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GS Paper: GS3

  • Centre sets up Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells

    Why in the News?

    Under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA), the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sanctioned the creation of District and State-level Forest Rights Act (FRA) Cells across 18 States and Union Territories.

    About Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA)

    • Launch: It was launched in October 2024 by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
    • Mission Goal: The initiative aims to promote holistic development of tribal communities by addressing gaps in infrastructure, livelihoods, education, and health.
    • Geographical Reach: The program covers over 63,843 tribal-dominated villages across 30 States/UTs, 2,911 blocks, and 549 districts, benefitting over 5 crore tribal people.
    • Funding: The total budget is ₹79,156 crore, with a central share of ₹56,333 crore and a state share of ₹22,823 crore.
    • Inspiration: DAJGUA is modelled after the PM-JANMAN Scheme, which focuses specifically on the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

    What are FRA Cells under DAJGUA?

    • Overview: FRA Cells are administrative support units created under the Dharti Aba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyaan (DAJGUA) to assist in implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
    • Funding Support: These cells are funded directly by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, marking the first instance of central government financing a structured FRA support mechanism.
    • Objective: The core aim of FRA Cells is to help tribal claimants and Gram Sabhas prepare and submit forest rights claims, especially in tribal-dominated districts.
    • Goal: FRA Cells aim to reduce delays and rejections in forest rights applications by improving documentation quality and data management.

    Key Features of FRA Cells:

    • Coverage Scale: As of 2025, a total of 324 district-level and 17 state-level FRA Cells have been approved across 18 States and Union Territories.
    • Funding Allocation: Each district-level cell is provided ₹8.67 lakh, and each state-level cell receives ₹25.85 lakh, funded as Grants-in-Aid General by the Centre.
    • Operational Functions: FRA Cells assist in document collection, Gram Sabha resolution drafting, conversion of forest villages into revenue villages, land demarcation, digitization, and record uploads to official portals.
    • Limitations: FRA Cells do NOT interfere with the decision-making powers of statutory authorities like Gram Sabhas, Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs), or District Level Committees (DLCs).
    • Leading States: The highest number of FRA Cells have been approved in Madhya Pradesh (55), Chhattisgarh (30), Telangana (29), Maharashtra (26), Assam (25), and Jharkhand (24).

    Back2Basics: Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006

    • Overview: The law is officially called The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
    • Objectives: FRA seeks to recognize and vest forest land rights to Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) who have traditionally depended on forests but lacked formal land ownership.
    • Major Provisions: It provides for:
      • Ownership of Minor Forest Produce (MFP)
      • Community rights such as grazing and water use
      • Habitat rights for PVTGs
      • Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights to manage and protect forests
    • Institutional Framework: The Act is implemented through a multi-tier system consisting of Gram Sabhas, Forest Rights Committees (FRCs), SDLCs, DLCs, and State Monitoring Committees.
    • Significance: FRA provides legal protection from evictions, supports livelihoods, and enhances local forest governance through community participation and legal recognition.

     

    [UPSC 2021] At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006?

    Options: (a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj (c) Ministry of Rural Development (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs*

     

  • What are Black Boxes?

    Why in the News?

    Authorities have recovered the black box from the crash site of the recent incident in Ahmedabad.

    black box

    About Black Boxes:

    • Purpose: Black boxes are essential flight data recording devices used in aircraft to aid in accident investigation and flight safety analysis.
    • Development: Australian scientist David Warren in 1954, developed the first practical FDR after investigating mid-air explosions.
    • Color and Visibility: Despite the name, black boxes are painted bright orange with reflective material to make them easily visible after a crash.
    • Two Main Types: Aircraft typically have two black boxes:
      1. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and
      2. Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR).
    • Single Unit: Some aircraft integrate both functions into a single combined unit.
    • How does it work?
      • Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR): The CVR records cockpit audio, including pilot conversations, radio transmissions, alarm sounds, and background noises like engine hum or warning tones.
      • Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR): The DFDR logs key flight performance data, including altitude, airspeed, direction, engine parameters, and system operations, capturing thousands of data points per second.
      • Installation Location: Black boxes are usually installed in the tail section of the aircraft, as this area is statistically more likely to remain intact in a crash.
      • Recording Capacity: The CVR records the last 2 hours of cockpit audio on a continuous loop, while the DFDR stores up to 25 hours of flight data.
      • Durability and Protection: Black boxes use solid-state memory chips housed in crash-survivable casings that can endure high-impact forces, extreme temperatures (up to 1,100°C), and deep-sea pressure.
      • Underwater Locator Beacons (ULBs): Each black box includes a beacon that emits signals for up to 30 days, aiding search teams in locating the devices in the event of a water crash.

