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  • PMFME Scheme 

    Why in the news?

    As of 31 October 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme has expanded rapidly nationwide.

    Latest Achievements

    • 1,62,744 loans sanctioned under credit-linked subsidy
    • 3,65,935 SHG members approved for seed capital assistance
    • Infrastructure support approvals:
      • 101 Common Infrastructure Facility proposals
      • 76 Incubation centers
      • 27 proposals for Branding and Marketing support

    Objective of PMFME

    To formalize and enhance the competitiveness of micro food processing enterprises in India through:

    • Credit support
    • Skill development
    • Market linkages
    • Infrastructure and branding assistance

    Features

    • Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat and food processing entrepreneurship
    • Focus on women, SC/ST, and rural micro units
    • Supports ODOP (One District One Product) approach for product specialization
    • Capacity building through technical and entrepreneurial training

    UPSC Notes

    • Implemented by: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)
    • Launched under: Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan in 2020
    • Targets 2 lakh micro food processing units for formalisation
    How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood options of rural poor? (2012)

    1. By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agri-business centres in rural areas 

    2. By strengthening ‘Self-Help Groups’ and providing skill development 

    3. By supplying seeds, fertilizers, diesel pump-sets, and micro-irrigation equipment free of cost to farmers 

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

  • Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme

    Why in the news?

    DRDO has handed over seven indigenous defence technologies developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme to the three Armed Services.

    Technologies Transferred

    1. High-Voltage Power Supply for Airborne Self-Protection Jammers
       Enhances protection of aircraft from radar guided threats
    2. Tide-Efficient Gangway for Naval Jetties
       Assists safe crew movement in high tidal variation zones
    3. Advanced VLF-HF Switching Matrix System
       Efficient communication routing in naval platforms
    4. VLF Loop Aerials for Underwater Platforms
       Underwater long-range communication support
    5. Indigenous Waterjet Propulsion System for Fast Interceptor Craft
       Marine propulsion technology aiding coastal security
    6. Process for Recovery of Lithium Precursors from Used Lithium-ion Batteries
       Supports strategic material recycling and energy security
    7. Long-Life Seawater Battery System
       Provides sustained power for underwater surveillance

    About the TDF Scheme

    • Implemented by DRDO
    • Objective:
      • Support MSMEs and startups in defence innovation
      • Promote import substitution of critical technologies
    • Funding support up to 90 percent of development cost
    • Aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation push
    Consider the following statements: (2023)

    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at sub-sonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. 

    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

    (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Shingles Disease 

    Why in the news?

    A recent large study shows that shingles vaccination can reduce the risk of death from dementia and may help slow disease progression.

    What is Shingles

    • A viral infection characterized by a painful rash
    • Causative agent: Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
      • Same virus responsible for chickenpox
      • Remains latent in nerve cells after recovery from chickenpox
      • Can reactivate later in life

    Transmission

    • Shingles itself is not contagious
    • But the virus can spread to people without prior immunity, causing chickenpox (not shingles)

    Symptoms

    • Cluster of blisters appearing in a band-like pattern on one side of the body (typically torso, neck, or face)
    • Pain, burning, tingling sensation
    • Fever, fatigue, headache
    • Can lead to post-herpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain)
    HINI virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (2015)

    (a) AIDS 

    (b) Bird flu 

    (c) Dengue 

    (d) Swine flu

  • Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) – NHAI Public InvIT

    Why in the news?

    SEBI has granted in-principle approval to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for registering Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) under SEBI (InvIT) Regulations, 2014. It will support asset monetisation of national highways.

    What is an InvIT

    • A collective investment structure similar to REITs but for infrastructure
    • Allows ownership of income-generating infrastructure assets
    • Investors receive regular returns from toll/usage revenues
    • Regulated by SEBI

    About RIIT

    • Sponsored by NHAI
    • Part of NHAI’s Public InvIT strategy to attract wider retail and domestic participation
    • Operated through Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers Pvt Ltd (RIIMPL)
    • RIIMPL ownership: SBI, PNB, NaBFID, Axis Bank, Bajaj Finserv Ventures, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, IndusInd Bank, Yes Bank

    InvITs and SARFAESI Act, 2002

    Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) are considered borrowers under the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002.

    What this means

    • When InvITs raise debt from banks or financial institutions, the lenders receive enforceable security
    • If InvITs default on repayment, lenders can:
      • Take over the secured assets
      • Manage or sell the assets to recover dues
      • Enforce security interest without court intervention

    SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014

    Objective
     To provide a regulated framework for pooling funds from investors into revenue-generating infrastructure assets and ensure transparency, investor protection, and efficient monetization.

