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Distribution: yearly

  • EnviStats India 2024

    Why in the News?

    • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts” Report.

    What is the EnviStats India 2024 Report?

    • The EnviStats India 2024 Report, released by the MoSPI, is the 7th consecutive publication.
    • It compiles environmental-economic accounts based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Framework.
    • This framework provides a global standard for integrating environmental data with economic statistics, offering insights into the country’s natural resources, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability efforts.

    Key Highlights:

    Details
    Protected Areas (SDG 13 & SDG 15) – 72% increase in the number of Protected Areas (2000-2023)
    – 16% increase in the area of Protected Areas, reflecting biodiversity conservation efforts.
    Mangrove Cover (SDG 13 & SDG 15) – 8% increase in mangrove cover (2013-2021), highlighting positive growth in coastal ecosystem protection.
    Ocean Accounts (SDG 14: Life below Water) – Introduced for the first time, covering the extent and condition of ocean ecosystems.
    Energy Use & Physical Asset Accounts (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action) – Includes Physical Asset Accounts and Physical Supply and Use Tables for Energy, aligned with SEEA-Energy Framework, and data from ministries like Coal and Petroleum.
    Soil Nutrient Index (SDG 2: Zero Hunger) – Updated data on Soil Nutrient Index based on the Soil Health Card 2023-24, reflecting soil health and agricultural sustainability.
    Biodiversity & Species Richness (SDG 15: Life on Land) – Data on faunal and floral diversity, including endangered species like Leopards and Snow leopards, connecting to biodiversity conservation.

    Policy Recommendations  

    The EnviStats India 2024 Report suggests several policy directions based on its findings:

    • Biodiversity Protection: Strengthen community-led conservation and expand protection of critical ecosystems.
    • Ocean Ecosystem Management: Use Ocean Accounts for sustainable marine resource management and pollution control.
    • Soil Health: Encourage sustainable farming practices and better soil management, leveraging Soil Health Cards for improved productivity.
    • Integrated Planning: Focus on species conservation, habitat restoration, and genetic conservation through data-driven planning.
  • Dravidian Style of Architecture

    Why in the News?

    • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has recently finished copying inscriptions at three temples in Thirukurungudi, located in Tirunelveli district.

    About the 3 temples mentioned:

    Nambi Rayar Temple (Thirukoshtiyur Temple)

    • It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Thirukoshtiyur, near Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu.
    • It is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vishnu temples).
    • It is known for its association with Ramanuja, one of the most important figures in Vaishnavism, who learned the sacred mantra “Ashtakshara” here.
    • The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram (temple tower) and is built in Dravidian style.

    Thirumalai Nambi Temple (Thirumaliruncholai Temple)

    • It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Thirumaliruncholai, also known as Azhagar Kovil, near Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
    • This temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams.
    • Thirumalai Nambi, who was a saint and a scholar, was closely associated with this temple and served as a priest here.
    • The temple is set in a hilly region and has intricate carvings and sculptures in traditional Dravidian architecture.

    Aniliswarar Temple

    • It is a Shaivite temple located in Anilivandhan Kottai, near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
    • The temple architecture is traditional with a smaller gopuram (temple tower) compared to the larger, more well-known temples.

    dravid

    About Dravidian Style of Architecture

    Details
    Flourished 8th century to the 13-14th century AD
    Enclosure Temples are enclosed within a compound wall, unlike Nagara temples.
    Notable Features
    • Gopuram (Entrance Gateway): The front wall has an elaborate gateway tower called Gopuram, which serves as the main entrance to the temple complex.
    • Vimana (Main Tower): Vimana or temple tower has a stepped pyramid-like structure that rises geometrically, unlike the curving shikhara in North Indian temples.
    • Temple Tank: It is common to have a large water reservoir or temple tank enclosed within the temple complex.
    Shapes of Temples
    • Square (Kuta or Caturasra)
    • Rectangular (Shala or Ayatasra)
    • Elliptical (Gaja-prishta or Vrittayata)
    • Circular (Vritta)
    • Octagonal (Ashtasra)
    Notable Temples The Pallavas, early builders of Dravidian temples, started with rock-cut temples and later shifted to structural temples.

