💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Type: Prelims Only

  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Elections to the Rajya Sabha

    Why in the News?

    The Election Commission of India has announced biennial elections for eight Rajya Sabha seats, including two seats from Assam and six seats from Tamil Nadu.

    These elections are part of the regular process through which

    About Elections to the Rajya Sabha:

    • Rajya Sabha members are indirectly elected by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies and Union Territory electoral colleges (Delhi and Puducherry).
    • The elections follow the proportional representation system through the Single Transferable Vote (STV) method.
    • Voting is done using an Open Ballot to ensure transparency and party discipline.
    • Composition of the Rajya Sabha:
      • It can have a maximum of 250 members.
      • Out of these, 238 members are elected, and 12 are nominated by the President of India for contributions to art, literature, science, and social service.
      • As of now, the RS has 245 members233 elected and 12 nominated.
      • One-third of RS members retire every two years.
    • Voting Requirements and Process:
      • A candidate must be proposed by at least 10 members of the State Legislative Assembly or 10% of the party’s strength in the Assembly.
      • Voters rank candidates by preference under the Single Transferable Vote system.
      • If a candidate is eliminated or elected, their votes are transferred to the next preference on the ballot.
      • Voting is done using an Open Ballot system to promote transparency.
    • Quota for Election:
      • To win, a candidate must secure a vote quota, calculated as:
        (Total valid votes / (Number of vacancies + 1)) + 1.
    • Tenure of Members:
      • RS is a permanent body and cannot be dissolved.
      • However, one-third of its members retire every two years, and new members are elected.
      • Each Rajya Sabha member serves a six-year term.
    • Chairmanship and Leadership:
      • The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
      • A Deputy Chairman is elected by the Rajya Sabha members from among themselves.
    • Eligibility (as per Article 84):
      • A candidate must be a citizen of India.
      • The minimum age required is 30 years.
      • The candidate must also meet other qualifications specified by the Constitution or law.
    • Disqualification of Members:
      • A member can be disqualified for defection under the anti-defection law.
      • Disqualification can also happen due to criminal convictions, bankruptcy, or being declared of unsound mind.
    • Administrative and Historical Details:
      • The first sitting of the Rajya Sabha was held on May 13, 1952.
      • The Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha acts as the chief executive and administrative head of the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

    Tap here to read everything about the Rajya Sabha.

    [UPSC 2020] Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in:

    Options: (a) the matter of creating new All India Services (b) amending the Constitution* (c) the removal of the government (d) making cut motion

     

  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Scientists verify Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance

    Why in the News?

    Researchers have solved the genetic mysteries behind Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance, using advanced DNA sequencing and genome analysis.

    About Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance:

    • Who Was Mendel: Gregor Mendel was an Austrian monk who studied pea plants starting in 1856 to find out how traits like height or color are passed from parents to children.
    • Years of Study: He worked for 8 years and tested over 10,000 plants. His results were shared in 1865 but ignored at the time.
    • Rediscovered Later: In 1900, other scientists realised how important Mendel’s work was.
    • What He Studied: He looked at 7 traits in peas – Seed shape, seed colour, flower colour, pod shape, pod colour, flower position, and plant height.
    • What He Found: Some traits (like round seeds) are stronger than others (like wrinkled seeds). These stronger traits usually show up in the next generation.
    • Why It Matters: Mendel showed that traits are passed through tiny units called genes, and each gene can have different versions called alleles. This became the foundation of genetics.

    Scientists verify Mendel’s Experiments on Inheritance

    What the Study Found (2024):

    • What Scientists Did: In April 2024, scientists studied the DNA of 697 types of pea plants to understand the exact genes behind all 7 traits that Mendel studied.
    • Big Data: They used powerful machines to look at a huge amount of data — as much as 14 billion pages of information!
    • Surprising Results: They found that the pea plant family is more mixed than expected, with 8 different genetic groups due to crossbreeding.
    • New Genetic Details:
      • Pod color changes due to a missing piece of DNA.
      • Pod shape is controlled by 2 specific genes.
      • Flower position changes with a small DNA change.
    • More Than Mendel: They also found 72 other traits related to seeds, pods, leaves, and roots.
    • Why It’s Useful: These findings can help farmers grow better crops, protect plants from diseases, and prepare for climate change.
    [UPSC 2013] Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to

    (1). resist drought and increase absorptive area (2). tolerate extremes of pH (3). resist disease infestation

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

     

  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    Bharat Forecast System for Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting

    Why in the News?

