Current Affairs For Examinations (CAFE) 2026

April 14, 2026

Explore the latest current affairs of 2026 with daily updates covering important developments from India and across the world. This section provides concise and reliable news on national events, international relations, economy, environment, science and technology, security, and government schemes. Carefully curated for UPSC, SSC, Banking, State PCS, and other competitive exam aspirants, these updates highlight key facts, policy changes, reports, and global developments that are frequently asked in exams. Each topic is explained in a clear and easy-to-understand format, helping readers quickly grasp the significance and exam relevance. From major government initiatives and economic reforms to environmental issues and international agreements, our current affairs coverage ensures you stay informed and exam-ready with accurate, timely, and structured information every day.

National News

1. The Ganges River Dolphin (Susu)

Summary

• Context: In April 2026, a severe water crisis in the Chambal River has triggered a forced migration of the endangered Ganges River Dolphin toward the Yamuna confluence.
• Survival Threshold: Dolphins require a minimum depth of 3 meters; current levels in the Chambal have dropped below this due to upstream irrigation and industrial water extraction.
• National Status: The Ganges River Dolphin is India’s National Aquatic Animal and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• Ecological Chain Reaction: Low water levels are also endangering the Indian Skimmer and Black-bellied Tern, as predators can now reach their previously isolated nesting islands.

Context:

Known locally as the “Susu” due to the sound it makes when breathing, this mammal is a “top predator” and a vital health indicator for India’s river systems.

Sensory Adaptation

Because the rivers they inhabit are often murky and silt-heavy, the Ganges River Dolphin has evolved to be functionally blind.

• Echolocation: It navigates using a sophisticated sonar system. By emitting ultrasonic clicks, the dolphin can “see” a 3D map of its environment, allowing it to hunt fish and avoid obstacles in zero-visibility water.
• Physical Trait: It has a long, pointed snout and swims on its side, which helps it navigate through shallow or complex riverbeds.

The Chambal Crisis

The migration from the Chambal Sanctuary toward the Yamuna confluence exposes the dolphins to three critical dangers:

• Fragmentation: Dams and barrages act as “genetic walls,” preventing different dolphin groups from mating, which leads to inbreeding and weakened immunity.
• Pollution Loading: The Yamuna has significantly higher levels of industrial effluents and untreated sewage compared to the relatively pristine Chambal.
• Bycatch & Strikes: The confluence area has higher boat traffic and more intensive fishing. Dolphins often get accidentally entangled in nylon gillnets or injured by boat propellers.

Synergistic Biodiversity Loss

The receding water level doesn’t just affect the dolphins; it destroys the “island safety” of the river:

• Indian Skimmer: These rare birds nest on sandbars. When water levels drop, “land bridges” form, allowing stray dogs and jackals to reach the nests and eat the eggs.
• Gharials: The Chambal is the last stronghold of the Gharial (Critically Endangered). Low water levels reduce their basking sites and deep-pool habitats.

Key Conservation Concepts

• Indicator Species: A species whose status provides information on the overall condition of the ecosystem (e.g., Dolphins for water quality).
• Schedule I Species: Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, these animals receive the highest level of legal protection in India.
• Project Dolphin: A government initiative launched to conserve both river and marine dolphins through habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures.
• CITES Appendix I: International trade in this species is strictly prohibited.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. The Ganges River Dolphin is officially recognized as the National Aquatic Animal of India. In which year was this status granted?

A) 1972

B) 1993

C) 2009

D) 2015

Q2. Dolphins in the Chambal River are currently migrating because they require a minimum water depth of how many meters to survive?

A) 1 Meter

B) 3 Meters

C) 5 Meters

D) 10 Meters

Q3. Which sensory mechanism does the Ganges River Dolphin use to navigate and hunt in murky river waters?

A) Infrared Vision

B) Electroreception

C) Echolocation (Ultrasonic sounds)

D) Chemosignalling

Q4. The migration of dolphins from the Chambal to the Yamuna is an example of ‘habitat fragmentation.’ What is a primary biological consequence of fragmentation?

A) Increase in population size

B) Faster evolution of new species

C) Inbreeding and reduction of the gene pool

D) Better protection from predators

Q5. The Ganges River Dolphin is found in which of the following river systems?

