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GS Paper: GS3

  • What does the Budget offer Railways?

    Why in the News?

    The Railway Budget was once a major event before the Union Budget. Since merging with the general Budget in 2017, Indian Railways has lost prominence, with no mention in the July 2024 or February 2025 Budgets.

    What specific safety measures are planned for the Railways?

    • Enhanced Safety Budget – ₹1,16,514 crore allocated for safety-related initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades and accident prevention.
    • Kavach Train Protection System – No new expansion beyond the initial 1,465 km; implementation delays remain a concern.
    • Grade Separation & Track Upgrades – Elimination of level crossings, doubling of railway lines, and gauge conversion to reduce congestion and accidents.
    • Modern Signaling & Electrification – Upgrading signaling systems and achieving 95% electrification to improve train control and safety.
    • Station & Train Modernization – Redevelopment of key stations and introduction of new Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains with better safety features.

    Which states will benefit the most from the railway budget allocations?

    • Uttar Pradesh – Major railway station redevelopments (e.g., Ayodhya, Varanasi), new Vande Bharat trains, and increased connectivity through high-speed rail projects.
    • Maharashtra – Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (Bullet Train), Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, and urban railway modernization projects.
    • Gujarat – High investment in freight corridors, bullet train project, and Amrit Bharat station redevelopment.
    • West Bengal – Expansion of railway network, doubling of tracks, electrification, and modernization of key stations like Howrah and Sealdah.
    • Tamil Nadu – Focus on gauge conversion, station redevelopment (e.g., Chennai), and enhanced connectivity with new semi-high-speed trains.
    • Bihar & Jharkhand – Increased railway line expansion and connectivity improvements, particularly for freight movement and passenger services.
    • Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh – Dedicated freight corridor benefits, track doubling, and station upgrades for better passenger services.

    How will the new Amrit Bharat trains improve connectivity?

    • Infrastructure Development & New Tracks: Expansion of railway lines to extend connectivity to new areas to ensure broader access to transportation. Example: Increased track laying to enhance regional rail access.
    • Modernization of Stations: Upgrading stations to improve passenger experience and integrate different modes of transport. Example: Redevelopment projects enhancing station facilities and efficiency.
    • Expansion of Rail Network to Underserved Areas: The introduction of Amrit Bharat trains will improve connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, bridging gaps in regional transportation. Example: Faster and more frequent services to cities like Hubli, Gorakhpur, and Siliguri.
    • Faster Travel Between Major Economic Hubs: These trains will operate at semi-high speeds, reducing travel time between key business and industrial centers. Example: Quicker connectivity between Mumbai–Surat and Bengaluru–Hyderabad, supporting trade and commerce.
    • Boost to Religious & Tourism Circuits: The new trains will enhance access to religious and tourist destinations, promoting cultural and economic growth. Example: Improved rail access to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Puri, and Rameswaram for pilgrimage travelers.
    • Better Regional Connectivity in the Northeast & Border Areas: Amrit Bharat trains will strengthen rail links in remote and border regions, enhancing security and development. Example: Enhanced rail connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram to integrate them with the national rail network.

    What are the challenges? 

    • Underwhelming Returns on Investment: Despite a ₹13 lakh crore investment in modernization and freight traffic is growing at just over 2%, failing to match India’s economic growth.
      • Passenger revenue is increasing, but ridership remains below pre-COVID levels, limiting overall gains.
    • Slow Implementation & Execution: Major projects like the New Delhi station redevelopment have been delayed for nearly a decade due to repeated re-tendering.
      • Safety initiatives like Kavach have seen no expansion beyond the initial 1,465 km rollout near Secunderabad.
    • Financial and Sustainability Concerns: Expenses are exceeding earnings, raising doubts about maintaining new infrastructure under the EPC model.
      • The aggressive electrification push has left 5,000 diesel locomotives worth ₹30,000 crore idle or underutilized, questioning cost-effectiveness.

    Way forward: 

    • Prioritize Efficient Implementation & Safety Expansion – Expedite key infrastructure projects, expand Kavach beyond the initial 1,465 km, and streamline bureaucratic approvals to prevent further delays.
    • Enhance Financial Sustainability & Asset Utilization – Optimize freight revenue growth, repurpose idle diesel locomotives strategically, and adopt a phased electrification approach to balance costs and efficiency.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Why is Public Private Partnership (PPP) required in infrastructural projects? Examine the role of PPP model in the redevelopment of Railway Stations in India. (UPSC IAS/2022)

  • How has the Budget allocated funds for urban development?

