PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2015] Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.
Linkage: The article highlights that the World Bank’s report, “India Poverty and Equity Brief: April 2025,” claims India has “almost eradicated extreme poverty” and “significantly reduced consumption inequality since 2011-12”. This directly supports the premise in the PYQ about a reduction in poverty levels. |
Mentor’s Comment: The World Bank’s April 2025 report highlights a decline in extreme poverty in India, supported by new HCES datarevealing insights into consumption inequality. The launch of the PMDDKY aims to reform agriculture through district-level planning, despite concerns over falling public investment in agriculture. Emphasis on inclusive participation and localised implementation is crucial for sustainable growth.
Today’s editorial analyses the World Bank’s report “India Poverty and Equity Brief: April 2025”. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Indian Society) and GS Paper II (Social Justice) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the release of the World Bank’s report “India Poverty and Equity Brief: April 2025”, which made significant claims about the reduction in poverty and inequality in India.
What are the key findings of the World Bank’s April 2025 report on poverty in India?
- Extreme Poverty Has Nearly Been Eliminated: India has made substantial progress in poverty reduction over the past decade. Eg: About 27 crore people were lifted out of extreme poverty between 2011 and 2023, based on the International Poverty Line of $2.15/day (2017 PPP).
- Consumption Inequality Has Declined: The gap between the rich and poor in consumption patterns has reduced significantly.
- India Among Least Unequal Countries (by Consumption): In terms of consumption distribution, India now ranks among the top four least unequal countries globally. Eg: Both rural and urban households reported increased and more balanced access to milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, showing better consumption equity.
How has the HCES data helped understand consumption inequality?
The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022–23 data has provided deep insights into consumption inequality in India.
- Decline in Consumption Inequality: HCES showed a reduction in the consumption gap between the richest and the poorest households. Eg: The Gini coefficient for consumption dropped to 28.2 in rural areas and 31.9 in urban areas, indicating more equitable spending.
- Improved Nutritional Access Across Income Groups: Data showed that low-income households are consuming more nutritious food than before. Eg: Compared to 2011–12, rural poor households now consume more milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, narrowing the dietary gap.
- Urban-Rural Gap Has Narrowed: Consumption growth in rural India outpaced urban areas, helping to reduce regional inequality. Eg: The monthly per capita consumption rose by over 164% in rural and 146% in urban households (in nominal terms).
- Shift Towards Non-Food Expenditure: Rising non-food spending like education, transport, and health among lower-income groups suggests improving quality of life. Eg: In rural areas, non-food items made up 50.3% of total spending, indicating broader access to services.
- Policy Targeting Becomes Easier: The disaggregated data helps target welfare schemes better at both the state and district level. Eg: States like Odisha and Chhattisgarh, which showed rising consumption among poor households, can now be used as models for nutrition and cash transfer schemes.
Why is distinguishing between income and consumption inequality important?
- Households Smooth Consumption Despite Income Fluctuations: People often use savings, credit, or social networks to maintain consumption when incomes fall temporarily. Eg: A daily wage worker in Uttar Pradesh may lose work during the monsoon, but still manages basic consumption (food, rent) by borrowing from local moneylenders or using savings.
- Public Transfers Reduce Consumption Inequality: Government subsidies and welfare schemes help the poor consume more than their income alone would allow. Eg: A family in Odisha earning low wages may still access subsidised food under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and free school meals, narrowing consumption inequality even if income remains low.
- Informal Support Influences Consumption: Land, gold, livestock, and informal social support can enhance consumption even when income is unstable. Eg: In Maharashtra, a small farmer with seasonal income can sell stored grain or gold jewellery to fund household expenses during lean months—sustaining consumption better than someone with the same income but no assets.
What are the steps taken by the government?
- Expansion of Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT): The government has expanded cash transfer schemes like PM-KISAN, PM-Garib Kalyan Yojana, and Ujjwala 2.0 to ensure income support and reduce consumption inequality. Eg: As of 2024, over 11 crore farmers received ₹6,000 annually under PM-KISAN through DBT.
- Strengthening Food Security SystemsThrough the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and One Nation One Ration Card, subsidised food grains are provided to nearly 80 crore beneficiaries, helping smoothen consumption shocks. Eg: NFSA covers 75% of rural and 50% of urban population, ensuring minimum nutrition.