    Key Features

    • Sponsors, Trust, Trustee, Investment Manager as major participants
    • InvITs can own completed or under-construction infrastructure projects
    • Public InvITs must be listed on stock exchanges
    • Mandatory regular distribution of income to unit holders (at least 90 percent of net distributable cash flow)
    • Minimum 80 percent of the value of assets must be in completed and operational projects for publicly listed InvITs
    • Leverage limits specified to maintain financial stability
    Consider the following statements : (2023)

    Statement-I : Interest income from the deposits in Infra-structure Investment Trusts (InvITs) distributed to their investors is exempted from tax, but the dividend is taxable. 

    Statement-II : InvITs are recognized as borrowers under the ‘Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002’. 

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I 

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I 

    (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect 

    (d) Statement-I is incorrect but State-ment-II is correct

  • IndiGo Flight Disruptions and DGCA Temporary FDTL Exemptions

    Why in the news?

    India’s largest airline IndiGo faced severe flight disruptions in early December 2025 due to shortage of flight crew under revised Flight Duty Time Limitation rules, prompting regulatory intervention.

    What is FDTL?

    Rules that regulate pilot duty hours, night operations, number of landings, and mandatory rest periods to manage pilot fatigue and ensure safety.

    New FDTL Norms

    Implemented in two stages:

    1. July 1 — Extended weekly rest for pilots to 48 hours from 36
    2. November 1 — Major changes for night operations
      • Extended definition of night hours
      • Capped night landings to two

    Restricted consecutive night duties to two days a week

    Why IndiGo was hit hardest

    • Very large scale of operations with lean staffing
    • High proportion of night and early morning flights

    Temporary Relief by DGCA (till February 10, 2026)

    • Night defined as midnight to 5 am instead of midnight to 6 am for IndiGo A320 pilots
    • Night landings allowed up to six instead of two
    • Clause restricting substitution of mandatory weekly rest withdrawn
    • 12 DGCA-deputed flight operations inspectors allowed to fly for IndiGo temporarily
    • Exemption reviewed every two weeks with progress report requirements

    UPSC Prelims Pointers

    • DGCA functions: regulatory oversight of civil aviation safety including FDTL norms
    • Pilot fatigue: identified by ICAO as a significant aviation safety hazard
    • IndiGo market share: over 60 percent in domestic aviation

  • [6th December 2025] The Hindu OpED: A growing shadow over digital constitutionalism

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2024] e-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in the service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance.

    Linkage: It links to the article’s focus on transparent, accountable digital systems instead of opaque, surveillance-heavy governance. The Interactive Service Model reflects the need for citizen-centric, rights-based e-governance highlighted in the article.

    Mentor’s Comment

    Digital technologies now shape governance, welfare, and everyday life. But with this convenience comes an unprecedented rise in state and corporate power over personal data. This article analyses the emerging concerns around digital constitutionalism in India. This debate has been triggered by the government’s recent move to mandate the “Sanchar Saathi” app on all mobile devices, an order later rolled back amid public pushback

    Introduction

    India’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with AI, surveillance systems, and automated governance tools becoming central to state-citizen interaction. While these technologies promise efficiency, they also raise profound constitutional concerns regarding liberty, dignity, privacy, rule of law, accountability, and protection against arbitrary state power. The rollback of the Sanchar Saathi mandate has intensified public scrutiny of the balance between security and rights in the digital age.

    Digital constitutionalism:

    1. It is the application of constitutional principles to the digital age, aiming to adapt and extend protections for rights like privacy and freedom of speech in the online world. 
    2. It involves re-examining how constitutional law operates in an “algorithmic society.” 
    3. Essentially, it’s about reframing constitutionalism to address the unique challenges posed by digital technology, rather than creating a completely new system. 

    Understanding Digital Constitutionalism

    1. Constitutional Principles at Stake: Includes liberty, dignity, equality, accountability, and rule of law in a data-driven world.
    2. Invisible Surveillance Systems: Automated processes like KYC verification, welfare distribution, police databases, and algorithmic decision-making operate with limited transparency.
    3. Risk of Arbitrary Power: Technology enables governance without adequate accountability, transforming everyday life into a monitored ecosystem.

    Why is the Surveillance Infrastructure Expanding?

