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Type: Prelims Only

  • [pib] Net Direct Tax collections exceed 2023-24 target

    Why in the news?

    • India’s net direct tax collections witnessed a remarkable growth of 17.7% in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching ₹19.58 lakh crore.
      • This performance indicates a strong revenue stream for the government.

    Direct Tax Collections Trends in this Fiscal

    • Notably, Personal Income Taxes (PIT) played a pivotal role in driving the surge, accounting for 53.3% of the total tax kitty, up from 50.06% in the previous year.
    • Conversely, the contribution of corporate taxes dipped to 46.5% from 49.6% in the preceding fiscal.
    • While gross corporate tax collections increased, net tax receipts from Corporates, adjusted for refunds, experienced a slight decline.

    What Is Net of Tax?

    The term net of tax refers to the amount left after adjusting for the effects of taxes. Net of tax can be a consideration in any situation where taxation is involved. In the financial industry, ‘gross’ and ‘net’ are two key terms that refer to before and after paying certain expenses.

    It’s Significance:

    • Individuals and businesses often analyze before and after-tax values to make investment and purchasing decisions.
    • Net tax is also an important part of expense analysis when reviewing annual tax filings and the net income of businesses.

    Types of Direct Taxes:

    • Income Tax: Depending on an individual’s age and earnings, income tax must be paid. Various tax slabs are determined by the Government of India which determines the amount of Income Tax that must be paid.
      • The taxpayer must file Income Tax Returns (ITR) on a yearly basis. Individuals may receive a refund or might have to pay a tax depending on their ITR. Huge penalties are levied in case individuals do not file ITR.
    • Wealth Tax: The tax must be paid on a yearly basis and depends on the ownership of properties and the market value of the property. In case an individual owns a property, wealth tax must be paid and does not depend on whether the property generates an income or not.
      • Corporate taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and individuals must pay wealth tax depending on their residential status.
      • Payment of wealth tax is exempt for assets like gold deposit bonds, stock holdings, house property, commercial property that have been rented for more than 300 days, and if the house property is owned for business and professional use.
    • Estate Tax: It is also called an Inheritance Tax and is paid based on the value of the estate or the money that an individual has left after his/her death.
    • Corporate Tax: Domestic companies, apart from shareholders, will have to pay corporate tax. Foreign corporations who make an income in India will also have to pay corporate tax. Income earned via selling assets, technical service fees, dividends, royalties, or interest that is based in India are taxable. The below-mentioned taxes are also included under Corporate Tax:
      • Securities Transaction Tax (STT): The tax must be paid for any income that is earned via taxable security transactions.
      • Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): In case any domestic companies declare, distribute, or are paid any amounts as dividends by shareholders, DDT is levied on them. However, DDT is not levied on foreign companies.
      • Fringe Benefits Tax: Companies that provide fringe benefits for maids, drivers, etc., Fringe Benefits Tax is levied on them.
      • Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT): For zero-tax companies that have accounts prepared according to the Companies Act, MAT is levied on them.
    • Capital Gains Tax: It is a form of direct tax that is paid due to the income that is earned from the sale of assets or investments. Investments in farms, bonds, shares, businesses, art, and home come under capital assets.
      • Based on its holding period, tax can be classified into long-term and short-term. Any assets, apart from securities, that are sold within 36 months from the time they were acquired come under short-term gains.
      • Long-term assets are levied if any income is generated from the sale of properties that have been held for a duration of more than 36 months.

    PYQ:

    [2014] The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a

    (a) Tax imposed by the Central Government

    (b) Tax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government

    (c) Tax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government

    (d) Tax imposed and collected by the State Government

  • Centre releases curriculum framework for three to six-year-olds

    Why in the news? 

    For the first time ever, the Central government has released curriculum advisable to be taught to children aged three to six-years-old

    Objective of Aadharshila 

    • The early childhood education curriculum is expected to bridge foundational literacy and numeracy gaps which may arise in later school years

    Who Launched?

