UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2026

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2026 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

 

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 1 :

1. Industrial Corridors of India

GS Paper 2:

2. India-Israel Bilateral Relations

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Rail Tech Policy

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. MSME Ministry Upgrades NSIC to Schedule ‘A’ Category CPSE

2. Chandrashekhar Azad

3. ASTraM: Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management

4. Macaques

5. New GDP Series (Base Year FY23)

Mapping:

1. The Druzhba Oil Pipeline

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2026

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GS Paper 1  :

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Industrial Corridors of India

Source: PIB

Subject: Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector.

Context: The Union Budget 2026-27 has accelerated India’s infrastructure vision by announcing the Integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor with a key node at Durgapur and allocating ₹3,000 crore to the NICDIT for ongoing projects.

About Industrial Corridors of India:

What it is?

• Industrial corridors are linear development zones designed as planned economic belts. They integrate world-class infrastructure—including high-speed rail, expressways, ports, and smart cities—to connect major economic hubs.
• These corridors aim to lower logistics costs and foster an environment where industries can operate with plug-and-play facilities and walk-to-work ecosystems.

Data & Stats on Industrial Corridors:

• Network Scope: India is developing 11 Industrial Corridors under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP).
• Current Progress: 4 projects are completed (Phase-I cities) and 4 projects are nearing completion.
• Investment: Phase-I projects alone have attracted ₹2.02 lakh crore in investments across sectors like EVs, renewables, and pharma.
• New Projects: 12 additional projects were recently approved with a total cost of ₹28,602 crore, aiming to create nearly 1 million direct jobs.
• Budget 2026-27: ₹3,000 crore allocated to NICDIT to accelerate implementation.

Major Industrial Corridors of India:

1. Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)

• Flagship Status: India’s premier corridor, featuring world-class Smart Cities like Dholera (India’s first semiconductor city) and Shendra-Bidkin.
• Logistics Power: Anchored by the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), ensuring rapid transit between the political and financial capitals.
• Strategic Verticals: Leading the charge in Electric Vehicles (EVs), high-end electronics, and renewable energy manufacturing.

2. Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC)

• Manufacturing Powerhouse: Links the high-tech ecosystem of Bengaluru with the Detroit of Asia (Chennai).
• Key Nodes: Major developments at Tumakuru (Karnataka) and Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) are nearing completion.
• Industrial Focus: Dominates in automobiles, precision engineering, and consumer electronics.

3. Amritsar–Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC)

• Eastern Link: Aligned with the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), spanning the vast Indo-Gangetic plains.
• Cluster Model: Utilizes Integrated Manufacturing Clusters (IMCs) to revitalize the industrial heartland of North and East India.
• Sector Focus: Primarily targets agro-processing, heavy engineering, and steel-based manufacturing.

4. Vizag–Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC)

• Maritime Connectivity: India’s first coastal corridor, acting as a critical component of the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC).
• Blue Economy: Prioritizes port-led industrialization, creating a seamless link between manufacturing zones and global shipping routes.
• Core Industries: Strategic focus on petrochemicals, export-oriented textiles, and logistics.

5. Bengaluru–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC)

• Western-Southern Synergy: Bridging the gap between the industrial powerhouses of Maharashtra and the tech-driven Karnataka.
• Regional Growth: Key nodes at Dharwad and Satara act as magnets for high-tech manufacturing.
• Economic Goal: Aims to decongest existing metros by creating self-sustaining industrial townships along the route.

6. Extension of CBIC to Kochi via Coimbatore (ECKC)

• Peninsular Connectivity: Extends the reach of southern industrial belts to the Kochi Port.
• Key Nodes: Significant projects in Palakkad (Kerala) and Dharmapuri-Salem (Tamil Nadu).
• Traditional Strengths: Strengthens global value chains in textiles, food processing, and specialized engineering.

7. Hyderabad–Nagpur Industrial Corridor (HNIC)

• Central Expansion: Aims to unlock the industrial potential of Central India by connecting two major urban centers.
• Anchor Project: The Zaheerabad node in Telangana is a focal point for massive industrial investment.
• Growth Drivers: Focused on the automotive supply chain and heavy engineering equipment.