    1. Growing Cybercrimes: Cyber-offences increased sharply (5.9 lakh to 20.4 lakh), pressuring the state to tighten digital security mechanisms.
    2. Dependence on Private Entities: Telecom, social media, and fintech companies mediate critical citizen services, increasing exposure to opaque data practices.
    3. State-led Technological Governance: Tools like digital ID systems, police databases, and AI-based profiling are becoming integral to governance.

    Efficiency Gains vs Loss of Personal Control

    1. Behavioural Analytics: Hospitals, insurers, schools, and government platforms profile individuals, determining access to services.
    2. Voluntary vs Forced Choice: “Click-through” consent is often unavoidable, reducing privacy to a formal checkbox rather than meaningful choice.
    3. Data-Driven Governance: Decisions affecting rights increasingly rely on opaque algorithms, weakening personal autonomy.

    Surveillance Technologies and Public Life

    1. Digital CCTV & Biometric Systems: Widely deployed across public spaces for administrative efficiency.
    2. Facial Recognition Misuse: Cases abroad show wrongful arrests based on faulty technology; biases against minorities, women, and children documented.
    3. Indian Context: Facial recognition is used frequently without clear legal safeguards; no comprehensive national law limits abuse.

    The Legal System’s Inadequacy

    1. Outdated IT Act, 2000: Not designed for modern surveillance or data-driven governance.
    2. Weak Judicial Enforcement: Privacy guidelines exist but enforcement is inconsistent, making citizens vulnerable.
    3. Delayed Remedies: Courts, tribunals, and oversight bodies do not provide timely relief against digital rights violations.

    Way Forward Rooted in Constitutionalism

    1. Independent Digital Regulator: Needed for adequate oversight on state and private surveillance.
    2. Mandatory Transparency: State and private devices must undergo regular audits.
    3. Limiting Facial Recognition: Clear rules restricting its use; ban for discriminatory or non-essential functions.
    4. Strengthening Rule of Law: Accountability tools, proportionality standards, and judicial review must govern technological deployments.

    Conclusion

    India stands at a crucial crossroads: digital innovation is reshaping governance, but without strong constitutional safeguards, it risks expanding unchecked state and corporate power. Digital constitutionalism must ensure that technology enhances democratic freedoms rather than eroding them. The path forward requires transparent regulation, enforceable rights, and independent institutional oversight to preserve the constitutional promise of dignity, liberty, and equality in the digital era.

     

  • Gujarat farmer distress: Where cotton clouds hang heavy

    Introduction

    Gujarat’s cotton farmers are facing acute agrarian distress due to unprecedented rainfall, a sudden collapse in cotton prices, stagnant government procurement mechanisms, and the Union government’s decision to allow duty-free cotton imports. The crisis highlights deep structural vulnerabilities in India’s cotton economy, dependency on global markets, weak domestic safety nets, and uncertain price stabilisation mechanisms.

    Why in the news

    Cotton-growing districts of Gujarat have reported six farmer suicides within one month after heavy October rainfall drastically damaged crops and market prices crashed. This collapse is occurring despite cotton prices having remained high for nearly a decade. This marked a sharp reversal from the earlier trend of price stability and strong export demand.

    Why are cotton farmers in Gujarat facing acute distress?

    1. Heavy rainfall damage: Destroyed standing crops, especially in Saurashtra, forcing farmers like Dhanabhai and Bharatbhai to re-borrow for harvesting, labour, and picking.
    2. Sudden price crash: Prices dropped to ₹7,200-₹8,200 per quintal, down from last season’s ₹10,000-₹11,000, while input costs (seeds, pesticides, diesel) remain high.
    3. High production cost burden: Farmers reported spending close to ₹60,000 per hectare, but market prices provide no recovery of investment.
    4. Delayed government compensation: Farmers received little to no compensation for rain-damaged cotton; most remain outside the formal support system.
    5. Psychological stress: Multiple farmer suicides recorded; families cite inability to repay loans and the shock of unexpected price fall.

    How have policy decisions worsened the crisis?

    1. Duty-free cotton imports: Farmers argue that allowing imports when domestic arrival begins pushes prices further down.
    2. Reduced import duty from 5% to zero: Facilitated cheaper imports from countries like US, Brazil, Egypt.
    3. Timing mismatch: Import duty removal announced just before domestic arrivals, undermining farm-gate prices.
    4. Procurement failure: The MSP of ₹7,750 remains non-functional because ginning mills and traders offer lower prices; many farmers cannot access MSP procurement centres.
    5. GST on ginning industry: Ginning mills flagged 5% GST on textile waste (cotton seed oil cake and kapasiya) as an additional economic burden.

    How are market dynamics affecting farmers?