    • The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) has released the National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024 titled ‘Aadharshila,’ on the lines of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework.

    Where? 

    • Aadharshila (translated as foundation stone) is a detailed 48-week curriculum meant for learning in the age-group of three to six-year-olds in anganwadis.

    Significance Aadharshila’s Curriculum

    • Structure of Curriculum: The curriculum is organized on a weekly basis, comprising 48 weeks of learning over a three-year duration. It is designed to cater to children aged three to six attending anganwadis.
    • Initiation Phase: The curriculum begins with four weeks of initiation, focusing on academic activities to help children transition from home to the anganwadi center. These activities are engaging and involve fun and free play.
    • Exploration Phase: The subsequent 36 weeks are dedicated to exploration, free play, conversation, creation, and appreciation. Activities during this phase include storytelling, singing rhymes, art and craft, and other engaging activities. Storytelling themes often revolve around conflict resolution, responsibility, and cooperation.
    • Learning Objectives: Children learn various concepts such as colors, shapes, numbers, body parts, family and friends, listening and responding to instructions, basic counting, and themes like seasons, festivals, and food.

    Anganwadi 

    • Anganwadi services in India are a part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, which was launched on 2 October 1975.
    • The main objective of the Anganwadi programme is to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 years, to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical, and social development of the child, and to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition, and school dropout.

    Conclusion: The release of ‘Aadharshila’ marks a significant step in early childhood education, aiming to bridge foundational gaps. To enhance its effectiveness, continuous monitoring, teacher training, and community involvement are essential.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q National Education Policy 2020 isin conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient education system in India. Critically examine the statement (UPSC IAS/2020) 

  • India delivers first batch of BrahMos to Philippines

    Why in the news?

    India has handed over the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines marking a significant step in bilateral defense cooperation.

    India- Philippines Brahmos Deal

    • In January 2022, the Philippines inked a $375-million deal with India for three batteries of the shore-based, anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile,
    • This made it the first export customer for this joint venture between India and Russia.
    • Several countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, have expressed interest in procuring BrahMos systems, and discussions are underway.

    About BrahMos Missiles

    Development:

    • BrahMos is a joint venture between the DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya.
    • The name BrahMos comes from the two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.
    • The first successful test in 2001 was conducted from a specially designed land-based launcher.

    Capabilities:

    • BrahMos is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile.
    • Launched from: Submarine, ships, aircraft, or land.
    • It is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world.
    • It has two stages:
    1. First stage comprising of a solid fuel rocket booster and
    2. Second stage comprising a liquid-fueled ramjet.

    Warhead:

    • Ship-launched and land-based missiles can carry a 200 kg warhead,
    • Aircraft-launched variant (BrahMos A) can carry a 300 kg warhead.

    Variants and Range 

    • The missile travels at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0, which is being upgraded to Mach 5.0.
    • A hypersonic version of the missile, BrahMos-II, is also presently under development with a speed of Mach 7-8 to boost aerial fast strike capability.
    • Initially restricted by the Missile Technology Control Regime to a range of 290km, the BrahMos missile’s range was extended to 450km following India’s entry into the regime in June 2016.
    • Ongoing efforts aim further to extend the missile’s range beyond 600km, enhancing its operational reach and effectiveness in various scenarios.

    Strategic Implications of the move

    • This development comes amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea between the Philippines and China emphasizing the significance of enhancing defensive preparedness.
    • The acquisition of BrahMos missiles under Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Programme will bolster the defensive capabilities of the Philippines armed forces.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
    2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
    3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Bengaluru Airport bags 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards

    Why in the news?

