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Type: Prelims Only

  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    India’s only Mud Volcano erupts after 20-years in Andamans

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the News?

    India’s only mud volcano at Baratang Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands erupted after remaining dormant for over two decades.

    India's only Mud Volcano erupts after 20-years in Andamans

    Note: The Barren Island has erupted recently.

    • India’s only active lava volcano, located about 140 km from Port Blair.
    • Lies at the junction of the Indian and Burmese tectonic plates.
    • Eruption history: 1787 (first recorded), followed by episodes in 1991, 2005, 2017, November 2022, and September 2025.

    About the Baratang Mud Volcano:

    • Location: Baratang Island, around 100–150 km north of Port Blair, situated in the North and Middle Andaman district.
    • Uniqueness: It is India’s only collection of mud volcanoes — 11 in total across the archipelago, 8 of which are on Baratang and Middle Andaman.
    • Eruptions: Significant eruptions were last reported in 2005; the 2025 eruption marks the first major event in 20 years.
    • Composition & Nature:
      • Emits cool mud, water, and gases (methane, hydrogen sulfide) rather than lava or fire.
      • Creates mud cones, bubbling pools, or dried crater-like formations.
      • Eruptions are low in intensity, involving slow oozing and gas bubbling rather than violent explosions.
    • Accessibility: A short 160-metre walk from the nearest road; the site lies near the Jarawa Tribal Reserve, where photography is prohibited for ethical and legal reasons.

    Geological Formation and Features:

    • Tectonic Setting: Formed due to subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Burmese Plate, leading to gas and fluid release from deep layers.
    • Mechanism:
      • Decomposition of organic matter underground produces gas pressure that pushes mud upwards.
      • These gases, along with water and sediments, escape to the surface, creating muddy eruptions and bubbling vents.
    • Temperature & Composition:
      • The expelled material is cool, unlike magmatic volcanoes.
      • Contains saline water, organic sediments, and gases, giving it a distinctive odour and appearance.
    • Earth Processes: The phenomenon helps scientists study fluid migration, methane emissions, and crustal deformation in active subduction zones.
    [UPSC 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?

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

     

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  • Nuclear Energy

    What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Major Indian private sector corporations expressed formal interest in setting up Small Modular Reactor (SMR)-based nuclear projects as part of the ‘Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR)’ programme.

    What is the Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR) Programme?

    • Overview: India’s flagship nuclear programme, led by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
    • Reactor Models:
      • BSMR-200 – 200 MWe Pressurized Water Reactor with passive safety.
      • BSR-220 – PHWR-based small reactor.
      • SMR-55 – 55 MWe PWR for captive or remote use.
    • Implementation: NPCIL retains ownership and operational control, while private companies fund and use generated power for captive needs. About 16 potential sites identified across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
    • Policy & Financing: ₹20,000 crore allocated under the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat (2025-26) to operationalise five SMRs by 2033.
    • Private sector interest: Includes Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, JSW Energy, Hindalco, and Jindal Steel & Power.
    • Reforms & Impact: Amendments to the Atomic Energy Act (1962) and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) are proposed to facilitate investment and technology sharing.

    About Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):

    • Concept: SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors generating up to 300 Megawatt electric (MWe) each — about one-third the size of conventional reactors. They are “modular”, meaning major components are factory-fabricated, transported, and assembled on-site, cutting cost and construction time.
    • Working Principle: Operate on nuclear fission (splitting Uranium-235 atoms) to produce heat that converts water into steam for turbines. Most use the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) design with passive safety systems that cool the reactor without human intervention.
    • Distinct Features:
      • Compact and Scalable – suitable for remote or repurposed sites.
      • Factory-built – ensures quality and quicker rollout.
      • Safer Design – smaller radioactive inventory, underground containment.
      • Flexible Use – can supply electricity, industrial heat, desalination, or hydrogen.
    • Global Examples:
      • Akademik Lomonosov (Russia) – world’s first floating SMR (70 MWe, 2020).
      • HTR-PM (China) – high-temperature gas-cooled SMR (2023).
      • Key developers: Rolls-Royce (UK), NuScale (US), GE-Hitachi, Westinghouse (AP-300).
    [UPSC 2012] To meet its rapidly growing energy demand, some opine that India should pursue research and development on thorium as the future fuel of nuclear energy. In this context, what advantage does thorium hold over uranium?

