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Distribution: weekly

  • Growth pangs: On industrial activity

    Why in the News?

    India’s average Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for fiscal year 2025 has dropped to 4%, the lowest level in the past four years, showing a clear slowdown in industrial growth.

    What are the main factors contributing to the slowdown in India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in FY25?

    • Global Economic Uncertainty: The global economic outlook remains uncertain, affecting India’s external trade and exports. This slowdown in global demand impacts industrial growth. Eg: India’s goods exports grew at a slower pace in FY25, which strains industrial output as global demand weakens.
    • Lower Domestic Consumption Demand: Slower-than-expected growth in domestic consumption has affected industries that rely on the domestic market, such as consumer goods and durable products. Eg: Consumer non-durables showed a negative growth of -1.6% in FY25, reflecting weak demand despite a fall in retail inflation.
    • Reduced Private Capital Expenditure (Capex): A decline in private sector investment (capital expenditure) impacts industrial growth, especially in infrastructure and manufacturing. Eg: The dip in capex lending rates, though lower, did not spark sufficient investment, reflecting cautious private sector sentiment in an uncertain economic environment.
    • Decline in Key Industrial Sectors: Sectors like mining, manufacturing, and electricity witnessed slower growth in FY25 compared to FY24, contributing to the overall slowdown in industrial production. Eg: Mining’s growth plummeted from 7.5% in FY24 to 2.9% in FY25, and manufacturing also saw a decline, affecting overall industrial output.
    • Weak Goods Exports: India’s goods exports, particularly in the MSME sector, showed limited growth due to strained trade relations, especially with major trading partners like the United States. Eg: The flat growth in FY25’s goods exports, especially from MSMEs, highlights the challenges faced by small businesses and the manufacturing sector in expanding their global market share.

    Why has rural consumption remained strained despite a drop in retail inflation?

    • Lingering Effects of High Food Inflation: Although retail inflation dropped, the high food inflation experienced in the last fiscal year (October to December) continues to affect rural households, leaving them with reduced disposable income. Eg: In FY24, the spike in food prices, particularly for essential items like pulses and vegetables, strained rural budgets, and recovery from this shock has been slow.
    • Reduced Farm Incomes: Despite lower retail inflation, farm incomes have been negatively impacted by factors like erratic weather, reduced crop yields, and rising input costs, which affects rural consumption. Eg: Poor monsoon and drought in some regions led to crop failures, reducing farmers’ incomes and limiting their purchasing power.
    • Limited Impact of Inflation Reduction: While overall retail inflation decreased, the price drops were not significant enough in rural areas to translate into meaningful gains in consumption, especially for low-income families. Eg: The fall in vegetable prices towards the end of FY25 helped urban consumers, but rural households still struggled due to stagnant or low farm output and income.
    • Structural Economic Challenges: Rural India still faces structural challenges like inadequate infrastructure, low wages, and high dependence on agriculture, which limits overall consumption despite lower inflation. Eg: Many rural households rely on agriculture, which remains vulnerable to climate change and market volatility, restricting their ability to consume more even when prices drop.

    How has the performance of different industrial sectors (like mining, manufacturing, and electricity) changed in FY25 compared to FY24?

    Sector FY24 Growth (%) FY25 Growth (%) Conclusion with example
    Mining 7.5% 2.9% Mining sector saw a significant decline. This slowdown could be due to reduced demand for raw materials and lower production in key mining areas. Eg: A dip in coal mining output due to lower power demand during certain months.
    Manufacturing 5.5% 4% Manufacturing growth slowed down slightly, likely due to lower consumer demand and sluggish export growth. Eg: Lower production in sectors like automobiles and textiles, impacted by weaker global demand.
    Electricity 7% 5.1% Electricity sector growth showed a slight decline, though power production still surged during peak summer months. Eg: Increased power generation in March (6.3%) due to seasonal demand, but overall growth reduced for the year.

    What steps can the government take to boost private investment and protect MSME jobs?

