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GS Paper: GS3

  • What is Disease X and why should the world prepare for it?

    Why in the News?

    The outbreak reported in the first week of December 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already claimed more than 400 lives and is yet to be classified, has sparked concerns that it might be an example of Disease X.

    What is Disease X?

    • Definition: Disease X is a hypothetical term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 to represent an unknown pathogen that could potentially cause a global epidemic or pandemic.
    • Conceptual Origin: The term was created in the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic (2014-2016) to emphasise the need for preparedness against unpredictable infectious diseases.
    • Nature of Disease X: It serves as a placeholder for both “known unknowns” (threats we are aware of but do not fully understand) and “unknown unknowns” (threats we are not yet aware of). This acknowledges the likelihood of future pandemics without specifying their characteristics.
    • Potential Pathogens: Disease X could originate from a variety of sources, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, helminths, or prions. Historical data indicates that about 70% of emerging infectious diseases have zoonotic origins, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.
    • Emerging Disease Patterns: The emergence of new diseases is often linked to ecological disruptions caused by human activities such as deforestation and urbanisation, which increase contact between humans and wildlife.

    Why is it Important to Prepare for Disease X?

    • Global Health Security: Preparing for Disease X is essential for protecting public health globally. The emergence of new pathogens can lead to widespread illness and mortality, as demonstrated by COVID-19.
    • Unpredictable Nature of Outbreaks: The unpredictable emergence of infectious diseases necessitates robust surveillance and rapid response systems. Being prepared helps mitigate the impact of unforeseen threats.
    • Increasing Frequency of Outbreaks: The frequency of novel outbreaks has significantly increased since the mid-20th century due to environmental changes, urbanization, and human encroachment on wildlife habitats.
    • Economic Impact: Pandemics can have devastating economic consequences, disrupting trade, travel, and healthcare systems. Preparedness can help minimize these impacts.

    What should be done to prevent this? ( Way forward) 

    • Advances in Science and Technology: Investments in research, genomic sequencing, artificial intelligence, and public health infrastructure enhance our ability to detect and respond to emerging diseases quickly.
    • International Cooperation: Global collaboration is crucial for effective outbreak response. Initiatives like the WHO’s priority pathogen list and proposed Pandemic Treaty aim to foster a unified approach to health emergencies.
    • Equitable Access to Resources: Ensuring equitable access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines across all countries is vital for effective pandemic response, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • [pib] DAE-Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The DAE—Homi Bhabha Chair for Distinguished Scientists/Professors was launched in 2021 by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

    About DAE – Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme

    Details
    Aims and Objectives
    • To recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, including retired professionals, in atomic energy and related technologies.
    • Allow retired professionals to continue research aligned with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
    • Focus on research in sensitive atomic energy technologies, benefiting strategic sectors.
    Provisions and Features
    • Honorarium: Rs. 200,000 per month (capped at last drawn salary).
    • Contingency Grant: Rs. 76,000 per year for secretarial assistance, telephone bills, etc.
    • Equipment and Book Allowance: Rs. 1,25,000 for equipment and Rs. 10,000 for books.
    • Transport Allowance: Fixed monthly transport allowance for those without an official vehicle.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Eligibility: Open to distinguished scientists, including retirees involved in critical atomic technologies.
    • Tenure: 1 to 5 years, decided by a Selection Committee.
    • Implementation: Administered by DAE, providing research support and necessary infrastructure.
    Present Challenges
    • Financial Constraints: Budget limitations can affect the scale of research.
    • Integration of New Technologies: Adapting to the fast-changing technological landscape poses challenges.
    • Coordination across Stakeholders: Bureaucratic delays and communication issues can arise.

     

    Who was Homi Bhabha?

    The DAE—Homi Bhabha Chair for Distinguished Scientists/Professors was launched in 2021 by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

    • Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966) was a pioneering Indian physicist and the father of India’s nuclear programme.
    • He founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945 and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (later Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC) in 1954.
    • Bhabha formulated India’s three-stage nuclear power programme in the 1950s and emphasized nuclear power for military and energy purposes.
    • He was the first Indian to receive the Adams Prize in 1942 and served as the President of the UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1955.
    • Bhabha activated Apsara, Asia’s first research reactor, at BARC in 1956, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which of the following?