    Use of Black Boxes in India:

    • Regulation in India: In India, aircraft crash investigations are conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, using black box data as primary evidence.
    • Recent Development (April 2025): India established its first dedicated Flight Recorders Laboratory in New Delhi, strengthening the country’s capability to analyze crash data independently and efficiently.
    [UPSC 2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation.  Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?

    I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.

    II. It will allow more uniform and high-quality air traffic management.

    III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.

    Options: (a) I, II and III (b) II and III only (c) I only (d) I and II only*

     

  • What is Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)?

    Why in the News?

    The Finance Ministry has firmly denied recent online rumours suggesting that the government is planning to impose Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI transactions.

    About Merchant Discount Rate (MDR):

    • Overview: MDR refers to the fee charged to merchants by banks or payment service providers for processing digital payments made via credit cards, debit cards or other digital modes.
    • Purpose: It serves to compensate multiple stakeholders involved in a digital transaction, including the issuing bank, acquiring bank, payment gateway, and network operator.
    • Fee Structure: MDR is typically calculated as a percentage of the total transaction amount, usually ranging from 1% to 3%, depending on the transaction and merchant type.
    • RBI Regulation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates MDR, and merchants are NOT permitted to pass this fee onto customers.
    • Discontinuation: To promote cashless payments, the government waived MDR on UPI and RuPay card transactions in 2020, benefiting small merchants and consumers.

    How does it work?

    • Transaction Flow: When a customer pays digitally, the payment amount is credited to the merchant’s account after deducting the MDR fee.
    • Example: If a customer pays ₹1,000 and the MDR is 2%, the merchant receives ₹980, while the remaining ₹20 is distributed among the banks and service providers.
    • Automatic Deduction: The MDR amount is automatically deducted by the settlement system at the time of transaction processing.
    • Variable Rates: The MDR rate may vary depending on factors such as the type of card used, nature of business, monthly transaction volume, and average transaction value.
    • Merchant Agreements: Merchants are required to sign MDR agreements with their payment service providers before they begin accepting digital payments.
    • Operational Cost: MDR is treated as a part of the merchant’s operational costs when offering customers the convenience of digital payment options.
    [UPSC 2017] Which one of the following best describes the term “Merchant Discount Rate” sometimes seen in news?

    Options: (a) The incentive given by a bank to a merchant for accepting payments through debit cards pertaining to that bank.

    (b) The amount paid back by banks to their customers when they use debit cards for financial transactions for purchasing goods or services.

    (c) The charge to a merchant by a bank for accepting payments from his customers through the bank’s debit cards. *

    (d) The incentive given by the Government to merchants for promoting digital payments by their customers through Point of Sale (PoS) machines and debit cards.

     

  • Urbanisation and the challenge of ideal transit solutions 

    Why in the News?

    India’s path to becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 relies on transforming its urban areas, as over 60% of the population is expected to live in cities by the 2060s.

    What are the main challenges India faces in achieving efficient urban mobility?

    • Insufficient Public Transport Coverage: Only 37% of urban residents have easy access to public transport, compared to over 50% in countries like Brazil and China. Eg: Many Tier-2 cities still lack proper metro or bus services.
    • Shortage of Urban Buses: India needs about 2,00,000 urban buses, but currently has only 35,000 (including e-buses). Eg: Overcrowded buses in Delhi and Bengaluru during peak hours show the supply-demand gap.
    • Poor Last-Mile Connectivity: Even when metros are available, the cost and difficulty of reaching homes or offices from stations reduce usage. Eg: Metro commuters in Mumbai often rely on expensive auto-rickshaws for last-mile travel.
    • High Cost and Low Returns from Metro Projects: Metros are expensive and slow to build, with lower-than-expected ridership, making cost recovery hard. Eg: Many phases of the Jaipur Metro remain underutilized due to low footfall.
    • Limited Government Subsidies and Private Investment: Unlike developed nations, India cannot afford large recurring subsidies, and private investment is low due to uncertain returns. Eg: E-bus projects in Pune face delays due to funding and maintenance challenges.

    Why is the current investment in metro and e-bus infrastructure falling short?

