DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 21st July 2026

Subject: Environment & Ecology

Why in News?

Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary was in the news following the publication of a new book documenting 281 butterfly species from the sanctuary, highlighting it as one of Assam’s richest butterfly habitats in addition to being the only protected area in India dedicated to the Western Hoolock Gibbon. 

Key Facts

• Location: Jorhat district, Assam. 
• Established: Originally notified as a Reserved Forest in 1881; declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1997. 
• Area: Approximately 20.98 sq. km. 
• Vegetation: Assam Plains Alluvial Semi-Evergreen Forests with patches of wet evergreen forests. 
• Ecological Significance: 
  • India’s only wildlife sanctuary exclusively dedicated to the Western Hoolock Gibbon, the country’s only ape. 
  • Also shelters the Bengal Slow Loris, the only nocturnal primate found in Northeast India. 
  • The sanctuary has become an isolated forest island due to surrounding tea gardens, villages, and railway infrastructure, making habitat connectivity a major conservation concern. 
• Major Fauna: 
  • Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock) 
  • Bengal Slow Loris 
  • Capped Langur 
  • Stump-tailed Macaque 
  • Northern Pig-tailed Macaque 
  • Assamese Macaque 
  • Asian Elephant 
  • Leopard 
• Butterfly Diversity: 
  • A recent publication has documented 281 butterfly species, including several rare species, underscoring the sanctuary’s exceptional insect diversity. 

UPSC Prelims Perspective

UPSC frequently asks about protected areas, flagship species, and biodiversity hotspots. Remember that Hoollongapar is the only sanctuary in India dedicated to the Western Hoolock Gibbon, which is India’s only ape, not a monkey. Also revise the distinction between apes (no tail) and monkeys (tail present). Prepare associated species such as the Bengal Slow Loris, and note that habitat fragmentation due to railways and tea estates has necessitated innovative conservation measures such as artificial canopy bridges for safe arboreal movement. 

Source/Reference:

https://assamtribune.com/assam/beyond-gibbons-assams-hoollongapar-hosts-281-butterfly-species-says-new-book-1614468

Subject: Polity & Governance / Economy

Why in News?

The Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) recently directed shipping companies, ship managers, and Recruitment & Placement Service Licence (RPSL) agencies to avoid deploying Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz until further notice due to the deteriorating security situation in the Gulf region. 

Key Facts

• DGMA is the apex maritime regulatory authority of India under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). 
• It is the successor to the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), following reforms introduced under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. 
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra. 
• Primary Responsibilities: 
  • Implementation of India’s merchant shipping laws. 
  • Regulation of merchant shipping and maritime administration. 
  • Ensuring safety of life at sea. 
  • Prevention of marine pollution. 
  • Regulation of seafarer certification, training, recruitment, and welfare. 
  • Enforcement of international maritime conventions adopted by India. 
  • Promotion of safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping. 
• International Coordination: 
  • Acts as India’s nodal maritime administration for implementing conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 
  • Oversees compliance with conventions such as: 
    • SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) 
    • MARPOL (Marine Pollution) 
    • STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) 
    • Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. 
• Recent Advisory (2026): 
  • Issued a precautionary advisory directing shipping stakeholders not to deploy Indian seafarers on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz owing to heightened regional security risks. 

UPSC Prelims Perspective

UPSC frequently asks about regulatory bodies, international maritime conventions, and transport institutions. Remember that the DGMA functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and is India’s principal authority for merchant shipping administration and maritime safety. It replaced the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. Also revise the International Maritime Organization (IMO) (Headquarters: London), along with major conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and the Maritime Labour Convention, as these are recurring UPSC themes.

Source/Reference:

https://newsonair.gov.in/dgma-directs-shipping-firms-to-avoid-deploying-indian-seafarers-via-strait-of-hormuz/

Subject: Science & Technology / Economy / Environment

Why in News?

The Government has reiterated its target of achieving 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal gasification capacity by 2030 as part of its strategy to enhance energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and promote value addition to domestic coal. The Ministry of Coal is also implementing incentive schemes to accelerate commercial coal gasification projects. 

