GK Express of 26/02/2026

🚆 GK Express 2.0

Discipline • Clarity • Competitive Preparation

TODAY’S FOCUS → ECONOMIC AND SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA

🧠 Thought of the Day

“A scientist does not belong to a particular nation. He belongs to the whole world.”

— Dr. Homi J. Bhabha

📰 Current Affairs

1. Kerala to Keralam: The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to change the name of the State of Kerala to “Keralam.” A Bill titled Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be processed under Article 3 of the Constitution. The move follows a 2024 resolution by the Kerala Legislative Assembly requesting the change.
2. Independence of ECI: The independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is under scrutiny following concerns over voter roll revisions, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar and the reported deletion of around 65 lakh voters.
3. Free HPV Vaccines: India is all set to launch the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination nationwide, aimed at eliminating cervical cancer, one of the most common yet preventable cancers affecting women in India.

📘 Concept of the Day

Subject: Science and Technology

Concept: Nuclear Fission vs. Nuclear Fusion

These are the two fundamental processes by which nuclear energy is released:

• 1. Nuclear Fission: A heavy, unstable nucleus (like Uranium-235) splits into two lighter nuclei after absorbing a neutron, releasing a massive amount of energy and more neutrons. This chain reaction is the principle behind current nuclear power plants and atomic bombs.
• 2. Nuclear Fusion: Two light nuclei (like Hydrogen isotopes: Deuterium and Tritium) combine to form a single heavier nucleus (Helium) under extreme temperature and pressure, releasing even more energy. This is the process that naturally powers the Sun and stars.
• 3. The Future (ITER): Fusion is considered the "holy grail" of clean energy. Unlike fission, it produces zero long-lived radioactive waste and carries absolutely no risk of a nuclear meltdown.

🤔 Think About This

Tap a question to reveal the answer

1. What do you mean by 'Minimum Support Price' (MSP). Why is there a persistent demand for its legal guarantee?

Answer:

Introduction:
Minimum Support Price (MSP) is the minimum price at which the government purchases crops from farmers to protect them from sharp declines in market prices. It acts as a safety net ensuring remunerative income and agricultural stability.

Meaning and Features of MSP:

1. Price Assurance Mechanism: MSP is announced annually by the Government of India based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

2. Coverage: MSP is declared for 23 crops including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops.

4. Procurement Agencies: Food Corporation of India (FCI) and state agencies mainly procure wheat and rice.

Reasons for Demand for Legal Guarantee to MSP:

At Present, MSP is only a price guarantee mechanism, no statutory assurance is provided. Farmers cannot go to court for its application. so there is a grater demand for it's legalization

1. Limited Procurement: Actual procurement is concentrated in a few states like Punjab and Haryana, leaving many farmers dependent on market prices.

2. Price Volatility: Farmers often sell below MSP due to lack of buyers and weak market infrastructure.

3. Trust Deficit: Farmers seek statutory assurance to make MSP enforceable rather than advisory.

Challenges in Legalizing MSP:

• Huge financial burden on government as it needed to buy them at same prices even at price fall.
• If it legalized, farmers will sell more grains to the govt, hence it becomes burden to store and transport them.
• Possible impact on exports and private trade participation.(private members may not buy)
• Leads to overproduction of MSP Crops only.

Conclusion:
MSP remains a crucial instrument of agricultural policy, but a balanced approach combining price assurance, market reforms, diversification, and income support is essential to ensure sustainable farmer welfare.