    • High Cost and Low Ridership: Metro projects involve huge capital and operational costs, but often fail to attract enough passengers to recover expenses. Eg: The Lucknow Metro struggles with low ridership despite high investment.
    • Fare Sensitivity and Last-Mile Issues: People are price-sensitive, and poor last-mile connectivity discourages use of metros and e-buses. Eg: In Hyderabad, a small hike in metro fares led to a drop in daily commuters.
    • Unsustainable Operational Models: E-buses have high replacement and maintenance costs, making them financially unviable in the long run. Eg: Many cities like Nagpur face challenges maintaining their e-bus fleets without subsidies.

    How do trams compare to e-buses in terms of long-term cost-effectiveness?

    • Higher Long-Term Profitability: Trams show about 45% profitability over their typical 70-year life cycle, making them more financially sustainable. Eg: European cities like Vienna continue to expand tram networks due to long-term cost benefits.
    • Lower Operational and Replacement Costs: Trams require less frequent replacements and have lower running costs compared to e-buses, which face high battery and maintenance expenses. Eg: Kolkata’s tram system, though outdated, still operates at a lower cost than many new e-bus services.
    • Better Scalability and Climate Alignment: Trams are more scalable in dense cities and better aligned with climate goals due to zero tailpipe emissions and use of electricity from clean sources. Eg: The planned Kochi tram project is being promoted as a sustainable alternative to road-based transport.

    Which schemes support urban transport in the Budget 2024?

    • PM e-Bus Sewa – Payment Security Mechanism: Aims to deploy and ensure reliable operations of 10,000 urban buses, including electric ones. Eg: Cities like Ahmedabad are using this to expand their bus fleet and improve service reliability.
    • PM e-Drive Scheme (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement): Supports procurement of 14,000 e-buses, 1,10,000 e-rickshaws, as well as e-trucks and e-ambulances. Eg: New Delhi is using funds to order e-ambulances and expand its e-rickshaw fleet under this initiative.

    Way forward: 

    • Integrated Multi-Modal Transport Planning: Develop seamless connectivity between metro, buses, e-rickshaws, trams, and non-motorised transport (NMT) to reduce last-mile gaps and improve user convenience.
    • Prioritise Cost-Effective and Sustainable Modes: Encourage trams and trolleybuses in high-density corridors through life-cycle cost analysis, while ensuring targeted subsidies for low-income commuters and investment in green fuels like bio-CNG and hydrogen.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2019] How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India?

    Linkage: The article talks about different types of public transport like buses, metros, trams, and trolleybuses, and how important it is to choose options that are affordable and effective. It stresses the need for a strong and efficient public transport system to deal with the growing challenges of travel in cities. As more people move to cities, the article says urban areas will play a key role in driving India’s economic growth, making good public transport even more important.

     

  • Science behind right AC Temperature

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Power is considering a policy to restrict the temperature range of new air conditioners (ACs) in India to between 20°C and 28°C.

    Important Facts and Keywords related to ACs:

    • Efficiency Ratings: ACs have ratings like SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio). A higher rating means the AC uses less power to cool the same space.
    • Inverter Technology: Some ACs use inverter compressors, which adjust speed instead of turning on and off repeatedly. This saves energy and keeps the room temperature more stable.
    • Humidity Control: ACs also help by removing moisture from the air. This keeps humidity around 40–60%, which feels more comfortable and prevents mold.
    • Cooling Capacity: ACs are measured in tons. A “ton” of cooling comes from the amount of heat needed to melt 1 ton (~2,000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours.

    How do Air Conditioners Work?

    • Basic Idea: Air conditioners (ACs) work like a heat-moving machine. They take heat from inside your room and push it outside, making the room cooler. They do this using a special fluid called a refrigerant, and a system called the vapour-compression cycle.
    • Main Parts and What They Do:
      • Evaporator: This part is inside your room. The refrigerant, which is very cold here, absorbs heat from the indoor air and turns into a gas. It also removes moisture, so your room feels less humid.
      • Compressor: This is outside the house. It squeezes the refrigerant gas, making it very hot (about 90°C) and high-pressure. This part uses the most electricity in the AC.
      • Condenser: The hot gas then flows through the condenser coil outside. It releases heat into the outdoor air and turns back into a liquid.
      • Expansion Valve: This part lowers the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, making it cold again before it goes back to the evaporator to repeat the cycle.
    • Refrigerant: The refrigerant is a specially designed gas that changes state easily at low temperatures and pressures, making it ideal for absorbing and releasing heat rapidly. Modern refrigerants like R-32 or R-410A are more energy-efficient and environmentally safer than older ones like CFCs and HCFCs.

    Why limit AC Temperature settings?