Key Facts

• Coal Gasification is the process of converting coal into synthesis gas (syngas) by reacting it with oxygen, steam, and a controlled amount of air at high temperatures. 
• Syngas mainly consists of: 
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) 
  • Hydrogen (H₂) 
  • Small quantities of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Methane (CH₄). 
• Uses of Syngas: 
  • Electricity generation through Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC). 
  • Production of methanol, ammonia, urea, and other petrochemicals. 
  • Manufacture of Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG). 
  • Hydrogen production for industrial and clean energy applications. 
• National Target: 
  • 100 MT coal gasification capacity by 2030. 
  • Supported through the National Coal Gasification Mission and a ₹37,500 crore incentive scheme for commercial-scale coal and lignite gasification projects. 
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Coal. 
• Major Benefits: 
  • Reduces dependence on imported crude oil, natural gas, methanol, and fertilizers. 
  • Promotes value addition to India’s abundant domestic coal reserves. 
  • Produces cleaner-burning gaseous fuels compared to direct coal combustion. 
  • Supports the development of a domestic chemicals and hydrogen industry. 
• Challenges: 
  • High capital and operational costs. 
  • Significant water requirement. 
  • Carbon dioxide emissions unless integrated with Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies. 
  • Technological complexity and long gestation periods. 

UPSC Prelims Perspective

UPSC frequently asks about clean coal technologies, energy transition, and government initiatives. Remember that coal gasification is different from coal liquefaction:

• Coal Gasification converts coal into gaseous fuel (syngas). 
• Coal Liquefaction converts coal into liquid fuels such as synthetic diesel. 

Also revise:

• Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) vs. Surface Coal Gasification. 
• Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology. 
• The role of CCUS in reducing emissions from coal-based industries. 
• India’s target of 100 MT coal gasification by 2030, which is a recurring theme in questions related to energy security and industrial policy. 

Source/Reference:

https://newsonair.gov.in/government-targets-100-mt-coal-gasification-capacity-by-2030/

Subject: Polity & Governance / Social Justice

Why in News?

The SMILE Scheme was in the news after the Government informed that more than 10,200 persons engaged in begging have been rehabilitated across 216 cities under the scheme, reflecting progress towards the vision of “Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat” (Begging-Free India). The scheme focuses on rehabilitation through shelter, education, skill development, healthcare, and livelihood support. 

Key Facts

• Full Form: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE). 
• Launched By: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE). 
• Nature of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme (fully funded by the Central Government). 
• Objective: 
  • Ensure comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging. 
  • Promote the welfare, protection, and social inclusion of transgender persons. 
  • Facilitate dignity, livelihood opportunities, and mainstream integration. 
• Two Major Sub-Schemes: 

1. Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging. 
2. Comprehensive Rehabilitation for the Welfare of Transgender Persons. 

Key Components

For Persons Engaged in Begging

• Survey and identification of beneficiaries. 
• Rescue, counselling, and temporary shelter. 
• Food, clothing, healthcare, and de-addiction services. 
• Skill development and vocational training. 
• Livelihood support and linkage with government welfare schemes. 
• Education for children of beneficiaries. 
• Rehabilitation through the SMILE National Portal for monitoring and tracking. 

For Transgender Persons

• Garima Greh (Shelter Homes) providing safe accommodation. 
• Skill development and livelihood assistance. 
• Healthcare and counselling. 
• Legal aid and social security. 
• Support for education and self-employment. 
• Linkage with the National Transgender Portal and identity card issuance. 

Recent Developments

• The revised scheme adopts a rights-based rehabilitation approach instead of punitive measures. 
• It follows a four-stage model: 
  • Survey & Identification 
  • Outreach & Mobilisation 
  • Rescue & Shelter 
  • Comprehensive Rehabilitation & Reintegration 
• Special emphasis is placed on pilgrimage centres, tourist destinations, and major urban areas, with participation from Urban Local Bodies, NGOs, and religious institutions. 

UPSC Prelims Perspective

UPSC frequently asks about government welfare schemes, implementing ministries, and target beneficiaries. Remember that SMILE is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and covers two vulnerable groups—persons engaged in begging and transgender persons. A key feature is the establishment of Garima Grehs for transgender persons and the emphasis on rehabilitation rather than criminalisation of begging. Also revise the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the National Transgender Portal, PM-DAKSH, and the distinction between Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. 

Source/Reference:

https://newsonair.gov.in/smile-scheme-rehabilitates-over-10200-beggars-across-216-cities/

(MAINS Focus)

GS III – Agriculture / GS III – Economy
Commercial Crops, MSP Operations, and Textile Ecosystem

Introduction

India is the world's largest cotton cultivator and a leading producer, supporting millions of farmers and workers. Recent initiatives such as the Mission for Cotton Productivity, MSP support, Kasturi Cotton Bharat, and digital technologies aim to enhance productivity, quality, and global competitiveness, reinforcing cotton's role in India's agricultural and textile economy.

