After the completion of the loan waiver, the Telangana government will provide Rythu Bharosa assistance to support farmers further.
About theRythu Bharosa Scheme:
Details
Scheme Name
Rythu Bharosa Scheme (Farmer’s Investment Support Scheme – FISS)
Launch Year
2018-19 Kharif season (Telangana Govt’s Navratna Scheme)
Objective
To support the initial investment needs of farmers by providing financial aid for agriculture and horticulture crops.
Benefits
₹5,000 per acre per season as a grant for input purchases, with no cap on the number of acres owned by farmers.
Eligibility
Farmers must be residents of Telangana.
Must own agricultural land.
Small and marginal farmers are eligible.
Farmers cultivating land with Record of Forest Rights (ROFR) document (mainly from Scheduled Tribe communities).
Ineligible Farmers
Commercial farmers.
Farmers working on a rental contract or tenant farmers.
Significance of the move
Financial Relief for Farmers: By waiving loans of up to ₹2 lakh per farmer, the scheme provides significant financial relief, helping farmers manage their debt and invest in future agricultural activities.
Boost to Agricultural Sector: The waiver will enable farmers to focus on improving productivity and crop yields without the burden of debt, potentially boosting the state’s agricultural output.
Reduction in Farmer Distress: This move will alleviate distress among farmers, especially those affected by unpredictable weather and fluctuating crop prices, reducing the risk of farm-related suicides and financial instability.
PYQ:
[2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
Consumption requirements of farm households
Post-harvest expenses
Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
India’s power regulator, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), has appointed a Single Member Bench to assess the challenges of a sudden surge in power demand.
Projected Power Demand for October 2024
India’s projected peak power demand for October 2024 is 230 Gigawatts (GW).
After factoring in Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) losses, the demand is expected to rise to 232.2 GW.
To meet this demand, an additional 12.60 GW of generation resources is required.
Concerns over Power System Operation:
The steep rise in electricity demand, without enough generation sources, could pose a risk to power system operations.
The Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and State Load Despatch Centres (SLDCs) are responsible for conducting operational planning to manage this surge, especially due to seasonal variations.
It was constituted on July 24, 1998, under the Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998, and later brought under the Electricity Act, 2003.
Type
Statutory body with quasi-judicial status under Section 76 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Ministry
Functions under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
Primary Functions
– Regulates tariffs of power generation companies (owned/controlled by the Government of India).
– Regulates interstate transmission tariffs.
– Issues licenses for interstate transmission and trading.
Key Role in Tariff Evolution
– Introduced a Two-Part Tariff in 1992.
– Introduced Availability Based Tariff (ABT) in 2000 to improve grid stability.
Advisory Role
– Contributes to National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy.
– Promotes competition, efficiency, and investment in the electricity sector.
Licensing
– Issues licenses for electricity transmission and interstate trading.
Grid Operation Standards
Enforces standards under the Indian Electricity Grid Code (IEGC) to improve grid stability and power quality.
Dispute Resolution
Adjudicates disputes involving power generation companies and transmission licensees.
Collaboration
Signed a MoU with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 2009 for enhancing power market regulation and grid reliability.
First Chairman
Mr. S.L. Rao (1998–2001).
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the purpose of ‘UDAY’, a scheme of the Government?
(a) Providing technical and financial assistance to start-up entrepreneurs in the field of renewable sources of energy
(b) Providing electricity to every household in the country by 2018
(c) Replacing the coal-based power plants with natural gas, nuclear, solar, wind and tidal power plants over a period of time
(d) Providing for financial turnaround and revival of power distribution companies
India has seen a sharp decline in Academic Freedom Index rankings over the past 10 years.
About theAcademic Freedom Index (AFI):
Details
Released by
Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) in collaboration with Scholars at Risk (SAR) and V-Dem Institute (Varieties of Democracy)
Published as a part of a globaltime-series dataset (1900-2019)
Purpose
To assess and quantify academic freedom across different countries
Score Range
0 (complete repression) to 1 (full academic freedom)
Scores based on expert surveys and institutional data
Main Parameters
Freedom to Research and Teach
Institutional Autonomy
Freedom of Academic Exchange and Dissemination
Campus Integrity
Freedom of Expression for Academics
Constitutional Protection of Academic Freedom
Usage
Tracking academic freedom trends
Influencing policy
Advocating for academic liberty in different countries
Annual Report
Published as part of the “Free to Think” report series by Scholars at Risk
India’s Performance:
India’s academic freedom score dropped from 0.6 points in 2013 to just 0.2 points in 2023, marking a significant deterioration.
