Introduction

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026 will test not only factual knowledge but also conceptual clarity, analytical ability, and awareness of current developments. Over the past decade, the trend of the Prelims examination has shifted towards integrating static subjects with current affairs, requiring aspirants to prepare in a focused and strategic manner.

This blog post highlights the most important topics for UPSC 2026 Prelims based on previous year question analysis, emerging national and international developments, and core foundational areas that consistently carry weightage. Aspirants should use this structured outline to prioritize their revision, strengthen weak areas, and align preparation with evolving exam patterns.

1. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

1. What is NTCA? (The Concept)

The NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It was established in December 2005 following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force, which was formed after the local extinction of tigers in Sariska.

• Statutory Basis: It was constituted under Section 38 L (1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006.
• Composition: * Chairperson: Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State in the MoEFCC.
  • Members: Includes three Members of Parliament (2 from Lok Sabha, 1 from Rajya Sabha), the Secretary of MoEFCC, and experts in wildlife conservation.

2. Why is NTCA in the News? (2025–26 Context)

1. The “Zeenat” Odyssey (2024–25): The translocation of a 3-year-old tigress named Zeenat from Maharashtra to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve became a case study in “wild wanderlust.” She crossed three states (Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal), covering ~500 km, highlighting the critical need for Wildlife Corridors and the limitations of “forced translocation.”
2. New Tiger Reserves (2025–26): NTCA has recently been active in notifying new reserves to expand the network. Madhav National Park (MP) was declared as India’s 58th Tiger Reserve in early 2025.
3. Gujarat’s “Tiger State” Restoration: After 33 years, Gujarat regained its status as a tiger-bearing state in late 2025 when the NTCA confirmed a tiger’s presence in the Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary.
4. Upgrading Project Tiger: In February 2026, the Government formed expert groups to modernize the “Project Tiger” scheme, focusing on AI-driven surveillance and “Climate-Resilient” habitat management.

3. Latest Updated Data (February 2026)

• Total Tiger Reserves: 58 (with Madhav National Park in MP being the 58th).
• Tiger Population: According to the interim 2025–26 estimates, India holds roughly 75% of the global wild tiger population, with a steady annual growth rate of ~6%.
• Highest Population: Madhya Pradesh remains the “Tiger State” of India, followed by Karnataka and Uttarakhand.
• Monitoring Tech: Use of M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is now integrated with CaTRAT (AI-based photo segregation).

2. Project 15B and Project 17A

1. Project 15B: Visakhapatnam-class Destroyers

Concept: Project 15B is a class of stealth-guided missile destroyers. They are “follow-on” ships of the Kolkata-class (Project 15A). Destroyers are the heavyweights of a surface fleet, designed for offensive power-projection and multi-threat environments.

• Ships (The “Four Cities”): INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, INS Imphal, and INS Surat.
• Key Features:
  • Stealth: Re-designed bridge layout to reduce Radar Cross Section (RCS).
  • Weaponry: 16 BrahMos supersonic missiles and 32 Barak-8 (Long Range Surface-to-Air) missiles.
  • Survivability: Equipped with a “Total Atmosphere Control System” to operate in Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) fallout zones.
• Why in the News (2025-26): INS Surat, the final ship of the class, was commissioned on January 15, 2025. It gained headlines as India’s first warship to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for operational efficiency.

2. Project 17A: Nilgiri-class Frigates

Concept: Project 17A involves the construction of advanced stealth frigates. They are “follow-on” ships of the Shivalik-class (Project 17). Frigates are generally smaller and more versatile than destroyers, focusing on escort duties and anti-submarine warfare.

• Ships (The “Seven Peaks”): Nilgiri, Himgiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, Taragiri, Vindhyagiri, and Mahendragiri.
• Key Features:
  • Integrated Construction: Built using “blocks” that are pre-outfitted, significantly reducing build time.
  • Indigenization: Boasts approximately 75% indigenous content.
  • Stealth: Advanced radar-absorbent paint and infrared signature suppression.
• Why in the News (2025-26): The lead ship, INS Nilgiri, was commissioned in January 2025. Furthermore, the final ship of the class, INS Mahendragiri, is scheduled for delivery and commissioning by February 2026, marking the completion of the construction phase for the entire project.