    • The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been honored as the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia at the esteemed 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
    • Since its inauguration in 2023, KIA Terminal-2 has garnered multiple accolades, including the UNESCO Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airport

    About Skytrax World Airport Awards

    • The Skytrax World Airport Awards are annual awards, established in 1999 presented by Skytrax, a UK-based consultancy specializing in airline and airport research.
    • Since then, it has become a globally recognized authority in airline and airport research, known for its comprehensive passenger surveys and prestigious awards.
    • These awards are considered one of the most prestigious recognitions in the aviation industry and are often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry.”
      • Various categories of Award: Best Airport, Best Regional Airport, Best Airport Terminal, and Best Airport Staff, among others.

    Evaluation Criteria:

    • Rigorous evaluations of various aspects, including check-in procedures, arrivals, transfers, shopping facilities, security, immigration processes, and departures.
    • Feedback from airport customers of over 100 nationalities across 550 airports worldwide during a seven-month survey period contributed to the assessment.

    Winners of the 2024 Awards

    • Doha’s Hamad International Airport clinched the top spot, dethroning Singapore Changi Airport, which had held the title for 12 consecutive years.
    • Hamad International Airport is praised for its architectural significance and luxurious amenities, covering an area equivalent to 75 football fields.
    • Seoul Incheon Airport secured third place overall and was recognized as the most family-friendly airport.

    Performance of key Indian Airports:

    • Delhi Airport retained its position at 36th place in the overall rankings.
    • Mumbai Airport saw a slight decline, dropping to 95th place from its previous rank of 84.
    • Bengaluru Airport experienced a notable improvement, climbing 10 ranks to 59th place compared to last year’s 69th position.
    • Hyderabad Airport also showed improvement, rising to 61st place from its previous rank of 65th.
    • Goa’s Manohar International Airport secured the 92nd spot in the overall rankings.

  • Srinagar vies for World Craft City Tag 

    Why in the news?

    • The World Crafts Council International (WCCI) has identified Srinagar as a potential candidate for the prestigious World Craft City (WCC) designation from India.
    • Artisans in Srinagar have uniquely preserved their traditional crafts such as Pashmina shawls, carpets, and papier mâché.

    Craft Sector Statistics in Kashmir

    • The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage-Kashmir (INTACH-K) is working with the J&K Handicrafts department to map Srinagar’s craft sector in preparation for the final nomination.
    • Srinagar boasts a rich artisanal heritage, with over 20,000 registered craftsmen engaged in various disciplines such as papier mâché, walnut wood carving, hand-knotted carpets, and more.
    • Handicrafts contribute significantly to the local economy, with approximately 2.64% of J&K’s overall economic output attributed to the sector by 2016-17.

     

    About World Craft Council (WCC International)

    Details
    What is it? Non-profit, Non-governmental organization
    Working
    • Establishment in 1964;
    • Registered in Belgium as an international association without lucrative purpose (AISBL).
    • Affiliated to the UNESCO
    Founders Kamaladevi Chattopadhay and Aileen Osborn Webb
    Purpose To promote fellowship among craftspersons worldwide, foster economic development through craft-related activities, organize exchange programs, workshops, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions, and offer encouragement and advice to artisans.
    Legal Status
    • Registered in Belgium as an international association without lucrative purpose (AISBL)
    • WCC is organized into five regions: Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
    Meetings
    • European branch meets annually;
    • General Assembly occurs every four years (took place in Chennai in 2012).

    What is World Craft City (WCC) Designation?

    • The WCC initiative was launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International).
    • It recognizes the pivotal role local authorities, craftspeople, and communities play in cultural, economic, and social development worldwide.
    • India has only 3 cities designated as World Craft City:
    1. Jaipur (Kundan Jadai (Gem setting), Meenakari Jewellery, Lac based craft, Gotta Patti Work etc. )
    2. Mysuru (Kinnal paintings, Sandalwood carvings, Rosewood Inlay etc. )
    3. Mamallapuram (Stone Carving continuing since Pallava dynasty (275 CE to 897 CE))

    With inputs from: https://www.wccinternational.org/craft-cities/craft-cities-asia-pacific

    PYQ:

    Consider the following pairs:

    1. Puthukkuli Shawls — Tamil Nadu
    2. Sujni Embroidery — Maharashtra
    3. Uppada Jamdani Saris — Karnataka

    Craft Heritage of which of the pairs given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 2 and 3

  • Vasuki Indicus: 50ft Snake Fossil Found in Gujarat

    Why in the news?