    1. Thorium is far more abundant in nature than uranium. 2. On the basis of per unit mass of mined mineral, thorium can generate more energy compared to natural uranium. 3. Thorium produces less harmful waste compared to uranium.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

     

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  • Coal and Mining Sector

    [pib] First Commercial Coal Mine in Arunachal Pradesh at Namchik-Namphuk

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Primary, Secondary, & Tertiary Sector Industries In Various Parts Of The World

    Why in the News?

    Arunachal Pradesh has launched its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district.

    About the Namchik–Namphuk Coal Mine:

    • Overview: Located in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh, is the state’s first commercial coal mine, situated near the Indo-Myanmar border.
    • Reserves & Quality: Holds ~15 million tonnes of lignite/sub-bituminous coal, primarily for thermal power and industrial use.
    • Operator & Allocation: Operated by Coal Pulz Private Limited (CPPL), allotted through a transparent auction in 2022, project first allocated in 2003 but stalled due to environmental and administrative delays.
    • Production & Revenue: Initial capacity of 0.2 million tonnes per annum, expected to generate ₹100 crore annually for the state government.
    • National Context: Marks Arunachal Pradesh’s entry into India’s coal-producing map as the country crosses 1 billion tonnes output (FY 2024-25).
    • Policy Alignment: Supports the EAST Vision (Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform) for North-Eastern development.

    Significance:

    • Legal Mining: Ends decades of illegal mining through regulated, community-driven extraction.
    • Sustainable Development: Part of Mission Green Coal Regions, targeting 73,000 ha of land reclamation by 2030, embedding ecological restoration into mining.
    [UPSC 2008] In which one of the following states are Namchik-Namphuk Coalfields located?

    Options: (a) Arunachal Pradesh* (b) Meghalaya (c) Manipur (d) Mizoram

     

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  • Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Global Implications

    NATO Pipeline System (NPS)

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    Poland announced its long-awaited entry into the NATO Pipeline System (NPS) — a strategic move coming 25 years after joining NATO.

    About the NATO Pipeline System (NPS): 

    • Origin: 1950s, Cold War-era logistics backbone, upgraded over decades.
    • Purpose: Ensures continuous supply of aviation fuel, diesel, kerosene & lubricants to NATO forces.
    • Scale: ~10,000 km network across 12 NATO countries; storage ≈ 4.1 million m³.
    • Structure: Connects refineries, depots, airbases, airports & pumping stations.
    • Funding & Oversight: Through NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP); managed by NATO Support & Procurement Agency (NSPA) under the NATO Petroleum Committee.
    • Member Countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, UK, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Norway and Denmark; Poland will become the 13th member after integration.
    • Main System: Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS) – 5,300 km, est. 1958; moves ≈ 12 million m³ fuel/yr.
    • Other Networks: North European, Turkish, Greek, Portuguese, Italian, Norwegian & Danish systems.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following countries:

    I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia.

    How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?

    (a) Only three (b) Only four* (c) Only five (d) All the six

     

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    [pib] Exercise KONKAN-25

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    Exercise KONKAN-25 has commenced off the western coast of India, marking two decades of India–UK maritime cooperation.

    About Exercise KONKAN:

    • Nature & Objective: Exercise KONKAN is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.
    • Objective: To strengthen interoperability, joint maritime operations, and mutual understanding.
    • Origin: Initiated in 2004, the exercise has expanded into a multi-domain naval engagement involving surface, sub-surface, and aerial warfare.
    • Venue Rotation: Conducted alternately in Indian and UK waters, it symbolises the long-standing India–UK strategic defence partnership.
    • Vision: It aligns with the India–UK Vision 2035, promoting free, open, and rules-based seas across the Indo-Pacific.

    Key Features:

    • Two-Phase Format:
      • Harbour Phase – Professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sports & cultural events, subject-matter expert exchanges, and working group meetings.
      • Sea Phase – Complex operational drills including anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare, flying operations, seamanship drills, and live-fire gunnery.
    • Major Participants (2025):
      • India – Carrier Battle Group led by INS Vikrant, supported by destroyers, frigates, submarines, and naval air assets.
      • United Kingdom – Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG-25) led by HMS Prince of Wales, joined by allies Norway (HNoMS Roald Amundsen) and Japan (JS Akebono).
    • Special Highlight: First-ever carrier strike group collaboration between India and the UK, marking a new milestone in joint naval power projection.
    [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Internal Security Architecture Shortcomings – Key Forces, NIA, IB, CCTNS, etc.