- Investment in Social Infrastructure and Welfare: Increased spending on education, health, rural housing (PMAY-G), and employment (MGNREGA) to reduce long-term structural inequality. Eg: In FY 2024-25, the budget for MGNREGA was over ₹86,000 crore, supporting rural livelihoods and stabilising consumption during crises.
Way forward:
- Enhance Targeting Through Data-Driven Welfare Delivery: Leverage HCES and SECC data to better identify vulnerable households and customize welfare delivery, especially in nutrition, health, and education. Eg: Use Aadhaar-linked data and digital platforms like PM Gati Shakti to streamline benefit distribution and plug leakages.
- Promote Employment-Led Growth in Rural and Urban Areas: Focus on labour-intensive sectors like agro-processing, textiles, and construction, while supporting MSMEs and skilling initiatives to boost income equality and domestic consumption. Eg: Scale up schemes like PM Vishwakarma and Skill India Mission to create sustainable livelihoods.
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) was recently approved by the Union Cabinet as a major reform initiative in the agriculture sector. It aims to converge 36 existing schemes across 11 departments to address regional disparities in agricultural productivity.
What are the aims of PMDDKY (Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana)?
- Address productivity disparities: The scheme aims to reduce inter-State and intra-State disparities in agricultural productivity.
- Improve productivity & self-reliance: Focus on higher agricultural productivity, value addition, local livelihood creation, and increased domestic production to ensure self-sufficiency.
- Holistic development: Enhance outcomes in agriculture and allied sectors through targeted intervention and convergence of schemes.
- Private participation: Encourage local public-private partnerships for enhanced implementation and innovation.
Why is scheme convergence under PMDDKY needed?
- Eliminates Fragmentation of Efforts: Earlier, agricultural schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and Soil Health Card Scheme operated in silos. Eg: A farmer receiving income support under PM-KISAN might not be covered under insurance if PMFBY was poorly implemented in that region. Convergence ensures coordinated benefits.
- Targets Low Productivity Districts: PMDDKY identifies 100 low-productivity districts using criteria like cropping intensity, credit flow, and yield gaps. Eg: A district with only 70% of national average yield can be provided tailored interventions by combining schemes like RKVY and Micro-Irrigation Fund.
- Improves Resource Efficiency: Unified schemes allow for better fund utilisation, avoiding duplication of services or spending. Eg: Instead of running separate capacity-building programs under different departments, single training programs can be run using pooled funds from both Extension Services and Digital Agriculture Initiatives.
- Ensures Uniform Implementation Standards: PMDDKY seeks national uniformity while allowing local customization. Eg: While standards for soil health management may be set centrally, implementation can be adapted to local conditions using district-specific plans.
- Compensates for Declining Budget Share: Public investment in agriculture is falling (from 3.53% in 2021-22 to 2.51% in 2025-26 of the Central Plan outlay). Eg: Convergence helps make the most of limited resources by integrating multiple schemes under a single implementation umbrella.
How do ‘District Plans’ aid agricultural reform?
- Localized Problem Solving: District Plans allow for the identification of region-specific challenges such as water scarcity, pest outbreaks, or poor seed quality. Eg: In Latur district (Maharashtra), which faces frequent droughts, the district plan prioritized micro-irrigation and watershed development, leading to improved water-use efficiency.
- Customised Crop Diversification: District-level planning helps align cropping patterns with agro-climatic conditions and market demand, reducing monoculture dependency. Eg: In Koraput district (Odisha), known for tribal farming, the plan introduced millet promotion and value chain linkages, increasing income and nutritional security.
- Efficient Use of Resources and Schemes: Integration of multiple schemes under district plans ensures better fund allocation, resource convergence, and monitoring. Eg: In Barabanki district (Uttar Pradesh), convergence of Soil Health Card, PM-KUSUM, and FPO promotion led to more sustainable and solar-powered farming practices.
What challenges may hinder PMDDKY?
- Administrative Coordination Across Departments: With 36 schemes under 11 departments converging, bureaucratic silos and lack of inter-departmental coordination can delay execution. Eg: In Jharkhand, similar convergence under NRLM and agriculture failed initially due to poor communication between the Rural Development and Agriculture departments.