    A fossil unearthed in Gujarat’s Kutch in 2005, initially presumed to belong to a giant crocodile, has been revealed as one of the largest snake ‘Vasuki Indicus’ ever to exist on Earth.

    About Vasuki Indicus

    • ‘Vasuki Indicus’ is the name given by IIT Roorkee Scientists to the fossil specie.
    • The name “Vasuki” derives from the mythological snake depicted often encircling the neck of the Hindu deity Shiva.

    Physical characteristics of Vasuki

    • It is estimated to measure between 11m (36ft) and 15m (49.22ft) in length,
    • It belonged to the extinct Madtsoiidae snake family.
      • Its size could potentially surpass the extinct Titanoboa in size, with its closest relatives identified as Titanoboa and Python.
    • The serpent’s large size indicates it was a slow-moving, ambush predator, akin to an anaconda, as suggested by researchers.
      • Like contemporary pythons and anacondas, Vasuki Indicus presumably employed Constriction (suffocation) as its primary method of prey capture.

    Age and Geological Context:

    • Recovered from the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch, the fossil dates back to the Middle Eocene period, approximately 47 million years ago.
    • Analysis of the well-preserved vertebrae indicates the snake’s existence during a warm geological interval with average temperatures estimated at 28°C.
    • ‘Vasuki’ is believed to represent an extinct relic lineage originating in India, with subsequent India-Asia collision facilitating its dispersal from the subcontinent into North Africa through southern Eurasia.
      • Vasuki thrived during a time when the continents of Africa, India, and South America were amalgamated into a single landmass.

    Significance for India

    • This discovery underscores India’s rich biodiversity.
    • It holds immense potential in unraveling insights into the evolutionary process, continental shifts, and India’s pivotal role in the origin of various species, particularly reptiles.

    Middle Eocene Period

    • It is part of the Cenozoic Era, which began about 66 million years ago and continues to the present day.
    • During the Middle Eocene, the Earth experienced a greenhouse climate, with global temperatures significantly warmer than today.
    • The poles were ice-free, and forests extended into higher latitudes than they do today.
    • The period was characterized by relatively high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to the warm climate.
    • The Middle Eocene was a time of significant diversification and evolution of various groups of organisms.
    • Mammals continued to diversify and evolve, with the emergence of early primates, rodents, and hoofed mammals.
    • The period also saw the rise of modern bird groups and the diversification of flowering plants (angiosperms).
    • The Middle Eocene was marked by tectonic activity, including the ongoing separation of continents and the formation of mountain ranges in various parts of the world.
    • For example, the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate during this time led to the uplift of the Himalayas.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to-

    (a) Fossils of a kind of dinosaurs

    (b) An early human species

    (c) A cave system found in North-East India.

    (d) A geological period in the history of the Indian subcontinent

  • Iron Age Megalithic Sites discovered in Telangana

    Why in the news?

    • Archaeologists in Telangana have found Iron Age megalithic sites, including various structures such as large stone monuments and places with rock paintings.
    • These discoveries provide important information about the ancient civilizations that once lived in the area.

