Premium UPSC Key: India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Modernisation of CPI Inflation, and New Ramsar Sites
How is knowing about the new Ramsar sites relevant to the UPSC exam? What significance do topics like Intrusion Detection System, debt-to-GDP ratio, and the midday meal scheme have for both the Preliminary and Main examinations? You can learn more by reading the Indian Express UPSC Key for February 1, 2026. Written by Roshni Yadav, this comprehensive guide delves into essential current affairs and their implications for civil services aspirants.
India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a delegation of top Arab leaders in New Delhi for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM). The meeting highlighted India's continued support for the people of Palestine and welcomed ongoing peace efforts, including the Gaza peace plan. This event is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon bilateral relations and global groupings.
Syllabus Relevance:
- Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
- Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Key Points to Ponder:
- What is the Arab League and its member countries?
- How have India’s relations evolved with the Arab League?
- What is the historical background of the Israel-Palestine conflict?
- How significant is peace in the region for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor?
- What are the Arab Peace Initiative and Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan?
Key Takeaways:
- Prime Minister Modi emphasized the Arab world as part of India’s extended neighbourhood, linked by civilisational bonds and shared commitment to peace.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the importance of a comprehensive peace plan based on UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
- India and the Arab League issued a joint statement calling for a sovereign State of Palestine based on 1967 borders, without explicitly naming Israel.
- The region is vital for India due to its diaspora, oil supplies, and economic interests, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Intrusion Detection System: AI for Elephant Conservation
An AI-enabled Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is being used in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district to prevent elephant-train collisions. This system, based on Distributed Acoustic Sensing, detects vibrations from elephant movements and alerts train operators.
Syllabus Relevance:
- Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change, Science and Technology.
- Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment, Science and technology.
Key Points to Ponder:
- What is an Intrusion Detection System and its main components?
- What are the distribution and population trends of elephants in India?
- How does IDS help in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts?
- What are the key findings of the Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation 2021-25?
Key Takeaways:
- The IDS project covers 1,158 route kilometres of railway tracks across eight zones, with 141 kilometres already operational under the Northeast Frontier Railway.
- India’s elephant population is estimated at 22,446, with Karnataka having the largest number.
- The Asian elephant is an endangered species, and conservation efforts are critical for biodiversity.
Debt-to-GDP Ratio: New Fiscal Anchor for Budgeting
The Centre is shifting its fiscal consolidation target from fiscal deficit to debt-to-GDP ratio, as outlined in the upcoming Budget. This change aims to provide more space for development spending and align with global practices.
Syllabus Relevance:
- Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
- Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment; Government Budgeting.
Key Points to Ponder:
- What is the debt-to-GDP ratio and how is it calculated?
- Why is the government adopting this new fiscal anchor?
- What are the advantages of using debt-to-GDP ratio over fiscal deficit?
- How does the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act relate to this change?
Key Takeaways:
- The Centre aims to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to 50±1% by March 2031 from an estimated 56.1% in March 2026.
- This shift is expected to allow for higher capital expenditure while maintaining fiscal discipline.
- States will also need to manage their debt levels to support overall economic health.
New Ramsar Sites: Enhancing Wetland Conservation
Ahead of World Wetlands Day, Patna Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and Chhari-Dhand in Gujarat have been designated as Ramsar sites, bringing India’s total to 98. These wetlands are recognized for their ecological significance and biodiversity.
Syllabus Relevance:
- Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change.
- Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Key Points to Ponder:
- What are Ramsar sites and why are they important?
- What are the key features of the newly designated sites?
- How do wetlands contribute to climate regulation and biodiversity?
- What are the major threats to wetlands in India?
Key Takeaways:
- Chhari-Dhand is a seasonal saline wetland supporting species like the sociable lapwing and common cranes.
- Patna Bird Sanctuary is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area with 178 bird species and 252 plant species.
- Wetlands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change.
Midday Meal Scheme: Calls for Enhanced Wages
Twenty-two states and Union Territories have requested the Centre to increase the honorarium for cooks and helpers under the PM-POSHAN scheme. This issue highlights challenges in implementing welfare schemes effectively.
Syllabus Relevance:
- Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Indian Polity.
- Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Key Points to Ponder:
- What is the PM-POSHAN scheme and its historical background?
- Why are midday meal workers protesting in states like Chhattisgarh?
- What is the role of state governments in implementing the scheme?
- How does the scheme align with the Right to Food and Education?
Key Takeaways:
- States have proposed increasing the honorarium to Rs 2,500–Rs 5,000 per month, up from the current Rs 1,000 in some regions.
- The Centre shares the material cost with states in a 60:40 ratio, promoting fortification of staples.
- The scheme is vital for improving nutrition and supporting educational outcomes for children.
Modernisation of CPI Inflation: Reflecting Contemporary Consumption
India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) is being updated to include modern items like streaming services, air purifiers, and health supplements. This overhaul aims to better reflect current consumption patterns.
Syllabus Relevance:
- Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Economic and Social Development.
- Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Government policies and interventions, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment.
Key Points to Ponder:
- What is retail inflation and how is it measured in India?
- Why is the modernisation of CPI important for economic policy?
- What are the key differences between CPI and Wholesale Price Index (WPI)?
- How do changes in consumption patterns affect inflation calculations?
Key Takeaways:
- The new CPI basket will include 358 goods and services, up from 299, with reduced weight for food items from 45.86% to 36.75%.
- Items like Netflix subscriptions and air purifiers will now influence inflation rates, reflecting digital and lifestyle trends.
- This update is part of a broader overhaul of India’s official statistics, including GDP and industrial production indices.
These topics are essential for UPSC aspirants, covering diplomacy, environment, economy, and social welfare. Understanding their nuances can significantly enhance preparation for both Preliminary and Main examinations.