    Sir Creek Border Dispute

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    Why in the News?

    Union Defence Minister recently warned Pakistan against misadventure in the Sir Creek region, stressing India’s resolve to defend its territorial integrity.

    Sir Creek Border Dispute

    About Sir Creek:

    • Location & Geography: Sir Creek is a 96-km-long tidal estuary in the Rann of Kutch, forming part of the border between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan).
    • Physical Features: It flows into the Arabian Sea, with marshy, saline mudflats that provide vital habitat for migratory birds.
    • Historical Name: Originally known as Ban Ganga, renamed Sir Creek after a British surveyor, Sir Richard Burton (commonly credited).
    • Economic & Strategic Importance: The area hosts rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas deposits, while being crucial for maritime boundary delimitation and coastal security.

    Historical Background of the Dispute:

    • 1908 Conflict: Disagreement between the Kutch ruler (British India) and Sindh government over fishing rights and territorial limits.
    • 1914 Bombay Government Resolution: Placed the boundary along the eastern bank (favouring Sindh/Pakistan), but also referred to the Thalweg Principle, supporting India’s claim.
      • This principle defines the border along the line of greatest depth of a river’s main navigable channel
    • 1924–25 Developments: Boundary pillars were erected and Survey of India maps marked the mid-channel as the boundary, strengthening India’s case.
    • Post-Partition Period: Dispute intensified; following the 1965 India–Pakistan war, the Rann of Kutch issue went to a UN-sponsored Tribunal.
    • 1968 Tribunal Award: Allocated 90% of the Rann to India but excluded Sir Creek, leaving it unresolved.
    • Post-1982 UNCLOS Impact: With the introduction of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), control over Sir Creek gained renewed importance for maritime claims and resource access.

    India’s Position:

    • Navigability Claim: India asserts that Sir Creek is navigable at high tide, making the Thalweg Principle applicable.
    • Legal & Historical Basis:
      • 1925 Resolution and Survey of India maps.
      • Boundary pillars of 1924 marking mid-channel.
      • 1819 Treaty between East India Company and Kutch rulers, showing continued Indian jurisdiction.
    • Geographical Argument: India maintains the Rann is land, not water, invalidating Pakistan’s demand for median-line division.
    • Strategic Implication: Acceptance of India’s position ensures larger EEZ access, security leverage, and greater control in the Arabian Sea.
    [UPSC 2022] Consider the following countries:

    1. Azerbaijan 2. Kyrgyzstan 3. Tajikistan 4. Turkmenistan 5. Uzbekistan

    Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan ?

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 5 only (b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 3, 4 and 5 only* (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

     

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Thumri maestro Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passes away

    Prelims Only | Art and Culture | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Why in the News?

    Pandit Chhannulal Mishra, a maestro of Hindustani classical music and Padma Vibhushan recipient, passed away at 89.

    Who was Pandit Chhannulal Mishra?

    Thumri maestro Pandit Chhannulal Mishra passes away

    • Background: Born in 1936 in Varanasi, Pandit Chhannulal Mishra emerged from a modest family to become one of India’s greatest Hindustani classical vocalists.
    • Musical Lineage: Foremost exponent of the Purab Ang Thumri of the Banaras Gharana, blending the melodic precision of Kirana with the emotive depth of Banaras traditions.
    • Artistic Range: Mastered Thumri, Dadra, Kajri, and Chaiti, combining folk vitality and classical discipline, hallmarks of the Kashi musical spirit.
    • Voice & Expression: His gravelly, resonant voice conveyed devotion, mysticism, and deep emotion, evoking Lord Shiva, the Ganga, and the eternal mood of Banaras.
    • Cultural Symbol: Alongside Ustad Bismillah Khan, he personified the Ganga–Jamuni tehzeeb, symbolising the harmony of Hindu–Muslim artistic traditions.
    • Honours: Recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, his legacy unites classical rigor, folk heart, and spiritual emotion in a single aesthetic stream.