    Why in the News?

    The 2025 Budget has set up a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund to help cities grow and develop.

    What was the allocation for urban India?

    • Increased Allocation but Underutilization: The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry received ₹96,777 crore for FY 2025-26, a 17% increase from the previous year. However, the Revised Estimate for 2024-25 stood at ₹63,669.93 crore, indicating significant underutilization of funds.
    • Urban Challenge Fund and PMAY Focus: A ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund has been proposed for city redevelopment and water & sanitation projects, with ₹10,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26. Additionally, ₹78,126 crore has been allocated to both rural and urban PMAY for housing development.
    • Support for Urban Workers and Street Vendors: The government aims to uplift urban workers through PM SVANidhi, which has benefited 68 lakh street vendors. The scheme will be revamped with enhanced bank loans, UPI-linked credit cards (₹30,000 limit), and capacity-building support to reduce reliance on informal sector loans.

    How has the reduction happened?

    • Decline in Direct Transfers to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): With the abolition of octroi and the implementation of GST, ULBs lost a key revenue source, expecting compensation through central devolution. However, the central share for ULBs declined from ₹26,653 crore (last year) to ₹26,158 crore in 2025-26, increasing financial pressure on local bodies.
    • Cuts in Key Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS):
      • PMAY (Urban) faced a drastic cut, with its allocation reduced from ₹30,170.61 crore to ₹13,670 crore in the Revised Estimate (RE) for 2024-25.
      • AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission allocations fell below ₹10,400 crore, with almost no new funds for the Smart Cities Mission.
      • Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) retained ₹5,000 crore, but RE shows only ₹2,159 crore was spent—a 56% underutilization.
    • Shift in Priorities Toward Capital-Intensive Metro Projects: While many urban development schemes saw cuts, metro rail projects received increased funding.
      • Metro projects’ allocation rose from ₹21,335.98 crore to ₹24,691.47 crore in RE (2024-25) and is further proposed to increase by 46% to ₹31,239.28 crore in 2025-26.
      • This shift prioritizes large infrastructure over comprehensive urban mobility, employment generation, and local governance funding.

    Does the Union Budget focus on capital-intensive projects? 

    • Priority to Large Infrastructure Projects: The budget significantly increases funding for metro rail projects (₹31,239.28 crore, up 46%), while allocations for urban schemes like PMAY (Urban), AMRUT, and Smart Cities Mission have been reduced or underutilized.
    • Reliance on Private Investment for Urban Development: The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund requires 50% private sector participation, which may slow implementation, shifting focus from government-driven urban welfare programs to capital-intensive projects.

    What next?

    • Urban Challenge Fund Implementation Risks: The government has introduced a ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund, but 50% of the funding is expected from private investments.
      • Given the limited private sector participation in past urban initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, relying on private funding could slow implementation.
    • Balancing Infrastructure with Livability and Sustainability: The budget favors metro expansion but lacks a broader focus on comprehensive urban mobility, employment generation, and sustainable urban planning.
      • Future policies must integrate green jobs, affordable housing, and local governance empowerment to create more inclusive cities.
    • Strengthening Financial Autonomy for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): The decline in direct transfers and devolution post-GST has weakened ULB finances, forcing cities to raise taxes or cut essential services.
      • Strengthening municipal revenue sources, revising property tax frameworks, and ensuring timely fund disbursal can help cities plan better for growth.

    Conclusion: Need to Strengthen municipal revenue sources through property tax reforms, land monetization, and timely fund transfers, reducing dependency on central allocations. The government should ensure equitable investment in metro expansion, affordable housing, sanitation, and employment generation, fostering livable, sustainable, and inclusive urban growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • SEBI proposed Retail Algo Trading Framework

    Why in the News?

    Initially exclusive to institutional investors, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) now has proposed to allow retail participation in Algorithmic trading (algo trading) to ensure market stability and allow retail participation.

    What is Algo Trading?