    • Enhance Domestic Demand through Targeted Public Spending: The government can invest in rural infrastructure, housing, and public services to stimulate consumption, which in turn will encourage private sector production and investment. Eg: Increased spending under schemes like PM Awas Yojana or rural roads (PMGSY) can boost demand for cement, steel, and consumer goods produced by MSMEs.
    • Strengthen Trade and Market Access for MSMEs: By finalizing beneficial trade agreements and easing export procedures, the government can open more markets for MSMEs. Eg: Concluding a bilateral trade deal with the US could reduce tariffs and give India’s 60 million MSMEs better access to one of the world’s largest markets.
    • Expand Credit Support and Reduce Compliance Burden: Provide low-interest loans and simplify regulatory procedures to ease doing business for small enterprises. Eg: Extending the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) and digitizing compliance through platforms like Udyam Assist can help micro-industries scale up with less red tape.

    Way forward: 

    • Stimulate Demand and Investment: Boost domestic consumption through targeted rural and infrastructure spending while incentivizing private capital expenditure with tax benefits and interest subvention.
    • Empower MSMEs for Global Competitiveness: Strengthen MSME access to credit, simplify compliance, and finalize trade deals to expand their global market footprint and protect employment.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.

    Linkage: High food prices, mentioned in the article, are putting pressure on rural spending and slowing down the economy.

  • How Locusts form massive Swarms?

    Why in the News?

    A recent study by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior suggests that locusts do not behave like gas particles but instead make cognitive decisions based on their perception of nearby motion.

    Locust

    About Locust Swarms  

    • Locusts are large grasshoppers capable of forming massive swarms, consuming up to their body weight in food daily, and traveling 150 km/day with favourable winds.
    • They are highly destructive, stripping crops and threatening food security. A single swarm can consume food equivalent to the daily needs of 35,000 people.
    • In India, Locust Control and Research (LC&R) oversees locust management.
    • The Locust Warning Organisation (LWO), established in 1939, monitors and controls locust activity in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
    • The 2019-2022 desert locust outbreak was one of the worst in decades, devastating India, Pakistan, and East Africa, destroying over 200,000 hectares of crops.
    • Despite existing control measures, locust outbreaks remain difficult to manage due to their rapid breeding capabilities.

    Key Highlights of New Research:

    • Traditional models assumed locusts moved collectively by aligning with neighbours.
    • However Max Planck Institute reveals that locusts make cognitive decisions based on visual cues.
    • The study introduced a new mathematical model using neural ring attractor networks, showing that locusts decide on movement based on multiple visual cues, leading to coordinated swarms through decentralised decision-making.
    • This understanding provides a more accurate model for predicting locust swarm behaviour, crucial for early intervention.
    [UPSC 2023] Which of the following organisms perform waggle dance for others of their kin to indicate the direction and the distance to a source of their food?

    Options: (a) Butterflies (b) Dragonflies (c) Honeybees* (d) Wasps

     

  • Hon’ble President confers Padma Awards, 2025

    Why in the News?

    Padma Awards 2025 recognised 139 individuals for their exceptional contributions across various fields. Notable awardees include actor S. Ajith Kumar, singer Pankaj Udhas, and cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin.

    About Padma Awards:

    • The Padma Awards are among India’s most prestigious civilian honors, announced annually on Republic Day’s eve.
    • These awards recognize outstanding achievements in various fields, particularly public service.
    • The GoI introduced the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan in 1954, with the three classes (Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg, and Tisra Varg) renamed in 1955 as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
    • The awards are not titles and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to names.
    • The number of awards given annually is capped at 120 (excluding posthumous awards and awards to NRIs/foreigners/OCIs).

    Award Categories:

    1. Padma Vibhushan: For ‘exceptional and distinguished service.’
    2. Padma Bhushan: For ‘distinguished service of a high order.’
    3. Padma Shri: For ‘distinguished service.’

    Eligibility and Nomination:

    • Nominations are reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister, with final approval from the President.
    • Eligibility Criteria:
      • Open to all individuals, regardless of race, occupation, position, or gender.
      • Government employees, except doctors and scientists, are generally ineligible.
      • Awards are generally not given posthumously, with exceptions in extraordinary cases.
      • A recipient can be considered for a higher category only after five years since their last Padma award.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:

    1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.

    2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.

    3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.

    Which of the above statements are not correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3*

     

  • Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) Targets

    Why in the News?

    The Environment Ministry has released the Draft Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025, as part of the government’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from energy-intensive sectors.