A) Godavari-Krishna

B) Indus-Jhelum

C) Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna

D) Narmada-Tapti

Answer Key:

1. C) 2009.
2. B) 3 Meters.
3. C) Echolocation.
4. C) Inbreeding and reduction of the gene pool.
5. C) Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna.

2. The Lanjia Saora

Summary

• Context: In April 2026, the Lanjia Saora community received national attention for their “resilient heritage” project, balancing ancient customs like traditional metal earrings and spiritual tattoos with the demands of modern education and employment.
• Status: Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India, highlighting their unique cultural status and developmental needs.
• Location: Primarily found in the hilly tracts of Rayagada and Gajapati districts in Odisha.
• Cultural Identity: Renowned for their Idital wall paintings and a lifestyle deeply intertwined with nature, ancestor worship, and the forest ecosystem.
• Adaptation: The community is notably transitioning their physical markers—such as switching from permanent, stretched-earlobe metal rings to modern hooked earrings—to avoid social barriers while maintaining tribal identity.

Context:

The Saoras (or Soras) represent one of India’s most ancient ethnic lineages. The “Lanjia” sub-group is distinguished by their traditional attire—specifically a long loincloth with a tail-like end (hence the name Lanjia).

The Art of Idital (Saora Paintings)

The most striking visual element of the Lanjia Saora culture is the Idital, a type of wall mural that transcends mere decoration.

• Purpose: These are “spirit icons” created to appease deities and ancestors, often at the advice of a shaman (Kuranmar).
• Technique: Traditionally painted on red ochre-washed walls using a brush made of bamboo twigs and a white paste made from ground rice and water.
• Motifs: They feature stick-figure humans, animals, the sun, moon, and the “tree of life.” Unlike Warli art, Saora paintings are more focused on the vertical axis and the spirit world.

Social and Spiritual Life

The Lanjia Saora social fabric is built on communal harmony and an egalitarian worldview.

• The Guar Ritual: A major funeral rite where a stone is planted in the village to commemorate the deceased. This ritual is central to their belief in the “continuity of life” between the physical and spirit worlds.
• Podu Chasa (Shifting Cultivation): They practice traditional terrace farming and shifting cultivation on hill slopes. Their knowledge of forest flora allows them to forage effectively for medicinal herbs and food.
• Egalitarianism: Decisions are often made collectively by the village elders, and there is a high degree of gender parity in labor and social participation.

PVTG Status: Why it Matters

The Lanjia Saora are one of 75 tribal groups in India identified as PVTGs. This classification is based on:

1. A pre-agricultural level of technology.
2. Low literacy rates.
3. A stagnant or declining population.
4. A subsistence level of economy.

Key Concepts for Art and Culture

• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG): A government classification for tribes that are more vulnerable than others, requiring special developmental focus under the PM-JANMAN mission.
• Shamanism: A practice that involves a practitioner (Kuranmar in Saora culture) reaching altered states of consciousness to perceive and interact with a spirit world.
• Biological Indicator: Similar to the dolphin in river health, the Lanjia Saora’s cultural preservation is often seen as an indicator of the success of India’s tribal inclusion policies.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. The Lanjia Saora community, recently in the news for preserving their visual heritage, is primarily found in which Indian state?

A) Jharkhand

B) Chhattisgarh

C) Odisha

D) Madhya Pradesh

Q2. What is the traditional name for the wall murals created by the Saora tribe using red ochre and rice paste?

A) Pattachitra

B) Idital

C) Madhubani

D) Warli

Q3. The Lanjia Saora are classified by the Government of India as a PVTG. What does the acronym PVTG stand for?

A) Primary Village Tribal Group

B) Protected Veteran Tribal Group

C) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group

D) Primitive Vernacular Tribal Group

Q4. In the context of Saora beliefs, the ‘Guar’ ritual is associated with which life event?

A) Birth of a child

B) Marriage ceremony

C) Funeral and ancestor worship

D) Harvesting of the first crop

Q5. The ‘Podu Chasa’ practiced by the Lanjia Saora refers to which type of activity?