8. Hyderabad–Warangal Industrial Corridor (HWIC)

• State-Led Growth: A specialized initiative to decentralize industry within Telangana.
• Diversification: Encourages a shift from traditional sectors toward diverse, high-value manufacturing clusters.
• Regional Impact: Designed to boost rural economies by providing high-quality industrial infrastructure in tier-II regions.

9. Hyderabad–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (HBIC)

• Tech Corridor: Connects India’s two largest technology hubs, facilitating a Knowledge Economy corridor.
• Specialized Node: The Orvakal industrial area is being developed as a premier destination for high-tech sectors.
• Strategic Sectors: High emphasis on Aerospace, Defence, and advanced semiconductor assembly.

10. Odisha Economic Corridor (OEC)

• Resource and Port Model: Capitalizes on Odisha’s immense mineral wealth and its strategic ports at Paradip and Dhamra.
• Maritime Integration: Strengthens India’s presence in the Bay of Bengal maritime trade route.
• Primary Industries: Heavily oriented toward steel, aluminum, and downstream mineral-based industries.

11. Delhi–Nagpur Industrial Corridor (DNIC)

• Logistics Gateway: A planned corridor aimed at improving North-South connectivity through the center of India.
• Balanced Development: Explicitly designed to reduce regional development imbalances by industrializing the hinterlands.
• Future Vision: Focuses on becoming a hub for national-level logistics and warehousing due to its central location.

Significance:

• Global Competitiveness: Provides plug-and-play infrastructure (ready-to-use land and utilities) that allows businesses to start operations immediately, making India a global manufacturing destination.
• Logistics Efficiency: By integrating with the PM GatiShakti framework and Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), these zones drastically reduce the time and cost of moving goods to ports.
• Sustainable Urbanization: Promotes Low-Carbon Cities (LCCs) with transit-oriented development, renewable energy integration, and vast green spaces.
• Socio-Economic Growth: Acts as a catalyst for regional development, providing high-quality employment in traditionally less-industrialized hinterlands.

Conclusion:

The development of 11 Industrial Corridors marks a shift from isolated industrial zones to integrated, multi-modal manufacturing ecosystems. With new budget support and the Durgapur node, India is strengthening infrastructure to compete globally. These corridors will be key drivers of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, boosting growth and exports.

 

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2026 GS Paper 2:

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India-Israel Bilateral Relations

Source: MEA

Context: Prime Minister of India conducted a historic state visit to Israel, where both nations elevated their ties to a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity.

About India-Israel Bilateral Relations:

What it is?

• India and Israel share a multi-dimensional relationship characterized by deep security cooperation, a knowledge-hub partnership in technology, and a shared vision for regional stability. The relationship has evolved from hesitant diplomatic beginnings to a robust, open alliance based on mutual strategic interests and civilizational ties.

Data & Stats:

• Agriculture: Over 1 million Indian farmers have been trained across 35 operational Indo-Israel Centres of Excellence.
• Research Funding: Joint research contributions increased from million to million each for the India-Israel Joint Research Calls (IIJRC).
• Labor Mobility: A goal to deploy 50,000 additional Indian workers in Israel over the next five years in sectors like construction and nursing.
• Trade Infrastructure: Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have been fast-tracked following the 2025 Bilateral Investment Agreement.
• Start-up Ecosystem: The I4F fund has become a primary driver for industrial R&D, facilitating dozens of high-tech joint ventures.

History of Relations:

• 1950: India officially recognized the State of Israel but maintained limited engagement due to its Cold War-era Non-Aligned stance.
• 1992: Full diplomatic relations were established with the opening of embassies, marking a shift toward pragmatic foreign policy.
• Kargil War (1999): Israel provided critical military assistance and intelligence to India, cementing a silent but deep security bond.
• 2017: PM Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Israel, de-hyphenating India’s relations with Israel and Palestine.
• 2022-23: Formation of the I2U2 Group (India, Israel, UAE, USA), shifting the focus toward regional economic integration.

