VB-GRAM G Act, 2025 Replaces MGNREGAGS PAPER II & III — Governance, Economy, Schemes
Why in News? Beginning 1 July 2026, the Centre withdrew the two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and put in its place the Developed India-Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Act, 2025, known by its short form VB-GRAM G. The new law converts a demand-based employment guarantee into a supply-based allocation model, a shift that has triggered fresh debate on Centre-state financial relations.
Key Facts for Prelims VB-GRAM G Act, 2025 replaces MGNREGA, effective 1 July 2026.Employment is now capped by a pre-fixed ‘Standard Allocation’ budget, not by worker demand.Combined labour + material cost is shared Centre:State in a 60:40 ratio (old MGNREGA was effectively ~90:10).National rural minimum wage revised to ₹300/day.Highest wage hikes: Uttar Pradesh (+₹48), Bihar (+₹45), Madhya Pradesh (+₹39).Highest absolute wages: Haryana (₹409), Goa (₹406), Kerala (₹401).Lowest hike: Telangana, just 0.33% (₹307 → ₹308).Dr Anoop Satpathy Committee (2019) had recommended ₹375/day — well above the new ₹300 floor.States must now bear unemployment allowance and delay-compensation costs entirely on their own.
Quick-Reference Data Table
State/Category
Wage Change
Detail
Uttar Pradesh
Highest rise
+₹48 per day
Bihar
High rise
+₹45 per day
Madhya Pradesh
High rise
+₹39 per day
Rajasthan
Moderate rise
+₹19 per day
Haryana
Highest absolute wage
₹409 per day
Goa
High absolute wage
₹406 per day
Kerala
High absolute wage
₹401 per day
Telangana
Lowest rise
+0.33% (₹307 → ₹308)
UPSC Note — Prelims Angle Expect statement-based MCQs from VB-GRAM G Act, 2025 Replaces MGNREGA testing numbers, scheme names, ratios and committee recommendations. Revise the data table above rather than the narrative — Prelims rewards precision on figures.
Prelims MCQ Practice With reference to the VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, consider the following statements: 1. It fully replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005. 2. It continues MGNREGA’s demand-driven model, guaranteeing work whenever a worker demands it. 3. Under the new law, combined labour and material expenditure is shared between the Centre and states in a 60:40 ratio. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (c) Statement 2 is incorrect because VB-GRAM G replaces the demand-driven guarantee with a supply-based Standard Allocation model; statements 1 and 3 correctly describe the replacement of MGNREGA and the new 60:40 cost-sharing formula.
Civil Registration System (CRS) Report 2024GS PAPER I & II — Population, Governance
Why in News? The Civil Registration System Report 2024, released by the Government of India, shows the country inching toward near-complete registration of births and deaths, with coverage now crossing 99 percent. The report also carries fresh state-wise data on the sex ratio at birth, a figure closely tracked as an indicator of gender bias in Indian society.
Key Facts for Prelims Birth registration reached 99.1% and death registration 99.4% in 2024 — historic highs.Registered births rose from 2.52 crore (2023) to 2.54 crore (2024).Registered deaths rose from 86.6 lakh (2023) to 89.4 lakh (2024).81,117 stillbirths recorded in 2024; 69% from urban areas.National Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): 917 girls per 1,000 boys.Best SRB: Arunachal Pradesh (1,050). Weakest: Nagaland and Lakshadweep (865 each).Haryana (834) and Punjab (846) were the worst performers in the 2011 Census, now improving steadily.PCPNDT Act, 1994 legally bars sex determination and sex-selective abortion.
Quick-Reference Data Table
Category
State/UT
Sex Ratio at Birth
Best performer
Arunachal Pradesh
1,050
Strong performer
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
984
Strong performer
Meghalaya
974
Strong performer
Mizoram
972
Strong performer
Kerala
970
Weakest performer
Nagaland
865
Weakest performer
Lakshadweep
865
Weakest performer
Jharkhand
890
UPSC Note — Prelims Angle Expect statement-based MCQs from Civil Registration System (CRS) Report 2024 testing numbers, scheme names, ratios and committee recommendations. Revise the data table above rather than the narrative — Prelims rewards precision on figures.