    • Algo Trading, or Algorithmic Trading, is the process of using computer programs and pre-defined rules to execute financial market trades at high speed and efficiency.
    • It eliminates human intervention and emotions, allowing trades based on mathematical models, historical data, and market conditions.
    • How Does Algo Trading Work?
      • It follows pre-coded algorithms to identify trading opportunities and execute orders.
      • It uses technical indicators, price movements, volume, and other data to determine trade entry and exit points.
      • The system can scan multiple markets simultaneously and execute trades in milliseconds.
      • High-Frequency Trading (HFT) is a subset of algo trading that involves executing thousands of trades per second.
      • It reduces market impact, transaction costs, and slippage compared to manual trading.

    Key Highlights of Regulatory Framework:

    • Broker Responsibility: Only registered brokers can offer algo trading services to retail investors. Direct retail algo trading without broker approval is not permitted.
    • Market Surveillance: Exchanges must monitor algorithmic trades to prevent market manipulation and excessive order placement.
    • Latency and Co-location Rules: SEBI has set rules to ensure fair access to low-latency trading infrastructure and avoid unfair advantages.
    • Risk Management: Traders must maintain adequate margins, and there are circuit breakers to prevent excessive market volatility.
    • Pre-Approval for Strategies: Algo trading strategies must be tested and approved before deployment to minimize market disruption.
    • Algo vs. Non-Algo Identification: SEBI mandates separate tagging of algo trades for better transparency and oversight.
    • Ban on Self-Trading: Algorithms must not execute self-trades to manipulate market prices.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly?

    (a) Certificate of Deposit

    (b) Commercial Paper

    (c) Promissory Note

    (d) Participatory Note

     

  • Genotype D1.1

    Why in the News?

    The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new spillover of H5N1 avian flu genotype D1.1 into dairy cattle in the United States.

    What is Genotype D1.1?

    • Genotype D1.1 is a strain of the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, primarily found in poultry and wild birds.
    • It is part of the H5 clade 2.3.4.4b, which has been responsible for multiple outbreaks worldwide.
    • It was recently confirmed in dairy herds in Churchill County, Nevada, USA.
    • Symptoms in Cattle: Includes fever, reduced milk production, coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
    • Differences from B3.13: Genotype B3.13, the previous dominant H5N1 strain in cattle, caused milder infections in humans, whereas D1.1 has led to more severe cases.

    Bird Flu (Avian Influenza) Spillover of H5N1 Virus

    • A spillover event occurs when a virus jumps from its natural host species (wild birds) to other animals or humans.
    • It spreads through wild bird migration routes, carrying the virus across continents.
    • The virus has been detected in unpasteurized milk from infected cows, raising concerns about worker exposure.

    Impacts on India

    • Although genotype D1.1 has not been detected in India, the growing spread of H5N1 in cattle and humans abroad raises concerns for public health and livestock industries in India.
    • India is part of major bird migration routes (Central Asian Flyway & East Asian-Australasian Flyway), making it vulnerable to H5N1 spread from infected wild birds.
    • With India being the world’s largest milk producer, a spillover of H5N1 into dairy cattle could severely impact milk production and exports.
    • While human cases remain rare, a mutation allowing human-to-human transmission could lead to a pandemic-like scenario.
    •  India poultry products exports to Middle Eastern and Asian markets; an H5N1 outbreak could lead to bans and economic losses.

    PYQ:

    [2015] H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases?

    (a) AIDS

    (b) Bird flu

    (c) Dengue

    (d) Swine flu

     

  • Gold Investments in India Surge by 60% in 2024: World Gold Council Report

    Why in the News?

    According to the World Gold Council, Gold investments in India increased by 60% in 2024, reaching $18 billion (around Rs 1.5 lakh crore), compared to the previous year.

    What are the Key highlights of the Report?

    • The World Gold Council (WGC) was founded in 1987 by leading gold mining companies. Its purpose is to stimulate and sustain demand for gold. 
    • It aims to promote gold as a strategic asset and to advance a responsible, transparent, and accessible gold supply chain. 
    • The WGC has 32 members with mining operations in over 45 countries and is headquartered in London, UK.
    • Best Price Performance Since 2010: Gold recorded its strongest annual price rise since 2010, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and interest rate expectations.
    • Global demand: It grew by 25% whereas investment demand increased by 29% (2023). 
    • Global Supply: It increased by 1% mainly on account of mine production and recycling.  
      • India accounted for 20% of the global gold investment demand, which stood at 1,180 tonnes in 2024.
    • Outlook for 2025: Central banks and Gold Exchange Traded Funds are likely to drive demand.
    • India: RBI added 73 tonnes of gold to its forex reserves, raising gold’s share to a record 11%. 