    (a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

    (b) Indian Institute of Science

    (c) Indian Space Research Organization

    (d) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

  • Climate impact of exploring space passing below the radar

    Why in the News?

    The growing reliance on space technologies for climate monitoring highlights urgent environmental concerns, including orbital debris and system interference, necessitating swift international regulations to ensure sustainable space exploration practices.

    How do Rockets affect the environment?

    • Emissions from Launches: Every rocket launch releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, black carbon, and water vapour into the atmosphere. Black carbon is particularly concerning as it absorbs sunlight much more effectively than carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming.
    • Ozone Layer Depletion: Rocket propellants, especially those containing chlorine-based chemicals, contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer at high altitudes. This increases ground-level exposure to ultraviolet radiation and disrupts atmospheric circulation, negatively impacting global climate.
    • Satellite Ash: When satellites re-enter the atmosphere at the end of their missions, they burn up and release metallic ash into the middle layers of the atmosphere, which can harm the atmosphere and potentially alter climate patterns.
    • Manufacturing Footprint: The production of satellites involves energy-intensive processes that have large carbon footprints due to the extraction and processing of metals and composite materials.
    • Space Mining Potential: Future activities such as space mining could lead to increased industrial activity both in space and on Earth, further contributing to environmental impacts.

    What are the Barriers to space sustainability?

    • Lack of Regulation: Current space activities operate outside international sustainability frameworks like the Paris Agreement. There are no clear guidelines for emissions from rockets and satellites, allowing unchecked growth that contributes to global warming.
    • Overcrowding in Low Earth Orbit (LEO): The increasing number of satellites and debris threatens to overcrowd LEO, making future missions more expensive and complicating access to space as a shared resource.
    • Need for International Cooperation: Effective regulation requires collaboration through international bodies like the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) to create enforceable standards for emissions and debris management.
    • Outdated Treaties: Existing frameworks such as the Outer Space Treaty lack binding provisions that address environmental impacts, limiting their effectiveness in promoting responsible space use.

    What would be the innovative solutions?

    • Reusable Rockets: Developing reusable rockets can significantly reduce manufacturing waste and lower costs by allowing components to be used in multiple missions. However, these rockets may be heavier, increasing fuel consumption, and require costly refurbishments.
    • Cleaner Fuels: Transitioning to cleaner fuels such as liquid hydrogen or biofuels can minimize harmful emissions during launches. However, current hydrogen production methods often rely on non-renewable energy sources, undermining its environmental benefits.
    • Biodegradable Satellites: Designing satellites with biodegradable materials that disintegrate upon re-entry could help prevent long-term debris accumulation. However, these materials currently lack durability for space conditions and face high development costs.
    • Autonomous Debris Removal (ADR): Technologies like robotic arms and laser systems show promise for cleaning up orbital debris but require significant investment and legal clarity before implementation.
    • Global Traffic Monitoring System: Establishing a real-time monitoring system for satellites and debris could reduce collision risks and optimize orbital use. However, data-sharing concerns due to security and commercial interests hinder its development.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish Binding International Frameworks: Governments should collaborate through COPUOS and other international platforms to create enforceable regulations for emissions, debris mitigation, and sustainable practices in space exploration.
    • Promote Innovation Through Incentives: Public and private entities should prioritize funding for green technologies, such as cleaner fuels, biodegradable satellites, and debris removal systems. Financial incentives like subsidies, tax benefits, or penalties can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the space sector.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?  (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • [pib] Projects under PM-DevINE Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Development of North-East Region has provided progress update regarding various projects under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) Scheme.

    About the PM-DevINE Scheme:

    Details PM-DevINE is a Central Sector scheme introduced under the Union Budget 2022-23, aiming to drive development in the North Eastern Region (NER) through infrastructure and social projects.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Infrastructure Development: Enhance connectivity and accessibility in NER, aligned with PM GatiShakti.
    • Social Development: Address critical issues and improve residents’ quality of life.
    • Livelihood Opportunities: Focus on creating opportunities for youth and women.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Nodal Agency: Ministry of Development of North-East Region.
    • Approval: Cabinet approved on 12th October 2022.
    • Central Funding: 100% central funding for projects.
    • Outlay: Rs. 6600 crore for FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26.
    • Project Sanctions: 35 projects worth Rs. 4857.11 crore sanctioned as of November 2024.
    State-wise Project Analysis
    • Sikkim: Passenger Ropeway System (completed), Skywalk Project (13% completed).
    • Mizoram: Bamboo Link Roads (28% completed).
    • Nagaland: Special Development Projects (30% completed).
    • Assam: School Transformations (55% completed), IT Park Construction (23% completed).
    • Manipur: Infrastructure for Manipur Technical University (25% completed).
    • Tripura: Solar Micro Grid (30% completed), Skill Development Centre (work started).