    • Energy Efficiency Data: According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), setting an AC to 24°C instead of a lower setting can save 6% electricity per 1°C increase.
    • National Impact: If adopted widely, this temperature setting could help India save 20 billion units of electricity annually.
    • Health Risks at Low Temperatures: Temperatures below 18°C are linked to hypertension, asthma, and respiratory infections, especially among children, the elderly, and people with weakened thermoregulation.
    • Evidence from Global Studies: Research in Japan, the UK, and New Zealand shows that slightly warmer indoor settings lead to better respiratory and cardiovascular health.
    • WHO Recommendation: The World Health Organization advises 18°C as the minimum safe indoor temperature in temperate climates.
    • Thermal Comfort Standards: Guidelines like ASHRAE-55 and ISO 7730 suggest optimal indoor temperatures between 20°C and 24°C for lightly clothed people, with adjustments based on local climate and culture.

    Global Cooling Trends and the Need for Regulation:

    • Global AC Usage Growth: As of 2022, there were an estimated 2 billion air conditioners in use worldwide, with residential units tripling since 2000, especially in India and China.
    • Access Gap in Asia-Pacific: Despite this growth, 43% of the Asia-Pacific population still lacks access to adequate cooling solutions.
    • Environmental Impact: Air conditioning significantly increases electricity use and carbon emissions, especially in countries with fossil fuel-dependent grids.
    • India’s AC Load Projection: By 2030, India’s total connected AC load is expected to reach 200 gigawatts, requiring urgent demand management strategies.
    • Consumer Awareness Tools: Initiatives like default settings at 24°C and energy labelling empower consumers to make informed energy-efficient choices.
    • Benefits of Regulation: A regulated temperature range can help lower energy consumption, reduce peak power demand, and support public health.
    [UPSC 2003] Consider the following statements:

    1. Steam at 100°C and boiling water at 100°C contain the same amount of heat.

    2. Latent heat of fusion of ice is equal to the latent heat of vaporization of water.

    3. In an air-conditioner, heat is extracted from the room-air at the evaporator coils and is rejected out at the condenser coils.

    Which of these statements is/are correct?

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

     

  • AviList 2025: World’s First Unified Global Bird Checklist 

    Why in the News?

    The Working Group on Avian Checklists has released AviList, the world’s first unified global bird checklist to standardize bird classification and support global research and conservation.

    What is AviList?

    • Overview: AviList is the first unified global checklist of bird species, officially launched on June 12, 2025.
    • Who developed it: It was developed by the Working Group on Avian Checklists, with representatives from BirdLife International, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the International Ornithologists’ Union, the American Ornithologists’ Society, and Avibase.
    • Purpose: The checklist aims to eliminate confusion caused by conflicting taxonomies and to improve global coordination in bird research and conservation.
    • Standalone feature: AviList replaces separate resources like the IOC World Bird List and the Clements Checklist with a single, consensus-based taxonomy.
    • Accessibility: It is freely available at www.avilist.org and will be updated annually to reflect the latest scientific consensus.
    • Target Users: AviList supports ornithologists, birdwatchers, conservationists, researchers, and policymakers globally.

    Key Features of AviList:

    • Standardized Taxonomy: Combines inputs from global and regional checklists to ensure taxonomic consistency.
    • Comprehensive Coverage: Lists 11,131 species, 19,879 subspecies, 2,376 genera, 252 families, and 46 orders.
    • Consensus-Driven Process: Taxonomic decisions are made through structured milestone assessments and expert committee voting.
    • Transparency in Changes: Provides clear justifications for taxonomic updates, especially those involving disputed species.
    • Living Document: Designed to evolve continuously with new scientific discoveries and updates.
    • Conservation Impact: Helps improve biodiversity assessments and conservation planning by clarifying species boundaries.
    [UPSC 2015] With reference to an organization known as ‘BirdLife International’, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Organizations.

    2.The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ originated from this organization.

    3. It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • Exercise KHAAN QUEST

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Army has deployed it’s contingent to participate in Exercise KHAAN QUEST 2025, a major multinational peacekeeping exercise being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

    Concurrently, India is also set to conduct Exercise SHAKTI 2025 with France.