    1. Export slowdown: India is no longer the world’s top cotton exporter; Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Indonesia have cheaper alternatives.
    2. High transportation costs: Freight charges and rising diesel prices raise processing and movement costs.
    3. Shift in domestic consumption patterns: Mills increasingly depend on cheaper imported cotton, weakening domestic procurement.
    4. Quality concerns: Heavy rain reduced cotton quality, lowering demand from ginning mills.
    5. Ginners’ risks: Ginners avoid MSP procurement because they must sell at a loss in the global market.

    What are farmers demanding from the government?

    1. Immediate ban on cotton imports to stabilise domestic prices.
    2. Higher MSP operations at the farm gate so farmers don’t bear transportation costs.
    3. Real-time procurement centres within villages.
    4. Compensation for rain-damaged crops through central or state intervention.
    5. Market intervention scheme similar to groundnut and mustard procurement to ensure price stabilisation.

    How are traders and mill owners responding to the crisis?

    1. Ginners demand revival packages: They seek reduced GST and logistics support.
    2. Push for long-term cotton policy: Industry requests structural support to modernise ginning infrastructure.
    3. Preference for imported cotton: Imported cotton considered more consistent in quality, impacting local demand.
    4. Call for farm-to-mill ecosystem: Mills argue for direct purchase systems that reduce intermediaries.

    Conclusion

    The cotton crisis in Gujarat reveals a deeper structural challenge in India’s agricultural economy, policy unpredictability, global price sensitivity, inadequate MSP operations, and climate-driven crop volatility. Without strong procurement support, import regulation, and farmer-centric institutional mechanisms, cotton farmers remain exposed to extreme price fluctuations and rising indebtedness. Sustainable stabilisation of the cotton economy requires coordinated action across trade, agriculture, and industry.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilise the yield of the crops in the system?

    Linkage: The question links to the article’s theme of monocropping-led vulnerability, as seen in cotton farmers’ distress. It reinforces how diversification stabilises yields and incomes when single-crop systems fail.

  • Central bank rewards ‘goldilocks’ phase, more rate cuts on horizon

    Introduction

    India’s macroeconomic landscape has entered a period of moderated inflation and sustained high growth. This phase is termed a “Goldilocks” period, characterised by low inflation, stable growth, and manageable external risks. 

    Why in the news?

    The RBI’s decision to cut the repo rate to 6.25%, despite global volatility and geopolitical tensions, marks a significant shift after years of inflation-driven tightening. India is witnessing a rare Goldilocks combination of sharply falling inflation, strong GDP growth, and stable financial conditions. Inflation at 2.2% is at a five-year low, and India’s GDP is growing at 8%, far outperforming major economies. 

    What defines India’s current ‘Goldilocks’ phase?

    1. Falling Inflation: Headline inflation eased to 2.2%, the lowest in five years, supported by easing commodity prices and base effects.
    2. Robust GDP Growth: India registered 8% growth in H1 2025-26 despite global slowdown signals.
    3. Comfortable Macro Stability: Lower fiscal pressures and stable demand conditions created policy space for rate cuts.
    4. Improved External Position: Reduced current account stress and lower import costs support currency stability.

    Why did the RBI reduce the repo rate?

    1. Softening Inflation Trajectory: The MPC noted inflation had remained within the 4% target band and was expected to stay benign in FY26.
    2. Need for Growth Support: Lower rates were expected to incentivise credit-led expansion in manufacturing and services.
    3. Favourable Fiscal-Monetary Alignment: Government spending (especially capex) supported demand without overheating the economy.
    4. Currency Management Flexibility: RBI avoided aggressive support for the rupee, preferring gradual adjustments over intervention.

    How is the RBI navigating external and domestic challenges?

    1. Geopolitical Pressures: US tariffs, global trade conflicts, and currency pressures had limited spillovers due to strong domestic buffers.
    2. Controlled Volatility: RBI tolerated a weaker rupee rather than risking excessive use of reserves.
    3. Balanced Liquidity Management: Money market conditions were allowed to ease gradually to avoid credit shocks.
    4. Financial Market Stability: RBI prioritised smooth transmission over abrupt shifts in policy stance.

    What do forecasts say about future rate cuts?

    1. More Cuts Expected: Analysts anticipate 75-100 bps more cuts in FY26 if inflation remains under control.
    2. Industry Surveys Support Easing: Business expectation surveys indicate strong corporate confidence and lower borrowing costs.
    3. Housing Market Boost: Home loan rates could drop by 50-75 bps, lifting real estate demand.
    4. Consumer Confidence Strength: Household inflation expectations fell to 16.5%, supporting consumption recovery.