    About Thumri Music:

    • Nature: Thumri is a semi-classical vocal genre of North India known for its emphasis on emotion (bhava) rather than rigid raga structure.
    • Origin: Developed in the 19th century under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Lucknow; later enriched in Banaras, where it absorbed devotional and folk influences.
    • Etymology: Derived from thumakna (“to walk gracefully”), reflecting its rhythmic, fluid, and expressive nature tied to Kathak dance.
    • Themes: Revolves around Sringara rasa, love, separation, and devotion especially, Radha-Krishna narratives; often sung from a female perspective.
    • Language: Primarily in Braj Bhasha, Awadhi, and Hindi, with traces of Urdu and Sanskrit.
    • Musical Features:
      • Uses popular ragas like Bhairavi, Khamaj, Kafi and tālas like Dadra and Keherva.
      • Allows improvisation, vocal ornamentation (murki, meend, gamak), and interpretive freedom.
    • Forms of Thumri:
      • Bandish-ki-Thumri: Structured composition, rhythmically defined.
      • Bol-Banao Thumri: Lyrical, slow, emotive style allowing deeper expression.
    • Major Gharanas:
      • Lucknow Gharana: Courtly refinement and dance association (Begum Akhtar).
      • Banaras Gharana: Devotional Purab Ang tradition (Girija Devi, Rasoolan Bai, Siddheshwari Devi, Chhannulal Mishra).
      • Patiala Gharana: Fast, rhythm-oriented style with tappa influence (Bade Ghulam Ali Khan).

    Thumri and Indian Classical Tradition:

    • Position in the Hindustani system:
      • Thumri is semi-classical, bridging the gap between pure classical forms (like Khayal and Dhrupad) and folk/dance traditions.
      • It prioritises emotional storytelling over technical display, making classical music accessible to the wider public.
    • Connection with Kathak:
      • Thumri complements Kathak dance, aiding abhinaya (expressive gesture) through musical narration.
    • Hindustani vs Carnatic contrast:
      • Hindustani classical music (North India) focuses on raga improvisation;
      • Carnatic music (South India) is composition-centric with structured kritis and rigid tala frameworks.
    • Cultural Role:
      • Thumri mirrors the fusion of classical, folk, and devotional idioms, symbolising India’s cultural inclusivity.
      • It thrives on the interplay of bhava (emotion), raga (melody), and laya (rhythm)—a trinity central to Indian aesthetics.
    [UPSC 2019] With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct? Options: (a)Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.*

    (b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.

    (c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons.

    (d) Tansen invented many Ragas.

     

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  • Tax Reforms

    Niti Aayog proposes Presumptive Taxation for Foreign Companies

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Government Budgeting

    Why in the News?

    NITI Aayog has released a working paper recommending the introduction of an optional presumptive taxation scheme for foreign companies operating in India.

    What is Presumptive Taxation?

    • Overview: Presumptive taxation allows taxpayers to declare income at a fixed percentage (presumed rate) of total turnover or receipts without maintaining detailed books of accounts.
    • Purpose: Simplifies taxation for small businesses or specific sectors by reducing compliance and administrative burden.
    • Domestic Example: Under the Income Tax Act, Sections 44AD, 44ADA, and 44AE permit presumptive taxation for small businesses, professionals, and transporters.
    • Key Feature:
      • Tax is levied on deemed profits instead of actual income.
      • Taxpayers opting for this scheme are exempt from detailed audits or complex record-keeping.

    What has NITI Aayog Proposed?

    • Scope: Extend the presumptive taxation concept to foreign companies operating in India.
    • Objective: To reduce litigation related to Permanent Establishment (PE) status and profit attribution in cross-border taxation.
    • Main Features:
      • Optional Scheme: Foreign companies can either choose the presumptive scheme for certainty or file regular returns if actual profits are lower.
      • Sector-Specific Rates: Different deemed profit rates for sectors such as manufacturing, digital services, and logistics.
      • Safe Harbour Clause: Once a company opts in, tax authorities cannot separately litigate the PE existence for that activity.
      • Alignment with Global Norms: Codify PE and attribution principles in domestic law consistent with OECD standards.
      • Administrative Reforms: Training of tax officials to ensure consistent application in digital and cross-border cases.

    Significance:

    • Provides tax certainty and simplicity for foreign investors.
    • Reduces disputes and promotes ease of doing business.
    • Balances India’s sovereign tax rights with the need for a predictable, investor-friendly regime.
    • Positions India as a more attractive FDI destination, aligned with its economic and tax reform agenda.
    [UPSC 2020] With reference to India’s decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act.