India's Cotton Landscape: Production and Geography

Area, Production, and Consumption

• Cultivation Area: 114.84 lakh hectares (~38% of global area)
• Production (2025-26 Provisional): 290.91 lakh bales (4.95 million tonnes)
• Domestic Consumption: 328 lakh bales (5.58 million tonnes)
• Rainfed/Irrigated: ~62% rain-fed; ~38% irrigated

Species and Staple Diversity

• Four Species: G. Arboreum, G. Herbaceum (Asian); G. Barbadense (Egyptian); G. Hirsutum (American upland – 90% of hybrids)
• Bt Cotton: Introduced 2002; reduces bollworm infestation and insecticide use
• Staple Categories: Short (≤20mm) to Extra-Long (≥32.5mm)

Geographical Spread

• Northern Zone: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
• Central Zone: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh
• Southern Zone: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
• Other States: Odisha, Tamil Nadu

Key Policy Interventions and Schemes

Minimum Support Price (MSP) Operations

• MSP for 2026-27: ₹8,267/quintal (Medium Staple); ₹8,667/quintal (Long Staple) – increase of ₹557/quintal
• Procurement Agency: Cotton Corporation of India (CCI)
• Procurement Centres: 571 centres across 152 districts (2025-26)
• Procurement (2025-26): 105.09 lakh bales valued at ₹41,530 crore; 24 lakh procurement transactions

Mission for Cotton Productivity (2025-26)

• Outlay: ₹5,659.22 crore (5-year mission)
• Target: 498 lakh bales by 2031 (from 297 lakh bales)
• Focus: Climate-resilient, pest-resistant, high-yielding varieties; Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton
• Coverage: 24 lakh hectares; 140 districts; 14 states; 32 lakh farmers
• Vision: '5F' – Farm, Fibre, Factory, Fashion, Foreign

Special Project on Cotton (under NFSM)

• Technologies: High-Density Planting System (HDPS), Closer Spacing, ELS production technology
• Yield Gains: ~40% under HDPS; >32% under closer spacing
• Outlay: ₹60.32 crore (2025-26)
• Success Story: Rajkot farmer achieved 15 quintals/acre (30-35% increase); Jalgaon farmer got 11 quintals/acre (37.5% increase)

Kasturi Cotton Bharat (Branding Initiative)

• Purpose: Enhance value and global positioning through traceability, certification, branding
• Partners: MoT, CCI, TEXPROCIL
• Outlay: ₹30 crore (₹15 crore each from industry and government)
• Certification: 3,29,550 bales certified (as of 30 June 2026)
• Technology: QR-based certification, blockchain for end-to-end traceability

Kapas Kisan App

• Function: Streamline MSP procurement; self-registration; slot booking; real-time updates
• Reach: 41 lakh+ farmers registered
• Impact: Reduced waiting time; eliminated long queues; paperless, farmer-friendly system

Economic Significance and Exports

Employment and Value Chain

• Farmers: ~6 million
• Processing/Trade: 40-50 million workers
• Global Fibre Production: ~19% share
• Exports (FY25): US$11.49 billion

Export Destinations

• USA: 26.35% (largest)
• Bangladesh: 19.81%
• Sri Lanka: 5.11%
• UK: 2.38%
• UAE: 2.32%

By-Products and Versatility

• Cottonseed Oil: "Heart oil" – 50% polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Deoiled Cake: Animal feed (cattle, poultry, fish)
• Medical Use: Absorbent/surgical cotton from short fibres
• Biomass: Dried stalks as rural fuel

Challenges

• Yield Gap: Average yields lower than global leaders (China, USA)
• Rainfall Dependence: 62% rain-fed; climate vulnerability
• Pest Resistance: Pink bollworm, whitefly issues
• Quality Issues: Contamination, inconsistent staple length
• Market Volatility: Global price fluctuations affect farmer incomes

Way Forward

Productivity Enhancement

• Mission Targets: Achieve 498 lakh bales by 2031
• Technology: Scale up HDPS, closer spacing, ELS varieties
• Irrigation: Expand coverage beyond 38% irrigated
• R&D: Develop climate-resilient, pest-resistant varieties

Quality and Value Addition

• Kasturi Cotton: Expand certification and blockchain traceability
• Contamination Control: Strengthen ginning and processing standards
• Value Chain: Promote textiles, garments, and technical textiles
• Brand Building: Position Indian cotton as global benchmark

Farmer Support and Sustainability

• MSP Operations: Strengthen procurement network and transparency
• Digital Tools: Scale up Kapas Kisan app to all farmers
• Sustainable Practices: Promote organic cotton, water-efficient farming
• Climate Adaptation: Support for rain-fed farmers

Export and Market Diversification

• New Markets: Expand beyond USA, Bangladesh
• Free Trade Agreements: Leverage FTAs for textile exports
• Domestic Consumption: Strengthen internal market for quality cotton

Conclusion

India's cotton sector is vital to its agriculture and textile economy, supporting millions of livelihoods. While initiatives such as the Mission for Cotton Productivity, MSP, and Kasturi Cotton Bharat are improving productivity and quality, addressing yield gaps, climate risks, and pest resistance will be key to ensuring sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Practice Question

1. India's cotton sector has immense potential but faces persistent productivity and sustainability challenges. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2286497&reg=3&lang=1

GS II – International Relations / GS III – Economy
Bilateral Trade Agreements, Market Access, and Export Competitiveness

Introduction

The India–U.K. CETA, effective from 15 July 2026, marks a balanced approach to trade liberalisation, offering zero-duty access for 99% of India’s exports. Its success, however, will depend on improving utilisation, reducing compliance barriers, and converting enhanced market access into greater export share.