The report categorizes India as “completely restricted”, the country’s lowest rank since the mid-1940s.
This decline is attributed to many factors, including:
Political Influence on Universities
Limitations on Student Protests
Significance
Impact on Democracy: The decline threatens democratic values, as universities, traditionally spaces for free thought and dissent, and are increasingly under political control, limiting student protests and academic expression.
International Reputation: India’s shrinking academic freedom could harm its global standing, making it less attractive to international students, scholars, and research collaborations.
Long-Term Effects on Education: The politicization of higher education may weaken innovation and critical thinking, hindering economic growth and the development of future leaders and policymakers.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that over the past 25 years, globalisation has led to job losses and dissatisfaction in many societies, as trade has become both globalised and weaponised.
How is trade being weaponised in global politics?
Trade is increasingly being used as a strategic tool by countries, intertwined with national security concerns. Nations impose tariffs, subsidies, and other economic measures as defensive actions to protect domestic industries and geopolitical interests.
Technologies and supply chains are viewed through a national security lens, leading to greater control over economic interactions.
Note:Economic and military power comes under hard power.
What implications does this weaponization of trade have for India and its foreign relations?
Rising Protectionism: India has responded to this trend by imposing over 30 anti-dumping measures against Chinese goods in 2024 alone. These defensive actions are meant to shield Indian industries from what is perceived as China’s predatory pricing strategies.
Impact on Global Supply Chains: As global supply chains become more transnational, India’s ability to secure its interests, especially in high-tech sectors, becomes crucial.
India is balancing its integration into the global economy while protecting critical sectors from foreign influence, especially from China.
Foreign Relations: India’s foreign policy is increasingly being shaped by economic security concerns.
Trade disputes, such as those with China, have prompted a re-evaluation of economic partnerships and collaboration within frameworks like the Indo-Pacific to reduce dependency on potentially adversarial nations.
What historical context informs India’s current approach to trade and international relations?
China’s Entry into WTO (2001): India, like many other countries, faced economic repercussions when Chinese goods flooded global markets after China joined the WTO. This led to job losses and industrial competition.
Globalization and Job Losses: The rapid globalization of the past 25 years has contributed to domestic job losses and dissatisfaction in various sectors in India.
Strategic Autonomy: India’s foreign relations have historically been guided by a principle of strategic autonomy.
This informs its cautious stance on fully integrating into global supply chains without safeguarding critical industries, and influences its desire to promote reforms in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to suit developing nations’ needs.
Way forward:
Strengthening Domestic Industries: India should continue enhancing self-reliance through initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, focusing on boosting high-tech sectors and reducing dependency on foreign imports, especially from adversarial nations like China.
Diversifying Trade Partnerships: India must deepen economic ties with friendly nations and regional alliances such as the Indo-Pacific, while advocating for reforms in global trade systems like the WTO and MDBs to ensure fair competition and support for developing economies.
On September 26, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) initiated a significant offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and Bahri. As a result, the conflict, which had been relatively calm for several months, has reignited with increased intensity.
What is the extent of the war?
Duration and Scope: The civil war has lasted for over 18 months, initially erupting from a power struggle between the two military factions—the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). What began in Khartoum has spread to various regions, including Omdurman, Bahri, Port Sudan, El Fasher, and areas in Darfur and Kordofan.
Casualties and Displacement: The UN reports over 20,000 fatalities since the conflict began. Additionally, the International Organization for Migration estimates 10.89 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of October 1.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis: Access to aid and healthcare has become severely restricted, particularly in Darfur.
The UN has declared famine in specific camps like Zamzam, affecting nearly 500,000 IDPs. Currently, 25.6 million people—more than half of Sudan’s population—face critical food insecurity.
How have ethnic tensions and rivalries played a part in the war?
Ethnic Conflict: The war has evolved beyond a military rivalry, intensifying along ethnic lines. The RSF, composed of predominantly Arab militias, has been involved in targeting non-Arab communities, such as the Masalit, particularly in the Darfur region.
Militia Involvement: Various regional ethnic militias have taken sides in the conflict, complicating the dynamics further. The SAF has allied with the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement, while the RSF has garnered support from Arab militias.
Historical reason: Ethnic tensions are rooted in historical grievances, exacerbating violence and leading to retaliatory attacks between communities, which have fueled the conflict.
What are the implications for the region?
Mass Displacement: Over two million refugees have fled to neighboring countries, including Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. This has strained resources in host countries and raised concerns about a potential migrant crisis in Europe.
Ethnic Clashes in Neighboring Regions: The instability in Sudan has triggered ethnic violence along the borders with South Sudan and Ethiopia, particularly in contested areas like Abyei and El Fashaga.
