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 Government has empowered Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), aiming to provide generic medicines at affordable prices to underserved rural areas.
AboutPradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) by PACS:
Details
PMBJKs were established in November 2008.
Government-established outlets that provide affordable, quality generic medicines.
Operated by PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) in rural areas.
PACS are empowered to run these Kendras to ensure accessibility in remote regions under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Aims and Objectives
To provide affordable medicines, promote healthcare equity, and reduce medical expenses for farmers, while generating local employment and ensuring PACS’ financial sustainability through the sale of medicines and allied products.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Administered by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers;
Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementation agency.
Implementation:
PACS receive technical and administrative support from the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
PACS leverage their existing infrastructure, including land, buildings, and storage, to run the Kendras.
PACS-run Kendras receive a 20% incentiveon monthly purchases, capped at Rs. 20,000 per month.
Kendra owners receive a 20% margin on MRP (excluding taxes).
They can sell allied medical products.
Features and Significance
Affordable Medicine Distribution: Ensures that generic medicines are affordable in rural areas.
Economic and Healthcare Benefits: Reduces medical costs and improves healthcare outcomes for farmers.
Alignment with National Health Policy: Supports equitable healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure: Utilizes PACS’ infrastructure to boost rural healthcare.
PYQ:
[2015] Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector could help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives would you suggest?
PYQ Relevance: Q) What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (UPSC CSE 2016)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have previously ‘Judicial review’ (in 2016), and ‘religiousness/religiosity and Communalism’ (in 2017).
In a 2005 paper on ‘judicial inactivism,’ scholar Chad M. Oldfather discussed how courts have a “duty to decide” and how judicial inaction can be just as impactful as judicial action. He argued that failures to fulfill this duty are harder to detect than overreaching decisions, making inaction more concerning. A recent example of judicial deferment is the Supreme Court’s handling of the Sambhal masjid case in Uttar Pradesh. The Court refrained from a final decision, temporarily halting a survey-related civil court proceeding and sending the matter to the Allahabad High Court.
Today’s editorial underscores the approach adopted by the Supreme Court of India in the Sambhal masjid case (Uttar Pradesh).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Court’s order shows, once again, a reluctance to deal with the main issue — it should have taken a clear stand on the validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act.
What were the events leading up to the violence in Sambhal?
Survey Controversy: The local civil court ordered a survey of the Sambhal masjid, which heightened tensions among community members. This survey was perceived as an infringement on religious sentiments, leading to protests and unrest.
Political Context: The backdrop of communal politics in India, where historical grievances are often invoked, contributed to the volatility of the situation. The mosque’s status became a focal point for various groups, exacerbating tensions.
Loss of Lives: The unrest resulting from the survey led to violence and loss of human lives, highlighting the severe implications of judicial decisions that touch on sensitive communal issues.
How did the judicial system respond?
Supreme Court’s Order: The Supreme Court ordered a freeze on proceedings related to the survey and directed the matter back to the Allahabad High Court, effectively deferring a decisive ruling on the issue.
Judicial Deferment: This approach reflects a pattern of judicial inaction, where the Court avoids making definitive rulings on contentious issues, opting instead for temporary measures to maintain peace.
Failure to Uphold Legislation: Critics argue that the Court’s reluctance to uphold the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which aims to preserve the status quo of places of worship as they existed in 1947, represents a failure to honour legislative intent.
What are the implications of judicial inquiries and commissions in addressing communal tensions?
Limited Effectiveness: Judicial inquiries and commissions often serve as mechanisms for delay rather than resolution, as seen in previous cases like those involving the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and farm laws. They may lead to temporary solutions without addressing underlying legal issues.
Erosion of Trust: When courts engage in deferment rather than decisiveness, it can erode public trust in the judiciary’s ability to handle communal tensions effectively.
Potential for Inaction: The reliance on committees or inquiries can create a perception that the judiciary is avoiding its duty to decide, potentially emboldening communal actors who seek to exploit legal ambiguities.
How does this case reflect broader issues of judicial accountability and public trust in the legal system?
Judicial Inactivism: The phenomenon described by Chad M. Oldfather highlights that judicial inaction can have significant consequences, often more difficult to detect than overreach. This in-activism can undermine public confidence in judicial integrity.
Need for Assertiveness: The Supreme Court’s reluctance to assertively interpret and uphold laws like the Places of Worship Act raises concerns about its commitment to constitutional principles such as secularism and fraternity.
Impact on Communal Harmony: Judicial decisions—or lack thereof—play a crucial role in shaping societal dynamics. Inaction on contentious issues can exacerbate communal tensions rather than mitigate them, leading to further unrest and division within society.
Way forward:
Assertive Judicial Intervention: The Supreme Court should proactively address sensitive communal issues by upholding laws like the Places of Worship Act, ensuring that judicial decisions reflect the constitutional values of secularism and fraternity, and prevent further exploitation of legal ambiguities.
Timely and Decisive Rulings: To restore public trust, the judiciary must avoid deferring critical cases to lower courts or committees and instead issue clear, binding decisions that resolve underlying legal disputes, thereby maintaining social harmony and reinforcing accountability.
