💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3

  • Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS)

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

    About Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS):

    • GHCS aims to certify that hydrogen produced in India meets the criteria to be labelled as “green hydrogen”, based on verified emissions data.
    • The scheme enhances transparency, credibility, and traceability in hydrogen production and supports India’s goal of becoming a global hub for green hydrogen exports.
    • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal agency responsible for the implementation of this scheme.
    • Certification under GHCS also helps producers access carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), subject to additional requirements.
    • The scheme covers hydrogen produced using electrolysis with renewable energy or biomass conversion.

    Key Features of GHCS:

    • Hydrogen will be certified as “green” if its non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions are ≤ 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen, averaged over 12 months.
    • The certification process includes four stages:
      • Concept Certificate (project design stage)
      • Facility-Level Certificate (infrastructure readiness)
      • Provisional Certificate (early production data)
      • Final Certificate (verified emissions based on actual production)
    • Only the Final Certificate is mandatory for producers seeking government incentives or selling hydrogen in the domestic market.
    • Producers must appoint Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies for independent verification, recognized by the BEE.
    • The scheme is aligned with international standards like ISO 19870:2023, ensuring global credibility.
    • Certificates are issued in multiples of 100 kg of hydrogen, containing details on emission intensity and production sources.
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

    1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation . 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How may of the above statements are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three * (d) None

     

  • Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle returns to Ganga after 3 Decades

    Why in the News?

    The red-crowned roofed turtle has returned to the Ganga River after nearly 30 years of absence.

    Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle returns to Ganga after 3 Decades

    About Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

    • The Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) is one of the most endangered freshwater turtle species in the world.
    • It is native to South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
    • Historically found in deep, flowing rivers with sandbar nesting sites, it now survives only in the Chambal River, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining.
    • This species plays a crucial role in maintaining river ecosystem balance by controlling aquatic vegetation and contributing to nutrient cycling.
    • Under the Namami Gange Mission and Turtle Survival Alliance India (TSAFI) project, 20 turtles (10 males, 10 females) were released into the Ganga River at Haiderpur Wetland and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • The IUCN Red List categorizes it as Critically Endangered, while India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 lists it in Schedule I, offering the highest legal protection.
    • It is also listed under Appendix I of CITES, regulating international trade of the species.
    [UPSC 2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

    Options: (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger*. (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction.  (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India. (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

     

  • Centre hikes Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Sugarcane for 2025-26

    Why in the News?

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the 2025-26 sugar season, raising it from ₹340 per quintal to ₹355 per quintal.

    About Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP):

    • The FRP for sugarcane is set under the Sugarcane Control Order, 1966.
    • It replaced the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) in 2009-10 to better align with economic conditions and improve farmers’ welfare.
    • It represents the minimum price sugar mills must pay to farmers for sugarcane.
    • It is determined by the central government based on Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommendations, with discussions involving state authorities and sugar industry associations.
    • Factors Influencing FRP:
      1. Cost of production: ₹173 per quintal for 2025-26.
      2. Return from alternative crops: Comparison of potential earnings from other crops.
      3. Consumer sugar prices: Affects sugar production costs.
      4. Sale price of sugar: Influences the FRP.
      5. Sugarcane-to-sugar recovery rate: Efficiency of conversion.
      6. Income from by-products: Including molasses and bagasse.
      7. Profit margins for farmers: Ensures financial viability.
    • State Agreed Price (SAP): States can set SAP, often higher than the FRP, based on local conditions.
    • Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar was introduced in 2018 to protect farmers, including FRP and conversion costs.

    Sugarcane Cultivation in India:

    • Sugarcane is India’s highest production-value crop, key for producing sugar, jaggery, and khan sari.
    • Major states: Uttar Pradesh (contributes 50% of total production), Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.  
    • Sugarcane thrives in a tropical climate (21°C – 27°C), with 75cm-150cm rainfall. It needs well-drained soil and a cool, dry winter for ripening.
    • India has the largest global sugarcane cultivation area after Brazil.
    • The ratooning method reduces costs by allowing a second crop from the same roots.
    [UPSC 2015] The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the:

    Options: (a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs* (b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture (d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee

     

  • ITER Tokamak Reactor

    Why in the News?

    Scientists working on the world’s largest nuclear fusion project ITER has completed its main magnet system with India playing a key role in building critical infrastructure.

