What are Millets and why are they important?

Millets are drought-resistant, climate-resilient cereals that require less water and grow well in marginal soil conditions. They are nutritionally rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them superior to wheat and rice. India is the world’s largest producer of millets with a 42.75% global production share (FAO 2023).

Which state is the largest producer of millets in India?

Rajasthan is the largest producer of millets in India, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Major millets produced in India include sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), barnyard millet, foxtail millet, and others.

What is the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM (DAY-NRLM)?

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) was launched in 2011 as the National Rural Livelihood Mission and renamed in 2016. It aims to reduce rural poverty by mobilizing women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and linking them with banks, markets, and government support. SHGs receive revolving funds of Rs 20,000-30,000 and can access up to Rs 2.5 lakh under the Community Investment Fund.

What are Flex-Fuel Vehicles and how do they work?

Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) are equipped with modified internal combustion engines that can run on petrol, ethanol, or any blend of the two. Sensors automatically detect fuel blends and adjust engine settings for optimal performance. FFVs help reduce oil imports, carbon emissions, and local air pollution while supporting domestic ethanol production and farmer incomes.

What is Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)?

The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) measures the value of a country's currency against a basket of 40 currencies, weighted by trade share. A REER above 100 indicates overvaluation, while below 100 indicates undervaluation. For example, a REER of 90.96 suggests the currency is approximately 9% undervalued.

What is the new Wholesale Price Index (WPI) base year?

The new Wholesale Price Index (WPI) series has been released with 2022-23 as the base year. However, this series may be discontinued after five years in 2031, with the Producer Price Index (PPI) potentially becoming the main measure of non-retail inflation.

What is the difference between WPI and CPI inflation?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures retail-level inflation and is the primary indicator used by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set interest rates. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) tracks wholesale-level price changes and is commonly used in price escalation clauses for raw materials, machinery, and construction contracts.

What is Worker Population Ratio (WPR)?

Worker Population Ratio (WPR) is the percentage of employed persons in the total population. It indicates how many people are actually working. In November 2025, the WPR for persons aged 15 and above rose to 53.2%, compared to 51.2% in June 2025.

What is Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)?

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is the percentage of people either working or actively seeking work in the total population. A rising LFPR signals improved labour market participation. In November 2025, India’s LFPR reached 55.8% for persons aged 15 and above.

What is the Mahad Satyagraha and why is it significant?

The Mahad Satyagraha (1927), led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and organized by the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha, was a landmark movement asserting the right of Dalits to access public water sources like the Chawdar tank in Maharashtra. It marked a watershed moment in the anti-untouchability movement and transformed the trajectory of Dalit political assertion in colonial India.

Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Economy - 8th June 2026

Devesh
2 hours ago
1 min read

Test your UPSC CSE 2027 preparation with today’s Economy (Every Monday) Quiz — covering Millets, DAY-NRLM scheme, Flex-fuel vehicles, REER, Wholesale Price Index (WPI) series and more.

Monthly Current Affairs Pointer April 2026

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Daily UPSC Prelims MCQs - Economy - 8th June 2026

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