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Type: Prelims Only

  • Special Campaign 6: Swachhata in Government Offices

    Special Campaign 6: Swachhata in Government Offices

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) are preparing for Special Campaign 6, to be conducted from 2-31 October 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • Objective: Institutionalise Swachhata and reduce pendency in government offices.
    • Preparatory Phase: 15-30 September 2026.
    • Implementation Phase: 2-31 October 2026.
    • Major focus:
      • E-waste collection, segregation and disposal
      • Disposal of pending references
      • Record management
      • Space management
      • Cleanliness and beautification
    • E-waste activities will follow the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
    • Special attention to field and outstation offices involved in public service delivery.

    Pending Matters Covered

    • MP and State Government references
    • Inter-Ministerial communications
    • Parliamentary Assurances
    • PMO references
    • Public Grievances and PG Appeals through CPGRAMS

    Special Campaign 5.0: DFPD Performance

    • 1,23,853 files weeded out.
    • 49,830 sq ft space freed.
    • ₹1.67 crore revenue generated.
    • Nov 2025-Aug 2026:
      • 72,577 sq ft space freed.
      • ₹25.95 lakh revenue from scrap disposal.
      • 1,493 cleanliness drives conducted.

    Important Full Forms

    • MoHUA: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
    • DFPD: Department of Food and Public Distribution
    • CPWD: Central Public Works Department
    • NBCC: National Buildings Construction Corporation
    • CPGRAMS: Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System
    • PMO: Prime Minister’s Office

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • Special Campaign 6: 2-31 October 2026.
    • Preparatory Phase: 15-30 September 2026.
    • Focus: Swachhata + pendency + records + space + e-waste.
    • E-waste management follows E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
    • Special Campaigns have been conducted since 2021.
  • SEMICON India 2026: Building India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

    SEMICON India 2026: Building India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem

    Why in the News?

    SEMICON India 2026 will be inaugurated at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, with the theme “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem.”

    Key Highlights

    • India’s electronics production rose from ₹1.9 lakh crore (2014-15) to ₹13.11 lakh crore (2025-26).
    • Electronics exports increased from ₹38,000 crore to ₹4.24 lakh crore.
    • Mobile phone production rose to ₹6.27 lakh crore.
    • India now manufactures 99.2% of the mobile phones it uses.
    • Electronics manufacturing supports around 2.5 million jobs.

    Semicon India Programme

    • Semicon 1.0 (2021): ₹76,000 crore outlay.
    • Semicon 2.0 (2026): ₹1,27,500 crore outlay.
    • Six focus areas:
      • Chip design
      • Semiconductor equipment and materials
      • Fabrication facilities
      • Advanced packaging
      • Research and development
      • Talent development
    • 12 semiconductor projects approved across 6 states, with investments exceeding ₹1.64 lakh crore.
    • 3 facilities have started commercial production.

    Semiconductor Talent

    • Target: 85,000 skilled semiconductor engineers.
    • Chips to Startup Programme deployed Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools across 320 institutions.
    • More than 68,000 students trained.
    • 211 chips taped out by 75 institutions by April 2026.
    • Seven chips fabricated, including nodes down to 12 nm.

    ChipIN Centre

    • Established at C-DAC under the Chips to Startup and Design Linked Incentive programmes.
    • Provides access to chip-design tools, fabrication services and training.
    • Reached 1 lakh+ engineers from 500+ organisations.

    International Dimension

    • India joined the Pax Silica coalition in 2026.
    • Focus: securing the global silicon supply chain, including critical minerals, fabrication and advanced AI systems.

    Important Full Forms

    • SEMICON: Semiconductor-related industry exhibition/platform
    • EDA: Electronic Design Automation
    • C-DAC: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
    • C2S: Chips to Startup
    • DLI: Design Linked Incentive
    • MSME: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • Semicon India Programme: launched in 2021.
    • Semicon 1.0: ₹76,000 crore.
    • Semicon 2.0: ₹1,27,500 crore.
    • ChipIN Centre: C-DAC.
    • Semiconductor ecosystem includes design + fabrication + packaging + testing + equipment/materials + talent.
  • WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: India’s Largest-Ever Contingent

    WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: India’s Largest-Ever Contingent

    Why in the News?