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)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the UPSC Mains Result 2024 on 9th December 2024. The result, released in PDF format, contains the roll numbers of candidates who have successfully qualified for the interview stage of the selection process.
Additionally, a name-wise list of qualified candidates has also been published. The UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2024, which commenced on 20th September 2024, was conducted over five days. After completing the evaluation of all nine papers, the commission has officially released the roll numbers and names of candidates eligible for the next stage—the Personality Test.
Below are the detailed steps to download the IAS Mains Result 2024.
UPSC Mains Result 2024
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declared the UPSC Civil Services Mains Result 2024 on 9th December 2024. The results have been released in PDF format, featuring the roll numbers of candidates shortlisted for the Interview Stage. Along with the main result, separate PDFs with Roll Number-Wise and Name-Wise lists have also been published.
The UPSC CSE Mains Examination 2024 took place from 13th to 19th December 2024. The result PDF reflects scores from the seven evaluative papers, while the two qualifying papers—Indian Language and English—are excluded from the merit ranking. Detailed instructions to download the UPSC Mains Result 2024 are outlined below.
Where to Check the UPSC Mains 2024 Result?
The results have been released as a PDF document containing the roll numbers of candidates who successfully qualified for the next stage. This list can be accessed on the official UPSC website.
How to Download the UPSC Mains Result PDF?
To ensure you check your result hassle-free, follow these steps:
Over the past five years, the cutoff marks for UPSC Mains have shown variations across different categories. For the General category, the cutoff has ranged between 736 and 751 from 2019 to 2023, while for the EWS category, it has fluctuated between 687 and 715 during the same timeframe.
Below is a detailed analysis of the UPSC Mains cutoff marks from last year:
Category
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
General
741
748
745
736
751
EWS
706
715
713
687
696
OBC
712
714
707
698
718
ST
692
706
700
682
699
SC
694
699
700
680
706
PWD 1
673
677
688
648
663
PWD 2
718
706
712
699
698
PWD 3
396
351
388
425
374
PWD 5
445
419
560
300
561
What’s Next After the UPSC Mains Result?
Candidates who have cleared the Mains examination will now move forward to the Personality Test/Interview stage. The UPSC will release individual e-summon letters for the interview round on its website shortly.
Here’s what you should focus on as you prepare for the next stage:
DAF-II Submission: The Detailed Application Form (DAF-II) needs to be submitted within the stipulated timeframe.
Mock Interviews: Start preparing by attending mock interviews conducted by reputed institutions like Civilsdaily IAS to refine your responses and build confidence.
Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international events, as they often form a part of the interview discussions.
Document Verification: During the interview stage, candidates must provide original certificates to verify their age, educational qualifications, reservation status, and other eligibility criteria, including disability status, if applicable.
Attestation Form: Candidates are required to complete the Attestation Form online, following the guidelines provided by the authorities.
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court made comments against the Muslim community at an event organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s legal cell, which has caused a lot of public criticism.
What are the key ethical principles outlined in the code of conduct for judges?
Majority Rule: Justice Yadav stated that India would function according to the wishes of the majority, referring to Hindus as the “bahusankhyak” (majority) community. He implied that the values taught to children in one community differ significantly from those in another, particularly regarding animal slaughter practices.
Critique of Muslim Practices: He criticized certain practices within the Muslim community, such as polygamy and triple talaq, while asserting that Hindus revere women as goddesses. This comparison has been interpreted as a direct attack on Islamic traditions.
Response from Legal Community: The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms has called for an inquiry into Justice Yadav’s conduct, arguing that his statements violate judicial ethics and undermine public confidence in the judiciary. Prominent legal figures have also suggested impeachment proceedings against him.
How do codes of conduct vary across different jurisdictions and judicial systems?
United States: The American Bar Association has established Model Rules of Professional Conduct which emphasize independence, integrity, and impartiality.
United Kingdom: The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office oversees judicial behavior, with a focus on maintaining public confidence in the judiciary.
India: The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life serves as a guiding document for judges, emphasizing the need for impartiality and respect for constitutional values.
What are the consequences for judges who violate the code of conduct?
In-House Procedures: Many jurisdictions have internal mechanisms allowing for complaints against judges to be investigated without public embarrassment.
Impeachment: In severe cases, judges can be impeached for misconduct, requiring a significant legislative majority to proceed.
Public Reprimand or Suspension: Depending on the severity of the violation, judges may receive reprimands or temporary suspensions from their duties.
Way forward:
Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms: Establish clearer and more transparent procedures for addressing judicial misconduct, including an independent body to investigate complaints and ensure timely action, thus preserving public trust in the judiciary.
Promote Judicial Sensitivity and Training: Implement regular training programs on diversity, impartiality, and the ethical responsibilities of judges to reinforce the importance of maintaining neutrality and respect for all communities, both in and out of the courtroom.
The Opposition in Rajya Sabha is preparing to move a motion for impeachment of Allahabad High Court Judge for the same controversial remarks inciting communal hatred.
Impeachment Processfor Judges in India:
About
The process involves Parliament passing an address to the President to remove the judge.