Prelims MCQ Practice With reference to the Civil Registration System (CRS) Report 2024, consider the following statements: 1. Registration levels for both births and deaths in India crossed 99 percent in 2024. 2. The national Sex Ratio at Birth reported is 950 females per 1,000 males. 3. Among all states, Kerala recorded the best sex ratio at birth in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (a) Statement 1 is correct — birth and death registration both crossed 99 percent. Statement 2 is incorrect; the national SRB is 917, not 950. Statement 3 is incorrect; Arunachal Pradesh recorded the best SRB (1,050), not Kerala.
India’s Coal Chemical Potential and Energy SecurityGS PAPER III — Economy, Energy, Infrastructure
Why in News? With the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis roiling global crude markets, the Union Cabinet has cleared a ₹37,500 crore Surface Coal and Lignite Gasification Scheme aimed at strategic energy sovereignty. The scheme targets 100 million tonnes of coal gasification capacity by 2030, positioning domestic coal chemistry as a hedge against imported fuel shocks.
Key Facts for Prelims Surface Coal and Lignite Gasification Scheme approved: ₹37,500 crore outlay.Target: 100 million tonnes (MT) of coal gasification capacity by 2030.Financial incentive: up to 20% of plant and machinery cost.Coal-linkage tenure extended to 30 years for gasification projects.BIS has approved blending Dimethyl Ether (DME) up to 20% in LPG.A 20% DME blend could cut LPG imports by 63 lakh tonnes/year, saving ~₹34,000 crore in forex annually.Indian coal has higher ash content than Chinese coal used in coal-to-chemicals plants — a key efficiency challenge.CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory developed the underlying methanol-to-DME technology.
Quick-Reference Data Table
Metric
Estimated Impact
LPG import reduction from 20% DME blending
63 lakh tonnes per year
Annual forex savings
~₹34,000 crore
Gasification capacity target by 2030
100 million tonnes
Subsidy on plant & machinery cost
Up to 20%
Extended coal-linkage tenure
30 years
UPSC Note — Prelims Angle Expect statement-based MCQs from India’s Coal Chemical Potential and Energy Security testing numbers, scheme names, ratios and committee recommendations. Revise the data table above rather than the narrative — Prelims rewards precision on figures.
Prelims MCQ Practice With reference to India’s coal gasification push, consider the following statements: 1. The Surface Coal and Lignite Gasification Scheme targets 100 million tonnes of gasification capacity by 2030. 2. The Bureau of Indian Standards has approved blending Dimethyl Ether up to 20 percent in LPG. 3. Indian coal generally has lower ash content than the coal used in China’s coal-to-chemicals industry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (a) Statements 1 and 2 accurately describe the scheme’s target and the DME blending approval. Statement 3 is incorrect — Indian coal has higher, not lower, ash content compared with Chinese coal used in coal-to-chemicals processes.
An Integrated Policy Framework for India’s Energy FutureGS PAPER III — Energy, Environment
Why in News? A May 2026 report from the Centre for Science, Technology, Innovation and Policy, released under the Indian National Science Academy, has called for an Integrated National Energy Framework in place of India’s current fragmented, ministry-by-ministry approach. The report links this integration to India’s twin targets of energy self-reliance by 2047 and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Key Facts for Prelims INSA report (May 2026) proposes an ‘Integrated National Energy Framework’ built on 4 pillars: Adequacy, Accessibility, Affordable Transition, Tailored Sustainability.India’s RE capacity grew ~6.5x — from ~40 GW (2015) to ~260 GW (2025).India still imports 80–85% of crude oil and ~50% of natural gas requirements.Updated NDC targets: 50% non-fossil installed capacity by 2030; 45% cut in GDP emissions intensity from 2005 levels.Panchamrit pledge (COP26): 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, Net-Zero by 2070.NITI Aayog has suggested merging energy ministries into a single ‘Ministry of Energy’.
Quick-Reference Data Table
Pillar
Core Idea
Adequacy
Balanced mix of conventional + emerging sources, backed by storage and digital grid infrastructure
Accessibility
Equitable last-mile energy supply through decentralised solutions
Affordable Transition
Economically viable shift for households and industry via Green Bonds etc.
Tailored Sustainability
India-specific solutions — circular economy, CCUS — not global copy-paste
UPSC Note — Prelims Angle Expect statement-based MCQs from An Integrated Policy Framework for India’s Energy Future testing numbers, scheme names, ratios and committee recommendations. Revise the data table above rather than the narrative — Prelims rewards precision on figures.