- Data Gaps and Poor Baseline Assessment: District-level planning requires granular, updated data on land use, cropping patterns, and farmer needs — often missing or outdated. Eg: In Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), poor digital records led to misallocation of subsidies under earlier agri-reform efforts.
- Weak Local Institutions: PACS (Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies) and local self-governments may lack the capacity to implement and monitor complex plans. Eg: In Banda district (U.P.), PACS struggled to handle seed distribution due to lack of trained staff and digital infrastructure.
- Limited Private Sector Engagement in Remote Areas: Private partners may hesitate to invest in low-productivity districts due to poor infrastructure or lack of assured returns. Eg: In Kiphire (Nagaland), agri-businesses withdrew from a millet-processing initiative due to transport and power issues.
- Farmer Awareness and Participation: Without sustained IEC (Information, Education, Communication) campaigns, farmers may not understand how to benefit from the converged schemes. Eg: In Barmer (Rajasthan), uptake of soil health and credit-linked schemes remained low due to lack of farmer outreach in vernacular languages.
Way forward:
- Ensure Adequate and Sustained Funding: Increase the budgetary allocation for agriculture to reverse the current decline (only 2.51% of Central Plan outlay in 2023-24). Sufficient and stable funding will support better implementation of integrated District Plans.
- Leverage Technology and Real-Time Monitoring: Implement digital dashboards for tracking the 117 indicators under PMDDKY and promote data-driven decision-making. This will help improve accountability, efficiency, and timely course corrections.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2016] Considering the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Linkage: The article explicitly states that the PMDDKY will subsume existing Central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Therefore, a question about PMFBY is directly relevant to understanding a key component of this new “one umbrella scheme” approach.
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Why in the News?
The issue of pilot mental health has come into focus following the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary report on the Air India Boeing 787 incident in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
What are the main mental health issues affecting pilots and flight safety?
- Chronic Stress and Fatigue: Long working hours, night shifts, and frequent time zone changes disrupt sleep and increase fatigue, impairing concentration and reaction time. Eg: A 2020 study by the European Cockpit Association found that over 60% of pilots reported fatigue-related performance degradation during flights.
- Sleep Deprivation (“Sleep to Order”): Pilots often have to sleep on demand in unfamiliar settings, leading to poor-quality rest and mental exhaustion. Eg: The crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 (2009) was partly attributed to fatigue from irregular sleep patterns.
- Depression and Suicidal Ideation: Isolation, stress, and lack of support can lead to depression, which often remains hidden due to stigma. Eg: The Germanwings Flight 9525 (2015) crash, where the co-pilot deliberately downed the plane, highlighted undiagnosed depression.
- Financial and Career Pressure: Burdens like debt from pilot training and job insecurity can lead to anxiety and emotional distress. Eg: During the COVID-19 pandemic, mass layoffs and pay cuts caused increased psychological issues among airline staff globally.
Why is mental health still taboo in aviation?
- Fear of Disclosure and Stigma: Pilots avoid seeking help fearing license suspension or job loss, which worsens untreated conditions. Eg: A Harvard study (2016) found that 56% of pilots with depression symptoms had not sought treatment due to career fears.
Who regulates airlines in India?
- DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation): Primary regulator of civil aviation in India. Oversees air safety, airworthiness, licensing, operations, and regulation of airlines.
- Ministry of Civil Aviation: Responsible for overall policy formulation, promotion of civil aviation, and coordination with other ministries and international bodies.
- Airports Authority of India (AAI): Manages airport infrastructure, air navigation services, and ensures airspace safety.
- BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security): Regulates and ensures aviation security standards at airports and airlines.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
DGCA Mental Health Guidelines (2021): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued formal guidelines requiring airlines to implement Peer Support Programmes (PSPs) and conduct confidential mental health assessments. Eg: Pilots can confidentially report stress or anxiety and receive support without fear of job loss.
What global practices can India adopt for pilot mental health? (Way forward)
- Peer Support Programs (PSPs): Establish confidential peer-led counselling services to encourage early intervention. Eg: Germany’s Lufthansa runs a Peer Support Program that offers confidential mental health assistance to pilots.
- Non-punitive Medical Disclosure Policies: Allow pilots to self-report mental health issues without fear of losing their license, ensuring safe reintegrationafter treatment. Eg: The U.S. FAA’s HIMS program supports pilots with substance or mental health conditions to return to flying duties safely.
