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Type: PIB

  • National Statistical Office releases first ever district level output for the unincorporated non farm sector

    PIB class: Press Release. Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

    Why in News

    The National Statistical Office (NSO) released, for the first time, output estimates for the unincorporated non farm sector at the district level.

    Core facts

    1. What it covers: The unincorporated sector means enterprises that are not registered as companies. It spans manufacturing, trade and other services run as household or proprietary units outside agriculture.
    2. Institution: The National Statistical Office (NSO) sits under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It compiles national accounts and conducts the large sample surveys.
    3. Significance stated in the headline: District level granularity is a new level of disaggregation. Earlier estimates for this sector stopped at the state and national level.
    4. Figures: Release specific counts and values were not verifiable this run and are therefore omitted.

    Static Context

    1. The unincorporated non farm segment is the statistical face of the informal economy. It employs the bulk of the non farm workforce and contributes a large share of jobs outside agriculture.
    2. The survey vehicle is the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE). It records employment, output and value added for these units. It replaced the earlier periodic enterprise surveys of the erstwhile National Sample Survey Office.
    3. National accounts use these estimates. Value added from the unincorporated sector feeds the Gross Value Added computation for services and unregistered manufacturing.

    Prelims angle

    The parent body NSO and its ministry MoSPI. The distinction between incorporated and unincorporated enterprises. The survey name ASUSE. The place of unincorporated output inside Gross Value Added and Gross Domestic Product.

    Mains angle

    GS3, Indian economy, mobilization of resources, growth and employment. Better informal sector data supports district level planning and targeted formalisation. Frame around measurement gaps in the informal economy and the policy value of disaggregated data.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    No direct PYQ on unincorporated sector statistics was traced in the provided files. Closest tracked Microtheme is the manufacturing and micro, small and medium enterprise economy.

    “[2023, GS3, 10 marks] Faster economic growth requires increased share of the manufacturing sector in GDP, particularly of MSMEs. Comment on the present policies of the Government in this regard.”

  • Financial Fraud Risk Indicator crosses ₹5,000 crore in prevented fraud

    Why in News

    1. Milestone crossed: The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) has prevented suspected cyber fraud transactions of over ₹5,000 crore.

    Core facts

    1. What FRI is: The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator is a real time risk assessment framework. It flags whether a mobile number may be linked to cyber crime or fraud.
    2. Administering body: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) developed and operates it. It launched on 22 May 2025.
    3. Risk classes: FRI classifies mobile numbers into three categories. These are Medium, High and Very High risk.
    4. Data sources: It draws on citizen reports through Sanchar Saathi, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, telecom operators and financial institutions.
    5. Use by institutions: Banks, payment providers, insurers and pension entities use the risk signal for transaction monitoring.
    6. Amount protected: FRI prevented ₹5,043.73 crore in suspected fraud as of August 2026.
    7. Recent record: Over ₹2,000 crore was prevented between April and August 2026. More than 1,600 organisations are on the platform.

    Static Context

    1. The Digital Intelligence Platform was launched by the Department of Telecommunications in 2024. FRI operates within it.
    2. Sanchar Saathi is a citizen portal to report suspected fraud communication and to block lost or stolen mobile handsets.
    3. The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal is run by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

    Prelims angle

    1. FRI custodian: Department of Telecommunications, within the Digital Intelligence Platform.
    2. Related platforms: Sanchar Saathi, National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and I4C are frequently tested.

    Mains angle

    1. GS3, internal security: A question can assess how real time data sharing between telecom and banking systems strengthens India’s response to cyber financial fraud.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “No direct Prelims PYQ on financial fraud prevention was traced in the provided files. Closest Microtheme: Cyber Security (Internal Security).”

    “[2022, GS3, 10 marks] What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.”

  • India and Morocco hold inaugural Joint Defence Committee meeting

    Why in News

    1. First committee meeting: The inaugural Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meeting between India and Morocco was held in New Delhi on 8 September 2026.

    Core facts

    1. Administering body: The Ministry of Defence hosted the meeting.
    2. Co-chairs by position: India’s Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and Morocco’s 2nd Bureau Chief co-chaired the session.
    3. Domains discussed: training and education, peacekeeping operations, military exercises, medical cooperation, cyber defence and defence industries.
    4. Industrial cooperation: Both sides agreed to explore joint production, joint ventures, technology collaboration, and maintenance and sustainment.
    5. Visit dates: The Moroccan delegation visited India from 7 to 10 September 2026.
    6. Institutional origin: The JDC was created by a defence cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2025.
    7. Milestone ahead: The two countries mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027.