    About ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor):

    • ITER is the world’s largest nuclear fusion research project, aimed at demonstrating that nuclear fusion can be a safe, carbon-free, and sustainable energy source.
    • It involves 35 nations, including the EU, US, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Russia.
    • It uses deuterium and tritium (hydrogen isotopes) to undergo fusion at temperatures over 150 million °C, 10 times hotter than the sun’s core, producing large amounts of energy.
    • Its goal is to achieve a fusion gain (Q) of 10, producing 500 megawatts of fusion power from just 50 megawatts of input heating power, a 10x gain.
    • Launched in 1985 and officially founded in 2006, the project began construction in 2007 and is expected to start its operations in 2033.
    • The tokamak is a doughnut-shaped magnetic fusion device used to contain the hot plasma required for nuclear fusion.
    • It uses powerful superconducting magnets to confine plasma and prevent it from touching the reactor walls.

    India’s Role in ITER/Tokamak:

    • India has been a full partner in ITER since 2005, contributing expertise and technology to key aspects of the project.
    • It has designed and manufactured the cryostat, a 30-meter-high, 30-meter-diameter vacuum shell made of stainless steel that houses the ITER tokamak and maintains the ultra-cold environment needed for superconducting magnets.
    • It has developed in-wall shielding to protect ITER’s components from heat generated during fusion reactions.
    • It provides cryogenic systems to cool the superconducting magnets and RF heating systems to heat the plasma to fusion temperatures.
    • It has contributed to developing the superconducting magnets, which are essential for plasma confinement inside the tokamak.

    Note:

    • India manages ITER-India, a project under the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), overseeing key contributions, including diagnostics, power supplies, and other infrastructure.
    • It is also working on the development of a tritium breeding module for future fusion reactors, ensuring self-sufficiency in this critical fuel.

     

    [UPSC 2016] India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

    Options: (a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation (b) It attain a global role in satellite-navigation (c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation (d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation*

     

  • Government revamps National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing Alok Joshi, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as its new chairman.

    About National Security Advisory Board (NSAB):

    • The NSAB is a high-level advisory body to the National Security Council (NSC).
    • It plays a crucial role in shaping national security policies and responses to both internal and external threats.
    • Composition: The NSAB includes eminent individuals from sectors like the armed forces, IPS, IFS, academia, and civil society, selected for expertise in areas such as defense, foreign affairs, internal security, economic affairs, and science & technology.
    • Key Functions:
      • Provide expert analysis on long-term security issues to the NSC.
      • Recommend solutions and policies on matters referred by the NSC.
      • Contribute significantly to India’s Nuclear Doctrine, Strategic Defence Reviews, and other critical policy frameworks.

    Back2Basics: National Security Council (NSC)

    • The NSC is the apex body advising the Prime Minister on national security and foreign policy matters, coordinating the government’s efforts to ensure the nation’s security.
    • It was established on 19 November 1998 by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
    • Members: National Security Advisor (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home, and Finance, Deputy NSA, Additional NSAs, and the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
    • Three-Tier Structure:
      • Strategic Policy Group (SPG): Highest decision-making body.
      • NSAB: Provides advisory support.
      • NSCS: Implements NSC decisions.
    • In July 2024, the NSCS was revamped to fill the Additional NSA post, delegating internal security management and threat analysis to enhance the NSA’s focus on broader challenges.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances. 2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to person being held for preventive detention 3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

     

  • Cosmic Clumpiness and the S8 Tension

    Why in the News?

    New research suggests that understanding the “clumpiness” of matter, measured by Sigma-8 (S8) Tension, could unlock key insights into the universe’s structure and complexity.

    What is S8?

    • S8 is a measure used by scientists to understand the distribution of matter across the universe, indicating how “clumpy” or evenly spread out the matter (like galaxies, stars, and dark matter) is.
    • High S8 tension means matter is clumped together in certain regions, while low S8 means it’s evenly distributed.
    • Scientists use S8 to study matter, including dark matter, which is invisible but makes up most of the universe.
    • The measurement of S8 helps explain how the universe fits together and has evolved since the Big Bang.
    • Recently, conflicting measurements of S8 have caused confusion, raising questions about our understanding of the universe.

    Implications for the ΛCDM Model:

    • The ΛCDM model (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) is the standard model explaining the universe’s structure, suggesting it’s mainly composed of dark matter and dark energy.
    • This model assumes that dark energy is causing the universe’s accelerating expansion.
    • S8 discrepancies may challenge the ΛCDM model, indicating a potential gap in our understanding of dark energy or dark matter.
    • Possible Implications:
      • Revised Theories: Scientists may need to adjust their model of the universe due to conflicting S8 values.
      • Re-thinking Dark Energy: If S8 measurements don’t align with predictions, dark energy might not behave as expected.
      • New Discoveries: The S8 tension could suggest undiscovered forces or particles influencing matter behavior.
      • Better Observations: Improved telescopes and surveys, like the Rubin Legacy Survey, may help clarify why S8 measurements conflict with predictions.
    [UPSC 2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

    (1) It is he world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic km of ice. (2) It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter. (3) It is buried deep in the ice. 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*

     

  • What is AIM4NatuRe Initiative?