    India has flagged off its largest-ever 70-member contingent for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, to be held in Shanghai from 22-27 September 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • 70 competitors representing India.
    • Competing across 63 skill categories.
    • India will debut in 11 new-age skill categories.
    • WorldSkills Shanghai: 1,400+ competitors from 60+ countries/regions.
    • Focus: technical excellence, innovation, creativity and craftsmanship.

    11 New Skill Categories

    • Dental Prosthetics
    • Digital Interactive Media Design
    • Intelligent Security Technology
    • Landscape Gardening
    • Optoelectronic Technology
    • Retail Sales
    • Unmanned Aerial Systems
    • Industrial Mechanics
    • Software Testing
    • Heavy Vehicle Technology
    • Aircraft Maintenance

    India’s Performance

    • WorldSkills ranking improved from 29th (2015) to 13th (WorldSkills Lyon 2024).
    • Lyon 2024: 4 Bronze Medals + 12 Medallions for Excellence.
    • 8th position in Asia at WorldSkills Asia 2025.

    What is WorldSkills?

    • WorldSkills International is a global organisation that promotes vocational education, technical skills and excellence in skilled professions.
    • The competition works like an international championship for skills. Competitors demonstrate practical expertise under standardized conditions and are assessed against international benchmarks.

    India and WorldSkills

    • India has been a member of WorldSkills International since 2007.
    • The country’s participation is closely linked with the Skill India ecosystem and efforts to improve the quality, employability and international competitiveness of India’s workforce.

    WorldSkills India Champions Club

    • First cohort of 16 former competitors and medallists inducted.
    • Aim: mentor aspiring competitors and promote India’s skills ecosystem.

    Important Full Forms

    • MSDE: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
    • NSDC: National Skill Development Corporation
    • ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • WorldSkills Competition: Major international competition promoting excellence in vocational skills.
    • 2026 edition: Shanghai, China.
    • India: 70-member contingent, 63 skill categories.
    • WorldSkills Lyon 2024: India ranked 13th.
  • PLFS Monthly Bulletin: August 2026

    PLFS Monthly Bulletin: August 2026

    Why in the News?

    The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) August 2026 bulletin shows stronger labour force participation, mainly driven by rural areas.

    Key Findings

    • Overall LFPR: 55.6%, up from 55.4% in July.
    • Rural LFPR: 58.2%, up 1.2 percentage points YoY.
    • Female LFPR: 34.8%, up from 33.7% in August 2025.
    • Overall WPR: 52.8%, highest since March 2026.
    • Rural WPR: 55.8%, up 1.3 percentage points YoY.
    • Overall UR: 5.0%, broadly stable.
    • Rural UR: 4.1%, lowest since January 2026.
    • Urban UR: 6.8%.

    Gender Trends

    • Female LFPR increased to 34.8%.
    • Rural female LFPR: 39.4%.
    • Urban female LFPR: 25.4%.
    • Overall female WPR increased to 33.0% from 32.0% a year earlier.

    Survey Details

    • 3,70,160 persons surveyed.
    • Rural: 2,11,353
    • Urban: 1,58,807
    • Monthly estimates use the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.

    Important Full Forms

    • PLFS: Periodic Labour Force Survey
    • NSO: National Statistical Office
    • MoSPI: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
    • LFPR: Labour Force Participation Rate
    • WPR: Worker Population Ratio
    • UR: Unemployment Rate
    • CWS: Current Weekly Status

    Prelims Quick Revision

    • LFPR = proportion of population participating in the labour force.
    • WPR = proportion of population that is employed.
    • UR = proportion of labour force that is unemployed.
    • PLFS is conducted by NSO under MoSPI.
    • Since January 2025, PLFS methodology provides monthly and quarterly labour market estimates.
  • Saratchandra Chattopadhyay: 150th Birth Anniversary

    Saratchandra Chattopadhyay: 150th Birth Anniversary

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Saratchandra Chattopadhyay on his 150th birth anniversary, highlighting his enduring contribution to Bengali literature and social consciousness.

    Who was Saratchandra Chattopadhyay?