    Static Context

    1. Morocco is a North African kingdom on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. It borders the Strait of Gibraltar.
    2. A Joint Defence Committee is a standing bilateral mechanism. It institutionalises regular defence dialogue between two states.
    3. India and Morocco established diplomatic relations in 1957.

    Prelims angle

    1. Location of Morocco: North West Africa, near the Strait of Gibraltar.
    2. Mechanism: The India and Morocco Joint Defence Committee as a bilateral defence institution.

    Mains angle

    1. GS2, international relations: A question can assess India’s deepening defence diplomacy with African states and its strategic value in the western Indian Ocean and Atlantic approaches.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “No direct PYQ traced in the provided files. Closest Microtheme: Bilateral Relations (International Relations).”

  • PM-SETU clears three State Implementation Plans worth ₹735.70 crore

    Why in News

    1. Fifth committee meeting: The fifth National Steering Committee of PM-SETU approved three State Implementation Plans (SIPs) worth ₹735.70 crore on 8 September 2026.

    Core facts

    1. Full name: PM-SETU is the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs scheme.
    2. Administering body: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) runs it.
    3. Model: It uses an industry led, cluster based design. A Hub Industrial Training Institute (ITI) supports a network of Spoke ITIs.
    4. Cumulative investment: Approved investment now totals ₹2,171 crore across 9 ITI clusters.
    5. Rajasthan plan: Value ₹241 crore. Industry partner H.G. Infra Engineering Limited. Hub is Government ITI Bhiwadi. Rajasthan is the first state to execute a shareholders agreement.
    6. Telangana plan: Value ₹254.30 crore. Industry partner ZEN Technologies Limited. Hub is Government ITI Medchal.
    7. Uttar Pradesh plan: Value ₹240.40 crore. Partner is the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Hub is Government ITI Saket, Meerut.

    Static Context

    1. Industrial Training Institutes are post school vocational training centres. They fall under the Directorate General of Training.
    2. The National Skill Development Corporation is a public private partnership body that funds and scales skilling.
    3. Demographic dividend refers to growth potential from a rising working age share of the population. Skilling converts this potential into productive employment.

    Prelims angle

    1. Nodal ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
    2. Structure: Hub and Spoke ITI model, industry led clusters.
    3. Distinguish schemes: PM-SETU against Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the Recognition of Prior Learning scheme.

    Mains angle

    1. GS2 and GS3: A question can assess how industry linked ITI upgrades strengthen the link between education, skilling and employability.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “[2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements :
    1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
    3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 and 3 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Final answer: (c)”

    “[2023, GS2, 15 marks] Skill development programs have succeed in increasing human resources supply to various sectors. In the context of the statement analyze the linkages between education, skill and employment.”

  • First sector wide Corporate Social Responsibility framework for coal companies

    Why in News

    1. New framework launched: The Ministry of Coal launched the first sector wide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework for Indian coal companies on 8 September 2026.

    Core facts

    1. First of its kind: This is the first sector specific CSR framework since statutory CSR began under the Companies Act, 2013.
    2. Design agency: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs developed the framework. It targets communities in coal mining areas.
    3. Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY): This scheme funds treatment for thalassaemia and aplastic anaemia. Empanelled hospitals expanded from 4 to 21 nationally.
    4. TBSY support: It provides up to ₹10 lakh per patient for a bone marrow transplant. The total budgeted outlay is ₹130 crore across four phases.
    5. TBSY record: Over 1,050 bone marrow transplants have been completed. Coal India Limited (CIL) delivers this programme.
    6. Nanha Sa Dil: This programme addresses congenital heart defects in newborns. It began in March 2024 in four districts of Jharkhand.
    7. Nanha Sa Dil record: Over 200,000 children were screened. More than 1,500 corrective cardiac surgeries were performed free of cost. Subsidiaries SECL, CCL, NCL and WCL scaled the programme.

    Static Context

    1. Statutory CSR was introduced through Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
    2. CSR rule: Qualifying companies must spend 2 percent of average net profits of the preceding three years on CSR.
    3. Applicability: The rule applies to companies meeting thresholds on net worth, turnover or net profit.
    4. Coal India Limited is a Maharatna central public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Coal.

    Prelims angle

    1. CSR statutory basis: Section 135, Companies Act, 2013, and the 2 percent spending norm.
    2. Scheme mapping: Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana and Nanha Sa Dil are run by coal sector enterprises, a testable pairing.