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has unveiled the Bharat Forecast System (BFS) for weather predictions at panchayat level.

    About Bharat Forecast System (BFS)

    • Launch: The BFS was launched by IMD and developed by IITM Pune under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
    • Forecast Accuracy: It delivers hyperlocal weather predictions at the panchayat level, using a 6 km × 6 km grid — the highest resolution in the world.
    • Supercomputing Power: The system runs on two advanced supercomputers: Arka at IITM Pune and Arunika at NCMRWF Delhi.
    • Purpose: BFS enhances short- and medium-term forecasts critical for agriculture, disaster preparedness, and public safety.

    Key Features of BFS:

    • High-Resolution Forecasting: It provides 6 km resolution forecasts, improving on the earlier 12 km resolution. It covers the tropical region between 30° South and 30° North latitude.
    • Advanced Supercomputing: Arka- 11.77 petaflops, 33 petabytes; Arunika- 8.24 petaflops, 24 petabytes; Arka reduces forecast processing time from 10 hours to 4 hours; Includes a dedicated AI system with 1.9 petaflops power.
    • Real-Time Nowcasting: Uses data from 40 Doppler Weather Radars (set to grow to 100); Provides real-time forecasts for the next 2 hours with high accuracy.
    • Smart Grid Design: Uses a Triangular-Cubic Octahedral (TCO) grid, focusing computing power on weather-sensitive regions.
    • Practical Benefits: Helps forecast heavy rainfall, improve crop planning, manage flood risk, and guide resource allocation.
    • Global Benchmark: Most global models operate at 9–14 km resolution; India is now the only country with 6 km operational weather forecasts.
    [UPSC 2017] With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. IOD phenomenon is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.

    2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

     

  • Animal Husbandry, Dairy & Fisheries Sector – Pashudhan Sanjivani, E- Pashudhan Haat, etc

    State of the World’s Animal Health Report, 2025 by WOAH

    Why in the News?

    The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) released the first-ever State of the World’s Animal Health report.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • India faces high risk from transboundary animal diseases, with 47% of global outbreaks between 2005–2023 being zoonotic, affecting both animals and humans.
    • African Swine Fever (ASF), which jumped 1,800 km to Sri Lanka in 2024, threatens India’s northeast pig-rearing regions already impacted in past years.
    • Avian Influenza (HPAI) saw outbreaks in non-poultry species surpass poultry in 2024; India’s dense poultry population makes cross-species transmission a growing concern.
    • Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), endemic in India, showed new serotype SAT 3 and SAT 1 activity in other countries, posing vaccine adaptation challenges.
    • Diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease and PPR, both reported in India earlier, are now spreading to new global regions, highlighting potential for reintroduction.
    • WOAH urges global action on vaccine equity, surveillance, and biosecurity, which align with India’s need to safeguard livelihoods, trade, and food security.

    About the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH):

    • Establishment: WOAH, formerly known as OIE, was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
    • Membership: It has 183 member countries, including India, and operates independently from the United Nations.
    • Mandate: WOAH is the global authority on animal health, working to control animal epidemics (epizootics) and improve global animal welfare.
    • Key Functions:
      • Runs the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) to track disease outbreaks.
      • Sets international health standards for trade in animals and animal products.
      • Promotes science-based animal welfare policies and transparent disease reporting.
      • Offers technical support to countries, especially developing nations.
    • Global Cooperation: Works with over 70 global partners, including the FAO.
    • India’s Role: India is a member and an active participant through the World Assembly of Delegates.
    [UPSC 2005] Which one of the following diseases of milching animals are infectious?

    1. Foot and Mouth disease

    2. Anthrax

    3. Black Quarter

    4. Cowpox

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4*

     

  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Short Selling and Associated Risks

    Why in the News?

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering a proposal to ease restrictions on short selling in most stocks.

    SEBI’s January 2024 proposal to bar short-selling in stocks that are not in the futures and options segment had caused uncertainty.

    What is Short Selling?

    • Definition: Short selling is a strategy where an investor sells a stock first and buys it later, aiming to profit from a price drop.
    • Opposite of Normal Trade: Unlike regular buying (buy low, sell high), short selling works on selling high and buying low.
    • How It Works: You borrow the stock from a broker, sell it at the market price, and later buy it back at a lower price to return it.
    • Example: If a stock is sold at ₹2,100 and later bought at ₹1,900, the profit is ₹200. If the price rises to ₹2,300 instead, the loss is ₹200.