Recent Bilateral Meeting Outcomes:

1. Strategic & Institutional Elevation

• A New Status: Ties elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation & Prosperity’, signaling a long-term commitment beyond security.
• Institutional Framework: Established the India-Israel Academic Cooperation Forum (I2I Forum) and the India-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group to ensure cooperation across government, academia, and legislature.

2. Frontier Technology & AI Leadership

• CET Initiative: A new Critical and Emerging Technology (CET) initiative, led by both National Security Advisors (NSAs), will now govern niche sectors like semiconductors and quantum computing.
• AI Integration: Signed a landmark MoU on Artificial Intelligence, focusing on both industrial application and a specific framework for Advancing Education through AI.
• Horizon Scanning: Launched a Strategic Foresight Mechanism using AI and big data to predict global trends in economy and technology.

3. Comprehensive Cybersecurity & Space

• Centre of Excellence: Signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish an Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity in India.
• Strategic Roadmap: A multi-year program was adopted to integrate Security by Design and perform joint financial-cyber simulations to protect digital economies.
• Space Start-ups: Directed ISRO and ISA to move beyond satellite launches toward fostering joint ventures between private space start-ups.

4. Economic & Fintech Connectivity

• Unified Payments (UPI): A major breakthrough to link India’s UPI with Israel’s fast payment system, facilitating real-time cross-border transactions.
• Trade Frameworks: Following the 2025 Bilateral Investment Agreement, both nations have fast-tracked Free Trade Area (FTA) negotiations to unlock untapped market potential.
• Infrastructure: India will increase participation in Israeli mega-projects, including metro, rail, and desalination plants.

5. Agriculture, Water & Marine Heritage

• Innovation Centres: Established the India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA) and a new Joint CoE in Fisheries and Aquaculture.
• Water Diplomacy: Expanded the Cleaning of the Ganges initiative using Israeli wastewater reuse and desalination technologies.
• Underwater Archaeology: A unique MoU between Lothal (National Maritime Heritage Complex) and the Israel Antiquities Authority for underwater archaeological exploration.

6. Regional Security & Labor Mobility

• Counter-Terrorism: Jointly condemned the Oct 7 (Israel) and 2025 Pahalgam/Delhi (India) attacks; expressed support for the Gaza Conflict End Plan and freedom of navigation.
• Worker Safety: Formalized protocols for 50,000 additional Indian workers to enter Israel over 5 years, ensuring strict safety and legal rights under the 2023 Framework Agreement.

Challenges to Bilateral Relations:

1. Regional Stability & Conflict: Ongoing Middle East tensions can complicate India’s energy security and diaspora safety.

E.g. The suspension of Druzhba oil flows and Gaza conflict volatility require India to balance its Special Strategic Partnership with energy-rich Arab nations.

1. The Balancing Act (Palestine): India remains committed to a two-state solution, which occasionally creates diplomatic friction during heightened Israel-Palestine escalations.

E.g. India’s support for President Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan shows a careful alignment with peace processes while maintaining its independent stance at the UN.

1. Cross-Border Terrorism: Both nations are victims of terrorism, requiring synchronized global policy which is often hindered by differing international definitions of terror.

E.g. The 2025 attacks in Pahalgam and New Delhi underscore the persistent threat that demands intelligence-sharing beyond just hardware sales.

1. Cyber Vulnerabilities: As financial systems link (UPI-Israel), the risk of sophisticated state-sponsored cyber-attacks increases.

E.g. The March 2025 inaugural Cyber Policy Dialogue was established specifically to address the surge in financial-cyber threats targeting digital infrastructure.

1. Trade Barriers: Despite high intent, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has faced delays due to complex regulatory and tariff structures in both economies.

E.g. The 2026 Terms of Reference (ToR) for the FTA were signed only after years of negotiation to protect domestic manufacturing in both countries.