     

    What are the reasons for the Increase in Gold Demand in India?

    • Cultural Significance: Gold is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, and its purchase is considered auspicious during festivals and weddings. For example, bridal jewelry alone accounts for at least half of the gold jewelry market share in India.
    • Investment and Hedge Against Uncertainty: Gold is seen as a safe haven investment, especially during times of economic and geopolitical instability. For instance, geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, have increased demand for gold as investors seek a safe-haven asset.
    • Inflation Hedge: Gold is considered a hedge against inflation, preserving wealth when the purchasing power of fiat currencies declines. For every 1% increase in inflation, gold demand increases by 2.6%.
    • Central Bank Buying: Central banks, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), increase their gold holdings to diversify forex reserves and hedge against external uncertainties. The RBI bought 19 tonnes of gold in the first quarter of 2024, already surpassing the 16 tonnes purchased in all of 2023.
    • Weakening Dollar: When the US dollar weakens, it becomes cheaper for investors holding other currencies to buy gold, increasing demand and driving prices up. A weaker dollar boosts demand, as seen with the US dollar easing by 0.2% and leading to an increase in gold prices.

    What is the present Status of Gold Resources?

    • In November 2024, central banks globally added 53 tonnes to their gold reserves. This indicates a continued recognition of gold as a stable and secure asset, particularly in emerging markets.
    • As of November 2024, the United States holds the largest gold reserves in the world, with 8,133.5 tonnes. India is among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest gold reserves.
    • As of April 1, 2015, India had an estimated 501.83 million tonnes of gold ore reserves. Approximately 17.22 million tonnes were categorized as reserves, with the remainder classified as remaining resources. 
      • The largest reserves of gold ore are located in Bihar (44%), followed by Rajasthan (25%), Karnataka (21%), West Bengal (3%), Andhra Pradesh (3%), and Jharkhand (2%). 
      • The remaining 2% of reserves are distributed among Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. 
    • The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is actively involved in geological mapping and mineral exploration to identify potential mineral-rich zones. 
    • To encourage private sector participation, the Indian government has amended the Minerals Evidence of Mineral Contents Rules for the exploration and mining of deep-seated minerals, including gold.

     

    What are the negatives of buying physical gold for the country? 

    • Increases Trade Deficit & Current Account Deficit (CAD): Countries with high gold imports, like India, see a widening trade deficit, as more foreign exchange is spent on gold rather than productive assets. Example: In 2023, India’s gold imports surged to over $43 billion, contributing to a rising CAD (Current Account Deficit) and putting pressure on the rupee.
    • Encourages Smuggling & Black Market Activities: High demand and import duties often lead to illegal gold smuggling, fueling the underground economy. Example: In 2022, 1,000+ kg of gold was smuggled into India, bypassing import duties and causing tax revenue losses for the government.
    • Non-Productive Asset & Storage Risks: Unlike stocks or bonds, gold does not generate income and remains idle in lockers, reducing capital available for economic growth. Example: In Turkey, during economic crises, citizens hoarded gold instead of investing in businesses, slowing economic recovery.

    Way forward: 

    • Promote Gold-Backed Financial Instruments: Encourage investments in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), Gold ETFs, and Digital Gold to reduce reliance on physical gold while ensuring capital appreciation and interest earnings.
    • Implement Smarter Import Policies & Monetization Schemes: Rationalize import duties to curb smuggling and expand gold monetization schemes to bring idle gold into the formal financial system, boosting liquidity and economic growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme.(UPSC IAS/2015)

  • Diagnostic sector requires Regulations

    Why in the News?

    India has around 3,00,000 diagnostic labs, and the number is increasing. However, the sector is largely unregulated, scattered, and concentrated in urban areas.

    What is the significance of India’s Diagnostics Sector?