Key Features and Strategic Approach

Market Access Commitments

• Zero-Duty Access: UK eliminates duties on 99% of Indian exports (covering almost entire trade value)
• Balanced Approach: India protects sensitive sectors (dairy, automobiles) while opening others
• Double Contribution Convention: Benefits Indian IT and professional services firms (social security relief)

Evolution in India’s FTA Strategy

• Shift from 2009 ASEAN FTA: Deficit widened from ~$10 billion (2017) to ~$44 billion (2023)
• New Zealand FTA: India protected dairy sector despite NZ’s export strength
• CETA Approach: Balance liberalisation with domestic sensitivities amid fragmented global trading system

Sectoral Implications

• MSMEs: May face compliance challenges with U.K.’s stringent SPS, technical, and sustainability standards
• Labour-Intensive Exports: Price-sensitive Indian exports compete with U.K.’s price-inelastic luxury goods
• Carbon-Intensive Exports: Could face challenges from climate-related trade regulations

Challenges to Utilising Market Access

Historical Underutilisation of FTAs

• Low Awareness: Limited knowledge among businesses about FTA benefits
• Cumbersome Administration: Complex documentation and processes
• High Compliance Costs: Particularly affecting MSMEs
• ASEAN Example: Trade deficit widened post-FTA

Non-Tariff Barriers

• Stringent Standards: U.K.’s SPS, technical, and sustainability standards
• Documentation Gaps: Smaller firms lack capacity to claim benefits
• Steel Safeguard Quotas: Pre-implementation hurdle diluted market access
• Climate Regulations: Potential challenge for carbon-intensive exports

Competitive Pressures

• MSME Vulnerability: Already cost-disadvantaged; may face additional pressure
• Import Growth: U.K.’s price-inelastic exports (luxury vehicles) may grow faster
• Trade Surplus: India’s merchandise surplus could narrow

Regulatory and Institutional Gaps

• IP Protection: Needs strengthening
• Dispute Resolution: Requires robust mechanisms
• Regulatory Administration: Needs improvement for FTA utilisation

Weaknesses and Risks

• Small Export Share: U.K. accounts for only ~3% of India’s merchandise exports
• MSME Exclusion: Compliance challenges may limit benefits
• Non-Tariff Hurdles: SPS and sustainability standards may be bigger than tariffs
• Historical Pattern: India has underutilised FTAs (ASEAN example)
• Carbon Regulations: Future challenge for Indian exports

Way Forward

Enhancing FTA Utilisation

• Awareness Campaigns: Educate exporters, especially MSMEs, on CETA benefits
• Simplified Documentation: Reduce compliance burden
• Capacity Building: Support MSMEs in meeting U.K. standards
• Digital Platforms: Leverage digital trade facilitation

Strengthening MSME Competitiveness

• Quality Upgradation: Support for SPS and sustainability compliance
• Technology Adoption: Improve production efficiency
• Supply Chain Integration: Link MSMEs to global value chains
• Cluster Development: Strengthen export-oriented clusters

Regulatory and Institutional Reforms

• IP Protection: Strengthen enforcement
• Dispute Resolution: Establish efficient mechanisms
• Regulatory Administration: Streamline for FTA utilisation
• Climate Adaptation: Support carbon-intensive sectors in transition

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Track Utilisation: Regular assessment of sectoral benefits
• Address Bottlenecks: Identify and resolve implementation issues
• Stakeholder Consultation: Engage industry, MSMEs, exporters
• Adaptive Policy: Adjust based on evolving trade dynamics

Conclusion

The India–U.K. CETA offers significant opportunities by expanding duty-free market access and strengthening trade ties. However, its success will depend on improving FTA utilisation, enhancing MSME competitiveness, addressing non-tariff barriers, and integrating Indian firms into global value chains.

Practice Question

1. The India-U.K. CETA reflects a maturing approach to trade negotiations, but its success depends on turning market access into market share. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/maturing-approach-on-the-india-uk-comprehensive-economic-and-trade-agreement/article71241231.ece#google_vignette