Prelims MCQ Practice With reference to India’s energy sector, consider the following statements: 1. India’s installed renewable energy capacity grew from about 40 GW in 2015 to nearly 260 GW by 2025. 2. India currently meets more than half of its natural gas requirement through domestic production alone. 3. The Panchamrit pledges include a target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (b) Statements 1 and 3 are accurate. Statement 2 is incorrect — India imports about half its natural gas requirement rather than meeting it domestically.
European Union (EU) Carbon RulesGS PAPER II & III — International Relations, Environment
Why in News? A proposal within the European Union to hand out additional free carbon-emission permits to heavy industry has triggered sharp debate, with reports from Reuters and Goldman Sachs warning it could reward laggard polluters over early clean-tech adopters such as steelmaker SSAB. Critics argue the move risks undercutting the EU’s own 2040 climate target.
Key Facts for Prelims EU considering additional free CO2 permits for heavy industry to ease competitiveness pressure.Goldman Sachs: green tech becomes cost-competitive once carbon price hits ~$100 (~90 euros)/tonne.SSAB (Sweden) investing 6 billion euros to shift from coal to hydrogen-based steel.EU ETS carbon price: below 10 euros/tonne in the 2010s, now around 80 euros/tonne.EU’s 2040 climate target: 90% cut in net GHG emissions from 1990 levels.CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) taxes carbon-intensive imports like steel, cement, aluminium.Carbon credit concept originated in the 1997 Kyoto Protocol; now governed by Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.India is developing its own Indian Carbon Market under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022.
Quick-Reference Data Table
Period
EU ETS Carbon Price (approx.)
2010s
Below 10 euros per tonne
Current (2026)
Around 80 euros per tonne
Threshold for green cost-competitiveness
~90 euros ($100) per tonne, per Goldman Sachs
UPSC Note — Prelims Angle Expect statement-based MCQs from European Union (EU) Carbon Rules testing numbers, scheme names, ratios and committee recommendations. Revise the data table above rather than the narrative — Prelims rewards precision on figures.
Prelims MCQ Practice With reference to the European Union’s carbon market, consider the following statements: 1. The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism taxes carbon-intensive imports to protect domestic EU industry. 2. The concept of tradeable carbon credits originated from the Paris Agreement of 2015. 3. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement currently provides the framework for international carbon markets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (b) Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is incorrect — tradeable carbon credits originated under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, not the Paris Agreement.
El Niño and the Monsoon Crisis in IndiaGS PAPER I & III — Geography, Agriculture
Why in News? The India Meteorological Department has recorded the fifth-lowest June rainfall since 1901 — roughly 40 percent below normal — as an El Niño event weakens the South-West Monsoon. July rainfall is also forecast to stay below the normal range, deepening concerns over agriculture and water availability.
Key Facts for Prelims June 2026 rainfall: 99.5 mm — lowest since 2014, ~40% below normal.Kharif sown area down by up to 22% year-on-year.Reservoir storage 25% lower than June 2025 (per Central Water Commission).July rainfall forecast: below 94% of the normal range.El Niño = abnormal warming of central/eastern equatorial Pacific sea-surface temperature, disrupting the Walker Circulation.6 out of 10 El Niño years bring a weaker Indian monsoon.This year flagged as a ‘Super El Niño’; IOD forecast to stay ‘neutral’, offering no cushioning effect.M.S. Swaminathan Committee recommends drought-tolerant crops such as millets.
Quick-Reference Data Table
Indicator
Figure
June 2026 rainfall recorded
99.5 mm (lowest since 2014)
Deficiency from normal
~40%
Kharif sown area decline (YoY)
Up to 22%
Reservoir storage vs June 2025
25% lower (per CWC)
July rainfall forecast
Below 94% of normal (deficient)
UPSC Note — Prelims Angle Expect statement-based MCQs from El Niño and the Monsoon Crisis in India testing numbers, scheme names, ratios and committee recommendations. Revise the data table above rather than the narrative — Prelims rewards precision on figures.
Prelims MCQ Practice With reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño, consider the following statements: 1. During an El Niño event, sea-surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific rise above normal, which tends to weaken the Indian monsoon. 2. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole can partly or fully offset the adverse impact of El Niño on the monsoon. 3. Under a neutral Indian Ocean Dipole, the negative impact of El Niño on the Indian monsoon becomes more pronounced. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Answer: (c) All three statements are accurate descriptions of how El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole interact to influence the strength of the South-West Monsoon.
External References Union Public Service Commission — upsc.gov.in Press Information Bureau — pib.gov.in India Meteorological Department — mausam.imd.gov.in
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