    Mains angle

    1. GS3 and GS4: A question can examine whether mandatory CSR produces genuine social value or compliance driven spending, using coal sector health schemes as evidence.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “[2024] With reference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) rules in India, consider the following statements:
    1. CSR rules specify that expenditures that benefit the company directly or its employees will not be considered as CSR activities.
    2. CSR rules do not specify minimum spending on CSR activities.
    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
    Final answer: (a)”

    “[2013, GS3, 10 marks] With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications”

  • Surface Coal and Lignite Gasification Scheme: Round 1 concludes with seven applications

    Why in News

    1. Round 1 closed: The Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal and Lignite Gasification Projects received seven applications from public and private companies. Round 2 opened on 8 September 2026.

    Core facts

    1. Administering body: The Ministry of Coal runs the scheme.
    2. Approval and outlay: The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on 13 May 2026. The financial outlay is ₹37,500 crore.
    3. Objective: The scheme converts domestic coal and lignite into higher value products. These include syngas, methanol, ammonia, urea and hydrogen.
    4. Import substitution: India imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), urea, ammonia and methanol worth ₹2.77 lakh crore in the financial year 2024 to 2025.
    5. Capacity target: The scheme targets 100 million tonnes of coal gasification capacity by 2030. It contributes 75 million tonnes of that target.
    6. Round 1 applicants: NTPC Limited applied for one synthetic natural gas project. Adani Enterprises Limited applied for three urea projects. Gallantt Ispat Limited, Shyam Sel and Power Limited and Talcher Fertilisers Limited applied for one project each.
    7. Process: The Request for Proposal was issued on 7 July 2026. Further Round 2 windows open every two months.

    Static Context

    1. Coal gasification is a thermochemical process. It reacts coal with controlled oxygen and steam to produce syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
    2. Syngas is a feedstock for fertilisers, chemicals and fuels. It reduces reliance on imported natural gas.
    3. Earlier scheme: A ₹8,500 crore gasification incentive scheme was notified in January 2024. Eight projects are under implementation under it.
    4. India’s coal has high ash content and low sulphur content. High ash lowers gasification efficiency and needs specific technology choices.

    Prelims angle

    1. Products from coal gasification: urea, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and synthetic natural gas are testable factual hooks.
    2. Composition of syngas: carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
    3. Nodal ministry: Ministry of Coal. Cabinet approval year: 2026.

    Mains angle

    1. GS3, energy and infrastructure: A question can ask how coal gasification advances energy security and import substitution while raising environmental concerns from continued coal use.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “[2025] Consider the following substances:
    I. Ethanol
    II. Nitroglycerine
    III. Urea
    Coal gasification technology can be used in the production of how many of them?
    (a) Only one
    (b) Only two
    (c) All three
    (d) None
    Final answer: (b)”

    “[2026, GS3, 15 marks] Explain the key challenges for India’s energy security. What measures do you suggest for ensuring energy security along with economic growth and sustainability?”

  • Defence Acquisition Council clears capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore

    Defence Acquisition Council clears capital acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore

    Why in the News

    The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for defence acquisition proposals worth around ₹1.10 lakh crore.

    • About 98% of the approved procurements are planned from Indian industry, reinforcing the government’s focus on defence indigenisation and self reliance.

    What is the DAC?

    • Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making body in the Ministry of Defence for defence procurement.
    • It was constituted in 2001 following the recommendations of the Group of Ministers after the Kargil War.
    • Chairperson: Union Defence Minister.
    • It deals with major decisions related to acquisition of capital assets for the Armed Forces.

    What has the DAC approved?

    Indian Army

    • CBRN reconnaissance vehicles: Detect, identify, monitor and mark areas contaminated by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents.
    • High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs): Improve operational mobility and logistics in difficult terrain.
    • Self Propelled Mechanical Mine Layers (MMLs): Provide faster mine laying capability.
    • Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs): Support operations across diverse terrains.
    • Trawl tanks: Facilitate movement through mine contaminated areas.
    • Sarvatra Bridge System: Provides rapid bridging and crossing capability during military operations.

    Indian Navy

    • Arudhra radars: To replace existing air route surveillance radars at naval air stations.
    • Marine Gas Turbines (MGTs): Indigenous design, development and procurement for warship propulsion, reducing dependence on foreign vendors.

    Indian Air Force and Defence Forces

    • Proposals to enhance capabilities of fighter aircraft, transport aircraft and helicopters.
    • Ground Based Multi Purpose Jammers (GBMPJ): Provide jamming capability against adversary radars.
    • Defence Forces Secure Access Card (DEFSAC): Replace paper based identity cards, passes and permits with interoperable RFID based smart cards.

    Why is Defence Indigenisation Important?