    Types of Short Selling:

    1. Short Selling in the Spot Market (Cash Segment):
    • Shorting is allowed only for intraday trading (buying and selling financial instruments (like stocks) on the same day).
    • You must square off the position (buy back the stock) before 3:30 p.m. on the same day.
    • If not squared off, it leads to short delivery, where the exchange settles the trade through an auction.
    • There may be heavy penalties if the position is not closed on time.
    1. Short Selling in the Futures Market:
    • Here, you can hold your short position overnight or even roll it over to the next month.
    • You must deposit margin money, which is generally higher.
    • Futures shorting is riskier and is mostly used by experienced traders.
    • This type allows more flexibility but involves greater financial commitment.

    Risks Associated with Short Selling:

    • Unlimited Losses: If the stock price rises sharply, losses are unlimited.
    • Short Delivery Risk: Failing to buy back in the spot market can lead to penalties.
    • Liquidity Risk: Hard-to-trade stocks may lead to delayed buybacks and losses.
    • Margin Requirements: High margin costs in futures trading limit retail participation.
    • Market Volatility: Sudden movements may cause unexpected losses.
    • Not for Beginners: Due to complexity and high risk, short selling is unsuitable for new investors.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    Statement I: As regards returns from an investment in a company, generally, bondholders are considered to be relatively at lower risk than stockholders.

    Statement II: Bondholders are lenders to a company whereas stockholders are its owners.

    Statement III: For repayment purpose, bondholders are prioritized over stockholders by a company.

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

    (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

    (b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement I explains Statement II

    (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

    (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

     

  • Pharma Sector – Drug Pricing, NPPA, FDC, Generics, etc.

    PLI Scheme for 11 Pharma Products rolled out

    Why in the News?

    The Department of Pharmaceuticals has invited drug manufacturers to apply for benefits under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

    It has invited fresh applications for 11 unsubscribed or partially subscribed pharmaceutical products, including Neomycin, Gentamycin, Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, and Diclofenac Sodium, to boost domestic production capacity.

    About the PLI Scheme:

    • Launch: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme was launched in March 2020.
    • Objectives: Aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and create employment.
    • Initial Focus: Targeted three sectors — mobile manufacturing, electronic components, and medical devices.
    • Expansion: Later extended to 14 key sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT hardware, automobiles, and electronics.
    • Incentive Structure: Offered 1%–4% incentives on incremental sales.
    • Impact: Attracted large-scale investments and enhanced global competitiveness of Indian industries.

    PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals:

    • Target Area: Designed to promote bulk drug and formulation manufacturing in India.
    • Product Focus: Encouraged domestic production of Key Starting Materials (KSMs), Drug Intermediates (DIs), and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
    • Strategic Aim: Aimed to reduce import dependence, particularly on China.
    • Financial Allocation: Total outlay for the pharmaceutical PLI scheme is ₹6,940 crore.

    Tap to read more about various versions of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global exports of goods.

    Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s ‘Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.

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

    Options: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

     

  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    India’s first ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale 

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI) to help understand and reduce stigma faced by patients and caregivers from sickle cell disease (SCD).

    What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

    • Nature of Disease: SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen delivery in the body.
    • Complications: These sickle cells can block blood vessels, break easily, and cause anemia, organ damage, and painful episodes.
    • Cause: The disease is inherited, requiring one defective gene from each parent; one gene leads to sickle cell trait.
    • Symptoms: Common symptoms include fatigue, body pain, swollen limbs, frequent infections, and organ damage.
    • Treatment Options: There is no universal cure, but bone marrow transplants and gene therapy offer potential solutions; supportive care helps manage symptoms.

    Note:

    • Anaemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin.
    • All SCD patients have anaemia, but not all anaemia is due to Sickle Cell Disease.