    Why in the News?

    On Earth Day, April 22, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe) Initiative aimed at accelerating nature restoration.

    About the AIM4NatuRe Initiative:

    • AIM4NatuRe is a global initiative launched by the FAO aimed at enhancing countries’ ability to monitor and report ecosystem restoration efforts.
    • With £7 million (approximately USD 9.38 million) from the United Kingdom, the initiative will run from 2025 to 2028, focusing on restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems globally by 2030, in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
    • Key aspects:
      • Utilizes advanced technology and data frameworks for ecosystem restoration monitoring.
      • Targets restoration across forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and agricultural landscapes.
      • Integrates Indigenous knowledge in restoration efforts.
      • Develops tools like the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) and builds a unified global dataset for transparency.

    Key Stakeholders:

    • FAO: Leads the initiative, providing tools, data, and frameworks to support restoration.
    • UK: Provides financial backing and focuses on helping countries achieve the 30×30 target.
    • Indigenous Communities: Contribute traditional knowledge and participate in restoration efforts.
    • World Resources Institute (WRI): Supports global restoration initiatives, including the Kham River Restoration Mission in India.
    • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Shapes the biodiversity framework for monitoring progress on 30% ecosystem restoration by 2030.
    • World Bank: Provides funding and technical expertise for financing and implementing ecosystem restoration.
    [UPSC 2014] Consider the following international agreements:

    1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. 2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. 3. The World Heritage Convention.

    Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?

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

     

  • [30th April 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: A powerful judicial remedy for waste management

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2023] The most significant achievement of modern law in India in the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

    Linkage: The Supreme Court’s proactive role in integrating environmental concerns into constitutional law, aligns with the source’s assertion that environmental protection is a constitutional imperative aimed at safeguarding fundamental rights.

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  A new study published in Nature says that India is the world’s biggest plastic polluter, releasing 9.3 million tonnes of plastic each year—about 20% of the global total. The study defines plastic emissions as plastic waste (like litter and burned plastic) that escapes from areas where it’s at least somewhat controlled and ends up in the open environment, where there’s no control at all.

    Today’s editorial looks at plastic pollution in India and the actions taken by the Supreme Court to reduce it. This topic is useful for GS Paper 2 (Policy and governance) and GS Paper 3 (Environmental pollution).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    A new study published in Nature says that India produces more plastic pollution than any other country in the world.

    What does the Nature study reveal about India’s plastic pollution?

    • India is the World’s Largest Plastic Polluter: According to the study, India releases 9.3 million tonnes (Mt) of plastic waste annually, accounting for about 20% of global plastic emissions. Eg: This includes both plastic debris and open burning, contributing heavily to land, air, and water pollution.
    • Plastic Waste Emissions Include Mismanaged and Openly Burnt Waste: Plastic emissions are defined as plastic that moves from controlled (managed or mismanaged) systems to unmanaged, uncontained environments. Eg: Waste escaping from open dumpsites or burnt in open fields, common in peri-urban and rural India.
    • Official Data Grossly Underestimates Real Waste Figures: India’s reported per capita plastic waste generation is 0.12 kg/day, but the study estimates it at 0.54 kg/day, suggesting severe underreporting. Eg: Rural waste and informal recycling activities are often excluded from government reports.
    • Uncontrolled Dumpsites Far Outnumber Sanitary Landfills: The study found that unregulated dumpsites outnumber sanitary landfills by 10:1, highlighting a major infrastructure gap. Eg: Cities like Patna and Guwahati rely on open dumping due to lack of engineered landfills.
    • Data Deficiency Hampers Effective Waste Management: Lack of reliable data, especially from rural areas and informal sectors, weakens national waste management planning. Eg: In the Indian Himalayan Region, poor data on plastic waste flow leads to accumulation in fragile ecosystems.

    Why is India’s plastic waste data seen as inaccurate?