To pass the motion, two–thirds of the MPs present and voting in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha;
Must approve it, with a majority of more than 50% of the total membership of each House.
Key Constitutional Provisions
Article 124(4): The judge can only be removed by a Presidential order, passed after a majority vote in both Houses of Parliament.
The vote must come from two-thirds of the members present and voting.
Articles 218 of the Constitution extends the same rules to High Court judges.
The impeachment process ensures judicial independence by maintaining a high bar for removal, limiting political influence.
Grounds for Impeachment
A judge of the Supreme Court or High Court can be impeached on two grounds: “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity” as per the Constitution of India.
Further clarified in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, including:
Misuse of office
Grave offences that undermine the judge’s integrity
Contravention of the provisions of the Constitution.
What does the process entail?
Procedure under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968:
Initial Step: The impeachment motion must be signed by at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
Committee Formation: Once the motion is introduced, the Speaker or Chairperson of the respective House forms a three-member inquiry committee:
Headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.
The second member is usually a Chief Justice of any High Court.
The third member is a distinguished jurist, appointed by the Speaker or Chairman.
Inquiry Process: The committee investigates the charges, cross-examines witnesses, and regulates its procedure.
The committee may also request a medical test if the charge relates to mental incapacity.
Outcome: If the committee finds the judge not guilty, the motion is dismissed. If found guilty, it will be reported back to the House for further action.
Instances of Impeachment in India:
1993: Justice V Ramaswami (Supreme Court) faced impeachment proceedings on financial impropriety. The motion was unsuccessful despite a guilty finding.
2011: Justice Soumitra Sen (Calcutta High Court) was impeached for corruption but resigned before Lok Sabha could take up the matter.
2015: Justice S K Gangele (Madhya Pradesh High Court) faced impeachment on charges of sexual harassment, but the committee cleared him in 2017.
2015: Justice J B Pardiwala (Gujarat High Court) faced impeachment for controversial remarks about reservation but the motion was dropped after the judge expunged the remarks.
2017: Justice C V Nagarjuna (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana High Court) faced impeachment for financial misconduct and victimizing a Dalit judge, but the motion was not pursued.
Mains PYQ:
Q Distinguish between laws and rules. Discuss the role of ethics in formulating them. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) 2024 to bring sweeping reforms in India’s higher education sector.
The new regulations will apply to all Central, State, Private, and Deemed Universities across India.
Back2Basics: University Grants Commission (UGC)
UGC was inaugurated in 1953 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, then Minister of Education.
it was established as a statutory body in November 1956 under the UGC Act 1956.
The Sargeant Report (1944) recommended a University Grants Committee, established in 1945, initially handling all universities by 1947.
Post-independence, the University Education Commission (1948) under Dr. S Radhakrishnan proposed reorganizing the committee along the lines of the UK’s University Grants Commission.
A proposal to replace UGC with the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) is under consideration.
UGC handles:
Providing funds to higher education institutions.
Coordination, determination, and maintenance of academic standards.
About the Draft UGC Regulations, 2024:
Aims and Objectives
To reform India’s higher education system.
To introduce flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and inclusivity in higher education while removing disciplinary rigidities.
Key Provisions and Features
Biannual Admissions: Institutions can admit students twice a year (July/August and January/February).
Multiple Entry and Exit: Students can enter or exit their programs multiple times, with continuous assessments, recognition of prior learning, and the possibility to pursue two programs at the same time.
Flexibility for Students: Students can choose any discipline for UG and PG programs, irrespective of their background, subject to clearing entrance exams (e.g., CUET or university-specific exams).
Minimum Attendance Requirement: Institutions will set the minimum attendance based on program-specific requirements and statutory approvals, in line with the NEP 2020.
UG Degree Credits: At least 50% of credits must be earned in the major discipline for an undergraduate degree. The remaining 50% credits can be from skill courses, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects.
Duration of Degrees: UG degrees can be completed in 3 to 4 years, depending on the course structure. PG degrees will typically take 1 to 2 years, though they can be longer or shorter based on the program.
Accelerated and Extended Degree Programs:
ADP (Accelerated Degree Programs): Allows students to complete their degree in a shorter duration while covering the full curriculum.
EDP (Extended Degree Programs): Extends the duration for students who need more time to complete the program.
Up to 10% of the sanctioned intake can be earmarked for ADP. Students can choose ADP or EDP by the end of the first or second semester.
ADP/EDP degrees will include a note specifying the adjusted duration, while ensuring the full academic content is covered.
Postgraduate Eligibility: Students completing a four-year undergraduate degree (Hons./Research, BTech, BE) will be eligible for a two-year postgraduate program.
PYQ:
[2012] Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education?
Directive Principles of State Policy
Rural and Urban Local Bodies
Fifth Schedule
Sixth Schedule
Seventh Schedule
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
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:
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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
National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS): To monitor and control pest infestations.
AgriSURE: A fund for start-ups and rural enterprises in agriculture.
Krishi Nivesh Portal (Phase-I): A platform for facilitating investments in the agriculture sector.
Krishi-DSS Portal: A geospatial platform to provide decision support for Indian agriculture.
