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Type: PIB

  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana crop insurance record

    Why in the News

    PIB set out the coverage and claims record of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). PMFBY is the national crop insurance scheme.

    Core facts

    1. What it is: PMFBY provides crop insurance against non preventable natural risks. Cover runs from pre sowing to post harvest.
    2. Coverage record: About 56.96 crore farmer applications were insured since inception.
    3. Claims paid: About Rs 1,54,469 crore was paid in claims since inception.
    4. Farmer premium: Farmers pay 2 percent for Kharif crops, 1.5 percent for Rabi crops and 5 percent for commercial and horticultural crops. The government pays the balance premium.
    5. Design principle: The scheme follows a One Nation, One Crop, One Premium approach. It removed premium capping so full admissible claims are paid.
    6. Technology: Loss assessment uses remote sensing, drones and smartphones. Key systems are YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System based on Technology) and CROPIC (Collection of Real time Observations and Photographs of Crops).

    Static Context

    1. Launch: PMFBY was launched in 2016. It replaced earlier crop insurance schemes.
    2. Voluntary since 2020: Enrolment became voluntary for all farmers from the 2020 revamp. It was earlier compulsory for loanee farmers.
    3. Delivery platform: The National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP) digitises enrolment, premium flow and claims.
    4. Implementing ministry: The scheme is run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

    Prelims angle

    1. Premium hook: Farmer premium is 2 percent Kharif, 1.5 percent Rabi, 5 percent commercial and horticultural. A uniform 2 percent for all crops is incorrect.
    2. Scope hook: The scheme covers post harvest losses from cyclones and unseasonal rain, and localised risks such as hailstorm and landslide.
    3. Tech hook: YES-TECH for yield estimation and CROPIC for photograph based crop verification.
    4. Year hook: Launched in 2016, voluntary since 2020.

    Mains angle

    GS3 (agricultural risk, crop insurance, subsidies). A question can ask how crop insurance protects small and marginal farmers against climate risk.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “[2016, GS3, 12.5 marks] Give 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). [2016] With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements: 1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year. 2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains. 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 Answer: (b)”

  • Per Drop More Crop expands water efficient micro irrigation

    Why in the News

    PIB detailed the reach of the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component of national irrigation policy. Revised guidelines widen the water management activities that states can fund.

    Core facts

    1. What it is: Per Drop More Crop promotes drip and sprinkler irrigation. The aim is higher water use efficiency at the farm.
    2. Coverage record: About 83.06 lakh hectares were brought under micro irrigation from 2015-16 to 2023-24. About 30.55 lakh hectares of that were added in the last three years.
    3. Central assistance: About Rs 18,714.69 crore was released to states since inception.
    4. Subsidy pattern: Assistance is 55 percent for small and marginal farmers and 45 percent for other farmers. Northeastern and Himalayan states get 25 percent higher unit cost support.
    5. Revised guidelines: States can now plan micro level water management works such as diggi construction and water harvesting under the scheme.
    6. Figure caveat: Some current media figures cite about 115 lakh hectares and 12.30 lakh farmers. Those could not be verified on a fetchable PIB detail page, so the PIB verified figure of 83.06 lakh hectares is used above.

    Static Context

    1. Parent scheme history: PDMC ran under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) from 2015-16 to 2021-22. Since 2022-23 it runs under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
    2. Micro Irrigation Fund: The Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) was created with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). Its initial corpus was Rs 5,000 crore.
    3. Interest support: The Fund gives states a 3 percent interest subvention on loans for micro irrigation expansion.
    4. PMKSY mandate: PMKSY, launched in 2015, follows the goal of Har Khet Ko Paani and improved on farm water use.

    Prelims angle

    1. Umbrella hook: PDMC now sits under RKVY, earlier under PMKSY.
    2. Fund hook: The Micro Irrigation Fund is with NABARD, corpus Rs 5,000 crore.
    3. Concept hook: Micro irrigation cuts fertiliser and nutrient loss and can check groundwater depletion. It is not the only means of dryland irrigation.

    Mains angle

    GS3 (types of irrigation and irrigation systems). A question can ask how micro irrigation addresses India’s water stress and how coverage can be widened.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “[2021, GS3, 10 marks] How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? [2016, GS3, 12.5 marks] What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency. [2011] With reference to micro-irrigation, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Fertilizer/nutrient loss can be reduced. 2. It is the only means of irrigation in dry land farming. 3. In some areas of farming, receding of the groundwater table can be checked. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (c)”

  • India’s Higher Education Sector

    Why in the News

    PIB published a Backgrounder on India’s Higher Education Sector. It sets out the sector’s scale, access gains and quality goals.