    • Exclusion of Rural Areas from Official Data: Government statistics largely reflect urban waste generation, ignoring plastic waste from vast rural regions. Eg: Villages disposing plastic in fields or burning it are not included in national data systems.
    • Unaccounted Informal Recycling Sector: The informal sector plays a big role in plastic recycling but is not officially documented in waste audits. Eg: Ragpickers collecting and selling recyclables in Delhi or Mumbai don’t show up in municipal records.
    • No Data on Open Burning of Waste: Open burning, a major source of plastic emissions, is not systematically tracked or included in national waste reports. Eg: In slums and small towns, plastic is often burnt in the open due to lack of collection facilities.
    • Overreporting of Waste Collection Coverage: India claims a 95% collection rate, but this is likely overstated due to poor documentation and ground reality. Eg: Areas with irregular garbage pickup services are still marked as “covered” in official data.
    • Lack of Transparent Data Methodology: There is no clarity on how data is collected, audited, or verified by municipal or state agencies. Eg: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports don’t mention the sampling or survey methods used.

    How can India improve its waste management system?

    • Ensure Reliable and Inclusive Data Collection: Create a robust, transparent mechanism to collect data from both urban and rural areas, including informal sectors. Eg: Use mobile apps or digital platforms to track daily waste from panchayats and slums in states like Bihar or Odisha.
    • Mandate Waste Audits and Public Methodologies: All data-gathering agencies must publish their methodologies and undergo third-party audits to ensure accuracy. Eg: Municipal bodies in Maharashtra could be required to disclose how they measure household waste generation.
    • Link Local Bodies to Full Waste Processing Ecosystem: Every urban and rural local body should be mandatorily connected to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), recyclers, EPR kiosks, and landfills. Eg: Villages in Himachal Pradesh could be linked to nearby MRFs for segregating plastic and compostable waste.
    • Implement and Monitor Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) must collect and manage plastic waste they generate, through designated kiosks. Eg: FMCG companies could set up EPR kiosks in towns across Tamil Nadu to collect multi-layered packaging.
    • Leverage Technology and Geo-tag Infrastructure: Use India’s tech capability to geo-tag waste infrastructure, monitor waste flows, and plan better logistics. Eg: Using GIS-based dashboards to track landfill use and recycling rates in cities like Bengaluru and Jaipur.

    What is the Vellore Tanneries Case?

    • The Vellore Tanneries Case refers to a significant legal battle concerning the environmental pollution caused by the tannery industry in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. It is a landmark case due to its focus on the polluter pays principle and environmental justice.

    Why did the Supreme Court act on the Vellore tanneries case? 

    • To Enforce Environmental Justice and Fundamental Rights: The Court recognized that pollution from tanneries violated citizens’ fundamental rights to clean air, water, and health, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. Eg: Villagers in Vellore affected by contaminated groundwater and health issues were denied their basic rights.
    • To Ensure Accountability and Compliance: Government policies and earlier Court orders had been routinely ignored, so the Court issued a continuing mandamus to ensure time-bound compliance. Eg: The Court directed a committee to monitor clean-up and remediation in Vellore and submit reports within 4 months.
    • To Uphold the “Polluter Pays Principle”: The Court ruled that polluters must bear the cost of damage to the environment and compensate affected communities. Eg: Tanneries discharging untreated effluents were made liable for both environmental restoration and community compensation.
    • To Promote Sustainable Development through Remediation: The Court emphasized that restoring the damaged environment is a part of sustainable development, not an optional activity. Eg: Soil and water remediation programs in the affected leather clusters were ordered to be implemented.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Data Collection and Transparency: Establish comprehensive waste data systems that include rural areas, informal sectors, and open burning, with clear methodologies and third-party audits to ensure accurate reporting.
    • Implement Robust Waste Management Infrastructure: Connect local bodies to the full waste processing ecosystem, enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastic waste, and leverage technology to track and manage waste flows effectively.

  • Growth pangs: On industrial activity

    Why in the News?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Way forward: 

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

    Mains PYQ:

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

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

  • High temperatures and mango production

    Why in the News?

    There has been a decrease in mango harvests. Mangoes don’t taste as sweet as before. They are also getting more expensive. Mangoes are arriving in the market too early. Mango pickles aren’t lasting the whole year. The mango trees are flowering earlier than usual. These are some of the common concerns people have been talking about regarding mangoes in India recently.

    What are the observed effects of rising temperatures on mango production and quality in India?