Economic Impact: The ongoing conflict jeopardizes essential infrastructures, such as oil pipelines from South Sudan to the Red Sea, threatening regional economic stability.
Cross-Border Tensions: A lack of effective governance in Sudan has led to increased ethnic tensions and clashes in border regions, which could have wider implications for regional security and stability.
Way forward:
Facilitate Peace Talks: India can leverage its diplomatic relations with the conflicting factions (SAF and RSF) to encourage dialogue and support peace initiatives through multilateral platforms like the African Union and the UN.
Strengthen Regional Alliances: India can collaborate with neighbouring countries (Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia) to manage the refugee crisis and promote stability through joint security initiatives.
The Maharashtra government allocated 255.9 acres of salt pan land across three parcels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs for rental housing under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
What is Salt pans?
Salt pans are low-lying coastal areas used for salt cultivation, acting as natural sponges that absorb rainwater and support diverse ecosystems while mitigating flooding.
What is the Maharashtra government doing to relocate people?
Allocation of Land for Housing: The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) allocating 255.9 acres of salt pan land for the construction of rental housing as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This land is to be used for slum rehabilitation and affordable housing for economically weaker sections.
Lease Agreement: The land parcels will be leased to the Maharashtra government for 99 years, with the objective of providing housing for residents displaced from Dharavi.
Involvement of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), in which an Adani Group entity holds 80% stake and the State government has a 20% stake, is responsible for the construction and resettlement of laborers working on the land.
Concessional Rate for Land: The land is being provided at a concessional rate of 25% of the prevailing market rate, making it more accessible for development.
Why is the move controversial?
Environmental Concerns: Urban planners and environmentalists have raised concerns about the lack of an impact assessment study before developing large parcels of salt pan land.
Risk of Ghetto Formation: Critics argue that relocating residents to different parts of the city, rather than in-situ rehabilitation (keeping them in their original areas), could lead to the formation of ghettos and further social segregation.
Are salt pan lands ecologically important?
Ecological Role: Salt pan lands are vital as salt marshlands that serve as holding ponds, absorbing rainwater and acting as natural sponges, thereby helping to mitigate flooding.
Biodiversity: These areas support diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological balance of coastal regions.
Natural Defense: The salt pan lands provide a coastal area’s natural defense against flooding and other environmental hazards, highlighting their importance in maintaining regional ecological health.
Way forward:
Integrate Environmental Assessments with Development Planning: The Maharashtra government should implement a framework that integrates environmental impact assessments into the planning process for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
Adopt a Community-Centric Approach to Resettlement: The government should engage with affected communities to explore in-situ rehabilitation options and gather input on their housing needs.
The Ukraine war has highlighted the versatility of battle tanks, demonstrating that armor remains crucial on modern battlefields, alongside long-range firepower.
What are the difficulties in Ladakh due to high terrain and altitude?
High Altitude Challenges: At altitudes of 13,000-15,000 feet, oxygen levels are low, causing rarefied air, which affects the performance of engines and machines, including tanks. Temperatures can dip to as low as -40 degrees Celsius.
Logistics and Transportation: Transporting tanks and heavy machinery to these high-altitude regions is a Herculean task due to the terrain. Once deployed, they are kept operational throughout, with maintenance facilities set up in forward areas like Nyoma and Daulat Beg Oldi.
Threat from China:
Chinese Deployment: The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has enhanced its firepower and mechanised units along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This includes the deployment of the ZTQ 15 (Type 15) light tanks and Type 96A second-generation tanks.
Modernisation and Mobilisation: China has also introduced modern wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and assault vehicles such as the CSK series to the region, indicating a significant military upgrade along the LAC.
Tactical Proximity: During the 2020 stand-off, Chinese and Indian tanks came within 100 metres of each other, demonstrating the heightened tensions and the tactical threats in Eastern Ladakh.
What are the Indian Army’s future plans to fortify the border areas?
Indigenous Development: The Indian Army is developing the Zorawar light tank, specifically designed for high-altitude warfare.
T-90 and BMP Upgrades: India is enhancing the capabilities of existing T-90 tanks and BMP-2 armoured carriers
Long-term Projects: Plans are underway for Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV) to replace current tanks and BMPs, with induction expected by 2030.
Procurement Plans: The Army is also evaluating the U.S. Stryker infantry combat vehicle and has initiated the process to procure 100 more K9 Vajra Howitzers to bolster long-range firepower.
Enhancing Infrastructure: Since 2012, India has significantly improved its infrastructure along the LAC, enabling long-term deployment of troops, tanks, and artillery in the region.