3. Latest Updated Data (February 2026)

3. Ladki Bahin Scheme

1. Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

Launched in June 2024 by the Government of Maharashtra, this is a flagship conditional cash transfer scheme.

• Objective: To promote women’s economic independence, improve their health and nutritional status, and strengthen their decisive role within the family.
• Target Group: Women aged 21 to 65 years who are residents of Maharashtra. It specifically includes married, widowed, divorced, abandoned, and destitute women, plus one unmarried woman per family.
• Financial Benefit: Eligible women receive ₹1,500 per month (₹18,000 annually) directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

Eligibility & Exclusions

2. Why is it in the News? (2025–26 Context)

The scheme has remained a focal point of administrative and political discourse throughout 2025 and early 2026:

• Strict Verification (Early 2026): In January 2026, the beneficiary count saw a significant drop from 2.43 crore at launch to roughly 1.57 crore verified beneficiaries. This resulted from rigorous “Anti-Fraud Audits” and mandatory e-KYC.
• e-KYC Deadline Extension: The deadline for correcting errors in the mandatory e-KYC process has been extended to March 31, 2026, to ensure eligible women don’t lose benefits due to technical glitches.
• Budgetary Provisions: For the fiscal year 2025-26, the state government has made a massive provision of ₹36,000 crore (down from an initial ₹46,000 crore) to sustain the payouts.
• Physical Verification: District collectors have been directed to use Anganwadi workers for physical verification of over 24 lakh flagged beneficiaries to ensure transparency.

4. GEAC and GM Crops

1. Concept: What are GM Crops?

Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques—often by inserting a gene from a different species (transgenic)—to introduce a desired trait like pest resistance or drought tolerance.

• Bt Cotton: The only GM crop commercially cultivated in India. It contains the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab genes from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis to resist bollworms.
• Bt Brinjal: Developed for pest resistance; however, it has been under an indefinite moratorium since 2010 due to safety concerns.
• DMH-11 (GM Mustard): Developed by Delhi University, it uses the Barnase-Barstar system (from soil bacteria B. amyloliquefaciens) to allow hybridization in mustard, which is otherwise a self-pollinating plant.

2. The Regulatory Body: GEAC

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is the apex body in India responsible for the appraisal of proposals relating to the release of GM organisms and products into the environment.

• Statutory Status: Established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Function: It grants approval for field trials and commercial release. No GM crop can be grown in India without GEAC’s environmental clearance.

3. Why is it in the News? (2025–26 Context)

1. Supreme Court’s Split Verdict (July 2024 – Feb 2026): In the landmark case Gene Campaign v. Union of India, a two-judge bench delivered a split verdict on the commercial release of GM Mustard (DMH-11).
   • One judge quashed the approval citing a lack of “public trust” and “precautionary principle.”
   • The other upheld it, citing “scientific temper.”
   • Current Status (2026): The matter is now before a Larger Bench. The Court has directed the Union to formulate a National Policy on GM Crops after consulting all stakeholders.
2. Shift to Genome Editing (SDN-1 & SDN-2): To bypass the “transgenic” controversy, India is pivoting toward Genome Editing (using CRISPR-Cas9). In 2025-26, India cleared two Genome-Edited rice varieties (Samba Mahsuri and MTU-1010) which are “transgene-free” and do not require GEAC’s stringent biosafety trials.
3. Import of GM-linked Byproducts: In February 2026, the India-US trade talks highlighted the import of DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles), a byproduct of GM corn used as livestock feed, sparking debate over “indirect” entry of GMOs into the food chain.

5. Injectable Hydrogel

1. Concept: What is an Injectable Hydrogel?

A Hydrogel is a three-dimensional (3D) network of cross-linked hydrophilic (water-loving) polymers that can absorb and retain massive amounts of water while maintaining its structure.

Injectable Hydrogels are a specialized class of these materials that remain in a liquid or “sol” (solution) state outside the body (to facilitate easy injection via a syringe) but rapidly transition into a solid “gel” state once they reach the target site inside the body.

