solutions needed to avert a food crisis we do not need”

Conclusion

Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz risks a delayed global food crisis. Despite temporary buffers from existing stocks, reduced fertiliser flows and higher input costs may soon alter planting decisions, lowering yields and raising food prices. The Global South is most vulnerable due to import dependence and remittance shocks. 

Combined with export curbs, climate stress, and biofuel diversion, this could trigger a “perfect storm.” Urgent action—keeping trade open, supporting farmers and vulnerable households, and diplomatic de-escalation—is critical.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. Critically examine how disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affect fertiliser supply, cropping choices, and food prices, especially in the Global South. Suggest policy measures to mitigate the crisis. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/04/1167289