A) Traditional wall painting

B) Shifting cultivation (Agriculture)

C) Making of metal earrings

D) Spiritual tattooing

Answer Key:

1. C) Odisha
2. B) Idital
3. C) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group
4. C) Funeral and ancestor worship
5. B) Shifting cultivation

3. Geopolitics: Lawfare and “Salami Slicing”

Summary

• Context: In April 2026, India officially rejected China’s latest attempt to “standardize” names for 30 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, reiterating that the state is an integral and inalienable part of India.
• The Claim: China refers to the region as “Zangnan” (South Tibet), a term India dismisses as a baseless narrative aimed at manufacturing territorial disputes.
• The Border: The McMahon Line remains the effective boundary in the Eastern Sector, though China continues to contest its legal validity.
• Historical Roots: Cultural and administrative ties date back to sites like Bhismaknagar and Ita Fort, long before the region was organized as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA).
• Strategic Hub: Arunachal is vital for India’s energy security (the “Water Tower” of the East) and shares critical international borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar.

Context:

China’s repetitive renaming of geographical features (mountains, rivers, and residential areas) is part of a broader strategy known as “Lawfare” (legal warfare).

The Strategy of Cartographic Aggression

By creating official maps with Chinese names, Beijing attempts to build a “historical record” that can be cited in international diplomatic forums.

• Salami Slicing: A strategy involving a series of small, incremental actions that, when taken together, lead to a significant change in the status quo.
• Digital Footprint: By updating digital maps and search engines, China tries to influence global perceptions of where the border actually lies.

The McMahon Line vs. the LAC

The McMahon Line was the outcome of the 1914 Simla Convention.

• India’s Position: Recognizes the line as the legal international boundary based on the principle of the “highest watershed” (following the peaks of the Himalayas).
• China’s Position: Claims the line is an “illegal colonial remnant” and instead refers to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which is an undefined, shifting line of military presence rather than a settled border.

The Evolution of Arunachal Pradesh

India’s administration of the region has evolved significantly to strengthen governance and local development.

1. From NEFA to Statehood

• 1950s–1972: Managed as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Due to its strategic sensitivity, it was administered by the Governor of Assam as an agent of the President of India.
• 1972: The region was renamed Arunachal Pradesh (“Land of the Rising Sun”) and upgraded to a Union Territory.
• 1987: It became the 24th State of the Indian Union through the 55th Constitutional Amendment Act.

2. Cultural & Strategic Anchors

Arunachal is not just a frontier; it is a center of biodiversity and history.

• Tawang Monastery: The largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, serving as a critical cultural link for Himalayan Buddhism.
• Namdapha National Park: A biodiversity hotspot and the only park in the world to host four big cat species: Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard.
• Hydro-Strategic Power: Projects like the Kalai-II and Dibang multipurpose projects are designed to make the state the “Power House of India.”

Key Concepts: Border Diplomacy

• Watershed Principle: A geographical concept where a mountain ridge determines the direction of water flow. Most international borders in mountain ranges follow this peak-to-peak line.
• Inalienable Part: A legal and diplomatic term used by India to state that the territory’s status is non-negotiable and final.
• Simla Convention (1914): A treaty between Great Britain, China, and Tibet. Though China initialed the map, it later refused to ratify the full treaty, leading to the current dispute.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. China officially refers to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh by which of the following names?

A) Aksai Chin

B) Zangnan

C) Tibet Autonomous Region

D) Doklam

Q2. The ‘McMahon Line,’ which serves as the effective border in the Eastern Sector, was proposed during which convention?

A) Shimla Convention (1914)

B) Panchsheel Agreement (1954)

C) Tashkent Declaration (1966)

D) Paris Agreement (2015)

Q3. Before becoming a Union Territory in 1972, Arunachal Pradesh was known by which administrative name?

A) North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)

B) North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)

C) Eastern Frontier Tract

D) Greater Nagaland

Q4. Namdapha National Park, located in Arunachal Pradesh, is unique for being the only park in the world to host which four species?

A) Lion, Tiger, Jaguar, Cheetah

B) Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard

C) Elephant, Rhino, Gaur, Wild Buffalo

D) Red Panda, Musk Deer, Bharal, Ibex

Q5. In which year did Arunachal Pradesh attain full statehood to become the 24th state of India?