- Mandatory Mental Health Training & Awareness: Introduce regular mental health education, anti-stigma campaigns, and stress management workshops for flight crew. Eg: Australia’s CASA mandates mental health modules in pilot training and encourages a wellness culture in aviation.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them.
Linkage: This question directly addresses “health challenges in the community” and “steps needed to meet them,” which aligns perfectly with the detailed discussion in the article “Pilot Mental Health: Addressing a Taboo Topic” regarding the often-overlooked and taboo subject of pilot mental health.
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Why in the News?
The completion of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has reignited tensions over Nile water rights, with Egypt and Sudan fearing reduced water flows.
About Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD):
- Overview: Gravity dam on the Blue Nile near Ethiopia–Sudan border.
- Construction Timeline: Under construction since 2011, led by Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation.
- Capacity: Set to become Africa’s largest hydropower plant with 6.45 GW output.
- Reservoir Size: Holds 74 billion cubic metres; filling may take 5–15 years.
- Key Features: 145 m tall dam, 16 turbines, and a supporting saddle dam.
- Purpose: Aims to power Ethiopia (65% population lacks electricity) and export surplus to neighbouring countries.
- Disputes Around GERD:
- Egypt’s Concern: Fears reduced water flow; Relies 90% on Nile; demands a binding filling agreement.
- Sudan’s Worry: Concerns over flood risks and water regulation.
- Ethiopia’s Stand: Asserts sovereign rights; began filling without consensus.
- Stalled Talks: Tripartite negotiations have failed; Egypt warns of possible conflict.
Back2Basics: Nile River
- Overview: North-flowing, longest river in Africa at ~6,650 km.
- Drainage Basin: Covers 11 countries—Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.
- Main Tributaries:
- White Nile: Recognized as the headstream, its most remote source is the Kagera River in Burundi, flowing through Rwanda into Lake Victoria. It officially begins at Jinja, Uganda, where it exits Lake Victoria.
- Blue Nile: Originates from Lake Tana in Ethiopia and merges with the White Nile at Khartoum, Sudan. Supplies over 80% of total Nile flow by the time it reaches Egypt.
- Lifeline Status: Vital for Egypt and Sudan’s drinking water, irrigation, and energy needs.
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| [UPSC 2008] Ogaden region has been a source of conflict between which countries?
Options: (a) Morocco and Algeria (b) Nigeria and Cameroon (c) Angola and Zambia (d) Ethiopia and Somalia* |
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Why in the News?
Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
![[pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/nistar.jpg)
About INS Nistar:
- Project Origin: First of two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) ordered by the Navy in 2018.
- Developer: Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd with input from 120 Indian MSMEs.
- Commissioning: Inducted at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
- Legacy Name: Named after the Soviet-origin INS Nistar (1971–1989).
- Indigenization: Over 80% indigenous content, in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Sister Ship: INS Nipun, launched in 2022, will join soon.
Key Features:
- Rescue Depth: Supports diving and submarine rescue operations up to 300 metres.
- Rescue Equipment: Equipped with ROVs, Hyperbaric Lifeboats, and Diving Chambers.
- DSRV Role: Functions as mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles.
- Size: 120 metres long with a displacement of ~10,500 tonnes.
- Endurance: Can stay at sea for over 60 days.
- Utility Gear: Fitted with a 15-tonne subsea crane and helipad facilities.
- Medical Support: Includes OT, ICU, hospital beds, and hyperbaric treatment units.
Significance for India:
- Submarine Rescue: Provides independent submarine rescue capability.
- Operational Autonomy: Ends reliance on leased rescue platforms.
- Strategic Status: Places India among 12 countries with full submarine rescue capability.
- Regional Role: Strengthens India’s position as Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean.
| [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
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Why in the News?
Recently a volcano erupted in south-west Iceland, continuing a pattern of recurring geological activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula.
About the Reykjanes Peninsula:
- Location: Situated in southwest Iceland along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where tectonic plates diverge.
- Volcanic Reawakening: Dormant for centuries until 2021; now sees recurring eruptions.
- Eruption Type: Known for fissure eruptions—lava flows from cracks, not a central crater.
- Key Sites: Includes Grindavik (evacuated), Blue Lagoon spa, and Svartsengi power plant.