    • Early Flowering and Fruiting: Rising temperatures cause mango trees to flower earlier than usual, disrupting natural growth cycles. Eg: Farmers report mangoes arriving too early in the market, affecting planned harvest timelines and market dynamics.
    • Reduced Sweetness and Shelf Life: Heat stress can reduce sugar accumulation in fruits, making them less sweet, and also affect pickle shelf life. Eg: Anecdotal reports mention that mango pickles don’t last through the year and mangoes don’t taste as sweet.
    • Fruit Drop and Uneven Ripening: High temperatures lead to premature fruit drop and uneven ripening, lowering fruit quality. Eg: In varieties like Alphonso, issues like spongy tissue disorder are increasingly observed.
    • Sun Scalding and Physical Damage: Intense heat can cause sunburn-like damage on mango skins, reducing market value. Eg: Farmers note sun scalding of mangoes during heatwaves, making them less visually appealing.
    • Disruption of Pollination and Budding Cycles: Extreme weather events (dry spells, heavy rains, hail) disrupt budding, pollination, and fruit setting. Eg: Farmers report fluctuating weather is altering the timing of flowering, which negatively impacts yield consistency.

    Why is there a contrast between anecdotal reports and official productivity data regarding mango yields?

    • Regional Variations in Climate Impact: While official productivity data presents a national average, anecdotal reports come from specific regions that may have experienced harsher climate conditions. Eg: A farmer in Uttar Pradesh may experience fruit drop due to untimely rains, whereas other regions may report normal or high yields, balancing the national figures.
    • Difference in Measuring Parameters: Official data focuses on total output in tonnes per hectare, whereas farmers often talk about quality—taste, sweetness, shelf life, or physical appearance. Eg: Mangoes may appear in large quantities, but may not taste sweet or store well, leading to dissatisfaction among consumers and producers alike.
    • Time Lag in Reporting: Anecdotal reports are immediate and reflect real-time experiences during flowering or harvesting, while official data is compiled and released after the season. Eg: Farmers might report poor flowering due to early summer heat, but yield data may still show good figures after accounting for recovery measures.
    • Improved Farming Practices Masking Stress: Advancements like drip irrigation, better grafting, and fertilizers may help maintain or even boost yields despite climate-related stress. Eg: A farmer using hybrid varieties may achieve good productivity even during erratic weather, skewing overall data upward.
    • Sampling and Data Limitations: Official data often relies on sampling or estimates that may not fully capture smaller orchards or severely affected areas. Eg: Small-scale mango growers hit by hailstorms might not be reflected in state-level yield reports that depend on broad sampling zones.

    What does research suggest about the resilience and adaptability of mango trees in the face of global warming?

    • High Genetic Diversity Enables Adaptation: Mango trees exhibit significant genetic variation across different cultivars, which enhances their capacity to survive under changing climatic conditions. Eg: Varieties like Dasheri and Banganapalli show better resilience to heat stress compared to others like Alphonso.
    • Physiological Mechanisms Support Stress Tolerance: Mango trees possess physiological traits—such as deep root systems and efficient water usage—that help them cope with drought and high temperatures. Eg: In regions like Telangana, mango trees withstand prolonged dry spells better than other fruit crops.
    • Compatibility with Heat and Drought Conditions: Mangoes can thrive in tropical climates with long dry seasons, making them naturally suited to certain aspects of climate change. Eg: Research from Egypt and India shows mango cultivation persists even as rainfall becomes erratic.
    • Potential for Climate-Resilient Breeding: The genetic resources available in mangoes make them a strong candidate for breeding programs to develop climate-resilient varieties. Eg: Scientists are working on cross-breeding varieties that combine drought tolerance with disease resistance.
    • Long Lifespan and Adaptive Growth Patterns: As perennial trees, mango plants can adjust flowering and fruiting cycles over time in response to climatic shifts. Eg: In some regions, trees are now flowering earlier, and though it affects timing, it shows their capacity to adapt development stages.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government? 

    • Promotion of Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices: The Indian government promotes the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices through schemes like the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). This includes water-efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, which help mango farmers cope with erratic weather and water scarcity.
    • Support for Agro-Weather Advisory and Early Warning Systems: The Indian government has implemented agro-weather advisory services through the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and state-level agricultural departments.
    • Research and Development for Climate-Resilient Varieties: The government supports research through agencies like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to develop heat-resistant and drought-tolerant mango varieties.

    Way forward: 

    • Develop Climate-Resilient Mango Varieties: Focus on breeding heat-resistant and drought-tolerant mango varieties to ensure consistent yield and quality under changing climate conditions.
    • Promote Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices: Expand the use of efficient irrigation systems, water conservation techniques, and post-harvest infrastructure to improve resilience and reduce losses.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] Discuss the consequences of climate change on the food security in tropical countries.

    Linkage: The anecdotal observations about mangoes to higher temperatures and climate change. Mangoes are a tropical crop, and changes in their productivity and characteristics due to rising temperatures are a direct consequence of climate change potentially impacting food security in tropical regions like India.