    About Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI):

    • GHGs trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
    • Major GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and synthetic fluorinated gases (CFCs, HCFCs).
    • GEI measures the amount of GHGs emitted per unit of output (e.g., per tonne of product like cement or aluminium).
    • It uses tCO2e (tonnes of CO2 equivalent) to account for the impact of all GHGs.
    • Reducing GEI is vital to mitigate climate change, promoting the use of cleaner technologies in industries to lower environmental footprints.

    Key Provisions of Draft GEI Target Rules, 2025:

    • Target Setting for Industries: Specific emission intensity reduction targets are set for energy-intensive sectors like aluminium, cement, and pulp and paper, for the periods 2025-26 and 2026-27.
    • Baseline Emissions & Gradual Reduction: Baseline GHG emissions for 2023-24 are established, with targets for gradual reduction over time.
    • Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): Industries meeting GEI targets will earn carbon credits that can be traded on India’s carbon market. Those failing to meet targets will need to buy credits or face penalties.
    • Sector-Specific Applicability: Targets apply to 13 aluminium plants, 186 cement plants, 53 pulp and paper plants, and 30 chlor-alkali plants.
    • Penalties & Incentives: Non-compliant industries must buy carbon credits or face penalties. The rules encourage clean technologies, like using biomass instead of coal in production.
    • Alignment with Paris Agreement: The rules support India’s climate commitments, aiming for a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
    • Monitoring & Compliance: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will oversee the carbon credit market, ensuring compliance through regular progress reports from industries.
    [UPSC 2022] Climate Action Tracker’ which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a:

    Options: (a) Database is created by coalition of research organisations* (b) Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change” (c) Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change” (d) Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank

     

  • CSR Spending in India

    Why in the News?

    In 2023-24, India’s listed companies spent Rs 17,967 crore on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), 16% higher than Rs 15,524 crore in 2022-23.

    As per the PRIME Database report, this increase was due to an 18% rise in the companies’ net profits.

    CSR Spending in India

    About Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Obligations Under It

    • CSR is a self-regulating business model through which companies become socially accountable to themselves, stakeholders, and the public.
    • It includes initiatives that assess and take responsibility for the company’s social and environmental impact.
    • India is the first country to mandate CSR spending w.e.f. April 1, 2014, through Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
    • It provides a structured framework for CSR activities.
    • CSR provisions apply to companies that, in the preceding financial year, have:
      • Net worth ≥ ₹500 crore, or
      • Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore, or
      • Net profit ≥ ₹5 crore
    • CSR Spending Obligation:
      • Companies must spend at least 2% of their average net profits of the last 3 financial years on CSR.
      • Newly incorporated companies should calculate it based on profits of previous years.
    • Eligible CSR Activities:
      1. Eradicating hunger and poverty
      2. Promoting education, gender equality
      3. Combating diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS)
      4. Environmental sustainability
      5. Contributions to relief funds (e.g., PM CARES, PM Relief Fund)
      6. Welfare of disadvantaged groups
    • If CSR spend > ₹50 lakh, companies must constitute a CSR committee with at least three board members, one being independent.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements with reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India:

    1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.

    2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 or 2

     

  • The post of Deputy Speaker is not symbolic or optional

    Why in the News?

    The Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha is not just a symbolic position but an important role required by the Constitution.

    What is the role of the Deputy Speaker under Article 93?

    • Presiding Over the Lok Sabha in the Speaker’s Absence: The Deputy Speaker steps in to chair the sessions of the Lok Sabha when the Speaker is unavailable, ensuring that legislative proceedings continue smoothly. Eg: If the Speaker is unwell or on an official visit abroad, the Deputy Speaker takes over the chair to maintain the functioning of the House, as happened during various occasions when the Speaker had to travel.
    • Ensuring Impartiality in Debates and Proceedings: The Deputy Speaker, like the Speaker, must remain impartial and ensure that debates are conducted fairly, without any bias towards any party or individual. Eg: During debates on sensitive issues such as the passing of a crucial bill, the Deputy Speaker ensures that all parties have an opportunity to speak and that the debate remains orderly, as seen in past sessions when contentious issues were discussed.
    • Chairing Parliamentary Committees: The Deputy Speaker presides over important parliamentary committees, which play a crucial role in managing legislative work and business. Eg: The Deputy Speaker has chaired committees such as the Business Advisory Committee, where decisions are made regarding the scheduling of bills and other parliamentary matters, helping to streamline the legislative process.