    Core facts

    1. Scale of expansion: Universities rose from 17 in 1947 to about 1,168 in 2021-22. Colleges rose from 636 to about 45,473 in the same period.
    2. Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): GER rose from 0.4 in 1950-51 to 28.4 in 2021-22. GER measures enrolment in higher education as a share of the 18 to 23 year age group.
    3. Gender parity: The Gender Parity Index reached 1.01 in 2021-22. A value of 1 means equal female and male enrolment.
    4. State universities carry the load: State Public Universities account for about 81 percent of total enrolment.
    5. Research output: India’s share of global research publications rose from 3.5 percent in 2017 to 5.2 percent in 2024.
    6. Public spending: Tertiary education received about 1.57 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021.
    7. Data caveat: These are PIB higher education factsheet figures. The current Backgrounder may carry updated data that could not be independently fetched.

    Static Context

    1. National Education Policy 2020: The National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 targets a 50 percent GER by 2035. It is the third national education policy after those of 1968 and 1986.
    2. University Grants Commission: The University Grants Commission (UGC) was set up under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. It funds and sets standards for universities.
    3. All India Council for Technical Education: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) regulates technical education. It gained statutory status under the AICTE Act, 1987.
    4. Data and ranking bodies: The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is the enrolment data source. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranks institutions.

    Prelims angle

    1. GER hook: The GER definition and the 50 percent by 2035 NEP target are testable facts.
    2. Regulator hook: UGC enactment year 1956 and AICTE statutory year 1987.
    3. Data hook: AISHE is the official higher education statistics survey.
    4. Parity hook: A Gender Parity Index at or above 1 signals equal or higher female enrolment.

    Mains angle

    GS2 (development of the education social sector). A question can ask how India can lift higher education quality and research to internationally competitive levels while raising GER.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “[2015, GS2, 12.5 marks] The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of higher and technical education in the country? Discuss.”

  • Indian Standard Time made the single legal time reference through new Legal Metrology rules

    Why in the News

    The Department of Consumer Affairs has notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026. The rules make Indian Standard Time (IST) the single legal time reference for use across sectors.

    Core facts

    1. Notifying body: The rules were notified by the Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
    2. Parent law: The rules are framed under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. This Act governs weights, measures and standards of measurement in India.
    3. Mandate: The rules mandate use of IST for legal, administrative, commercial and official purposes. Use of any alternative time reference is barred unless expressly permitted.
    4. Synchronisation method: Government offices and public institutions must synchronise clocks using Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP). These are internet protocols that distribute a common reference time to connected devices.
    5. Source of time: IST is maintained by the CSIR National Physical Laboratory (NPL). It is set at Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) plus 5 hours 30 minutes.
    6. Exemptions: Scientific, astronomical and navigational uses are exempt with prior government approval.
    7. Enforcement: Compliance is checked through periodic audits. Penalties apply for violations.

    Static Context

    1. One Nation, One Time: The reform is the operational form of the One Nation, One Time idea. A draft version was first issued for public comment in early 2025.
    2. Legal Metrology institutions: The Legal Metrology wing sits under the Department of Consumer Affairs. It enforces uniform weights, measures and now uniform time.
    3. CSIR National Physical Laboratory: NPL is the national measurement standards laboratory. It keeps India’s atomic time scale and disseminates IST.
    4. Why uniform time matters: Power grid synchronisation, telecom, banking, digital governance and defence need one accurate time base. Many networks earlier drew time from foreign satellite sources such as the Global Positioning System (GPS).

    Prelims angle

    1. Custodian fact: IST is maintained by CSIR NPL, not by the India Meteorological Department or ISRO.
    2. Offset fact: IST equals UTC plus 5:30, based on the 82.5 degree East longitude reference.
    3. Legal base fact: The rules flow from the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, a consumer affairs law, not from a science ministry statute.
    4. Protocol fact: NTP and PTP are the mandated synchronisation protocols.

    Mains angle

    GS3 (Science and Technology in everyday life) and GS2 (government regulation and standardisation). A question can ask how a single national time standard strengthens critical infrastructure security and consumer fairness.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “No direct PYQ traced in the provided files for legal metrology or Indian Standard Time. Closest tracked Microtheme is Certification/Promotional Bodies (Governance), covering national standards and certification bodies.”