    • Market Size and Growth: The Indian diagnostics market was valued at approximately US$13 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$25 billion by FY28. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 14%. Some projections estimate the market could reach US$40 billion by 2034.
    • Essential Component of Healthcare: Diagnostics play a crucial role in disease prevention, early detection, and effective management, making them an essential part of modern healthcare. Doctor recommendations drive a major part of the diagnostic business, with tests being conducted for most patients before prescribing medication.
    • Key Market Segments: The sector is primarily divided into pathology (60%) and radiology (40%). Pathology is further broken down into illness (acute and chronic) and wellness segments.
    • Drivers of Growth: Several factors contribute to the sector’s growth, including increasing life expectancy, a growing middle class, higher penetration of government insurance schemes, rising income levels, and increasing awareness of preventive testing. An aging population and the rise in chronic diseases also fuel the demand for diagnostic services.

    What are the challenges faced by the Diagnostics Sector?

    • Urban-Rural Divide: A significant portion of diagnostics revenue (76%) comes from urban areas, even though 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas.
    • Disparities in Infrastructure: Rural areas have fewer healthcare facilities, with only about 36.5% of the total hospital beds, leading to delayed treatments and poorer health outcomes
    • Regulatory Issues: The Kerala State Clinical Establishments Act faces resistance due to stringent space (300 sq. ft. in rural areas, 500-700 sq. ft. in urban areas) and educational requirements, making compliance unviable for many small labs.
    • Standardization Needs: Lack of uniform testing protocols leads to errors. Example: A government lab in Karnataka reported a platelet count of 0.47 lakh/cmm, but a private lab retest showed 2.2 lakh/cmm, highlighting the need for mandatory NABL accreditation and standard SOPs to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
    • Infrastructure Gaps in Public Sector: Lack of essential upgrades in government labs (e.g., Osmania and Gandhi Hospitals in Hyderabad). Limited operational hours and unavailability of specialists in government hospitals force patients to private facilities.

    What are the present Regulations implemented by the govt for this Sector?

    • Clinical Establishments Act, 2010: This act aims to regulate diagnostic centers but has been adopted by only 12 states and Union Territories, leading to inconsistent regulations across the country.  
    • Medical Devices Rules, 2017: These rules govern medical devices, an integral part of the diagnostics framework, focusing on manufacturing, import, sale, distribution, and quality and safety control. They provide risk-based categorization, establish product standards, and set timelines for obtaining licenses.
    • State-Specific Regulations: Some states like Karnataka and Kerala have separate regulatory frameworks, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Tamil Nadu’s Clinical Establishments (Regulations) Rules, 2018, mandate minimum space requirements for labs.
    • Pricing Regulations for Government-Led Diagnostic Schemes: Limits test costs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Example: Telangana’s T-Diagnostics Programme has conducted 18.10 crore tests at subsidized rates, saving ₹1,100 crore for patients.
    • Mandatory Quality Control & External Audits: Enforces periodic inspections to maintain test accuracy. Example: Karnataka’s KPME Act mandates SOPs for sample collection, testing, and reporting, with penalties for non-compliance.

     

    Way forward: 

    • Expand Rural Diagnostic Infrastructure: Strengthen public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance diagnostic services in rural areas, improve affordability, and ensure equitable access through mobile labs and telemedicine integration.
    • Enforce Uniform Regulatory Standards: Implement a nationwide mandatory NABL accreditation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all diagnostic centers to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance across states.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Policy

    Why in the News?

    After the BioE3 Policy approval in August 2024, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) held consultations with State governments on setting up biomanufacturing facilities across India.

    What is the BioE3 Policy?

    • It is a national initiative by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology to promote biomanufacturing and a circular bioeconomy in India.
      • Biomanufacturing involves the industrial production of bio-products such as biopolymers, enzymes, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, and climate-resilient agricultural products.
    • It focuses on scaling up biotechnology-based industries, enhancing research and innovation, and creating employment opportunities in sustainable bio-based sectors.
    • It aligns with India’s Net Zero carbon commitment and aims to make biomanufacturing a key driver of economic growth.