    Why is the continued vacancy of the post a constitutional concern?

    • Violation of Constitutional Mandate (Article 93): The Constitution directs that the House shall elect a Deputy Speaker “as soon as may be”, implying urgency, not discretion. Eg: The 17th Lok Sabha (2019–2024) functioned its entire term without appointing a Deputy Speaker, disregarding this mandate.
    • Absence of Institutional Safeguard in Emergencies: The Deputy Speaker acts as a constitutional backup in case the Speaker resigns, is removed, or is incapacitated. Eg: In 1956, when Speaker G.V. Mavalankar died, Deputy Speaker M.A. Ayyangar stepped in immediately to prevent disruption.
    • Undermining Legislative Continuity and Stability: Without a Deputy Speaker, the House lacks redundancy in leadership, risking procedural breakdown during key sessions. Eg: If a crisis arises during budget discussions and the Speaker is absent, proceedings could face delays or legal challenges.
    • Erosion of Democratic Norms and Bipartisanship: Traditionally, the post is offered to the Opposition to maintain balance, promote inclusivity, and uphold impartiality. Eg: Earlier Lok Sabhas saw the Deputy Speaker from the Opposition, fostering cooperative legislative functioning.
    • Centralisation of Power and Partisan Control: Leaving the post vacant gives unchecked control to the ruling party through the Speaker alone, weakening internal checks. Eg: In the absence of a Deputy Speaker, all procedural authority remains concentrated in one office, reducing scope for dissent or moderation.

    When and how did the Deputy Speaker’s position originate? 

    • Origin in Colonial Legislative Framework: The post of Deputy Speaker evolved from the position of Deputy President in the Central Legislative Assembly during British rule. Eg: Sachidanand Sinha became the first Deputy President (equivalent to Deputy Speaker) in 1921 under colonial administration.
    • Continuity Through the Constituent Assembly (Legislative): Even before the Constitution was adopted in 1950, the Constituent Assembly retained the role of Deputy Speaker to maintain legislative function. Eg: The Assembly recognized the practical need for a second presiding officer during debates and discussions on the Constitution.
    • Institutionalisation in Post-Independence India: The office was formally incorporated under Article 93 of the Constitution, emphasising its necessity in democratic governance. Eg: M.A. Ayyangar became the first elected Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha in 1952 and later served as acting Speaker after G.V. Mavalankar’s death.

    How can reforms ensure timely appointment of the Deputy Speaker? (Way forward)

    • Introducing a Fixed Timeline in the Constitution: Amend Article 93 to mandate election of the Deputy Speaker within a specific period (e.g., 60 days) after the first sitting of a new Lok Sabha. Eg: Similar to the time-bound requirement for forming a government after elections, a clear deadline would prevent indefinite delays.
    • Statutory Mechanism Empowering the President: Create a law allowing the President to direct the House to elect a Deputy Speaker if the position remains vacant beyond the stipulated time. Eg: On the advice of the Prime Minister or Speaker, the President could initiate proceedings to avoid constitutional anomalies.
    • Strengthening Parliamentary Conventions: Reinforce the long-standing practice of offering the Deputy Speaker’s post to the Opposition through formal House resolutions. Eg: Restoring this tradition would ensure bipartisan respect and encourage prompt consensus in electing the Deputy Speaker.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2020] ‘Once a Speaker, Always a Speaker’! Do you think this practice should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India?

    Linkage: While focusing on the Speaker, the question is relevant because the Deputy Speaker’s role is intrinsically linked to the robust functioning of parliamentary business and the need for impartiality or objectivity within the presiding officers’ roles.

  • Indians fear fake news but are less concerned about press freedom

    Why in the News?

    In India, although many people are worried about fake news and misinformation, they don’t mostly blame the government for it. Instead, many people are okay with the government having more control over the media, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Centre.

    What does the Pew survey reveal about misinformation and government control in India?

    • High concern about fake news: 65% of Indian respondents said made-up news and information is a “very big problem,” placing India among the top 10 countries with the highest concern.
    • Low emphasis on need for free media: Only 68% said it is very or somewhat important for the media to report news without government censorship, the second-lowest among 35 countries surveyed.
    • Belief in media freedom: 80% of respondents believe that the Indian media is currently “somewhat” or “completely” free from state intervention, among the highest in the survey.
    • Misinformation seen as non-governmental: Citizens largely attribute fake news to sources like social media and WhatsApp, rather than to state action or censorship.