  • The significance of ANI versus OpenAI

    Why in the News?

    The lawsuit against OpenAI in India is poised to establish key precedents for defining the legal accountability of AI developers regarding the content generated by their platforms within the country.

    What are the core allegations made by ANI against OpenAI?

    • Unauthorized Use of Copyrighted Content: ANI alleges that OpenAI used its copyrighted news content to train its language models without obtaining the necessary permissions, constituting copyright infringement.
    • Verbatim Reproduction: ANI claims that ChatGPT generates responses that are either verbatim or substantially similar to its original articles, which violates copyright protections. They argue that this reproduction occurs without authorization.
    • False Attribution and Fabricated Information: ANI highlights instances where ChatGPT has attributed false statements or fabricated interviews to the agency, which they argue damages their reputation and risks spreading misinformation.
    • Ineffectiveness of Opt-Out Policy: ANI contends that OpenAI’s opt-out policy is ineffective because their content is still accessible through third-party websites, allowing OpenAI’s crawlers to scrape it despite ANI’s attempts to block access.
    • Request for Legal Restraints: ANI is seeking an interim injunction to prevent OpenAI from storing, using, or reproducing its work, as well as prohibiting access to its content through any means.

    How does this case reflect broader issues in AI and copyright law?

    • Liability of AI Platforms: The case presents an unresolved legal question regarding whether AI platforms can be held liable for copyright infringement when they use publicly available content for training purposes. This issue is not only pertinent in India but also resonates globally, as similar lawsuits have emerged in other jurisdictions.
    • Fair Use and Exceptions: The interpretation of fair use and the applicability of exceptions such as text and data mining (TDM) in the context of AI training remain ambiguous under Indian law. The court’s decision will be crucial in determining whether existing copyright frameworks can accommodate the unique characteristics of AI technologies.
    • Territoriality in Data Storage: OpenAI’s defence centres on the argument that it operates outside India, complicating the application of Indian copyright law. This raises broader concerns about data sovereignty and how traditional legal concepts apply to cloud-based services and distributed AI models.

    What implications does this case have for the future of AI development and media partnerships?

    • Setting Legal Precedents: The case may establish important legal precedents regarding the responsibilities of AI companies toward content creators, influencing how future disputes are resolved in India and potentially beyond.
    • Impact on Licensing Agreements: As seen with other publishers entering licensing agreements with AI firms, this case could encourage more formalised partnerships where media organisations negotiate terms for their content’s use in AI training, ensuring they receive compensation for their intellectual property.
    • Regulatory Framework Development: The lawsuit may prompt Indian lawmakers to consider new regulations addressing the use of copyrighted material by AI platforms, potentially leading to clearer guidelines that balance innovation with the rights of content creators.
    • Challenges for Smaller Publishers: While larger media organisations may have the resources to negotiate favourable terms with AI companies, smaller publishers could face difficulties without similar leverage. This disparity could affect diversity in media representation and innovation within the industry.

    Way forward: 

    • Establish a Balanced Regulatory Framework: Policymakers should develop clear guidelines addressing the use of copyrighted material by AI platforms, incorporating provisions for text and data mining (TDM) and fair use exceptions.
    • Promote Collaborative Licensing Models: Media organisations and AI firms should work towards formalised licensing agreements that outline terms for the use of copyrighted content in AI training.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Deepening India’s steps as a key space-faring nation

    Why in the News?

    India has set ambitious objectives for its space programme over the next two decades, focusing on the development of powerful, reusable rockets like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

    What are the recent achievements of India’s space program?