How they work: The “Sol-to-Gel” Transition

The transition is usually triggered by environmental stimuli at the site of injection, such as:

• Temperature: Gels upon reaching body temperature ($37^\circ\text{C}$).
• pH Levels: Responds to the specific acidity/alkalinity of a tissue (e.g., the acidic environment of a tumor).
• Chemical/Light Triggers: Transitioning when exposed to specific ions or blue light.

2. Why is it in the News? (2025–26 Context)

Injectable hydrogels have dominated headlines in 2025-26 due to several breakthroughs by Indian premier institutes:

1. Localised Cancer Treatment (Jan 2025): Researchers from IIT Guwahati and Bose Institute Kolkata developed an injectable hydrogel made of ultra-short peptides.
   • The Innovation: It responds to elevated levels of Glutathione (GSH)—a molecule found in high concentrations in tumor cells.
   • Impact: In preclinical trials (breast cancer models), a single injection reduced tumor size by 75% in 18 days with zero side effects on healthy organs.
2. Osteoarthritis (OA) Breakthrough (2025): New “smart” hydrogels have been developed to treat cartilage degradation. Unlike traditional surgery, these hydrogels mimic the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) of cartilage, allowing for non-invasive joint repair.
3. Self-Healing Hydrogel Electrolytes (Nov 2025): CSIR-NCL (National Chemical Laboratory) developed hydrogels for Zinc-Metal batteries. This prevents “dendrite growth” (which causes battery failure), making next-generation batteries safer and flexible.

3. Applications for UPSC Prelims

6. Saving to GDP Ratio

1. What is the Saving-to-GDP Ratio?

The Saving-to-GDP ratio measures the portion of Gross Domestic Saving (GDS) relative to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It represents the “pool of capital” available for investment in the country.

The Composition of Savings in India

India’s total savings come from three main sectors:

1. Household Sector: The largest contributor (~75%–80% of total savings). It is further divided into:
   • Financial Savings: Bank deposits, currency, mutual funds, insurance, and pensions.
   • Physical Savings: Investment in real estate (housing) and gold.
2. Private Corporate Sector: Retained earnings or profits of companies.
3. Public Sector: Savings (or dissavings) by the government and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The Macro Link: According to the Harrod-Domar model, the growth rate of an economy is directly proportional to the savings rate and inversely proportional to the Incremental Capital Output Ratio (ICOR).

2. Why is it in the News? (2025–26 Context)

The Saving-to-GDP ratio has been a “red flag” in recent Economic Surveys for two primary reasons:

• The “Savers to Investors” Shift (2025): RBI data in late 2025 highlighted a fundamental shift. While traditional bank deposits grew slowly, household investment in Mutual Funds and Equities surged, with their share in fresh asset creation jumping from ~2% to over 13% by 2025.
• Declining Net Financial Savings: By 2025, India’s Net Household Financial Savings hovered near a four-decade low of roughly 5.1%–5.5% of GDP.
• The Debt Surge: Households are accumulating debt (liabilities) faster than assets. Between 2019 and 2025, annual liabilities surged by 102%, driven by easy access to personal loans and credit cards.
• The Fiscal Gap: Lower domestic savings mean the government has a smaller “domestic pool” to borrow from to fund its 4.4% Fiscal Deficit target for FY26, increasing the risk of “crowding out” private investment.

3. Latest Updated Data (February 2026)

7. MGNREGA

1. What is MGNREGA?

MGNREGA is a rights-based social security measure that provides a legal guarantee of wage employment.

• Objective: To enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• Legal Standing: It implements the Right to Work (Article 41) and creates durable assets (ponds, roads, wells).
• Key Pillars:
  • Demand-Driven: Work must be provided within 15 days of demand; otherwise, an unemployment allowance must be paid.
  • Social Audit: Mandatory audit of all works by the Gram Sabha to ensure transparency.
  • Women’s Empowerment: At least one-third of beneficiaries must be women.