    • Mahabalipuram: Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla) initiated construction, and Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) built the Shore Temple.
    • The Shore Temple houses three shrines for Shiva and Vishnu.

    The Rajarajeswara or Brahadeeshwarar Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja Chola in 1009 CE, is the largest and tallest of Indian temples. It features large Gopurams with elaborate sculptures.

    Significance Temples were not only religious centers but also key administrative hubs, controlling large areas of land and resources, especially during the 8th-12th centuries.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:

    (a) Three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent

    (b) Three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of India can be classified

    (c) Three main styles of Indian temple architecture

    (d) Three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India

  • What is the National Agriculture Code, currently being formulated by BIS?

    Why in the News?

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the development of a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.

    What is the National Agricultural Code (NAC)?

    • The NAC is a comprehensive set of standards for the agricultural sector, formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
    • It aims to standardize all agricultural practices and post-harvest operations, including the use of machinery, field preparation, water use, crop management, and input management like fertilisers and pesticides.
    • It will cover both traditional and emerging agricultural practices like organic farming, natural farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

    What Role Will the NAC Play in Standardization?

    • Comprehensive Framework: The NAC will provide a standardized framework for agricultural processes, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency in farming practices across India.
    • Sector-wide Application: It will set guidelines for various aspects of the agriculture sector, including crop selection, land preparation, irrigation, soil and plant health management, post-harvest operations, sustainability, and documentation.
    • Incorporation in Policies: The NAC will serve as a reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators to incorporate into schemes, policies, and regulations, aiding in quality control across the agricultural value chain.

    Who is Involved in the Formulation of the NAC?

    • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is leading the formulation of the NAC.
    • The BIS has formed working panels consisting of university professors, R&D organizations, and experts in 12-14 specific areas of agriculture to draft the NAC.
    • The BIS is collaborating with premier agricultural institutes and has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutes like Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) for setting up Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs).

    How will the NAC Impact Farmers’ Livelihoods?

    • Improved Decision-Making: The NAC will provide farmers with a structured guide for better decision-making in agricultural practices, which will help improve crop yields and reduce resource wastage.
    • Capacity Building: The BIS plans to offer training to farmers on NAC standards, enhancing their technical knowledge and helping them adopt sustainable practices.
    • Quality Assurance and Market Access: Standardized agricultural practices can ensure that crops meet quality requirements, potentially opening up better market access, higher incomes, and improved livelihoods for farmers.
    • Adoption of New Technologies: With standards in place for emerging technologies like IoT in agriculture, farmers can integrate modern technology into their operations, increasing productivity and efficiency.

    Way forward: 

    • Training and Capacity Building: Implement widespread training programs for farmers and agricultural professionals on NAC standards, ensuring smooth adoption of standardized practices and emerging technologies like IoT for improved efficiency.
    • Policy Integration and Support: Ensure seamless incorporation of NAC recommendations into national agricultural policies, with financial incentives and technical support to promote sustainable and quality-driven farming practices across India.
  • Government launches National Mission Edible Oils-Oilseeds to boost domestic production

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to enhance domestic oilseed production and attain self-sufficiency in edible oils.

    About the Newly Launched NMEO-Oilseeds:

    • Aim: Boost domestic oilseed production, achieve self-reliance in edible, and boost farmers’ incomes. Currently, imports account for 57% of India’s domestic demand for edible oils.
    • Focus: It will focus on increasing edible oil production from Oil Palm  by enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops (Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum)
      • Increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources (Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils).
    • Tenure: 7 years (from 2024-25 to 2030-31)

    Roadmap for the Mission:

    • Increase Edible Oil Production: Achieve 25.45 million tonnes of domestic edible oil production by 2030-31, meeting 72% of domestic demand.
    • Seed Infrastructure: It will introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal to ensure timely availability of seeds.
    • Seed Hubs & Storage: Establish 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units to strengthen seed production infrastructure.
    • Value Chain Clusters: Develop over 600 value chain clusters across 347 districts, covering 10 lakh hectares annually. These clusters will focus on providing high-quality seeds and promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

    Other Initiatives by the Government:

    • National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): Launched in 2021 with a budget of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation.
    • Import Duties: A 20% import duty on edible oils has been imposed to protect domestic producers from cheap imports and encourage local oilseed cultivation.
    • MSP & PM-AASHA: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mandated edible oilseeds has been increased, and the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) ensures oilseed farmers receive MSP through price support and deficiency payment schemes.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Research and Development: Invest in research initiatives focused on developing climate-resilient, high-yield oilseed varieties through advanced technologies like genome editing.
    • Enhance Farmer Engagement and Training: Implement comprehensive training programs for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and effective resource management.
  • United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

    Why in the News?