    • Born: 15 September 1876, Debanandapur, Bengal Presidency
    • Died: 16 January 1938
    • One of the most widely read Bengali novelists and short-story writers.
    • His simple, emotionally powerful writing brought the lives of ordinary people, women and socially marginalised groups into mainstream literature.
    • His works have been translated into Indian and foreign languages, giving him a wider literary influence.

    Literary & Social Significance

    1. Social realism

    • Portrayed social inequalities, caste and class distinctions, poverty and conservative social practices.
    • Particularly captured the complexities of Bengal’s rural and semi-urban society.

    2. Women’s emancipation

    • Female characters often challenge restrictive social norms.
    • Explored issues such as widowhood, child marriage, patriarchy, education and women’s autonomy.
    • Women are not merely passive characters but often represent moral agency and resistance to social conventions.

    3. Nationalism

    • His writings reflected the intellectual and emotional atmosphere of the Indian nationalist movement.
    • Pather Dabi is particularly associated with anti-colonial nationalism and revolutionary politics.

    4. Language and accessibility

    • Used relatively simple, colloquial Bengali, making literature accessible to a broad readership.
    • Helped bridge the gap between elite literary culture and ordinary readers.
    WorkUPSC Relevance
    DevdasSocial conventions, class and emotional conflict
    ParineetaGender, marriage and social hierarchy
    Biraj BauWomen’s condition and patriarchy
    SrikantaSocial conventions, individual freedom and society
    CharitraheenGender morality and social hypocrisy
    Pather DabiNationalism, colonialism and revolutionary politics
    GrihadahaMarriage, relationships and social norms

    [2020] With reference to the book ‘Desher Katha’ (1904) written during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:
    1.It warned against the Colonial State’s “hypnotic conquest of the mind,” explaining how the British successfully colonized the Indian psyche.
    2.It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays, folk songs, and the “Yatras” in Bengal.
    3.The use of the word ‘desh’ by Deuskar was specifically meant to refer only to the region of Bengal and its linguistic identity.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2, and 3

  • How to appoint judges: A view from South Africa

    How to appoint judges: A view from South Africa

    Why in the News

    • The Supreme Court has held that confidentiality in judicial appointments is necessary to preserve the integrity of the appointment process.
    • The issue arose in Arvind Malhotra v. High Court of Himachal Pradesh, involving a judge who challenged the elevation of a junior judge to the Supreme Court.
    • The case brings into focus the debate between confidentiality and transparency in judicial appointments.

    Judicial Service Commission of South Africa

    • The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is a constitutional body involved in judicial appointments in South Africa.
    • It includes judges, lawyers, legal academics and political representatives.
    • Its proceedings are conducted publicly and broadcast.
    • Process involves:
      • Calling for nominations.
      • Preparing a shortlist.
      • Inviting public comments.
      • Conducting public interviews.
      • Voting where members disagree.
    • The identity of individual votes remains confidential.

    Judicial Accountability in South Africa

    • Judges do not enjoy special immunity from complaints regarding conduct.
    • The JSC can investigate allegations of improper conduct.
    • Serious cases can lead to a public enquiry and recommendations for impeachment.

    Constitutional Provisions

    • Article 124: Appointment of Supreme Court judges.
    • Article 217: Appointment of High Court judges.
    • 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014: Provided for the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC).
    • 2015: Supreme Court struck down the NJAC framework and restored the Collegium system.

    Major Concerns

    • Judges appointing judges: Concerns regarding limited external checks and accountability.
    • Transparency: Collegium resolutions are published, but detailed reasons for selection are generally not disclosed.
    • Representation: Concerns regarding social and regional diversity in higher judiciary.
    • Objective merit: Absence of a publicly stated and standardised evaluation framework.
    • Regional imbalance: Some High Courts remain unrepresented in the Supreme Court.

    Way Forward

    • Develop clear and publicly stated selection criteria.
    • Improve transparency while protecting legitimate confidentiality.
    • Consider regional and social representation alongside merit.
    • Strengthen mechanisms for addressing complaints against judicial officers.
    • Maintain the essential balance between judicial independence and public accountability.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Article 124 → Supreme Court judges.
    • Article 217 → High Court judges.
    • Collegium → Judicial appointments to higher judiciary.
    • NJAC → Created through 99th Constitutional Amendment, 2014.
    • NJAC struck down → 2015.
    • South Africa JSC → Constitutional body involved in judicial appointments.
    • TRAI vs JSC: JSC is a constitutional judicial appointments body in South Africa, while India’s Collegium is a judge-led mechanism evolved through judicial decisions.