2. Why is it in the News? (The 2026 “Rural Reset”)

The year 2026 marks a historic shift as the government has introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, to replace/restructure MGNREGA.

The Big Shift: MGNREGA vs. VB-G RAM G

Key Reasons for the News:

1. Budget 2026 Reallocation: The allocation for the original MGNREGA was slashed to ₹30,000 crore (primarily to clear old dues), while the new VB-G RAM G received a massive ₹95,692 crore.
2. Increased Days: The legal guarantee has been expanded to 125 days, aimed at providing greater income security.
3. Agriculture Focus: A mandatory 60-day “Peak Season Pause” ensures labor availability for private farming during sowing/harvesting.
4. Viksit Bharat Integration: Works are now linked to the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack, focusing on climate resilience and water security.

3. Latest Updated Data (February 2026)

• Active Job Cards: Approximately 8.65 crore active households.
• Women’s Participation: Reached an all-time high of 58.15% in FY 2025-26.
• Average Wage: National average stands at approximately ₹355/day (varies by state).
• Transition Period: A 6-month window (Feb–Aug 2026) has been given to states to migrate workers to the new VB-G RAM G framework.

8. Panama Treaty

1. The Panama Treaty (Torrijos-Carter Treaties)

The “Panama Treaty” refers to two agreements signed on September 7, 1977, between U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos. These treaties superseded the 1903 Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, which had granted the U.S. control of the canal “in perpetuity.”

The Two Pillars of the Treaty:

1. The Panama Canal Treaty: Provided for the phased handover of the canal to Panama. This culminated on December 31, 1999, when Panama assumed full operational control.
2. The Permanent Neutrality Treaty: Declared the canal a neutral international waterway open to all nations in times of peace and war. Crucially, it grants the U.S. the permanent right to defend the canal if its neutrality is threatened.

2. Why is it in the News? (2025–26 Context)

The canal has been at the center of global headlines for three major reasons:

• Geopolitical Friction (2025): The U.S. leadership (including President-elect Donald Trump in early 2025) criticized the 1977 treaty as “foolish” and suggested the U.S. should regain control. This sparked a strong diplomatic response from Panama, asserting its sovereignty.
• The “Water Crisis” & Recovery (2024–26): Severe drought in 2023–2024 (linked to El Niño) lowered water levels in Lake Gatun, forcing the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to slash daily ship transits by nearly 40%. By early 2026, operations have rebounded, but the crisis highlighted the canal’s vulnerability to climate change.
• Chinese Influence: Panama’s 2017 joining of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and significant Chinese investment in ports at both ends of the canal have raised U.S. concerns about “logistical surveillance” and “encirclement.”

3. Latest Updated Data (February 2026)

• Fiscal Rebound (FY 2025): The canal saw a 19.3% jump in transits (13,404 ships) as it recovered from drought restrictions, generating a record revenue of $5.7 billion.
• Capacity: The ACP maintained a 50-foot draft throughout the 2025 dry season, signaling a return to full operational capacity.
• New Investment: Panama has mapped out an $8 billion investment plan for the next decade, including a proposed $1.6 billion dam across the Rio Indio to secure water supplies for the next 50 years.

9. Data Protection Digital Personal Act, 2023

1. Concept: What is the DPDP Act, 2023?

The Act aims to provide for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such data for lawful purposes.

Key Pillars of the Act:

• Data Principal: The individual to whom the personal data relates.
• Data Fiduciary: The entity (company or government) that determines the purpose and means of processing data.
• Consent: Data processing must be based on explicit, informed, and withdrawable consent.
• Data Protection Board of India (DPBI): A central body established to monitor compliance and adjudicate disputes.

The 7 Principles of the Act:

1. Lawful use: Consent-based processing.
2. Purpose limitation: Data used only for the specified purpose.
3. Data minimization: Collect only what is necessary.
4. Accuracy: Ensure data is correct and updated.
5. Storage limitation: Delete data when the purpose is served.
6. Integrity and Confidentiality: Protect against unauthorized access.
7. Accountability: Fiduciaries are responsible for the data they hold.