    About Exercise KHAAN QUEST, 2025:

    • Overview: It is a multinational peacekeeping military exercise being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from June 14 to 28, 2025.
    • Origins: The exercise was initiated in 2003 as a bilateral drill between the United States and Mongolian Armed Forces and became a multinational event in 2006.
    • Indian Participation: India has sent a 40-member contingent, primarily from the Kumaon Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services, including one woman officer and two women soldiers.
    • Focus: The exercise trains troops for Peacekeeping Missions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with action regarding threats to peace and acts of aggression.
    • Key Training Drills: Participating forces will engage in checkpoint establishment, cordon and search operations, civilian evacuation from conflict zones, counter-IED tactics, and combat casualty care.
    • Objectives: The main goal is to build interoperability, promote joint planning, and strengthen tactical coordination among different participating nations.

    About Exercise SHAKTI, 2025:

    • Overview: It is a bilateral military drill between India and France, scheduled to take place at La Cavalerie, France, from June 18 to July 1, 2025.
    • Exercise Series: This marks the 8th edition of the biennial joint exercise, reflecting a strong and ongoing defence partnership between the two nations.
    • Objectives: The drill focuses on enhancing the joint capability to conduct multi-domain operations, especially in sub-conventional warfare scenarios.
    • Core Training Areas: It includes sessions on tactical coordination, joint operational planning, and counter-terrorism techniques.
    • Goals: To deepen military cooperation, foster mutual trust, and build interoperability and camaraderie between the Indian and French armed forces.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    (a)  1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4

     

  • Why govts revise GDP base year and methodology, why the proposed 2026 revision matters for India’s global standing

    Why in the News?

    India will update the base year for calculating GDP to 2022–23, and the new data is expected by February 2026. This change, confirmed by Saurabh Garg from the Ministry of Statistics, is an important step to improve the accuracy and trust in India’s economic data both in the country and around the world.

    Why is the base year for GDP being revised to 2022-23?

    • To Reflect Structural Changes in the Economy: India’s economy has shifted significantly from agriculture to services and digital sectors. Revising the base year captures these structural shifts more accurately. Eg: The rise of digital platforms, fintech, and gig economy post-2015 needs to be incorporated into GDP estimates.
    • To Incorporate Improved and Updated Data Sources: New datasets such as the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and administrative records like MCA-21 provide more comprehensive and timely data for accurate GDP computation. Eg: PLFS helps capture employment trends better than the older Employment-Unemployment surveys.
    • To Ensure Compatibility with International Standards and Better Inflation Adjustment
      Regular base year revisions align with UN and IMF guidelines and help in more precise estimation of real GDPby adjusting for price changes. Eg: Without a revision, outdated price structures (like 2011-12) may overstate or understate real growthdue to inflation distortions.

    What challenges delayed the previous GDP base year revision in 2017-18?

    • Data Quality Concerns in Key Surveys: The government raised concerns about the credibility of the Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted in 2017-18. Eg: CES showed a decline in consumer spending, suggesting rising poverty — a politically sensitive finding that was never officially released.
    • Economic Disruptions during the Reference Year: Major policy shocks such as demonetisation (2016) and the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017 led to economic volatility, making 2017-18 an unsuitable “normal” year for baseline calculations. Eg: GDP growth fell from 8.3% in 2016-17 to below 4% by 2019-20, reflecting prolonged economic slowdown post these disruptions.
    • Delayed Acceptance and Use of Survey Results: While the PLFS findings were eventually accepted after the 2019 elections, the CES was rejected, causing a gap in key inputs required for GDP revision. Eg: Without reliable consumption and employment data, the GDP estimation would lack accuracy, forcing the government to drop 2017-18 as the base year.

    Which other economic indicators are also undergoing base year revisions?

    • Index of Industrial Production (IIP): Base year to be revised to 2022-23.
    • Consumer Price Index (CPI): Base year to be revised to 2023-24.
    • National Accounts (GDP): Base year to be revised to 2022-23, effective February 27, 2026.

    How does base year revision affect the credibility of India’s economic data globally?

    • Improves Accuracy and International Comparability: A timely base year revision ensures that GDP estimates reflect current economic structures, making India’s data more credible and aligned with international standards (like those of IMF and UN). Eg: Including digital economy or renewable energy sectors helps match the metrics used by other G20 nations.
    • Builds Investor Confidence: Transparent and methodologically sound revisions enhance global investor trust, which is crucial for foreign direct investment (FDI) and sovereign credit ratings. Eg: A credible GDP estimate influences decisions by agencies like Moody’s or Fitch, and reassures multinational corporations evaluating India’s market.
    • Reduces Skepticism from Global Analysts: Past controversies—like the 2015 revision which some experts claimed overstated growth—have raised doubts on India’s data integrity. A robust 2022-23 revision can restore credibility. Eg: Even former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian questioned past data quality; accurate revisions now can counteract such reputational damage.