- Volcanic Importance: Part of Iceland’s 30+ active volcanic zones.
Key Features:
- Eruption Style: Produces steady lava flows with minimal ash output.
- Flight Safety: Air traffic remains unaffected due to lack of stratospheric ash.
- Evacuation Impact: Grindavik largely abandoned after 2023 lava threat.
- Long-Term Activity: Eruptions may persist for decades or longer.
- Iceland Snapshot: Population ~400,000; similar in size to Kentucky.
- Tourism Appeal: Attracts visitors like other volcanic hotspots—Mexico, Indonesia, Sicily, and New Zealand.
| [UPSC 2014] Consider the following geological phenomena:
1. Development of a fault 2. Movement along a fault
3. Impact produced by a volcanic eruption 4. Folding of rocks
Which of the above cause earthquakes?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is preparing for India’s 8th Economic Census by integrating it with the upcoming 16th Population Census.
About the Economic Census:
- Conducting Body: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- Purpose: Creates a detailed database of non-agricultural economic establishments in India.
- Key Data Captured: Covers location, clustering, ownership, employment size, and type of economic activity.
- Unorganised Sector Inclusion: Includes informal units, vital for understanding employment dynamics.
- Historical Background:
- Economic Enquiry Committee: Proposed by Visvesvaraya Committee (1925); Setup by Bowley-Robertson Committee (1934).
- Outcome: Led to the creation of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 1951 and national statistical systems.
- First Census: Conducted in 1977 (excluding Lakshadweep), targeting non-agricultural units with at least one hired worker.
- Timeline of Economic Censuses:
- Years Conducted: 1980, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2013, and 2019–21 (7th Census).
- Integration with Population Census: 2nd and 3rd rounds were aligned with the 1981 and 1991 Population Censuses.
- 7th Census Status: Completed in 2021, but results pending due to COVID-related data quality issues.
- Execution Support: MoSPI partnered with the CSC (Common Service Centre) network for grassroots-level implementation.
Integration with the 16th Population Census:
- Objective: Improve efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging shared field operations.
- Data Collection: Enumerators will note household-based economic activity for MoSPI processing.
- Census Schedule:
- Oct 1, 2026: Snow-bound and remote regions (e.g., Ladakh, J&K, HP, Uttarakhand).
- Mar 1, 2027: Rest of the country.
- Preparatory Work: State and district committees have been formed to plan the 8th Census.
| [UPSC 2018] As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agriculture Households”, consider the following statements:
1.Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agriculture households among its rural households.
2.Out of the total households in the country, a little over 60 percent being to OBCs.
3.In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agriculture households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agriculture activities.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
A team of Indian scientists has discovered a new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
What are Lichens?
- Lichens are symbiotic organisms, composed of a fungus (mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner (photobiont)—either a green alga or a cyanobacterium.
- The fungus provides structure and protection, while the photobiont produces food through photosynthesis.
- Lichens are key ecological contributors:
- They build soil by breaking down rocks.
- Serve as bioindicators of environmental and air quality.
- Provide food for insects and small animals.
- Despite being often overlooked, lichens are vital to ecosystem stability and resilience.
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About the Newly Discovered Lichen Species:
- Discovery: Allographa effusosoredica was discovered in the Western Ghats by MACS-Agarkar Research Institute, Pune.
- First of Its Kind: First Indian Allographa species confirmed using molecular data.
- Biodiversity Addition: 53rd Allographa species in India; 22nd from the Western Ghats.
- Funding Support: Research funded by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under a lichen symbiosis project.
Key Features Revealed:
- Morphology: Crustose body with effuse soredia; Contains norstictic acid—rare among related species.
- Algal Partner: Photobiont identified as Trentepohlia, expanding understanding of tropical lichen symbiosis.
- Molecular Markers: Analysis used fungal markers (mtSSU, LSU, RPB2) and algal marker (ITS).
- Phylogenetic Placement: Closely related to Allographa xanthospora; visually similar to Graphis glaucescens.
| [UPSC 2014] Lichens, which are capable of initiating ecological succession even on a bare rock, are actually a symbiotic association of:
Options: (a) algae and bacteria (b) algae and fungi* (c) bacteria and fungi (d) fungi and mosses |
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