  • PIB Backgrounder Charts India’s Electric Vehicle Ecosystem

    Why in the News

    A PIB Backgrounder has highlighted the rapid growth of India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem, showcasing significant progress in EV adoption, charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and government support.

    What does the Backgrounder Highlight?

    • EV Penetration: Increased from 0.08% in 2016 to 8.26% in 2026.
    • EV Sales: Rose from about 50,000 units in 2016 to 2.3 million units in 2025.
    • Charging Infrastructure: India had 52,718 public charging stations by July 2026, with a target of about 1.32 million stations by 2030.
    • National Goal: Achieve a 30% share of electric vehicles in new vehicle sales by 2030 under the EV30@30 initiative.

    PM E-DRIVE Scheme

    • Full Form: PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE).
    • Launched: 2024, replacing the FAME scheme.
    • Outlay: ₹10,900 crore.
    • Coverage: Electric two-wheelers. Electric three wheelers. Electric trucks. Electric buses. Electric ambulances.
    • Objective: Accelerate EV adoption through demand incentives and supporting infrastructure.

    Battery Manufacturing Push

    Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC)

    • Outlay: ₹18,100 crore.
    • Manufacturing Target: 50 GWh of Advanced Chemistry Cell battery capacity.
    • Objective: Promote domestic battery manufacturing and reduce import dependence.

    Earlier Initiative: FAME Scheme

    • Full Form: Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME).
    • Launched: 2015.
    • Phase II: Implemented until 2024.
    • Replaced by: PM E-DRIVE in 2024.

    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:

    I. Cobalt

    II. Graphite

    III. Lithium

    IV. Nickel

    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four

  • BioE3 Policy Reports Early Biomanufacturing Gains

    Why in the News

    The Government has highlighted the early achievements of the Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Policy, demonstrating growing investments and capacity in India’s biomanufacturing sector.

    What is the BioE3 Policy?

    • Full form: Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Policy.
    • Approved: 2024 by the Union Cabinet.
    • Implementing Agency: Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
    • Objective: Promote high capacity biomanufacturing to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and employment generation.

    Key Features of the Policy

    • Focus Areas: The policy identifies six thematic sectors:
      • Bio based chemicals.
      • Smart proteins.
      • Precision biotherapeutics.
      • Climate resilient agriculture.
      • Biofuels and carbon capture.
      • Marine and space biotechnology.
    • Funding Pattern:
      • Government support of up to 70% of project cost.
      • Remaining contribution from the private sector.
    • Industry Participation:
      • Over 600 beneficiaries have utilised BioE3 facilities.
      • Private investment commitments have reached about ₹602 crore.
    • Long term Goal: Support India’s vision of a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.

    What is Biomanufacturing?

    • Definition: The production of chemicals, fuels, materials, pharmaceuticals and other products using biological systems such as microorganisms, enzymes or engineered cells.
    • Benefits:
      • Reduces dependence on fossil fuel based manufacturing.
      • Promotes sustainable industrial production.
      • Supports the circular bioeconomy.

    What is a Biofoundry?

    • A highly automated research facility that designs, builds, tests and analyses biological systems.
    • Accelerates the development of new biotechnology products through automation and artificial intelligence.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to GenomeIndia Project is/are correct ?
    1. It is a part of the Human Genome Project.
    2. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
    3. Its primary aim is to build a catalogue of genetic diversity of the Indian population.
    Select the answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Indian Scientists Develop a Protocol to Densify Quantum Networks

    Why in the News

    Indian scientists have developed a new routing protocol called General Concurrence Percolation (GCP) to improve the efficiency and connectivity of quantum networks, marking a significant advance in quantum communication.

    What is the General Concurrence Percolation (GCP) Protocol?

    • Innovation: A routing protocol designed to strengthen quantum entanglement across a quantum network.
    • Approach: Uses localized geometric routing to identify the shortest communication paths.
    • Key feature: Preserves intermediate network nodes instead of disconnecting them, improving network stability.
    • Outcome: Simulations show the protocol reduces the minimum entanglement required to connect an entire quantum network.

    What is Quantum Entanglement?

    • Definition: A quantum phenomenon in which two or more particles remain correlated so that the state of one is intrinsically linked to the state of the other, regardless of distance.
    • Challenge: Entanglement weakens over long distances, making reliable quantum communication difficult.
    • Importance: It is the foundation of quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and quantum computing.