Conclusion: The government should continue expanding logistical infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), improving transportation, maintenance facilities, and supply chains to support long-term troop and equipment deployment in challenging terrain.
Q). Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Q. (a) State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. (150 words) (b) Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Q. (a) Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your ethical development. (b) There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the public servants because they occupy positions of power, handle huge amounts of public funds, and their decisions have wide-ranging impacts on society and the environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility? (UPSC CSE 2014)
Mentor’s Comment: Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is a prominent Indian spiritual leader and the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect. In January 2019, he was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, who had reported on the rape allegations against him. Additionally, he was convicted in October 2021 for the murder of Ranjit Singh, a former Dera manager.
Despite his criminal convictions, Singh maintains a significant following. These challenges are reflected while maintaining law and order in governance and administration. In today’s editorial, we will study the same case and its impacts on democratic values of the Society.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, a convicted rapist and murderer, was released on parole just days before the Haryana Assembly elections.
This is his 15th parole, which is often coinciding with elections, raising concerns from the opposition party about electoral conduct violations.
A parole is a conditional release of a prisoner before they have completed their full sentence.
What legal challenges have been raised against this Parole?
Violates Model Code of Conduct: The Haryana Congress has formally petitioned the Election Commission of India to prevent Singh’s parole, arguing that it could influence voters during the upcoming assembly elections affecting democratic values.
Even if granted parole, he needs to face stringent conditions, including a ban on entering Haryana, delivering public speeches, or engaging in any political activities.
Public Opposition and Legal Scrutiny: There is significant public outcry with groups like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. Concerns have been raised about potential law and order issues stemming from his influence
Judicial Oversight: The state government has assured that all parole applications are processed legally, adhering to the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoner (Temporary Release) Act, 2022. The frequent granting of parole has led to calls for reforms in the system to prevent misuse.
What role needs to be played by the Political Parties and the ECI?
Political Parties: The ruling party in Haryana defends the decision to grant parole to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, claiming due process was followed. While the opposition party opposes the parole, their previous activities had similar views.
Political parties need to learn from former personalities like PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, who prioritized the ‘Rule of Law’ over political gain.
Election Commission’s Scrutiny: The Election Commission of India (ECI) needs to intervene and cancel Singh’s parole, arguing it undermines democratic values, especially before elections.
Need for Judicial Oversight: The judiciary has previously played a crucial role in addressing Singh’s crimes, and there is hope for continued judicial vigilance against unjust paroles.
Conclusion: The ongoing saga of Singh’s crimes and convictions reflects a broader societal struggle against superstition and injustice, as emphasized by the late rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. ECI should establish stricter guidelines and oversight mechanisms regarding parole applications, particularly for individuals convicted of serious crimes.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts” Report.
What is the EnviStats India 2024 Report?
The EnviStats India 2024 Report, released by the MoSPI, is the 7th consecutive publication.
It compiles environmental-economic accounts based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Framework.
This framework provides a global standard for integrating environmental data with economic statistics, offering insights into the country’s natural resources, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Key Highlights:
Details
Protected Areas (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– 72% increase in the number of Protected Areas (2000-2023)
– 16% increase in the area of Protected Areas, reflecting biodiversity conservation efforts.
Mangrove Cover (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– 8% increase in mangrove cover (2013-2021), highlighting positive growth in coastal ecosystem protection.
Ocean Accounts (SDG 14: Life below Water)
– Introduced for the first time, covering the extent and condition of ocean ecosystems.
Energy Use & Physical Asset Accounts (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action)
– Includes Physical Asset Accounts and Physical Supply and Use Tables for Energy, aligned with SEEA-Energy Framework, and data from ministries like Coal and Petroleum.
Soil Nutrient Index (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
– Updated data on Soil Nutrient Index based on the Soil Health Card 2023-24, reflecting soil health and agricultural sustainability.
Biodiversity & Species Richness (SDG 15: Life on Land)
– Data on faunal and floral diversity, including endangered species like Leopards and Snow leopards, connecting to biodiversity conservation.
Policy Recommendations
The EnviStats India 2024 Report suggests several policy directions based on its findings:
Biodiversity Protection: Strengthen community-led conservation and expand protection of critical ecosystems.
Ocean Ecosystem Management: Use Ocean Accounts for sustainable marine resource management and pollution control.
Soil Health: Encourage sustainable farming practices and better soil management, leveraging Soil Health Cards for improved productivity.
Integrated Planning: Focus on species conservation, habitat restoration, and genetic conservation through data-driven planning.