    • Strategic autonomy: Reduces dependence on foreign suppliers for critical military systems.
    • Operational security: Minimises vulnerabilities arising from dependence on external vendors.
    • Domestic manufacturing: Creates demand for Indian defence companies and strengthens the defence industrial base.
    • Technology development: Encourages indigenous R&D and advanced defence technologies.
    • Economic benefits: Generates skilled employment and strengthens domestic supply chains.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Total value: Around ₹1.10 lakh crore.
    • DAC: Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by the Defence Minister.
    • AoN: Acceptance of Necessity, the initial approval for a defence procurement proposal.
    • CBRN: Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear.
    • ALH: Advanced Light Helicopter.
    • MGT: Marine Gas Turbine.
    • DEFSAC: Defence Forces Secure Access Card.
    • 98%: Approximately 98% of the approved procurement value is planned to be sourced from Indian industry.

    [2026] Which of the following items of defence hardware is/are manufactured in India?
    1.Su-30 MKT Fighter Jects
    2.T-90 MKI-III Tanks
    3.Akula Class Submarine
    Select the answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1 and 2

    [B] 1 and 3

    [C] 1 only

    [D] 2 only

  • Next generation aquaculture: Recirculatory Aquaculture System and Biofloc technology in the Blue Economy

    Next generation aquaculture: Recirculatory Aquaculture System and Biofloc technology in the Blue Economy

    Why in the News

    India is the world’s second-largest fish producer and second-largest aquaculture producer. India is also the largest producer and exporter of shrimp. The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of nearly 3 crore fishers and fish farmers. Government initiatives are promoting Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc technology under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

    Growth of India’s Fisheries Sector

    • Annual fish production increased from 95.79 lakh tonnes in 2013-14 to 198 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
    • Inland fisheries and aquaculture production increased by 147%, from 61.36 lakh tonnes to 151.60 lakh tonnes.
    • Seafood exports increased from ₹30,213 crore in 2013-14 to ₹73,890 crore in 2025-26.
    • Since 2015, cumulative government investments exceeding ₹39,272 crore have supported the fisheries sector.

    Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS)

    • RAS is an intensive fish farming system based on water treatment and recirculation.
    • Water is continuously treated and reused to maintain suitable conditions for fish growth.
    • It can recycle up to 90-95% of water.
    • Enables fish farming in areas where conventional aquaculture may not be feasible.
    • Allows production units to be located closer to urban markets and export hubs.
    • Supports year-round fish production, better biosecurity and controlled farming conditions.

    Biofloc Technology

    • Biofloc is an intensive aquaculture technique that uses beneficial microorganisms.
    • Microorganisms help improve water quality by utilising organic wastes and nutrients.
    • The microbial biomass forms flocs, which can also provide nutritional benefits to cultured fish.
    • Enables intensive production with efficient use of water and nutrients.
    • Particularly useful where land and water availability are limited.

    Government Support under PMMSY

    • 9,467 RAS units have been approved.
    • 4,573 Biofloc units have been approved.
    • Around ₹4,120 crore has been invested under PMMSY for these technologies.
    • These systems are helping shift aquaculture towards intensive, commercially viable and resource-efficient production.

    Importance for Blue Economy

    • Resource efficiency: Reduces water consumption and improves waste utilisation.
    • Higher productivity: Facilitates intensive and year-round fish farming.
    • Geographical expansion: Allows aquaculture in diverse agro-climatic conditions.
    • Export competitiveness: Improves quality, traceability and biosecurity.
    • Employment: Creates opportunities across production, processing, marketing and exports.
    • High-value aquaculture: Supports species such as shrimp, trout, seabass, tilapia, murrel and pangasius.
    • Entrepreneurship: Promotes specialised activities such as ornamental fish farming.

    Geographical Applications

    • Controlled systems: Ornamental fish and other specialised aquaculture activities.
    • Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: Cold-water aquaculture, particularly trout.
    • Saline and brackish-water areas: Export-oriented shrimp farming.

    [2023] With reference to the role of biofilters in Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:

    1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed.

    2. Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate.

    3. Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) Only one

    (b) Only two

    (c) All three

    (d) None.

  • Jute: India’s Golden Fibre

    Jute: India’s Golden Fibre

    Why in the News

    India is the world’s largest producer of raw jute. India produced 94.03 lakh bales of jute and mesta in 2025-26. India is also the leading producer of jute goods globally, accounting for around 75% of estimated world production. The sector supports nearly 40 lakh farm families and provides direct employment to around 3.70 lakh workers. Jute’s biodegradable and recyclable nature makes it an important alternative to synthetic materials.