    According to the UNAIDS Director, without India’s significant contribution, the world is unlikely to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

    What is HIV/AIDS?

    • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
    • AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.
    • HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, and breast milk.
    • Although there’s no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV and prevent the progression to AIDS.

    India’s progress in reducing HIV Infections

    • From 2010 to 2023, India reduced annual new HIV infections by 44%, which is better than the global average.
    • India has also made impressive progress in reducing AIDS-related deaths by nearly 80% between 2010 and 2023, surpassing the global average.
    • Challenges:
      • In 2023, India saw 68,000 new infections, meaning around 185 people were infected each day.
      • The Global AIDS Strategy calls for 80% of prevention services to be delivered by community-led organizations.
      • These organizations are best placed to reach key populations, but they need adequate resources and space to lead these efforts.

     

    About UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS):

    Details
    Established In 1996, by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Main Purpose To coordinate global action to combat HIV/AIDS, prevent infections, and support those affected
    Mandate • Coordinate the global response to HIV/AIDS
    • Support countries in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies
    • Advocate for human rights and equality in access to HIV services
    Principle Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA), endorsed by the UN in 2001 and 2006
    Global Targets 90-90-90 targets:
    90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed by 2020
    Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026: Aim to end inequalities driving HIV and ensure 30 million on treatment by 2025
    Cosponsors 11 UN organizations, including UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNESCO, World Bank
    Key Areas of Focus Supporting countries to meet SDG 3: End AIDS by 2030.

    • HIV prevention
    • Treatment access
    • Human rights advocacy
    • Gender equality
    • Youth and adolescents

    Funding Donors include governments, private foundations, and corporations
    Key Campaigns World AIDS Day (December 1), global awareness and advocacy efforts
    Achievements Significant progress toward the 90-90-90 targets, especially in countries like South Africa, Cambodia, and Eswatini

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?

    1. Chikungunya
    2. Hepatitis B
    3. HIV-AIDS

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

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

  • [pib] International Energy Efficiency Hub

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a ‘Letter of Intent’ that will enable India to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub (Hub).

    About the International Energy Efficiency Hub

    • The Hub was established in 2020 as the successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), of which India was already a member.
    • It is a global platform that promotes collaboration and energy efficiency among governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
    • Members: As of July 2024, 16 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK.)
    • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory agency, has been designated as the implementing agency for India’s participation in the Hub.

    Significance for India

    • India will benefit from opportunities to collaborate with other member states as a member.
    • India can share its expertise and learn from international best practices in energy efficiency.
    • The country will also contribute to global efforts to address climate change by promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices.
    • India’s participation will:
      • Accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
      • Improve energy security by adopting more efficient energy practices.

    Back2Basics: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) 

    Details
    Establishment Established in March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
    Objective To promote energy efficiency and conservation, reduce energy intensity, and enhance energy security
    Governing Body Functions under the Ministry of Power, Government of India
    Key Functions • Develops energy efficiency policies and strategies
    • Implements energy conservation programs
    • Coordinates with various sectors like industry, transport, and municipalities on energy efficiency
    • Promotes R&D in energy conservation technologies
    Key Initiatives • Standards and Labeling Program (Star rating system for appliances)
    • Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme (for energy-intensive industries)
    • Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) (for commercial buildings)
    • National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
    • Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP)
    Important Programs • National Energy Conservation Awards
    • Demand Side Management (DSM)
    • Street Lighting National Program (SLNP) (LED streetlight replacement)
    Goals • Reduce energy intensity in India
    • Improve energy efficiency in key sectors like agriculture, industry, buildings, and appliances
    • Contribute to sustainable development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
    International Cooperation Collaborates with UNDP, World Bank, and ADB on energy efficiency projects globally
    Legislative Framework Operates under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
    Achievements • Significant reduction in carbon emissions
    • Supports India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] On which of the following, can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

    1. Ceiling fans

    2. Electric geysers

    3. Tubular fluorescent lamps

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Why you should care about Mapping of the Fruit Fly’s Brain?