    About the ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for India (ISSSI):

    • Purpose: The ISSSI is India’s first tool designed to measure stigma faced by sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and their caregivers.
    • Developing Authority: It was developed by ICMR to understand and address the social impact of SCD in India’s diverse communities.
    • Global Context: This is the fourth stigma scale worldwide and the first validated for Indian conditions.
    • Scientific Validation: The tool was validated in a study published in The Lancet (Regional Health – South-East Asia).
    • Availability: The ISSSI is now approved for use in both clinical and research settings across India.
    • Components: It includes two formats — ISSSI-Pt for patients and ISSSI-Cg for caregivers.
    • Stigma Dimensions: It captures issues related to family expectations, reproductive concerns, social disclosure, illness burden, interpersonal challenges, and negative healthcare experiences.
    • Data Sources: The scale was developed using inputs from 6 culturally diverse districts: Alluri Seetharama Raju, Anuppur, Chhoteudepur, Kandhamal, Mysuru, and Udalguri.

    India’s Strategy: Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)

    • Launch Year: The AMB Mission was launched in 2018 to reduce anemia using a 6x6x6 strategy.
    • Target Groups: It covers six groups — young children, school children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
    • Key Interventions: Actions include iron and folic acid supplements, deworming, nutrition education, digital health tools, IFA-fortified foods, and disease screening (including SCD).
    • Supporting Systems: It is backed by inter-ministerial coordination, state-level units, research centers, the AMB Dashboard, digital tracking, and supply chain support.
    • Reach: The mission aims to impact around 450 million people, focusing on real-time monitoring and last-mile delivery.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. 2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. 3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. 4. It addresses non-nutritinoal causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three* (d) All four

     

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Tianwen-2 Mission 

    Why in the News?

    China is set to launch its first asteroid sampling mission, called Tianwen-2, to study and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa.

    If successful, China will join a small group of countries — including the United States and Japan — that have returned asteroid samples to Earth.

    What is the Kamo‘oalewa Asteroid?

    • Kamo‘oalewa was discovered in 2016 using the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii.
    • It is a quasi-satellite of Earth, which means it orbits the Sun but stays close to Earth and is affected by Earth’s gravity.
    • It has a highly elliptical orbit and seems to move ahead of and behind Earth, giving the illusion of orbiting Earth.
    • Kamo‘oalewa has been in this orbit for around 100 years and is expected to remain in it for the next 300 years.

    About the Tianwen-2 Mission:

    • Mission Type: Tianwen-2 is China’s first asteroid sample return mission.
    • Target: It will explore 469219 Kamo‘oalewa, a near-Earth quasi-satellite asteroid.
    • Asteroid Origin: Kamo ‘oalewa may contain lunar fragments ejected during a past collision.
    • Sample Collection:
      • Touch-and-Go Technique: Uses a projectile or gas to loosen and collect surface material.
      • Anchor-and-Attach Technique: Uses robotic arms to anchor and drill for deeper samples.
    • Post-Sample Phase: After sample return, the probe will travel to the main asteroid belt for further exploration.
    • Key Technologies: Equipped with high-resolution cameras, intelligent onboard systems, and precise control to operate in low-gravity conditions.

    Tianwen-1 Mission:

    • Mission Type: Tianwen-1 was China’s first Mars mission, launched in July 2020.
    • Launch Vehicle: It was launched aboard a Long March 5 rocket.
    • Mission Structure: Consisted of an orbiter, lander, and rover — all in one launch.
    • Landing Site: Successfully landed in Utopia Planitia, a northern Martian plain.
    • Scientific Goals:
      • Studied Martian soil, rocks, and geological structure.
      • Analyzed climate, atmosphere, and subsurface water or ice.
    • Unique Feature: Deployed the first ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface.

     

    [UPSC 2014] Consider the following pairs:

    Spacecraft Purpose

    1. Cassini-Huygens : Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth.

    2. Messenger : Mapping and investigating.

    3. Voyager 1 and 2 : Exploring the outer solar system.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

  • What is the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case?

    Why in the News?

    The Golaknath case (IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab, 1967) is one of the most important judgments in India’s constitutional history. It was the first time the Supreme Court said that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights.

    About the Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) Case:

    • Case Name: IC Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967) is a landmark case in Indian constitutional history.
    • Background: The Golaknath family from Punjab challenged the Punjab Security of Land Tenures Act, 1953, which declared their land surplus under land ceiling laws.
    • Claim of Violation: They argued the law violated their Fundamental Right to property, protected under Articles 19(1)(f) and 31.
    • Ninth Schedule Issue: The Act was placed under the Ninth Schedule by the 17th Constitutional Amendment, making it immune to judicial review.
    • Main Legal Question: Could Parliament amend Fundamental Rights under Article 368, or are such amendments invalid under Article 13(2)?
    • Arguments: The petitioners claimed Fundamental Rights are sacrosanct, while the government asserted Parliament’s full power to amend the Constitution.
    • Supreme Court Verdict: On February 27, 1967, in a 6:5 majority, the Court held that:
      • Parliament cannot amend Fundamental Rights.
      • Amendments are “law” and subject to Article 13(2).
      • The ruling would apply only prospectively, not to past amendments.
    • Overruled Judgments: The decision overturned earlier rulings in Sankari Prasad (1951) and Sajjan Singh (1964) that allowed unrestricted amendments.