    • Chandrayaan-3 Mission: India successfully achieved a soft landing near the lunar south pole with its Chandrayaan-3 mission, marking a historic milestone as the fourth country to do so. This mission demonstrated India’s growing technological capabilities in space exploration.
    • Aditya L1 Mission: Launched as India’s first space-based solar observatory, Aditya L1 aims to study the outer atmosphere of the Sun, contributing valuable data to solar science.
    • Gaganyaan Preparations: ISRO is actively working on the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into orbit by 2025. This includes extensive testing of human-rated launch vehicles and crew escape systems.
    • Budget Increases: The Indian government allocated approximately $1.5 billion to the Department of Space for 2024-2025, reflecting a commitment to enhance space capabilities and infrastructure.

    How is India planning to expand its human spaceflight and exploration capabilities?

    • Gaganyaan Mission: This mission is pivotal for establishing India’s human spaceflight capabilities, with plans for multiple uncrewed test flights leading up to a manned mission. The first crewed flight is targeted for late 2024.
    • Lunar Exploration Goals: India plans to achieve a crewed lunar landing by 2040 and establish a lunar space station to facilitate ongoing research and exploration efforts on the Moon.
    • Bharatiya Antariksha Station: The establishment of India’s first space station in low Earth orbit is planned by 2035, serving as a platform for scientific research and technology testing.
    • Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): The development of the NGLV will enhance India’s heavy-lift capabilities, crucial for supporting human missions and larger payloads in future explorations.

    What role does international collaboration play in India’s space ambitions?

    • Commercial Partnerships: India has engaged in collaborations with international companies like SpaceX for satellite launches, showcasing an openness to leveraging foreign technology and expertise in its space endeavours.
    • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Recent reforms have opened up India’s space sector to increased foreign investment, fostering partnerships that can enhance technological capabilities and innovation within the domestic industry.
    • Collaborative Research and Development: By exploring foreign collaboration opportunities, Indian corporations can access advanced rocket technologies and expertise that may not currently exist within the country, accelerating development timelines for projects like reusable rockets.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Private Sector Engagement: India should actively encourage partnerships with domestic and international private companies to accelerate the development of advanced space technologies, such as reusable rockets and heavy-lift vehicles, ensuring a competitive edge in global space exploration.
    • Expand International Collaborations: India should deepen its space collaborations with countries and space agencies globally, particularly in research, technology sharing, and joint missions, to leverage global expertise and enhance its own space capabilities.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • [pib] Yuva Sahakar Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Cooperation, in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha has informed about the progress of the Yuva Sahakar Scheme.

    Current Financial Details:

    • As of 30th November 2024, the following financial assistance details have been recorded:
      • Sanctioned Amount: ₹4734.97 lakh to cooperatives with 18,915 beneficiary members.
      • Disbursed Amount: ₹294.44 lakh.
      • Sanctioned for 2024: ₹230.61 lakh, with ₹89.88 lakh disbursed.

    About the Yuva Sahakar Scheme:

    Details
    Overview and Objectives
    • Launched in 2018 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    • Implemented by NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation), which operates under the Ministry of Cooperation
    • Goal: To promote the formation of new cooperative societies and encourage innovative ideas from young entrepreneurs.
    • Targets cooperatives that have been operational for at least 3 months.
    NOTE: NCDC was established in 1963 as a statutory Corporation under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
    Features and Provisions
    • Loan Tenure: Up to 5 years.
    • Interest Subvention: 2% subvention on the applicable interest rate for term loans related to project activities.
    • Subsidy Integration: Loans can be combined with subsidies available under other Government of India schemes.
    • Eligibility: All cooperatives in operation for at least 1 year are eligible for funding based on proposed projects.
    Significance
    • Encourages cooperatives to explore new and innovative areas.
    • Dedicated fund by NCDC for youth cooperatives.
      • Linked to the ₹1000 crore Cooperative Start-up and Innovation Fund (CSIF).
    • Increased funding for cooperatives from North Eastern regions, Aspirational Districts, and those with women, SC/ST, or PwD members.

  • [pib] New Policy Initiatives in Agriculture Sector

    Why in the News?