Way Ahead:

1. IMEC Implementation: Accelerate the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor to integrate Israel as a Mediterranean gateway for Indian goods.
2. Semiconductor Diplomacy: Leverage Israel’s chip-design prowess to fuel India’s Atmanirbhar semiconductor missions in Dholera and other industrial nodes.
3. Water Security: Scale the Ganges cleaning and desalination projects using Israeli Waste-to-Water technology as a model for all Indian states.
4. Academic Integration: Operationalize the I2I Forum (Academic Cooperation Forum) to ensure that R&D moves from labs to commercial markets.
5. Deep-Tech Joint Ventures: Transition from a buyer-seller relationship in defense to co-development and co-production under the ‘Make in India’ framework.

Conclusion:

The elevation of ties to a Special Strategic Partnership reflects a mature relationship that has moved past traditional defense deals into the realms of AI, space, and food security. By integrating Israeli innovation with Indian scale, both nations are creating a blueprint for South-South and North-South cooperation. This partnership is not just a bilateral necessity but a pivotal pillar for stability in the emerging Indo-Abrahamic landscape.

 

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2026 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Rail Tech Policy

Context: The Ministry of Railways launched the Rail Tech Policy and a dedicated Rail Tech Portal to engage startups and innovators in solving emerging railway challenges through technology.

About Rail Tech Policy:

What it is?

• The Rail Tech Policy is a technology-driven innovation framework launched by Indian Railways to systematically integrate advanced technologies into railway operations.
• It creates a structured platform for startups, innovators, industry, and researchers to propose and pilot solutions for railway challenges.

Ministry: Ministry of Railways, Government of India

Aim:

• To transform Indian Railways from a conventional infrastructure system into a technology-enabled, innovation-led transport network.
• To promote proactive adoption of AI, automation, data analytics, and digital systems for safety, maintenance, and service efficiency.

Key Features:

1. Rail Tech Portal: 24×7 digital platform inviting ideas from startups, industry, and innovators.
2. Innovation Challenges: Focus areas include AI-based solutions, drone-based rail inspection, rail stress monitoring, and sensor-based systems.
3. Safety First Approach: Startup proposals related to railway safety receive highest priority.
4. Technology Integration: Encourages adoption of advanced technologies like AI, automation, and smart sensors.
5. Digital Governance Link: Complemented by full digitisation of Railway Claims Tribunal (e-RCT) for faster grievance redressal.
6. Public–Private Innovation Collaboration: Facilitates collaboration between Railways and private innovators/startups.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus

• GS Paper III – Science & Technology

• • Indigenisation of technology and innovation ecosystem
  • Railways modernization, transport infrastructure reforms
  • Technology-led efficiency and safety enhancement

• GS Paper II – Governance

• • E-governance and digital service delivery
  • Citizen-centric reforms and digital tribunals (e-RCT)

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –27 February 2026 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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MSME Ministry Upgrades NSIC to Schedule ‘A’ Category CPSE

Source: PIB

Subject: Economy

Context: The Ministry of MSME has upgraded the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) from a Schedule ‘B’ to a Schedule ‘A’ Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), recognizing its consistent Excellent performance.

About MSME Ministry Upgrades NSIC to Schedule ‘A’ Category CPSE:

What are Category CPSE?

• Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) are companies where the direct holding of the Central Government is 51% or more.
• To streamline management and salary structures, the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) classifies these entities into four distinct schedules: A, B, C, and D.

Governing Act & Authority:

• Governing Act: Most CPSEs are incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 (or previous versions like the 1956 Act) or created as Statutory Corporations through specific Acts of Parliament.
• Administrative Authority: The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), under the Ministry of Finance, is the nodal agency for categorization and policy formulation.

History:

• The categorization system was introduced in 1965 following recommendations from the ‘Committee on Top Posts.’
• It was designed to create a hierarchy based on the size of operations and strategic importance, primarily to determine the pay scales and seniority of Board-level executives (CMD, Directors).

The Four Categories:

• Schedule A: The highest tier, comprising large-sized enterprises with significant national and strategic importance.
• Schedule B: Mid-sized enterprises.
• Schedule C: Smaller enterprises or those with niche operations.
• Schedule D: The smallest tier, often used for initial categorization of new CPSEs.