    Iron Age in India

    • India’s Iron Age ranged from approximately 1200 BCE to 200 BCE.
    • It was marked by the emergence of new archaeological cultures, including the megalithic cultures, Painted Grey Ware culture (1300–300 BCE), and the Northern Black Polished Ware (700–200 BCE).
    • This period corresponds to the transition from the Janapadas (principalities) of the Vedic period to the 16 Mahajanapadas (region-states) of the early historic period.
    • This transition culminated in the emergence of the Maurya Empire toward the end of the Iron Age.
    • Ironworking was prevalent in the Central Ganga Plain and the Eastern Vindhyas from the early second millennium BCE.
    • Sites:
    1. North India: Malhar, Dadupur, Raja Nala Ka Tila, Lahuradewa, Kosambi and Jhusi, Allahabad in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
    2. South India: Earliest Iron Age sites include Hallur in Karnataka and Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu, dating to around 1000 BCE. Mahurjhari near Nagpur was a significant site for bead manufacturing.
    • The Indian Iron Age ended coinciding with other significant events such as the decline of the Mauryan Empire and the spread of Buddhism.

     

    About the Ooragutta Megalithic Site

    • The site boasts over 200 megalithic monuments, although the exact count remains uncertain due to the dense forest and hilly terrain.
    • They are characterized by squarish or rectangular shapes, the structures at Ooragutta exhibit unique features.

    Dolmenoid Cists

    • The newly discovered monuments, termed “Dolmenoid Cists,” feature side slabs arranged to mirror the shape of the cap-stone, resulting in each cist having a distinct shape dictated by the cap-stone.
    • These monuments are estimated to date back to around 1,000 BCE.

    Rock Art Sites at Damaratogu

    • Two new rock art sites have been discovered at Damaratogu in Gundala mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
    • One of these sites, known as ‘Devarlabanda Mula‘, exclusively depicts animals and NO humans, in a rock painting.
    • It suggests a cultural significance possibly related to hunting or animal worship.
    • The absence of weapons or domestic animals in the paintings indicates that these artworks may belong to the Mesolithic age, dating anywhere between 8000 – 3000 BCE.

    Significance of Discoveries

    • These monuments resemble to “Passage Chambers” found in Europe.
    • This discovery sheds light on previously unknown architectural styles in the region and offers insights into the evolution of megalithic practices.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following pairs: ​

    (Historical place) (Well-known for)​

    1. Burzahom : Rock-cut shrines​
    2. Chandraketugarh : Terracotta art​
    3. Ganeshwar : Copper artefacts​

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?​

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 2 and 3 only

  • [pib] SPACE Testing & Evaluation hub for Sonar Systems

    Why in the news?

    A state-of-the-art SPACE testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems, designed for the Indian Navy, was inaugurated by DRDO.

    About Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)

    • The SPACE is located at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala.
    • It is developed by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
    • It is set to become a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems deployed on various Indian Navy platforms, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.

    Key Features of SPACE:

    • SPACE comprises two distinct components:
    1. Floating Platform on the water surface and
    2. Submersible platform capable of descending to depths of up to 100 meters using winch systems.
    • After completing operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.

    Functions and Capabilities:

    • The primary function of SPACE is the evaluation of complete sonar systems, facilitating rapid deployment and retrieval of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
    • It will serve for surveying, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters utilizing modern scientific instrumentation.
    • It will address the data processing and sample analysis requirements, ushering in a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.

    What is SONAR?

    • SONAR stands for “Sound Navigation and Ranging.”
    • It’s a technique used for detecting and locating objects underwater by transmitting sound waves and analyzing the echoes they produce.

    Here’s how it works:

    1. Sound Transmission: A SONAR system sends out pulses of sound waves, typically at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. These sound waves travel through the water and propagate in all directions.
    2. Object Detection: When the sound waves encounter an object underwater, such as a submarine, seafloor, or marine life, they reflect off the object and return to the SONAR system as echoes.
    3. Echo Reception: The SONAR system receives the echoes of the transmitted sound waves and measures the time it takes for them to return. By knowing the speed of sound in water and the time it takes for the echoes to return, the system can calculate the distance to the object.
    4. Data Analysis: The received echoes are processed and analyzed to create a visual representation of the underwater environment. This information helps operators identify and locate objects of interest, navigate safely, and map the seafloor.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft,” The experiment in question refers to-

    (a) Voyager-2

    (b) New Horizons

    (c) LISA Pathfinder

    (d) Evolved LISA

  • Mount Ruang in Indonesia Erupts

    Why in the news?