    Why in the News?

    Researcher have successfully mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, marking the first time researchers have created such a detailed map of an adult animal’s brain.

    How Was the Fruit Fly Brain Mapped?

    • The process of mapping Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster) brain began in 2013.
    • Scientists dunked the brain of an adult fruit fly in a chemical bath, hardening it into a solid block.
    • This process involved 7,050 sections of the brain and produced 21 million photos to map the entire brain.
    • The first high-resolution image of the brain was created more than a decade after the work started.

    Key findings

    • Scientists identified more than 50 million connections between 139,000 neurons (brain nerve cells).
    • They classified the cells into 8,453 distinct types, making it the largest catalogue of cell types in any brain.
    • The research gave insights into how different types of cells function and how the fruit fly’s eyes process motion and color.
    • A group of “hub neurons” was discovered, which may help speed up information flow.

    Significance of the Work

    • Although the human brain is more complex, the logic of how neurons communicate is similar between fruit flies and humans.
    • Fruit flies are a valuable model system for neuroscience. Their brains solve many of the same problems that human brains do.
    • It could help in understanding and treat mental health conditions like Parkinson’s and depression.
    • The mapping of the fruit fly’s brain raises hopes that scientists will eventually be able to map the entire human brain.
  • Tribes in news: Chenchu Tribe

    Why in the News?

    • The Chenchu tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in Andhra Pradesh, faces poverty, unemployment, and worsening living conditions due to the discontinuation of a special MGNREGS project.
      • The government launched the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project in 2009 to address their specific needs, providing 180 days of employment.

    About Chenchu Tribe

    Details
    Location Primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha
    Habitat Sparse and deciduous Nallamala forest, part of the Eastern Ghats
    Language Chenchu language, belonging to the Dravidian language family
    Traditional Livelihood Hunter-gatherers, relying on forest produce like honey, roots, tubers, soapberries, and gum for sustenance
    Role in Tiger Conservation Involved as tiger protection watchers in the Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)
    Forest Rights Granted land rights under the Forest Rights Act (2006), allowing subsistence farming and forest dwelling
    Challenges Facing displacement, low literacy rate (40.6%), and rehabilitation issues due to relocation from their forest homes
    Cultural Practices Worship Malalamma Vana Devatha (goddess of honey); brew liquor from acacia bark, mahua flower, and jaggery
    Society Community-oriented with close-knit family bonds, practicing traditional subsistence living and deeply connected to forest ecosystems
    Population 64,227 (2011 Census), spread across five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
    Government Support Special rights granted under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (FRA)
    Major Threats Displacement due to tiger conservation efforts, lack of modern skills, poverty, and low literacy rates

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following pairs :

    Tribe: State

    1. Limboo Limbu : Sikkim

    2. Karbi : Himachal

    3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha

    4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu

    Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Rules promoting caste bias in jails struck down by Supreme Court

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court declared caste-based discrimination in prisons unconstitutional, ordering immediate reforms in jail manuals nationwide to uphold inmates’ dignity, equality, and non-discrimination rights.

    What specific caste-based practices in prison manuals were deemed unconstitutional by the SC?

    • Work Assignments Based on Caste: The assignment of menial tasks like cleaning and sweeping to marginalized castes (e.g., SCs, STs, DNTs) while reserving cooking roles for higher castes was ruled unconstitutional.
      • This violated Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 15 (Prohibition of Discrimination on Grounds of Religion, Race, Caste, etc.).
    • Caste-based Classification of Labour: The court struck down provisions in prison manuals that classified inmates into different labour roles based on their caste, calling it a form of “untouchability” and caste hierarchy.
    • References to ‘Scavenger Class’: The reference to specific castes as the “scavenger class” was condemned as reinforcing caste stereotypes, and the court ruled such practices unconstitutional under Article 17 (abolition of untouchability).
    • Assignment of Hazardous Tasks: Marginalized prisoners forced to clean sewers and tanks in unsafe conditions was also ruled a violation of their dignity under Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).