    2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the “Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements”.

    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 *

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    What are Flying Rivers/ Atmospheric Rivers?

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Why in the News?

    Droughts and fires in South America highlight the importance of “flying rivers” — rain-bearing vapor streams disrupted by Amazon deforestation.

    What are Atmospheric Rivers?

    • Overview: Long, narrow bands of concentrated water vapour in the lower atmosphere, often termed “rivers in the sky.”
    • Dimensions: Typically 2,000–5,000 km long, 400–500 km wide, and about 3 km deep.
    • Water Transport: Carry nearly 90% of water vapour across Earth’s mid-latitudes — almost double the Amazon River’s flow.
    • Formation: Warm tropical seawater evaporates, and winds transport this moisture; upon encountering land or mountains, vapour condenses into heavy rainfall or snow.
    • Role: Unlike short-term weather systems, Atmospheric Rivers (ARs) shape long-term hydrological cycles and trigger extreme precipitation events.

    Global Impacts of Atmospheric Rivers:

    • Flooding & Extreme Weather: Cause 80% of flood-related damages along the US West Coast; also linked to devastating floods in Europe, Africa, South America, and Australia.
    • South America: Amazon’s “flying rivers” disrupted by deforestation, leading to droughts in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador; threatens Amazon rainforest’s survival and risks savannisation.
    • East Asia: Up to 80% of heavy rainfall events in China, Korea, and Japan during early monsoon linked to ARs.
    • Climate Connection: Warming oceans are making ARs longer, wider, and more intense, increasing risks of catastrophic floods and landslides.
    • Positive Role: Contribute 30–50% of annual precipitation in some regions (e.g., US West Coast) and help end 33–74% of droughts.

    Atmospheric Rivers in India’s Context:

    • Interaction: ARs combine with cyclonic circulations and the Himalayan ranges, causing extreme rainfall and flash floods.
    • Case Studies:
      • 2010 Leh cloudburst (Ladakh) – flash floods and mudslides.
      • 2011 Kupwara floods (J&K) – severe AR-driven rainfall.
    • Study (1951–2020): Identified 574 AR events during the monsoon season in India.
    • Recent Trends: Nearly 80% of India’s most severe floods (1985–2020) linked to AR activity.
    • Cause: Rapid Indian Ocean warming intensifies evaporation, moisture transport, and AR-driven floods.
    • Impact: Leads to short, intense rainfall spells, landslides, flash floods, crop loss, and mass displacement of communities.
    [UPSC 2024] With reference to “water vapour,” which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.

    2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only* (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 and 2

     

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  • Pulses Production – Subramanian Committee, Eco Survey, etc.

    [pib] Centre approves National Pulses Mission

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development has approved the National Pulses Mission (Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses).

    About the National Pulses Mission:

    • Launch (2025): Approved by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development to achieve self-sufficiency in pulses by 2030–31, improve nutrition, and raise farmer incomes.
    • Targets: Production to rise from 24.2 MT (2024–25) to 35 MT (2030–31); acreage 310 lakh ha, yield 1,130 kg/ha.
    • Coverage: 416 districts, with focus on rice fallows, improved seeds, intercropping, irrigation, and market linkages.
    • MSP Procurement: 100% assured for Tur, Urad, Masoor for four years under PM-AASHA Price Support Scheme, via NAFED/NCCF.
    • Framework: Under National Food Security Mission (NFSM); combines ICAR-led R&D with private sector inputs, processing, and storage.
    • Budget: ₹11,440 crore outlay up to 2030–31 for multi-year implementation.
    • Outcomes: Improved nutrition, soil fertility (nitrogen-fixing), stable prices, climate resilience, and rural employment.

    Key Features:

    • Cluster-Based Approach: Targets high-potential regions, diversifies beyond traditional belts, reduces risks.
    • Market Infrastructure: 1,000 post-harvest units (dal mills, grading, packaging) with subsidies up to ₹25 lakh/unit.
    • Research & Extension: New high-yield, climate-resilient varieties; farmer training on nutrient, pest, and water management.
    • Risk Cover: Subsidies, insurance, and credit to reduce cultivation risks.
    • Market Reforms: Direct sales linkages, transparent logistics, MSP-backed procurement.
    [UPSC 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.

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

     

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