What is Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 and what does it assess?

The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 is an assessment framework prepared by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj to evaluate 2,59,867 Gram Panchayats across India (except West Bengal). It measures performance across 150 indicators aligned with nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty-free villages, enhanced livelihoods, and women-friendly panchayats. The index classifies Panchayats into Achiever, Front Runner, Performer, Aspirant, and Beginner categories. No Panchayat qualified as an 'Achiever' in FY 2023-24.

Why is Sikkim’s integration into India historically significant?

Sikkim became a full-fledged state of India in 1975, nearly three decades after India’s independence. The Namgyal dynasty ruled Sikkim from 1642 to 1975. Treaties such as the Treaty of Titaliya (1817), Treaty of Tumlong (1861), and the Indo-Sikkim Treaty (1950) shaped its political evolution before complete integration. Sikkim Day is observed annually on May 16.

What is a Look-Out Circular (LOC) in India?

A Look-Out Circular (LOC) is an administrative alert issued to immigration authorities to monitor, detain, or prevent the departure of a person from India. It is not an arrest warrant and does not originate from courts. LOCs are governed by executive instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with guidelines dating back to 1979.

Why are remittances important for India’s economy?

Remittances are a major source of foreign exchange for India and help offset trade deficits. India received $132 billion in remittances in 2024-25. Although remittance inflows from Gulf countries declined to 38% in 2023-24 from 47% in 2016-17, inflows from advanced economies like the US and UK have increased. Remittances, along with FDI, help maintain a Balance of Payments surplus despite India’s $119 billion trade deficit.

What does the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibit regarding occupied territories?

The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits an occupying power from transferring its civilian population into occupied territory. This principle has been reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). It is central to debates concerning settlements in occupied regions.

How does OPEC regulate global oil prices?

OPEC manages global oil prices by setting production limits and assigning strict quotas to member countries. This supply management mechanism prevents oversupply during periods of reduced global demand and stabilizes per-barrel oil prices. Founded in 1960, OPEC acts similarly to a central bank for the global oil market.

Which Indian states share the longest border with Bangladesh?

West Bengal shares the longest border with Bangladesh (approximately 2200 km), followed by Tripura (850 km), Meghalaya (440 km), and Assam (260 km). Border management remains a significant issue in national security and citizenship debates.

Why does India import large quantities of vegetable oils?

India imports vegetable oils primarily due to low farm productivity in oilseeds, which results in lower yields compared to global benchmarks. Policy incentives favor cereals like wheat and rice, limiting oilseed cultivation. As domestic production falls short of demand, imports—especially palm oil—fill the supply gap.

What does the term ‘Ecocide’ mean?

Ecocide refers to large-scale, severe environmental destruction caused by human activities, often on an industrial scale. The term was coined in 1970 by Prof. Arthur W. Galston. Although several countries recognize ecocide domestically, it is not yet universally recognized as an international crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Where is Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary located and why was it in the news?

Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Himachal Pradesh. It was recently in the news due to petitions against two 5 MW hydropower projects in Parvati Valley, which fall under its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). Projects above 25 MW require clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, but smaller projects have different regulatory thresholds.

Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Current Affairs - 3rd May 2026

Devesh
May 3
1 min read

Updated: 4 hours ago

Test your UPSC CSE 2026 preparation with today’s Current Affairs (Every Sunday) Quiz — covering Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0, Look-Out Circular, Fourth Geneva Convention, Ecocide, Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary, hydel projects and more.

Yearly CA MCQs Apr 2025-Mar 2026 Compilation

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