    How does the ruling reflect the broader implications of caste discrimination in society?

    • Historical and Societal Caste Biases: The ruling emphasized that caste-based discrimination in prisons is a remnant of colonial and pre-colonial oppressive systems, designed to dehumanize marginalized groups.
    • Reinforcement of Stereotypes: The court noted that prison rules, by assigning certain jobs to marginalized castes, indirectly perpetuate historical stereotypes and social hierarchies, harming personal growth and development, and fostering caste prejudices.

    India’s prisons face other challenges too: 

    • Overcrowding: In 2016, India’s prisons were 20% over capacity, with some prisons over 500% capacity. Overcrowding can lead to poor living conditions and the spread of disease. 
    • Poor hygiene and Custodial torture: Prisoners face physical abuse and sexual abuse, and police may also torture prisoners. Prisons are underfunded, which leads to poor infrastructure, inadequate food, and insufficient clothing. 
    • Understaffing: 33% of prison official positions are vacant. Prison management is a state subject, so prison rules vary by state.
    • Ineffective bail system: The bail system contributes to the crisis of undertrial incarceration.

    What are the actions mandated by the SC?

    • Reform of Prison Manuals: All states and Union territories must revise their prison manuals within three months to align with the judgment, eliminating discriminatory provisions.
      • The Union government is required to update the Model Prison Manual 2016 and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act 2023 within the same period.
    • Removal of Caste-Based Work Assignments: The court ordered that no inmate be subjected to work or housing arrangements based on their caste. The caste column in registers of undertrial and convicted prisoners must be deleted.
    • Prohibition of Hazardous Work: The court mandated that manual scavenging or hazardous cleaning of sewers or septic tanks in prisons be prohibited, in line with the 2013 law banning manual scavenging.
    • Arrest Guidelines for DNTs: The court called for strict adherence to guidelines (from Arnesh Kumar Vs State of Bihar and Amanatullah Khan Vs Commissioner of Police, Delhi cases) to prevent arbitrary arrests of denotified tribe members.
    • Compliance Oversight: The court initiated suo motu proceedings to monitor the implementation of these reforms and ordered states and the Union government to submit compliance reports, ensuring sustained oversight.

    Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling ends caste-based discrimination in prisons, mandating nationwide reforms in jail manuals, safeguarding inmates’ dignity, and promoting equality by eliminating discriminatory caste-based practices and work assignments.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, the caste system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • [pib] Cabinet approves PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved the rationalization of all Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare into two umbrella schemes:

    • Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) – A cafeteria scheme aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
    • Krishonnati Yojana (KY) – Focuses on food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.

    About PM Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY):

    Details
    Objective To promote sustainable agriculture and improve agricultural productivity.
    Total Proposed Expenditure Rs 1,01,321.61 crore (combined with Krishonnati Yojana).
    Central Share (DA&FW) Rs 57,074.72 crore under PM-RKVY.
    Key Initiatives under PM-RKVY
    • Soil Health Management
    • Rainfed Area Development
    • Agro Forestry
    • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
    • Agricultural Mechanization (including Crop Residue Management)
    • Per Drop More Crop
    • Crop Diversification Programme
    • RKVY DPR Component
    • Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups
    Key Focus Sustainable agricultural practices, soil health, water conservation, crop diversification, organic farming, and agricultural mechanization.
    Flexibility for States Increased flexibility for state governments to reallocate funds based on unique requirements of the states.
    Implementation Method Funds allocated to states, with state governments developing Comprehensive Strategic Documents addressing crop production, climate resilience, and value chains.
    Benefits Avoid duplication, ensure convergence, and streamline the approval process for quicker implementation of Annual Action Plans (AAP).

     

    Schemes merged into Krishonnati Yojana (KY):

    • National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
    • National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)
    • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
    • National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
    • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
    • National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET)
    • Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)

    PYQ:

    [2014] Consider the following pairs:

    Programme/Project Ministry
    1. Drought – Prone Areas Programme Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
    2. Desert Development Programme Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
    3. National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas Ministry of rural development

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) Only 1 and 2

    (b) Only 3

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None of these