    • The Government of India, recognizing agriculture as a State subject, actively supports State governments through various policy measures and budgetary allocations aimed at improving the welfare of farmers.
      • Below are some key initiatives approved by the Union Cabinet:
    Clean Plant Programme (CPP)
    • Approval Date: 09.08.2024 ; Outlay: ₹1,765.67 crore
    • Objective: Enhance quality and productivity of horticulture crops.
    • Key Features: Focus on providing disease-free planting material, promoting climate-resilient varieties, reducing crop losses, and improving horticultural produce quality.
    • Financial Support: 50% from Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) budget and 50% as a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
    • Implementation: Establishment of 9 Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) for disease diagnostics, treatments, and quarantine; development of large-scale nurseries for clean planting material propagation; creation of a regulatory and certification framework to ensure traceability in planting material production.
    Digital Agriculture Mission
    • Objective: Create a robust digital ecosystem for farmers by providing timely and reliable crop-related information.
    • Key Features: Establish Agristack, Krishi Decision Support System (DSS), Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map, Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and expansion of IT platforms like Krishi Nivesh Portal and Krishi-DSS Portal.
    • Digital Infrastructure: Promotes farmer-centric solutions, digitization, and technology-enabled agricultural services.

    (Discussed in detail in one of the today’s articles.)
    Agriculture Infrastructure Fund Scheme
    • Approval Date: 28.08.2024
    • Objective: Enhance agricultural infrastructure across India.
    • Key Features: Loans up to ₹2 crores with 3% interest subvention for 7 years. Covers a wide range of entities like PACS, FPOs, self-help groups, agri-entrepreneurs. 24% reserved for SC/ST entrepreneurs.
    • Credit Guarantee: Available under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) for loans up to ₹2 crores.
      Integration: Linked with PM Kusum ‘A’ and other community farming assets projects to enhance agricultural production.
    National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)
    • Approval Date: 03.10.2024; Outlay: ₹10,103 crore
    • Objective: Boost domestic oilseed production and achieve self-reliance in edible oils.
    • Implementation Period: 2024-25 to 2030-31
    • Key Features: Target to increase oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. Focus on key oilseeds like rapeseed, mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, and Sesamum.
    • Expansion: Oilseed cultivation in rice fallow areas, and intercropping. Setting up 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units. Development of over 600 Value Chain Clusters in 347 districts.
    National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
    • Approval Date: 25.11.2024; Outlay: ₹2,481 crore (GOI Share: ₹1,584 crore; State Share: ₹897 crore)
    • Objective: Promote natural farming practices across India.
    • Key Features: Focus on Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP), scaling up natural farming across 7.5 lakh hectares through 15,000 clusters.
    • Financial Assistance: ₹15,000 per hectare for 3 years to farmers for infrastructure creation.
    • Infrastructure: Establishment of 15,000 BRCs to facilitate access to bio-inputs like cow dung, neem, and bioculture. Master Trainer Program for large-scale training on natural farming techniques.
    Additional Key Programmes Initiated in 2024-25
    1. National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS): To monitor and control pest infestations.
    2. AgriSURE: A fund for start-ups and rural enterprises in agriculture.
    3. Krishi Nivesh Portal (Phase-I): A platform for facilitating investments in the agriculture sector.
    4. Krishi-DSS Portal: A geospatial platform to provide decision support for Indian agriculture.
    5. Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM): Promoting sustainable agricultural practices through carbon credit initiatives.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture?

    1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
    2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
    3. Social Capital development
    4. Free electricity supply to farmers
    5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
    6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 6 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

  • [pib] Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM)

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has provided details of the progress and implementation of Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM).

    Progress as of December 2024:

    • As of 5th December 2024, the following progress has been reported:
      • 29,99,306 Farmer IDs have been created.
      • Digital Crop Survey (DCS) has been conducted in 436 districts during the Kharif 2024 season.

     

    About the Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM):

    Details
    Overview and Launch
    • Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) was approved on 2nd September 2024 with an outlay of ₹2817 Crore.
      • Initially planned for the financial year 2021-22, but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Aligned with the Union Budget 2024-25 and 2023-24 announcements for implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Digital Identities for 11 crore farmers are targeted over the next 3 years: 6 crore in FY 2024-25, 3 crore in FY 2025-26, and 2 crore in FY 2026-27.
    • Digital Crop Survey to be launched nationwide: 400 districts in FY 2024-25 and all districts in FY 2025-26.
    Provisions and Features AgriStack: Includes 3 foundational registries:
    1. Farmers’ Registry: A database recording information about farmers.
    2. Geo-referenced Village Maps: Digital maps providing geographical data related to agricultural areas.
    3. Crop Sown Registry: A digital registry tracking crops sown by farmers.