Key Features of Categorization:

1. Quantitative Parameters: Evaluation is based on the last five years of performance in terms of investment, capital employed, net sales, profit before tax, and number of employees.
2. Qualitative Factors: Factors include national importance, complexity of problems, level of technology, and prospects for expansion.
3. Governance Structure: Higher schedules (like ‘A’) typically allow for a more robust board structure and higher-ranking executive positions.
4. Salary Links: The schedule directly determines the Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) pay scales for the Chairman, Managing Director, and other Board members.

Significance of the Upgrade:

• Moving to Schedule ‘A’ grants the organization greater financial and operational powers, reducing the need for frequent ministerial approvals for large projects.
• reflects the entity’s comparative advantage and potential to become a global player.

 

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Chandrashekhar Azad

Source: DD News

Subject: History

Context: Prime Minister paid heartfelt tributes to the revolutionary Chandrashekhar Azad marking his Martyrdom Day and recalling his supreme sacrifice and unwavering resolve against injustice.

About Chandrashekhar Azad:

Who He Was?

• Chandrashekhar Azad (born Chandra Shekhar Sitaram Tiwari) was one of India’s most fearless and potent revolutionaries.
• Known for his mental and physical dexterity—earning him the nickname Quick Silver—he led a militant youth movement and famously vowed never to be captured alive by the British.

Early Life:

• Birth: July 23, 1906, in Bhabra, Alirajpur (Madhya Pradesh).
• Education: He grew up in poverty and later attended a Sanskrit school in Varanasi.
• The Naming: After being arrested at age 15 during the Non-Cooperation Movement, he told the magistrate his name was Azad (Free), his father’s name was Swatantra (Independent), and his home was Jail. Following a severe flogging, he adopted Azad as his permanent title.

Contribution to Freedom Movement:

• Shift to Militancy: Disappointed by the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident, he embraced extremist methods to achieve independence.
• Kakori Conspiracy (1925): He was a key participant in the Kakori train robbery. While others were caught, Azad successfully evaded capture and fled to Jhansi.
• Lahore Conspiracy (1928): Along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, he executed the assassination of British officer John Saunders to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.

Organizations Associated:

• Hindustan Republican Association (HRA): Joined under the leadership of Ram Prasad Bismil.
• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA): After the crackdown on the HRA, Azad reorganized the group into the HSRA, serving as a key leader alongside Bhagat Singh.

• He used the name Balraj to sign official HSRA statements and lived under the disguise of a teacher named Harishankar in Jhansi.

Last Days:

• On February 27, 1931, Azad was betrayed and surrounded by police at Alfred Park (now Azad Park) in Allahabad.
• After a fierce gun battle where he helped his comrade Sukhdev Raj escape, Azad died at the age of 24.

 

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ASTraM: Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management

Source: TH

Subject: Science and Technology

Context: Former Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof recently visited the Bengaluru Traffic Management Centre to study the ASTraM system, an AI-driven platform that has gained international interest for its ability to predict and manage urban traffic congestion.

About ASTraM: Actionable Intelligence for Sustainable Traffic Management:

What it is?

• ASTraM is an advanced AI-based big data platform designed for macro-level traffic management.
• Unlike traditional GPS applications that only show current traffic, ASTraM acts as a smart traffic engine that provides holistic, real-time situational awareness to city authorities.

Developed By:

• The system was developed through a collaborative effort between the Bengaluru Traffic Police and Arcadis, a prominent Dutch design and consultancy firm.

Aim:

• The primary objective of ASTraM is to transform traffic policing from a reactive model (responding to complaints) to a proactive, data-driven model.
• It aims to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and streamline incident reporting through automated intelligence.

How it Works?

The platform functions by pooling massive amounts of data from various streams:

1. Data Integration: It ingests live feeds from CCTV cameras, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, and open data sources.
2. Analysis: The AI engine processes this data to identify patterns in both recurring (daily bottlenecks) and non-recurring (accidents/protests) congestion.
3. Communication: The system batches detected issues and sends automated alerts to relevant traffic officers at 15-minute intervals, ensuring localized intervention.