    Why is there a contradiction between concern for fake news and support for state control?

    • Misinformation blamed on non-state actors: Many Indians see fake news as stemming from social media platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook, not from government channels. Eg: Viral misinformation during elections is often attributed to private forwards, not official news broadcasts.
    • Trust in government regulation over systemic reforms: There is greater public belief that the state can control misinformation better than a free and independent press. Eg: Support for internet bans during riots or unrest, viewed as a way to stop rumors, even if it limits press freedom.
    • Low awareness of press freedom deterioration: Despite India’s declining World Press Freedom Index ranking, most respondents think the media is already free. Eg: 80% of Indians believe media is free, while only 68% think freedom from state censorship is important.

    How does India’s World Press Freedom Index ranking reflect on media freedom?

    • Deteriorating Position Globally: India ranked 159 out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting a serious decline in media independence and journalist safety. Eg: India has consistently ranked below 100 since 2003, showing a long-term concern.
    • Gap Between Perception and Reality: While 80% of Indians believe media is free, global rankings suggest significant censorship, legal pressure, and harassment of journalists. Eg: Arrests and raids on independent news portals contradict the public’s belief in press freedom.
    • Impact of State Influence and Surveillance: The low ranking indicates increasing state influence, with reports of surveillance, restrictions on digital media, and pressure on newsrooms. Eg: Pegasus spyware allegations against journalists in India highlight these issues.
    • Legal and Political Threats to Journalists: India’s ranking reflects how stringent laws (like UAPA and sedition) are used against journalists, creating a chilling effect on independent reporting. Eg: The arrest of journalist Siddique Kappan under UAPA demonstrates misuse of laws.
    • Public Support for Control vs. Press Freedom Standards: Despite the low press freedom score, a large section of Indians supports state control over the media, showing a disconnect between democratic ideals and citizen expectations. Eg: Only 68% Indians see uncensored reporting as important—the second-lowest globally.

    Where is the “press freedom gap” reversed according to the survey?

    • India and Kenya Show Reversal: Unlike most countries, India and Kenya are the only two where more people believe the media is free than believe media freedom is important. Eg: In India, 80% say the media is free, but only 68% feel uncensored reporting is important.
    • Contrary to Global Trend: In 33 out of 35 countries, the importance of media freedom is rated higher than the belief that it actually exists, but India and Kenya show the opposite. Eg: In Greece, a higher number want free media but few believe it actually exists, unlike India.
    • High Confidence Despite Global Ranking: Even though India’s global press freedom ranking is poor (159/180), public confidence in existing media freedom remains oddly high. Eg: 80% Indians feel the media is free despite evidence of censorship and harassment.
    • Low Awareness of Press Challenges: The reversed gap suggests a lack of public awareness about the extent of media control, censorship, or intimidation. Eg: Many Indians attribute misinformation to social media platforms rather than government control.
    • Potential for Justifying State Control: Since many believe the media is already free, there is less pressure on governments to ensure genuine press freedom, and greater acceptance of censorship. Eg: High public tolerance allows laws and actions against journalists to go unchallenged.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Media Literacy and Public Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate citizens about the role of a free press, the risks of censorship, and the importance of independent journalism. Eg: School curricula and public broadcasts can include modules on identifying misinformation and understanding media freedom.
    • Strengthen Institutional Safeguards for Press Freedom: Enact legal and institutional reforms to protect journalists from harassment, ensure transparency in state actions, and promote accountability in media regulation. Eg: Independent media commissions and judicial safeguards against misuse of laws like UAPA.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

    Linkage: “Freedom of speech and expression”, which is guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution and forms the fundamental basis for press freedom in India. 

  • Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) to Promote Natural Farming

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has come up with the guidelines for setting up of bio-input resource centres (BRC) under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

    What are Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs)?