A) 1947

B) 1962

C) 1972

D) 1987

Answer Key:

1. B) Zangnan
2. A) Shimla Convention (1914)
3. B) North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
4. B) Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard
5. D) 1987

Banking and Finance News

1. Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

Summary

• Context: On April 11, 2026, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) marked its 10th anniversary. It has evolved into India’s economic “nervous system,” processing a record 22.64 billion transactions in March 2026 alone.
• The Developer: Developed and operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), with the RBI acting as the overarching regulator.
• The Mechanism: UPI is an interoperable, real-time interface that enables direct bank-to-bank transfers without revealing sensitive account details, using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA).
• Global Footprint: While expanding rapidly, France was the first European country to officially adopt UPI, starting with the Eiffel Tower.
• Strategic Layer: It serves as the “Payments Layer” of the India Stack, integrated with the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile).

The success of UPI lies in its architecture as “Public Infrastructure” rather than a private, closed-loop product. This approach has allowed India to leapfrog the traditional credit-card-heavy financial models of the West.

The Power of “Open Standards”

Just as the World Wide Web thrives on open protocols, UPI is built on Open APIs (Application Programming Interfaces).

• Interoperability: This allows different apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM) to “talk” to each other. A customer using one app can seamlessly pay a merchant using another.
• Zero MDR (Merchant Discount Rate): For small-value transactions, the government mandates no fees for merchants. This “Free Highway” model is what enabled the smallest roadside vendors to go digital.

Evolution of the UPI Ecosystem

Over the decade, several sub-products have been launched to address specific market needs:

• UPI Lite: An “on-device” wallet for small-value transactions (under ₹500). It doesn’t require a PIN and reduces the load on core banking servers, ensuring a higher success rate.
• UPI 123PAY: An IVR-based (voice-based) payment system designed specifically for feature phone users, bringing digital payments to those without smartphones or internet.
• UPI Global: Allows Indian travelers to pay at international merchants in countries like Singapore, UAE, Mauritius, and France using their Indian bank accounts.

UPI vs. Digital Wallets (The Critical Distinction)

Many students confuse UPI with “Wallets” (like the old Paytm wallet).

• Wallets: Act as a middleman. You “load” money into the wallet, and it stays with the app provider.
• UPI: Is an Interface. The money stays in your bank account until the exact second you send it. There is no middleman holding your funds.

Key Concepts: Digital Finance & Governance

• NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India): An initiative of the RBI and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• JAM Trinity: The cornerstone of India’s social security delivery, combining Jan Dhan (Bank Accounts), Aadhaar (Identity), and Mobile (Connectivity).
• Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) vs. UPI: While RTGS is used for high-value transactions (above ₹2 lakh) and handled by the RBI, UPI is designed for retail, high-frequency, low-value payments.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. Who is the developer and umbrella organization for the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India?

A) RBI

B) SEBI

C) NPCI

D) Ministry of Finance

Q2. What is the “VPA” in the context of UPI transactions?

A) Virtual Private Account

B) Valid Payment Authority

C) Virtual Payment Address

D) Verified Personal Asset

Q3. Which European country was the first to officially allow the use of UPI for retail payments, starting with its major tourist landmarks?

A) Germany

B) United Kingdom

C) France

D) Italy

Q4. ‘UPI Lite’ is specifically designed to handle which type of transactions?

A) High-value corporate transfers

B) International wire transfers

C) Small-value on-device transactions

D) Cryptocurrency exchanges

Q5. UPI is considered the “Payments Layer” of which broader digital framework?

A) The Global Stack

B) India Stack

C) Digi-Locker System

D) Unified Health Interface

Answer Key:

1. C) NPCI
2. C) Virtual Payment Address
3. C) France
4. C) Small-value on-device transactions
5. B) India Stack

2. SFB to Universal Bank

Summary

• Context: On April 13, 2026, the RBI returned the universal banking license applications of Ujjivan SFB and Jana SFB, signaling that meeting numerical eligibility is not enough for a license upgrade.
• The Reason: While both banks met capital requirements, the RBI cited a lack of portfolio diversification and an over-reliance on the microfinance segment as a risk to long-term stability.
• The Benchmark: AU Small Finance Bank remains the only major peer to successfully transition to a Universal Bank (in 2025), having diversified its book into vehicle and MSME loans.
• Implication: The regulator is prioritizing qualitative resilience (stable, diversified assets) over quantitative size (total profit or net worth).