    What risks could disrupt the current Goldilocks scenario?

    1. Global Market Volatility: Any sharp rise in crude prices or commodity shocks could push inflation back above the comfort zone.
    2. Currency Instability: Excessive rupee weakness may force RBI to abandon its easing stance.
    3. Capital Flow Reversal: A reversal in global risk sentiment could reduce foreign investment inflows.
    4. Domestic Policy Errors: Overly accommodative monetary conditions may trigger asset bubbles.

    Conclusion

    India’s rare Goldilocks moment represents a balance between falling inflation and sustained growth. The RBI’s calibrated approach, reflected in the 25-bps rate cut, signals confidence in the economy’s resilience while acknowledging external vulnerabilities. Sustaining this phase will require cautious policy alignment, prudent fiscal behaviour, and continued macroeconomic discipline.

    Economic Theory Linkages

    Phillips Curve

    1. The Phillips Curve suggests an inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment, implying high growth usually brings higher inflation.
    2. India’s current scenario shows low inflation (2.2%) coexisting with high GDP growth (8%), which breaks this classical trade-off.
    3. This reflects a Goldilocks phase, where supply-side stability, improved productivity, and disciplined monetary policy allow growth without inflationary pressures

    Taylor Rule

    1. The Taylor Rule proposes that central banks adjust policy rates based on deviations of inflation from target and output from potential.
    2. With inflation below the 4% target band and growth performing strongly, the rule permits accommodative monetary action.
    3. The RBI’s 25 bps repo cut to 6.25% aligns with Taylor Rule logic, indicating room for easing due to a benign inflation outlook.

    Impossible Trinity (Mundell-Fleming Trilemma)

    1. The theory states that a country cannot simultaneously maintain:
      1. A fixed exchange rate
      2. Free capital mobility
      3. Independent monetary policy
    2. The RBI’s choice to avoid aggressive currency defence, letting the rupee adjust gradually while prioritising domestic monetary easing, illustrates a preference for monetary autonomy over rigid exchange rate control.
    3. The trilemma framework explains why India can cut rates despite global volatility but must tolerate some currency movement.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2019] Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.

    Linkage: This PYQ directly maps onto India’s current Goldilocks phase of falling inflation and strong GDP growth, exactly like the article’s macro narrative. It allows you to connect RBI’s rate cuts, macro stability, and growth-inflation balance to broader economic health.

  • Predation by Horn-Eyed Ghost Crab: New Ecological Observation on India’s East Coast

    Why in the news?

    Researchers from GITAM School of Science, Visakhapatnam, have documented the first confirmed instance of a horn-eyed ghost crab preying on a mottled lightfoot crab at Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh.
     Published in: Journal of Threatened Taxa (November edition).

    Significance of the Finding

    • Demonstrates unusual predator-prey interaction not recorded earlier in India
     • Indicates behavioural extension of the horn-eyed ghost crab into rocky intertidal zones
     • Suggests flexible foraging strategies in shifting coastal environments

    About Horn-Eyed Ghost Crab

    • Belongs to genus Ocypode and IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List
     • Keystone species and ecological indicator of coastal health
     • Known for sandy intertidal habitat
     • Roles in ecosystem: Regulates populations of smaller fauna and Burrowing influences sand structure and aeration
     • Known predators of clams, snails, worms, insects, shrimps and even turtle/bird hatchlings
     • India records six ghost crab species; Rushikonda hosts at least three (O. brevicornis, O. macrocera, O. cordimanus)
    With reference to ‘dugong’ a mammal found in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

    (1) It is a herbivorous marine animal.

    (2) It is found along the entire coast of India.

    (3) It is given legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only

  • ICGS Vigraha Visit to Indonesia 

    Why in the news?

    Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Vigraha is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries. It is making an operational visit to Jakarta, Indonesia from 2 to 5 December 2025.

    Purpose of Visit

    • Strengthen Coast Guard cooperation between India and Indonesia
     • Enhance interoperability in maritime safety and security
     • Joint professional interactions, shipboard drills, tabletop exercises, PASSEX (Passage Exercise)

    Diplomatic and Operational Significance

    • Reinforces cooperation for Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) in the Indo-Pacific
     • Supports coordinated surveillance of sea lanes and marine domain awareness
     • Includes cultural and people-to-people engagements

    India is a member of which among the following? (2015)

    (1) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 

    (2) Association of South-East Asian Nations 

    (3) East Asia Summit Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) India is a member of none of them