    • BRCs are part of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), aimed at promoting chemical-free and sustainable agriculture.
    • BRCs will produce, store, and supply bio-inputs like Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, and Neemastra using local livestock by-products and plant-based materials.
    • Key Functions:
      1. Local Production: Ensures availability of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, reducing dependency on synthetic inputs.
      2. Training: Provides training on bio-input preparation and natural farming techniques.
      3. Entrepreneurship: Promotes local entrepreneurship, empowering self-help groups (SHGs) and farmers.
      4. Affordability: Aims to make sustainable farming practices accessible to small and marginal farmers.
    • Financial support of Rs 1 lakh per BRC are provided in two tranches of Rs 50,000, though experts raise concerns about its adequacy for infrastructure.

    Back2Basics: National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

    • NMNF is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme was launched on November 2024 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, promoting chemical-free farming.
    • Objectives:
      • Focus on eco-friendly practices and organic methods.
      • Reduce input costs by minimizing chemical usage.
      • Restore soil health, promote biodiversity, and improve climate resilience.
    • Implementation Strategy:
      • Establish 15,000 clusters across Gram Panchayats.
      • Train 1 crore farmers and implement practices on 7.5 lakh hectares.
      • Establish 10,000 BRCs for bio-input accessibility.
      • Deploy 30,000 Krishi Sakhis for mobilization.
    • Financial Outlay: ₹2,481 crore until 2025-26.
    [UPSC 2021] How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming?

    1.Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices, but in conventional chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant. 2.Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity, but this phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming. 3.Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions, but permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions. 4.The practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming but not necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 and 3  (b) 1, 2, and 4* (c) 4 only (d) 2 and 3

     

  • [pib] River Cities Alliance (RCA)

    Why in the News?

    The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved an annual master plan for the River Cities Alliance (RCA), aimed at scaling up sustainable urban river rejuvenation.

    What is the River Cities Alliance (RCA)?

    • The RCA launched in 2021, promotes sustainable urban river management across India.
    • It is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to integrate river-sensitive urban planning within cities.
    • It aims to strengthen institutional capacities, foster collaboration, and support the creation of Urban River Management Plans (URMPs).
    • As of 2025, 145 cities are part of the alliance, sharing best practices for river conservation.
    • Key activities include promoting river-sensitive planning, peer-to-peer learning, and training for urban local bodies (ULBs).

    About National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG):

    • The NMCG is a flagship initiative to rejuvenate the Ganga River through pollution abatement, ecological restoration, and community involvement.
    • Established in 2011, it implements the Namami Gange Program.
    • It was launched with a ₹20,000 crore budget, covering over 288 projects.
    • It focuses on pollution abatement and maintaining the ecological flow of the Ganga.
    • It operates under a five-tier framework, including the National Ganga Council and state/district committees.
    • Key Initiatives: Includes sewage treatment, riverfront development, real-time monitoring, and public awareness campaigns.
    • It also addresses floods, droughts, and waterlogging in the Ganga basin.
    [UPSC 2021] Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?

    1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.

    2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.

    3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • In news: Haji Pir Pass

    Why in the News?

    The recent Pahalgam terror attack has revived debates on India’s 1966 decision to surrender the Haji Pir Pass to Pakistan during Tashkent Agreement of 1966.

    This move is compared to the Soviet Union’s 1954 transfer of Crimea, which created lasting security challenges.

    About Haji Pir Pass:

    • The Haji Pir Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 2,637 meters (8,652 feet).
    • It connects Poonch in India to Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
    • Historically, it was a vital route for connecting Jammu to the Kashmir Valley before 1947, making it an essential part of India’s transportation network.
    • Post-partition, it became part of PoK and, during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, India recaptured it under Operation Bakshi.
    • However, it was returned to Pakistan following the Tashkent Agreement in 1966, a decision criticized by many experts.

    How Haji Pir Pass is a Chokepoint?

    • Strategic Military Route: The pass provides Pakistan with the ability to control and monitor the Kashmir Valley from a high-altitude position, serving as a key route for military logistics and infiltration.
    • Gateway for Infiltration: Historically, it has been used for militant infiltration into India, fuelling insurgency and instability in Kashmir.
    • Shortened Military Access: Retaining the pass would have reduced the distance between Poonch and Uri from 282 km to 56 km, improving India’s military logistics and rapid deployment.
    • Control over Key Terrain: Controlling the pass enables domination of the surrounding hills, limiting Pakistan’s ability to sustain military pressure and infiltration.
    [UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?

    (a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La