Small Finance Banks are designed as “niche” players with a mandate for financial inclusion. Transitioning to a Universal Bank is a “graduation” that removes several operational shackles.

The Operational Differences

A Universal Bank has a much wider “playing field” compared to an SFB. This transition allows for lower cost of funds and entry into complex corporate banking.

Feature	Small Finance Bank (SFB)	Universal Bank
Mandate	Financial Inclusion (Unserved/Underserved)	Full range of commercial banking
PSL Requirement	75% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit	40% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit
Loan Size Cap	At least 50% of loans must be up to ₹25 Lakh	No such regulatory cap
Capital Requirement	Minimum ₹200 Crore	Minimum ₹1,000 Crore

The Diversification Hurdle

The RBI’s recent rejection of Ujjivan and Jana SFBs highlights the “Concentration Risk.” * Microfinance Trap: Many SFBs started as Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). Their loan books are often dominated by unsecured, high-interest loans to low-income groups.

• Regulatory Expectation: To become a Universal Bank, the RBI expects a balanced portfolio that includes secured retail assets (housing, vehicle loans) and corporate lending to withstand economic shocks.
• Asset Quality: The RBI mandates strict NPA (Non-Performing Asset) limits: Gross NPA ≤ 3% and Net NPA ≤ 1% for the last two financial years.

Why SFBs Want to Convert

The primary motivation for conversion is Cost of Funds and Operational Freedom.

• Lower PSL Burden: Moving from a 75% Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target to 40% gives the bank more room to lend to high-margin corporate sectors.
• Brand Perception: A “Universal Bank” tag often attracts stickier, low-cost CASA (Current Account Savings Account) deposits compared to the SFB tag.
• Product Range: Ability to offer complex derivative products, international banking services, and trade finance.

Key Concepts: Banking Regulation

• Priority Sector Lending (PSL): A mandate to provide credit to sectors like Agriculture, MSMEs, Education, and Housing that impact large portions of the population but are often neglected by commercial banks.
• ANBC (Adjusted Net Bank Credit): The total credit amount used by the RBI to calculate a bank’s PSL targets.
• CASA Ratio: The ratio of deposits in current and savings accounts to total deposits. A higher ratio indicates a lower cost of funds for the bank.
• Scheduled Status: A status given to banks listed in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934, allowing them to borrow from the RBI at the bank rate.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. According to the April 2024 RBI guidelines, what is the minimum net worth required for a Small Finance Bank (SFB) to apply for conversion into a Universal Bank?

A) ₹200 crore

B) ₹500 crore

C) ₹1,000 crore

D) ₹5,000 crore

Q2. While Universal Banks have a Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target of 40%, what is the mandated PSL target for Small Finance Banks?

A) 25%

B) 50%

C) 75%

D) 100%

Q3. Which Small Finance Bank became the first in the recent cycle to successfully secure a Universal Banking license in 2025?

A) Equitas SFB

B) Ujjivan SFB

C) AU Small Finance Bank

D) Jana SFB

Q4. To be eligible for a Universal Bank license, an SFB must have a Net Non-Performing Asset (Net NPA) ratio of less than or equal to ______ for the last two years?

A) 0.5%

B) 1%

C) 3%

|D) 5%

Q5. What was the primary qualitative reason cited by the RBI for returning the applications of Ujjivan and Jana SFBs in April 2026?