    Way forward: 

    • Institutionalise Regular Data Revisions: Establish a fixed 5-year cycle for revising base years of GDP and other macroeconomic indicators, in line with National Statistical Commission recommendations, to ensure timeliness, consistency, and credibility.
    • Enhance Data Transparency and Accessibility: Improve the quality, frequency, and public availability of key datasets like Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES), PLFS, and Census, to build trust among researchers, investors, and global institutions.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] What are the main features of the estimation of India’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015.

    Linkage: The changes in GDP estimation around the 2015 revision, which is a prime example of the process of revising the base year and methodology. The “India’s GDP: Revising the Economic Base” source provides extensive details on this very topic, explaining the rationale and significance of such revisions, including the upcoming 2026 revision and its importance for India’s global standing.

  • CROPIC Initiative

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is set to launch CROPIC (Collection of Real Time Observations & Photo of Crops)- a digital initiative that uses field photography and AI-based models to monitor crop health and automate loss assessment.

    What is CROPIC?

    • Overview: CROPIC is a digital initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    • Objective: The aim of CROPIC is to monitor crop health, assess crop losses, and assist with insurance payouts under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
    • Technology Integration: It leverages field photography, artificial intelligence, and a cloud-based analysis system to streamline crop monitoring.
    • Process: CROPIC is designed to automate the crop loss assessment process and improve the transparency and speed of compensation to farmers.
    • Pilot Timeline: The initiative will be piloted during Kharif 2025 and Rabi 2025–26, and expanded nationwide in 2026.
    • Implementation: The project is funded through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) under PMFBY, which has an allocation of ₹825 crore.

    Key Features of CROPIC:

    • Mobile App-Based Data Collection: Crops are photographed 4–5 times per season using the CROPIC mobile app, with images collected by farmers and field officials.
    • Crowdsourced Inputs: Real-time photographs are crowdsourced directly from the field, ensuring up-to-date and location-specific crop data.
    • AI-Based Photo Analysis: Images are uploaded to a cloud platform, where AI algorithms analyze them to detect:
      • Crop type and stage
      • Health status
      • Visible damage or stress
    • Web-Based Dashboard: Processed data is presented on a visual dashboard for use by government officials and policymakers.
    • Insurance Integration: During claim processing under PMFBY, officials use the app to gather photographic evidence, automating crop loss verification.
    • Crop Signature Database: CROPIC will help build a digital image library of crop types, aiding future research and development in agricultural analytics.
    [UPSC 2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?

    1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location

    2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location

    3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • BBX32 Protein in Plants

    Why in the News?

    A new study from researchers at IISER Bhopal has revealed how a single protein called BBX32 helps plants time the critical moment they emerge from darkness into light.

    What is BBX32? 

    • Function: BBX32 is a plant protein that helps a seedling keep its protective hook closed as it pushes through the soil.
    • Protection Mechanism: The hook shape shields the soft shoot tip in darkness; BBX32 extends this protection until it’s safe to open.
    • Ethylene Activation: Underground, the plant hormone ethylene activates the BBX32 gene, signaling the seedling to stay protected.

    How does it work?

    • Light Stabilization: Once exposed to light, BBX32 is no longer broken down, allowing it to accumulate on one side of the hook.
    • Protein Chain Reaction: BBX32 activates PIF3, which then activates HLS1, the protein that directly keeps the hook bent.
    • Lab Testing: Plants were tested in different light types and sand to simulate real soil. Extra ethylene increased BBX32 activity.
    • Mutant Comparison: Plants without BBX32 opened too early. Only 25% broke through sand, compared to 40% of normal and 80% with extra BBX32.
    • Degradation Control: In darkness, COP1 breaks down BBX32. Ethylene slows this process. Light fully stabilizes BBX32.
    • Coordinated Timing: The protein’s behavior is guided by light, hormone signals, and pressure, ensuring the hook opens at the right time.

    Why is studying BBX32 important?

    • Better Crop Survival: BBX32 can help develop crops that grow well in dense, wet, or compacted soils.
    • Climate Adaptation: As climate change leads to tougher soil conditions, BBX32 can improve seedling emergence and survival.
    • Boosting Yields: Supporting hook protection even slightly longer can lead to stronger early growth and higher productivity.
    • Genetic Research: BBX32 is a potential target for gene editing in plants to improve resilience during germination.
    • Broader Insight: Studying BBX32 helps us understand how plants balance internal signals with external cues for safe growth.
    [UPSC 2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhabit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves 2. Tiny leaves 3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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