    Indonesia witnessed a series of eruptions from Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano located in North Sulawesi Province.

    About Mount Ruang 

    • Ruang is situated in the Sangihe Islands arc, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    • It comprises an island that is 4 by 5 kilometers wide, with a summit containing a partial lava dome reaching an altitude of 725 meters (2,379 ft).
    • From its summit, peaks such as Klabat, Siau, and Ternate can be observed in the south, north, and east, respectively.
    • The volcano’s first recorded eruption was in 1808.

    Why so many volcanic eruptions in Indonesia this year?

    • Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes.
    • It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.

    What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?

    • The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
    • Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
    • It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
    • Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.

    Its spread

    • Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
    • It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.

    Seismic activity of the region

    • The area is along several tectonic plates including the:
    1. Pacific plate,
    2. Philippine Plate,
    3. Juan de Fuca plate,
    4. Cocos plate,
    5. Nazca plate, and
    6. North American plate.
    • The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
    • Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian Territory.
    2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
    3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1 and 3

  • India’s Surge in Pulses Imports: A Six-Year High

    Why in the news?

    • India’s pulses imports in fiscal 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge, soaring by 84% year-on-year to their highest level in six years.
    • Lower production levels prompted India to permit duty-free imports of red lentils (Masoor) and yellow peas (Tur/Arhar), further driving the increase in imports.

    Pulses Cultivation in India

    Details
    Seasons Cultivated in both ‘Kharif’ and ‘Rabi’ seasons. ‘Rabi’ pulses contribute more than 60% of production.

    Kharif Season Pulses:

    1. Pigeon Peas (Arhar/Toor/Red Gram)
    2. Green Beans (Moong Beans)
    3. Black Matpe (Urad/Mah/Black Gram)
    4. Black Eyed Peas (Lobia)
    5. Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana)
    6. Red Kidney Beans (Rajmash)

    Rabi Season Pulses:

    1. Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea/Desi Chana)
    2. Lentils (Masoor)
    3. White Peas (Matar)
    Production (2023)  Approximately 27.5 million metric tonnes

    Reported as 7.6 quintals per hectare
    Area under Cultivation Pulses account for around 20% of the area under food grains in India.
    Top Producing States Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka
    Government Initiatives National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for Pulses, Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme
    Research and Development Conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities
    Goal Aim for self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2027

     

    Pulses Import: Figures and Value

    • India imported a total of 4.65 million metric tons of pulses in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, marking the highest volume since fiscal 2018.
    • In terms of value, imports surged by 93% to reach $3.75 billion in the same period.

     

    Pulses Production in India: Key Facts

    • India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world (as per FAO).
    • Pulses account for around 20% of the area under foodgrains and contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country (as per Vikaspedia).
    • Gram (Chana) is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each. (Reference)
    • Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses producing States. (Reference)

     

    Global Impact of Higher Imports

    • The surge in imports by India, the world’s largest importer, producer, and consumer of protein-rich pulses, has been bolstering global prices.
    • It has also contributed to reducing stocks in exporting countries such as Canada, Australia, and Myanmar.

    Significance of Pulses Consumption

    1. Nutritional Value:
      • Pulses are considered to be ‘poor man’s protein’.
      • They contain 20-25% of protein by weight, with twice the protein available in wheat and thrice that present in rice.
      • WHO recommends 80gm/day of Pulses in the diet.
    2. Environmental Sustainability:
      • Pulses have low carbon and water footprints, making them integral to sustainable farming.
      • Water footprints for producing one kilogram of meat are five times higher than that of pulses.
      • Pulses emit 0.5 kilogram in CO2 equivalent per kilogram, while meat produces 9.5 kilograms in CO2 equivalent.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years ?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

    [2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
    2. Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
    3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3