    Objectives and Features of the BioE3 Policy

    • Promoting Biomanufacturing: Establishing biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries to produce bio-based chemicals, polymers, and enzymes.
    • Strengthening R&D and Innovation: Encouraging state-driven biotechnology policies, bio-AI hubs, and technology-driven bioindustries.
    • State-Centric Implementation: States will adopt at least two thematic areas under BioE3, focusing on local bio-based industries and sustainable agriculture.
    • Workforce Development: Expanding biotechnology training programs in Tier-II and Tier-III cities to build a skilled workforce.
    • Biosafety and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to global biosafety standards and responsible biotechnology innovation.
    • Carbon Capture and Sustainability: Supporting carbon sequestration technologies and climate-resilient agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts.
    • Encouraging Private Sector Investment: Creating a business-friendly environment for biotech startups, public-private partnerships, and global collaborations.

    Programs Implemented Under the BioE3 Policy:

    • State-Centric BioE3 Cells: Dedicated cells will be established in State departments to coordinate investments, research, and policy execution.
    • Precision Biotherapeutics and Functional Foods Initiative: Research into next-generation bio-based medicines, smart proteins, and functional foods.
    • Carbon Capture and Bioeconomy Models: Development of technologies for carbon sequestration and sustainable bio-based industrial processes.
    • Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions to drive biomanufacturing investments and commercialization.

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

    1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.

    2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • 10 New Agricultural Commodities added to the E-NAM platform

    Why in the News?

    The Agriculture Ministry has allowed trading of 10 additional commodities on the electronic-National Agriculture Market (E-NAM), taking the total number of tradable items on the platform to 231.

    About the 10 new commodities:

    The newly added commodities include dried Tulsi leaves, Besant (Chickpea flour), wheat flour, chana sattu (Roasted Chickpea Flour), water Chestnut flour, asafoetida, dried fenugreek leaves, baby corn, dragon fruit and water Chestnut, the ministry said in a statement.

    Current Status of E-NAM (As of December 2024):

    • 1,410 mandis connected across 22 states and Union Territories.
    • Inter-state trade worth ₹5,022 crore has been recorded.
    • ₹6,831 crore e-payments made across 948 mandis.
    • Trade in 1.44 lakh metric tonnes of grains and 3.4 crore units of perishable commodities such as bamboo, betel leaves, coconuts, and lemons.

    What is E-NAM?

    • E-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform launched by the Government of India on April 14, 2016.
    • It integrates existing Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
    • The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is the implementing agency for e-NAM.
    • The platform enables farmers, traders, and buyers to trade agricultural commodities online, across states, ensuring better price discovery and transparency.

    Objectives of e-NAM

    • Improve market efficiency by integrating APMC mandis into a unified online platform.
    • Enhance price discovery through a competitive bidding process, ensuring fair market prices for farmers.
    • Promote inter-state trade by removing barriers and unifying agricultural markets across India.
    • Reduce dependency on middlemen, ensuring direct benefits to farmers.
    • Facilitate e-payments to ensure quick and transparent financial transactions for farmers.

    What is E-NAM 2.0?

    • E-NAM 2.0 is an upgraded version of the Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), launched to improve inter-state agricultural trade, logistics, and digital accessibility for farmers.
    • It integrates logistics service providers, allowing farmers to sell produce directly from their farms using a farm-gate module.
    • Key features include real-time price discovery, Aadhaar-based e-KYC, warehouse-based trading, and direct online payments.
    • The platform enhances transparency, efficiency, and access to a nationwide market, reducing dependence on middlemen.
    • It aims to boost farmer incomes, minimize wastage, and create a unified digital agricultural ecosystem across India.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ scheme?

    1. It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
    2. It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • What is Brucellosis?

    Why in the News?

    An 8-year-old girl in Kerala, recently succumbed to brucellosis, a bacterial infection primarily caused by the consumption of unpasteurised milk.

    About Brucellosis

    • Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella species, primarily affecting cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs.
    • Humans contract it through direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated animal products, or inhaling airborne agents.
    • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common cause is the ingestion of unpasteurised milk or cheese from infected livestock.
    • Symptoms and Risk Factors:
      • Symptoms: Fever, weakness, weight loss, and general discomfort. The incubation period is 1-2 months, but most cases develop within 2-4 weeks.
      • At-Risk Groups: Farmers, butchers, veterinarians, hunters, and laboratory personnel handling infected animal tissues.
    • Treatment and Prevention:
      • Treatment: Doxycycline (100 mg, twice daily for 45 days) and Streptomycin (1 g daily for 15 days) as per medical advice.
      • Prevention: Vaccination of livestock, pasteurisation of milk, and public awareness campaigns to discourage the consumption of unpasteurised dairy products.