    • Krishi Decision Support System (DSS): Designed to assist farmers in making data-driven decisions related to farming practices. It integrates remote sensing data on crops, soil, weather, and water resources into a comprehensive geospatial system.
    • Comprehensive Soil Fertility & Profile Map: A map designed to help farmers understand soil health, enabling informed decisions about fertilizer usage and crop selection.
    • Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES): Provides yield estimates based on scientifically designed crop-cutting experiments.
    • Soil Profile Mapping: Detailed soil profile maps on a 1:10,000 scale for approximately 142 million hectares of agricultural land.
    Structural Mandate
    • Supported by the Central Government, State Governments, and Academic & Research Institutions for successful implementation.
    • AgriStack is designed as a federated structure, where State Governments retain ownership of the data.
    • The system follows privacy standards set by the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, ensuring data security and privacy.

    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

  • [10th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: In energy-dependent world, the issue of food security

    PYQ Relevance:
    Q) What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Food Security’ (in 2021), ‘conventional energy generation’ (in 2020) and ‘India’s Energy Security’ (in 2017).

    “Food insecurity and energy poverty are critical to ensuring global stability, but addressing them in isolation is inadequate,” cautions the World Bank in its latest climate and development report. The intertwined crises of food and energy security are shaping the course of the 21st century, posing significant threats to global stability. Food production is under pressure from climate change, population growth, and inequality, while energy systems grapple with geopolitical conflicts, aging infrastructure, and a slow shift away from fossil fuels. 

    Today’s editorial explores their deep interconnection and intensifies the challenge: agriculture, vital for humanity, is both a major energy consumer and a driver of climate change.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    In a virtual address at the 5th Energy Finance Conference, it was emphasized that energy-reliant agricultural systems struggle to adapt to climate-induced changes in food production, underscoring their interlinked challenges.

    Impact of Energy Price Fluctuations on Food Production and Security

    • Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Agriculture relies heavily on fossil fuels for mechanization, irrigation, fertilizer production, and transportation. This dependence creates a cycle where rising energy prices lead to increased costs for food production, directly impacting food security.
    • Volatility in Natural Gas Prices: Natural gas is crucial for fertilizer production so fluctuations in its prices can significantly affect fertilizer costs and, consequently, global food prices. For instance, geopolitical actions such as export bans can disrupt supply chains, exacerbating food insecurity in countries reliant on imports.
    • Climate Change Effects: Erratic weather patterns due to climate change further strain agricultural output, putting the livelihoods of billions at risk.
      • Nearly 11.8% of the global population faced severe food insecurity between 2020 and 2023, a figure expected to rise significantly.

    Role of Sustainable Energy in Enhancing Food Security

    • Renewable Energy Investments: The transition to renewable energy presents opportunities for enhancing food security. Investments in renewable technologies can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower operational costs for agricultural practices.
    • Innovative Solutions: Solar-powered irrigation and biomass energy solutions could transform agricultural productivity. However, high costs and inadequate infrastructure limit their adoption in low-income countries where they are needed most.
    • Reducing Vulnerability: Clean energy solutions can help mitigate the vulnerability of food systems to energy price shocks. By integrating renewable energy into agricultural practices, countries can improve resilience against climate-induced disruptions.

    Strategies to Address the Nexus of Water, Energy, and Food Security (Way Forward)

    • Integrated Policy Approaches: A holistic approach that integrates water management with energy and food policies is essential. This includes promoting water-efficient agricultural practices and investing in infrastructure that supports sustainable resource management.
    • Investment in Renewable Technologies: Increasing investments in renewable energy infrastructure can support agricultural productivity while reducing carbon emissions. This includes expanding access to clean energy solutions for rural areas to enhance agricultural efficiency.
    • Financial Support for Vulnerable Communities: Providing financial resources and technical support to low-income nations is crucial for enabling them to transition towards sustainable practices without exacerbating poverty. Targeted investments can help build resilience against climate impacts while ensuring food security.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/in-energy-dependent-world-the-issue-of-food-security/article68966351.ece