    Jute: The Golden Fibre

    • Jute is called the “Golden Fibre” because of its golden colour and silky lustre.
    • Jute + Mesta are collectively classified as raw jute due to their similar end uses.
    • Mesta is a bast fibre crop and can serve as an alternative to jute, particularly in drier regions.
    • Major producing states: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Odisha, and Jharkhand
    • West Bengal has the largest concentration of jute mills.

    Agro-climatic Conditions

    • Requires hot and humid conditions.
    • Rainfall: around 700-1,500 mm during the growing period.
    • Generally sown during March-April.
    • Harvested within 100-110 days.
    • Cultivation is concentrated in eastern and northeastern India.
    • Predominantly rainfed and mainly cultivated by small and marginal farmers.

    Importance of Jute

    • Biodegradable and recyclable natural fibre.
    • Strong, durable, breathable and versatile.
    • Used in: Packaging, Agriculture, Construction, Industrial textiles, Technical textiles
    • Provides thermal and acoustic insulation.
    • Has high moisture absorption and low static generation.
    • Can be blended with natural and synthetic fibres for value-added products.

    Jute Geotextiles

    • Jute Geotextile (JGT) is a technical textile made from jute fibres.
    • Used for: Soil erosion control, Slope and embankment protection, Riverbank and canal protection, Road construction, Railway track formation, Drainage systems, Soft-soil stabilisation
    • Being biodegradable, it supports soil restoration and ecological regeneration.
    • Helps regulate soil temperature and reduce surface disturbance, supporting seed germination and plant establishment.

    Government Initiatives

    Minimum Support Price

    • MSP of raw jute for 2026-27: ₹5,925 per quintal.
    • Provides a 61.8% return over the all-India weighted average cost of production.
    • MSP increased from ₹2,400 per quintal in 2014-15.

    Jute Corporation of India (JCI)

    • Sole nodal agency for implementing MSP policy for raw jute.
    • Procures directly from farmers when market prices fall below MSP.
    • Operates through Departmental Purchase Centres (DPCs).

    National Jute Development Programme (NJDP)

    • Umbrella programme for development and promotion of the jute sector.
    • Implemented by the National Jute Board (NJB).
    • Focuses on:
      • Increasing farm productivity and farmer incomes.
      • Jute diversification.
      • Market development.
      • Promotion of jute as an alternative to plastics.

    JUTE-ICARE

    Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise

    • Launched in 2015-16.
    • Promotes scientific cultivation, mechanisation and improved retting.
    • Supports farmers through certified seeds and field demonstrations.
    • Implemented with CRIJAF and JCI.

    Jute Diversification Scheme

    Promotes value addition through:

    • Jute Raw Material Banks
    • Jute Resource-cum-Production Centres
    • Capital subsidy for machinery
    • Jute retail outlets
    • Export incentives for jute diversified products

    Jute Packaging

    • The Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act provides for mandatory use of jute packaging for specified commodities.
    • Government mandates jute packaging for: 100% of foodgrains, and 20% of sugar

    Digital Initiatives

    JUTE-SMART

    • End-to-end e-governance platform for procurement and supply of jute sacking bags.
    • Developed by the Office of the Jute Commissioner.
    • Digitises procurement, registration and compliance processes.

    Jute Crop Information System

    • Developed by ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in collaboration with JCI and NJB.
    • Uses remote sensing and field data to monitor jute cultivation.
    • BHUVAN JUMP: Mobile application for field-level jute monitoring.
    • PATSAN: Web-based platform providing near-real-time jute surveillance and analytics.

    Jute and Sustainable Development

    • Contributes to rural employment, environmental sustainability and green industrialisation.
    • Provides an alternative to plastic and synthetic materials.
    • Supports farmers, workers, artisans and MSMEs.
    • Promotes technical textiles through products such as jute geotextiles.
    • Creates opportunities for value addition and exports.

    [2011] The lower Gangetic plain is characterized by a humid climate with high temperature throughout the year. Which one among the following pairs of crops is most suitable for this region?

    (a) Paddy and cotton

    (b) Wheat and Jute

    (c) Paddy and Jute

    (d) Wheat and cotton.

  • 16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils

    Why in News

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change held the 16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils on 6 September 2026.

    Static Context

    1. Governing law: The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 governs the use of India’s biological resources. It gives effect to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
    2. Three tier structure: The Act built a three tier system. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at Chennai sits at the top. State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) operate at the state level. Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) function at the local body level.
    3. Access and benefit sharing: The system regulates access to biological resources and the fair sharing of benefits from their use. The BMCs prepare People’s Biodiversity Registers and can levy collection fees within their jurisdiction.
    4. Nagoya link: The Biodiversity Management Committees are central to realising the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. In Biodiversity the India, Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
    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