  • [7th February 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The saga of regulating India’s thermal power emissions

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC CSE 2020)

     

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Environmental Impact Assessment studies (2015), and conventional energy generation (2020).

    On December 30, 2024, the MoEFCC extended the deadline for thermal plants to meet SO₂ emission norms by three years without explanation. Originally set for December 31, 2024, this delay affects 20 GW of plants near densely populated areas. These norms were set in 2015 to tighten particulate matter limits and introduced SO₂ norms for the first time, aligning them with standards in countries like Australia, China, and the U.S., despite the short timeline for compliance.

    Today’s editorial talks about the revised emission norms for Indian thermal plants and impact of these norms. This content will help in GS Paper 3.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    On December 30, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) changed the Environment Protection Rules, extending the deadline for thermal power plants to meet sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission standards by three years without providing any explanation.

    What are the revised emission norms for Indian thermal plants?

    • New Deadlines: On December 30, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) extended the deadlines for thermal power plants to comply with sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission norms by three years. The revised deadlines are:
      • Category A (By Dec 31, 2027) – Thermal plants within 10 km of NCR or cities with over 1 million population (e.g., Dadri NTPC, Koradi) must comply first due to high pollution and population density.
      • Category B (By Dec 31, 2028) – Plants in critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities (e.g., Singrauli, Korba, Chandrapur) get extended timelines due to severe environmental concerns.
      • Category C (By Dec 31, 2029) – All other plants (e.g., Talcher, Mundra, Simhadri) must comply last as they are in lower-risk areas with relatively better air quality.
    • Historical Context: The original norms were established in December 2015, with an initial compliance deadline set for December 2017. This was later extended multiple times due to various challenges.

    Note: The categories for compliance with SO₂ emission norms for Indian thermal power plants are based on location and environmental impact.

    What are the challenges around implementing the flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology?

    • Technical and Financial Hurdles: The implementation of FGD technology has faced delays primarily due to high costs, inadequate supply chains, and operational complexities. Many plants tendered contracts for FGDs but did not progress at a pace necessary to meet earlier deadlines.
    • Debate on Necessity: Recent studies commissioned by NITI Aayog and conducted by CSIR-NEERI have questioned the urgency and necessity of FGD installations for improving air quality, suggesting that focus should instead be on particulate emissions. This has led to confusion and varied interpretations of compliance requirements among stakeholders.

    How successful has India been in implementing emission norms for thermal power plants?

    • Limited Progress: As of late 2024, only about 22 GW of thermal capacity had installed FGDs, which is less than 8% of the total coal-fired power generation capacity in India. The overall progress has been slower than anticipated since the introduction of the norms.
    • Compliance Monitoring Issues: There is a lack of transparency regarding adherence to existing norms, as pollution control boards have not consistently verified compliance. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.

    What are the economic and environmental consequences of noncompliance and what measures are in place to address this?

    • Health Impacts: The extension of compliance deadlines poses risks to public health, especially in densely populated areas like Delhi-NCR, where air pollution is already a critical issue. SO₂ is known to contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
    • Financial Burden on Consumers: Electricity regulators have allowed thermal plants to pass on the costs of installing FGDs to consumers, regardless of whether emission norms are met. This means consumers may end up paying for pollution control equipment that remains unused due to extended compliance timelines.
    • Environmental Compensation: For non-compliance beyond specified timelines, MoEFCC has introduced an environmental compensation scheme that penalizes plants based on their duration of non-compliance. This includes fees that escalate over time but may not be sufficient to incentivize timely compliance.

    Way forward: 

    • Strict Enforcement & Incentives – Strengthen regulatory oversight with real-time emissions monitoring, enforce penalties for non-compliance, and provide financial incentives or subsidies to accelerate FGD adoption.
    • Balanced Policy Approach – Address technical and financial barriers by improving supply chains, supporting domestic FGD manufacturing, and ensuring a phased yet firm transition while prioritising high-risk areas.