Key Features:

• Situational Awareness: Provides a bird’s-eye view of the city’s traffic health on a centralized dashboard.
• Predictive Analytics: Monitors trends to forecast potential traffic chokeholds before they paralyze the roads.
• Incident Reporting Bot: Uses automated tools (BOTs) to log and report accidents or road obstructions quickly.
• Event Management: Helps police prepare for large-scale events like processions or public unrest by simulating traffic impacts.
• Dashboard Analytics: Offers deep-dive data for long-term urban planning and infrastructure adjustments.

Significance:

• Consolidates multiple media formats into one actionable picture, far outperforming manual monitoring or social media complaints.
• By providing more localized and accurate data than general mapping apps, it helps prevent accidents caused by human or GPS errors.

 

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Macaques

Source: IE

Subject: Species in News

Context: The story of Punch, a baby Japanese macaque abandoned by its mother and comforted by a stuffed toy at a Japanese zoo, has gone viral, highlighting the complex social hierarchies.

About Macaques:

What it is?

• Macaques are a genus of gregarious Old World monkeys belonging to the family Cercopithecidae. There are more than 20 species, making them one of the most widespread and diverse primate groups.

Types of Macaques:

• Japanese Macaque (M. fuscata): Also known as Snow Monkeys, famous for living in cold climates and soaking in hot springs.
• Rhesus Macaque (M. mulatta): Native to North India and Southeast Asia; widely known in medical research.
• Lion-tailed Macaque (M. silenus): An endangered species found only in the Western Ghats of Southern India, recognized by its silver mane.
• Crested Black Macaque (M. nigra): A distinctive species found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
• Barbary Macaque (M. sylvanus): The only species found outside of Asia, inhabiting North Africa (and Gibraltar).

Origin and Habitat:

• While most species are native to Asia, their habitats vary significantly. They are highly adaptable and can be found in tropical rainforests, high-altitude mountains, rocky cliffs, and even urban plains.

Key Characteristics:

• Physical Build: They are robust primates with arms and legs of roughly equal length.
• Facial Features: They possess dog-like but rounded muzzles with nostrils on the upper surface.
• Cheek Pouches: Unique large pouches allow them to carry and store extra food while foraging.
• Tails: Variation is extreme; depending on the species, tails can be long, short, or even absent.
• Size: Males are significantly larger than females, with the Tibetan macaque being the largest (up to 18 kg).

Social Behaviour:

• Complex Hierarchies: Macaques live in troops with a strict dominance rank order.
  • In females, this is matrilineal (based on the mother’s rank), while male rank is often determined by alliances and fighting ability.
• The Youngest Sister Rule: In some species, like the Japanese macaque, the youngest sister often ranks higher than her older siblings.
• Integration and Bullying: High-ranked members often show aggression toward lower-ranked individuals to reinforce status.
  • New or rejected members (like Punch) undergo a testing phase before finding their place.
• Emotional Regulation: Unlike herd animals (goats/deer), young macaques rely heavily on physical touch from their mothers for comfort.
  • This explains why an abandoned baby may cling to a surrogate object, like a stuffed toy, for emotional stability.

 

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New GDP Series (Base Year FY23)

Source: BS

Subject: Economy

Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has officially overhauled India’s national accounts, shifting the GDP base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23 and introducing significant methodological shifts to improve accuracy.

About New GDP Series (Base Year FY23):

What it is?

• The GDP base year is a standard reference point used by economists to calculate Real GDP.
• By using prices from a specific stable year (now 2022-23), the effect of inflation is removed, allowing the government to measure the actual increase in production and output of the economy.

New Base Year:

• Current: 2011-12
• Revised: 2022-23 (FY23)
• Frequency: India periodically updates this to align with the International System of National Accounts (SNA).

Aim:

• The primary goal is to improve accuracy by reflecting modern consumption patterns, the rise of the digital economy, and updated industrial technologies that were not prevalent in 2011.
• It seeks to align Indian national accounts with global statistical standards.