A) Lack of capital

B) Failure to list on the stock exchange

C) High concentration in microfinance/Lack of diversification

D) Negative profit in the last financial year

Answer Key:

1. C) ₹1,000 crore
2. C) 75%
3. C) AU Small Finance Bank
4. B) 1%
5. C) High concentration in microfinance/Lack of diversification

Agriculture

1. Understanding India’s Fertilizer Landscape

Summary

• Context: Following the 2026 West Asia conflict, India’s 70% import dependency for fertilizers and gas feedstocks has come under scrutiny. Global urea prices surged 65% in 40 days, highlighting the fragility of the supply chain.
• The Urea Challenge: India consumes 40 million tonnes (MT) of urea annually. While much is produced domestically, 85% of the gas required for production is imported, making the entire sector vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.
• Policy Shifts: The government is moving from price controls toward Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Nano-Urea adoption to improve Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) and reduce the massive fiscal subsidy burden.
• Environmental Cost: Low efficiency in granular urea (only 35–40%) leads to nitrogen leaching and the emission of Nitrous Oxide, a greenhouse gas 273 times more potent than $CO_2$.

India’s fertilizer policy is a balancing act between ensuring affordable inputs for farmers and managing an increasingly unsustainable subsidy bill.

The Subsidy Mechanism

The government treats Urea differently from Phosphatic (P) and Potassic (K) fertilizers:

• Urea (Statutory Control): The government fixes the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). Manufacturers are compensated for the difference between their production cost and this low MRP. This creates a massive price gap compared to global rates (e.g., $70 vs. $795).
• NBS (Nutrient Based Subsidy): For P & K fertilizers, the government provides a fixed subsidy based on nutrient weight, while allowing manufacturers some flexibility in setting the MRP.

Technological Interventions

To combat the inefficiencies of traditional “bagged” urea, the policy is pivoting toward:

• Neem Coated Urea (NCU): 100% of urea is now neem-coated. This slows down nitrogen release and makes the urea bitter, preventing its illegal diversion to the chemical and plywood industries.
• Nano Liquid Urea: Developed by IFFCO, this has an NUE of 90%. A 500ml bottle can replace a 45kg bag of conventional urea, significantly reducing transport costs and environmental runoff.
• Fertigation: Combining “Fertilizer” and “Irrigation,” this technique delivers liquid nutrients directly to the roots via drip systems, maximizing absorption.

The DBT System in Fertilizers

Unlike other sectors where money goes to the beneficiary’s bank account, Fertilizer DBT is a hybrid system:

• The Process: Subsidy is released to the companies only after the farmer makes a purchase.
• Verification: The sale is recorded on Point of Sale (PoS) machines using biometric authentication (Aadhaar). This ensures that the subsidized product is reaching the intended agricultural user and tracks consumption patterns.

Key Concepts: Fiscal and Ecological Impact

• Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE): The proportion of nutrients applied that are actually absorbed by the plant. Low NUE leads to soil acidification and groundwater nitrate contamination.
• Arbitrage: The practice of taking advantage of a price difference between two markets. The huge gap between subsidized Indian urea and global prices encourages smuggling to neighboring countries.
• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Profile: Nitrogenous fertilizers are a major source of $N_2O$. Effective policy reform is considered a critical “Climate Mitigation” tool in agriculture.

Examination Focused MCQs

Q1. What is the current ‘Nutrient Use Efficiency’ (NUE) of conventional granular urea in India?

A) 10-15%

B) 35-40%

C) 75-80%

D) 90-95%

Q2. Under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, the subsidy is decided based on which factor?

A) The total weight of the fertilizer bag

B) The market price in the USA

C) The weight of specific nutrients (N, P, K, S) in the fertilizer

D) The farmer’s annual income

Q3. Why is 100% of the urea produced/imported in India mandated to be ‘Neem Coated’?

A) To add medicinal value to the crops

B) To increase the weight of the bag

C) To prevent diversion for non-agricultural uses and slow down nitrogen release

D) To make the fertilizer waterproof

Q4. India’s dependency on imports for its total chemical fertilizer and feedstock needs stands at approximately:

A) 20%

B) 45%

C) 70%

D) 95%

Q5. In the Fertilizer DBT system, when is the subsidy released to the manufacturing companies?

A) As soon as the fertilizer is produced

B) When the fertilizer leaves the factory gate

C) After the actual sale to the farmer is verified via PoS machines

D) At the start of the financial year

Answer Key:

1. B) 35-40%
2. C) The weight of specific nutrients
3. C) To prevent diversion and slow down nitrogen release
4. C) 70%
5. C) After the actual sale to the farmer is verified