    Legacy of the Golaknath Case:

    • Judicial Restraint on Parliament: This was the first case to restrict Parliament’s power to amend Fundamental Rights.
    • Judiciary’s Role Strengthened: It reinforced the Supreme Court’s duty to protect civil liberties and limit legislative overreach.
    • Prospective Overruling: Introduced the concept to ensure legal stability without undoing past amendments.
    • Constitutional Values Upheld: Affirmed that the Constitution has core values that must be protected, especially Fundamental Rights.

    Influence on Future Cases:

    • Indira Gandhi Election Case (1975): Built upon the idea that democracy is a basic feature of the Constitution.
    • Minerva Mills Case (1980): Reaffirmed limits on Parliament’s amending power and emphasised judicial review.
    • Foundational Impact: Although later rulings allowed some flexibility, the Golaknath case laid the foundation for the Basic Structure Doctrine.
    • Lasting Message: It ensured that Fundamental Rights remain untouchable, securing the heart of Indian democracy against future misuse.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:

    1.The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

    2.The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court, and no judgment can be made on it.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

  • 6 new sites added to Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)

    Why in the News?

    The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized six traditional farming systems from Brazil, China, Mexico, and Spain as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).

    About the Newly Recognised GIAHS Systems:

    1. Deqing Pearl Mussel Fishery (China): 800-year-old integrated system of pearl farming, rice, and silk boosts ecotourism and water purification.
    2. Fuding White Tea Culture (China): Biodiverse tea gardens linked to rituals and livelihoods, supporting 18 tea and 41 vegetable varieties.
    3. Gaolan Pear Orchards (China): 600-year-old dryland system along the Yellow River yields 2 million kg of pears with native crop-livestock integration.
    4. Erva Mate Agroforestry (Brazil): Indigenous agroforestry under Araucaria forests preserves ecology and culture through erva-mate farming.
    5. Metepantle Terraces (Mexico): 3,000-year-old Nahua terrace farming ensures food sovereignty and conserves over 140 native species.
    6. Lanzarote Sand Farming (Spain): Volcanic and sea sand techniques grow crops without irrigation in one of Europe’s driest zones.

    About GIAHS: 

    • Definition: GIAHS are living and evolving agricultural systems where communities maintain strong ties to their land through agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, resilient ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
    • Purpose: The program works to identify, support, and safeguard agricultural systems that preserve genetic diversity, support rural livelihoods, and maintain cultural landscapes.
    • Origins: The concept was launched in 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg.
    • Nodal Agency: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations leads the GIAHS initiative.
    • Program Implementation:
      1. Global level: Identification, selection, and formal recognition of GIAHS.
      2. National level: Policy support and capacity building.
      3. Local level: Community empowerment and technical assistance for sustainable resource use.

    India’s GIAHS-Recognized Farming Systems:

    India, known for its diverse agro-ecological zones and rich farming heritage, has 3 GIAHS sites:

    1. Koraput Traditional Agriculture (Odisha): Practised by tribal communities in the Eastern Ghats, this system conserves over 1,200 indigenous rice varieties; integrates millets and pulses in shifting and terraced cultivation; and supports community seed banks and organic methods vital for agro-biodiversity and food security.
    2. Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System (Kerala): Located in the Vembanad wetland area, it is the only below-sea-level farming system in India; farmers use polders and bunds to grow paddy, practice rice–fish rotation, and manage seasonal flooding through indigenous water control systems.
    3. Saffron Heritage of Kashmir (UT of Jammu & Kashmir): Found in the Pampore plateau, saffron is cultivated at 1,600–1,800 metres using traditional methods on Karewa soils; the crops are known for its high crocin content, aroma, and colour strength, making it a key product for local economy, export, and cultural heritage.
    [UPSC 2016] The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

    1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.

    2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities

    3. The provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identifies GIAHS Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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