    [2012] What is the provision to safeguard the autonomy of the supreme court of India?
    1. While appointing the Supreme Court judges, the president of India has to consult the CJI.
    2. the SC judges can be removed by the CJI only
    3. the salaries of judges are charged on the consolidated fund of India to which the legislature does not have to vote.
    4. All appointments of officers and staffs of the SC are made by the govt only after consulting the CJI
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 3 only

    [B] 3 and 4 only

    [C] 4 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • DoT panel approves TRAI suggestions on satcom spectrum

    DoT panel approves TRAI suggestions on satcom spectrum

    Why in the News

    • The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) has approved most of TRAI’s recommendations on spectrum allocation for satellite communication.
    • Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications have received permission to provide satellite communication services in India.

    DoT = Department of Telecommunications.

    • It is a department under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
    • It is responsible for telecom policy, licensing, spectrum management and regulation-related functions.
    • The Digital Communications Commission (DCC) is the highest decision-making body within DoT.
    • TRAI is the independent statutory regulator that makes recommendations, while DoT/Government takes the final decision on matters such as licensing and spectrum assignment.

    Why Satellite Spectrum is Administratively Assigned

    • The Telecommunications Act, 2023 provides for administrative assignment of spectrum for specified satellite-based services.
    • Satellite spectrum is a shared resource, unlike spectrum used for exclusive terrestrial networks.
    • Frequencies and orbital resources require international coordination through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
    • Terrestrial telecom operators have raised concerns about competitive parity, since they acquire spectrum through auctions.

    Importance of Satellite Broadband

    • Provides connectivity in remote and difficult terrain where fibre and terrestrial backhaul are not viable.
    • LEO satellites offer lower latency than geostationary satellites.
    • Useful for:
      • Rural and remote connectivity
      • Maritime and aviation communication
      • Disaster-resilient communications
      • Areas where terrestrial networks are damaged or unavailable
    • Satellite networks are expected to complement rather than replace terrestrial networks.

    Key Challenges

    • High cost: Satellite terminals and services can be expensive compared with India’s low-cost terrestrial broadband.
    • Limited capacity: Satellite capacity is shared among users within a footprint.
    • Security requirements: Lawful interception, domestic gateways and data-routing requirements increase compliance complexity.
    • Orbital congestion: Growing satellite constellations increase collision and space-debris risks.
    • Competition concerns: Differences in spectrum assignment methods may create concerns regarding a level playing field between satellite and terrestrial operators.

    Way Forward

    • Target satellite broadband initially towards remote institutions, schools, health centres and government facilities.
    • Link authorisation with coverage obligations for underserved areas.
    • Strengthen space debris mitigation and deorbiting requirements.
    • Maintain a transparent framework for spectrum pricing, assignment and security compliance.
    • Develop a complementary model integrating satellite and terrestrial networks.

    Back to Basics: TRAI

    • TRAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
    • Established in 1997 under the TRAI Act, 1997.
    • Regulates the telecommunications sector.
    • Functions include:
      • Tariff regulation
      • Quality of service standards
      • Telecom regulations
    • Its recommendations on licensing and spectrum assignment are advisory, with the final decision resting with the government.
    • TDSAT handles telecom disputes and appeals against specified regulatory decisions.

    Prelims Pointers

    • DCC → Highest decision-making body within DoT.
    • DCC Chairperson → Telecom Secretary.
    • TRAI → Statutory telecom regulator.
    • Telecommunications Act, 2023 → Provides framework for spectrum assignment.
    • Satellite spectrum → Generally administratively assigned for specified services.
    • ITU → International coordination of radio frequencies and orbital resources.
    • LEO satellites → Lower latency than GEO satellites.
    • IS4OM → Space situational awareness and safe space operations.

    [2011] Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when:

    1. The orbit is geosynchronous.
    2. The orbit is circular.
    3. The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth’s equator.
    4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:A

    [a] 1, 2 and 3 only

    [b] 1, 3 and 4 only

    [c] 2 and 4 only

    [d] 1, 2,3 and 4

  • 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.