    Why is the Development Significant?

    • Improves the efficiency of long distance quantum communication.
    • Reduces the amount of entanglement needed for network connectivity.
    • Makes future quantum internet infrastructure more robust and scalable.
    • Supports secure communication through quantum encryption technologies.
    • Strengthens India’s capabilities in advanced quantum technologies.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to the National Quantum Mission (NQM) is/are correct?
    1. It aims at developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50 – 1000 physical qubits.
    2. Its implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in academic and national R&D institutes across India.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • Government Strengthens Rules Against AI Generated Deepfakes

    Why in the News

    The Government has strengthened the regulatory framework against AI generated deepfakes by amending the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

    What are the New Amendments?

    • Legal framework: Amendments have been made to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, framed under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
    • New definition: Introduces the concept of Synthetically Generated Information (SGI), covering deepfakes and other AI generated content.
    • Mandatory labelling: Platforms must clearly label synthetic content and embed traceable metadata to identify AI generated material.
    • User declaration: Significant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs) must obtain a declaration from users on whether uploaded content is synthetic.
    • Verification tools: SSMIs are required to deploy tools to verify user declarations.
    • Harmful content: The framework specifically targets:
      • Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
      • Non consensual intimate imagery
      • AI enabled impersonation and fraud

    What is a Deepfake?

    • Definition: Deepfakes are AI generated synthetic media in which a person’s face, voice, or likeness is created or manipulated using deep learning techniques.
    • Uses: Can be used for entertainment, education and content creation, but also for misinformation, identity theft, financial fraud and cybercrime.

    [2020] With the print state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
    1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
    2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
    3. Disease diagnosis
    4. Text -to -Speech Conversion
    5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

    [B] 1, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 2, 4 and 5 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • Cabinet Approves GOBARdhan as a National Unified Scheme for Compressed Biogas

    Why in the News

    The Union Cabinet has approved GOBARdhan as a National Unified Scheme for Compressed Biogas (CBG) to accelerate domestic biogas production, promote clean energy, and strengthen the circular economy.

    What is the GOBARdhan Scheme?

    • Full form: Galvanizing Organic Bio Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan).
    • Launched: 2018 under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
    • Objective: Promote production of Compressed Biogas (CBG) from organic waste while improving waste management, clean energy access, and farmers’ income.

    Key Features of the National Unified Scheme

    • Total Outlay: ₹23,731 crore.
    • Duration: FY 2027 to FY 2036 (10 years).
    • CBG Blending Obligation (CBGO):
      • 3% in the first year.
      • 4% in the second year.
      • 5% from the third year onwards in City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks.
    • Price Support: Administered price of about ₹2,110 per MMBTU for a minimum of 10 years.
    • Capital Assistance: Up to ₹2 crore per tonne per day of CBG production capacity for new projects.
    • Target: Achieve nearly a tenfold increase in domestic CBG production.

    What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?

    • Definition: Purified biogas with more than 90% methane content.
    • Feedstock: Produced from agricultural residue, cattle dung, municipal solid waste, sewage, and other biodegradable waste.
    • Uses: Can replace Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in transport, industry, and cooking.

    [2016] Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)?
    1. River basin is the unit of planning and management.
    2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level.
    3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis.
    Select the correct answer using the code given Below.

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Glaw Lake becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar site

    Why in the News

    Glaw Lake has been designated as Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar Site, making it the state’s first Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

    What is the Ramsar Convention?

    • International treaty: An intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
    • Adopted: 2 February 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
    • Came into force: 1975.
    • Objective: Promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands through national action and international cooperation.
    • India: A Contracting Party to the Convention.

    What is a Ramsar Site?

    • A wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention for its international ecological importance.
    • Selected based on criteria such as:
      • Unique wetland ecosystems.
      • Biodiversity significance.
      • Habitat for threatened species.
      • Importance for migratory waterbirds.

    Why is Glaw Lake Significant?

    • Location: Arunachal Pradesh.
    • First Ramsar Site: It is the first Wetland of International Importance from the state.
    • Recognition: Enhances conservation of the Eastern Himalayan wetland ecosystem.
    • Implementation: Designated under the Ramsar Convention with the involvement of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Wetlands Division.

    [2019] With reference to Wetlands, consider the following statements:
    1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
    2. They are covered with hydric soils.
    3. Wetlands are often referred to as Kidneys of the Earth.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3