Key Changes in the New GDP Series:

1. Advanced Inflation Adjustment (Deflation)

1. • Granular Deflators: The number of price indicators has tripled (from ~180 to ~600), utilizing specific CPI and WPI components to ensure real output isn’t distorted by broad price averages.
   • Double Deflation: In a major technical shift for manufacturing and agriculture, inputs and outputs are now deflated separately.

• This prevents profit fluctuations caused by raw material costs from being miscounted as actual production growth.

1. • Targeted Indices: The use of composite economy-wide indices has been replaced by sector-specific and unit-value indices, tailoring the measurement to the unique price movements of specific industries.

2. Enhanced Household & Informal Sector Capture

1. • From Proxies to Actuals: Instead of using old survey data to guess current activity, the series now uses annual level estimates from the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprise (ASUSE) and the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
   • Capturing the Gig Economy: New data codes specifically track the contribution of platform workers (e.g., delivery partners and aggregator drivers).

3. Integration of Big Data & Administrative Datasets

1. • GST & Digital Footprints: GST data is now a primary tool for cross-validating corporate growth and allocating economic activity across states.
   • Sectoral Tracking: The series incorporates e-Vahan data for a precise count of road transport services and the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) for real-time tracking of government spending.

4. Structural Consistency & Accuracy:

1. • SUT Integration: The Supply and Use Tables (SUT) framework is now used to bridge the gap between Production-side and Expenditure-side GDP, significantly reducing statistical discrepancies.
   • Refined Consumption (PFCE): Private Final Consumption Expenditure is now estimated using a triangulated approach (Surveys + Commodity Flow + Production data) and follows the latest global COICOP 2018 standards.
   • Smoothing Quarterly Jumps: By adopting the Proportional Denton method, the NSO has eliminated the step problem—the artificial spikes often seen in quarterly reports—ensuring a smoother, more realistic short-term growth trend.

Implications:

• The GDP will now accurately account for newer sectors, such as digital services and gig-economy activities, which were underrepresented in the 2011 series.
• Double deflation will provide a more realistic picture of Value Added in factories by isolating profit margins from actual production volume.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2026 Mapping:

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The Druzhba Oil Pipeline

Source: RT

Subject: Mapping

Context: The Druzhba oil pipeline is at the center of a geopolitical standoff following a complete halt in flows due to drone attacks, leading Hungary and Slovakia to veto new EU sanctions on Russia.

About The Druzhba Oil Pipeline:

What it is?

• The Druzhba Pipeline (translating to Friendship in English) is one of the world’s longest and largest crude oil pipeline networks.
• Established during the Soviet era, it serves as the primary artery for transporting Russian and Kazakh oil to the industrial heartlands of Central and Eastern Europe.

Located In:

• The network originates in Almetyevsk, Tatarstan (Russia), where it collects oil from Western Siberia, the Urals, and the Caspian Sea.
• It spans approximately 4,000 kilometers, crossing the Russia-Belarus border before splitting into two massive branches.

States/Countries it Goes Through:

• Russia: The starting point and primary source.
• Belarus: The central transit hub at Mazyr where the line splits.
• Northern Branch: Travels through Poland to reach Germany.
• Southern Branch: Travels through Ukraine to supply Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

Historical Branches: Connected to Lithuania and Latvia (currently inactive).

Aim:

• The pipeline was originally constructed in the 1960s to establish friendly relations through the reliable supply of cheap energy from the Soviet Union to its Eastern European allies.
• Today, its aim remains the provision of energy security to landlocked Central European nations that lack easy access to seaborne oil.

Key Features:

• Massive Scale: The system crosses 45 major rivers and over 200 railways and highways.
• Two-Pronged Distribution:
  • Northern Branch: Supplies refineries in Płock (Poland) and Schwedt (Germany).
  • Southern Branch: Connects to the Odesa-Brody pipeline and supplies the Duna (Hungary) and Tisza refineries.
• Capacity: At its peak, it pumped over 1 million barrels per day, accounting for roughly 1% of the total global oil supply.
• Strategic Bypass: Russia built the BPS-2 (Baltic Pipeline System) to reduce reliance on the Druzhba transit through Belarus and Ukraine.

 

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