2. Why is it in the News? (2025–2026 Context)

The DPDP Act has dominated headlines recently as the government moves from legislation to implementation:

• Rule Notification (February 2026): The government has officially notified the DPDP Rules, 2026, which provide the operational framework for the Act, including the specific timelines for data breach reporting.
• Establishment of DPBI: The Data Protection Board of India became fully operational in early 2026, headed by a chairperson and members with expertise in law and technology.
• Consent Manager Framework: In late 2025, the RBI and the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) collaborated to pilot “Consent Managers”—entities that allow individuals to manage their consent preferences across multiple platforms.
• Big Tech Compliance: Major tech giants (Google, Meta, etc.) are currently under the “Implementation Window,” undergoing massive restructuring of their data architecture to comply with India’s localized requirements.

3. Latest Updated Data (February 2026)

10. GST

1. Concept: The Fundamentals of GST

GST is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based indirect tax that replaced nearly all other indirect taxes in India (except for alcohol for human consumption, petroleum products, and electricity).

• Statutory Basis: Introduced via the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016.
• Dual Model: India follows a dual GST structure where both the Centre (CGST) and States (SGST/UTGST) simultaneously levy tax on a common base. For inter-state trade, the Centre levies Integrated GST (IGST).
• The “GST Council” (Article 279A): A constitutional body chaired by the Union Finance Minister. It is the powerhouse of Cooperative Federalism, where decisions are taken with a $3/4\text{th}$ majority ($1/3\text{rd}$ voting power with the Centre, $2/3\text{rd}$ with States).

2. Why is GST in the News? (2025–26 Context)

The landscape of GST changed drastically in late 2025 and early 2026 due to “Next-Gen GST Reforms”:

1. The “Two-Slab” Revolution (Sept 2025): The 56th GST Council meeting approved a massive rate rationalization. The old four-tier structure (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) was simplified into a two-tier system (5% and 18%) to reduce classification disputes.
2. End of Compensation Cess (Feb 2026): The GST Compensation Cess, originally meant to end in 2022 but extended to repay pandemic-era loans, was formally annulled for most luxury/sin goods as of February 1, 2026.
3. New “Demerit” Slab (40%): To maintain revenue after the cess ended, a high 40% tax rate was introduced specifically for “sin goods” like tobacco, pan masala, and aerated drinks.
4. Health Insurance Exemption: In a significant welfare move, the Council recently exempted Life and Health Insurance premiums from GST to support “Insurance for All by 2047.”

3. Latest Updated Data (February 2026)

• January 2026 Collections: Gross GST revenue reached ₹1.93 lakh crore, a 6.2% year-on-year growth.
• Total Slabs: Currently consists of a 5% Merit Rate, an 18% Standard Rate, and a 40% Demerit/Sin Rate.
• Net Revenue Growth: Despite rate cuts on 375+ items, net revenue remains stable due to increased compliance and AI-driven fraud detection (BIFA tool).

Conclusion

The topics outlined for the UPSC 2026 Prelims reflect a clear trend: the Union Public Service Commission is increasingly prioritizing governance reforms, indigenous technological breakthroughs, and climate-resilient conservation. From the structural overhaul of MGNREGA into VB-G RAM G to the implementation phase of the DPDP Act, 2023, the focus has shifted toward how India is operationalizing its legislative framework.

To succeed in 2026, aspirants must move beyond rote memorization. Success will depend on the ability to:

• Bridge the Gap: Connect static constitutional provisions (like Article 279A for GST or Article 25 for Religious Freedom) with contemporary disruptions.
• Analyze Institutional Shifts: Understand the changing roles of bodies like the NTCA or the GEAC in the face of new scientific frontiers like genome editing and AI-driven surveillance.
• Monitor Economic Indicators: Keep a close watch on macro-trends such as the Saving-to-GDP ratio, which dictates the fiscal health and investment potential of the nation.

As the examination pattern continues to evolve, your preparation must remain dynamic and integrated. Prioritize these high-yield topics, but maintain a holistic view of the syllabus. The 2026 Prelims will likely reward those who can synthesize “The What” of current affairs with “The Why” of conceptual foundations.