Crest Learning UPSC

➡️Challenges in Fighting Tuberculosis among Rural, Tribal & Migrant Groups Why in News • A recent report highlights persistent TB vulnerabilities among rural, tribal and migrant populations, despite India’s ongoing TB elimination efforts. • India accounts for ~27% of global TB cases, making inclusion of these groups crucial to achieve the 2025 TB Elimination target. What was / is the Issue • Unequal access to TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment among: • Migrant workers (high mobility, informal employment) • Tribal populations (geographical isolation, poor health infrastructure) • Rural poor (malnutrition, delayed diagnosis) • These factors lead to late detection, treatment interruption, and higher transmission. Outcomes / Results of the Issue 1. Delayed Diagnosis • Migrants and tribal groups often reach health facilities only at advanced stages. 2. Treatment Discontinuation • High mobility + lack of inter-state patient tracking → dropouts from DOTS/long TB regimens. 3. High Hidden TB Burden • Large number of non-notified settlements and informal habitations remain outside surveillance. 4. Post-TB Morbidity • ~60% TB survivors report chronic respiratory problems (post-TB lung disease), increasing disability. Key Challenges 1. Socio-Economic Barriers • Malnutrition, poverty, overcrowded living conditions. • TB strongly linked with undernutrition (major risk factor in India). 2. Health System Gaps • Limited availability of diagnostics (CBNAAT, X-ray) in remote tribal belts. • Shortage and overburdening of frontline health workers. 3. Migrant-Specific Issues • No continuity of care across states. • Fear of wage loss and job insecurity discourages treatment adherence. 4. Weak Surveillance & Notification • Non-notified urban slums and migrant clusters remain outside TB mapping. • Private sector handles ~60% of initial TB care, leading to under-reporting. Interventions (Policy & Programmatic) 1. Nationwide Mapping • Mapping of non-notified settlements and migrant clusters to identify TB hotspots. 2. Integrated Migrant Health Framework • TB services linked with HIV, NCDs and vector-borne disease programs. 3. Digital Health Systems • Strengthening Nikshay platform for inter-state patient tracking. 4. Frontline Worker Support • Incentives, travel reimbursement, insurance and standardized salaries. 5. Public-Private Partnerships • Engagement of private providers where migrants first seek care. (Aligned with National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme) Way Forward 1. Patient-Centric TB Care • Flexible treatment delivery models for migrants (workplace-linked TB care). 2. Strengthening Nutrition Support • Effective implementation of Nikshay Poshan Yojana. 3. Post-TB Care Framework • National strategy for managing post-TB lung disease. 4. Community Empowerment • Tribal and migrant community volunteers for early screening and awareness. 5. Outcome-Based Monitoring • Shift from input-based to treatment-completion and relapse-reduction metrics. Conclusion • TB elimination in India is not possible without addressing rural, tribal and migrant vulnerabilities. • A people-centric, digitally enabled and equity-focused approach is essential to meet national TB goals.

➡️Kerala MLA Sentenced for Evidence Tampering – Implications for Legislature Why in News • A sitting Kerala MLA Antony Raju was sentenced to 3 years’ imprisonment by a Magistrate Court for tampering with evidence in an old criminal case. What was / is the Issue • The case relates to destruction and fabrication of material evidence in a drug seizure case. • The key issue is legislative disqualification upon conviction, not political ethics alone. Outcomes / Results of the Issue 1. Immediate Disqualification • Under Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, an MP/MLA sentenced to ≥2 years imprisonment stands disqualified from the date of conviction. 2. Loss of Legislative Membership • Membership of the Assembly stands terminated automatically, without need for a separate order. 3. Bar on Contesting Elections • Disqualified during imprisonment + 6 years after release. 4. Limited Relief Window • Courts may grant time to appeal, but disqualification remains unless conviction is stayed (not merely sentence). Legal & Constitutional Basis (Core UPSC Area) • Article 102(1)(e) & Article 191(1)(e) → Disqualification of MPs/MLAs as per law made by Parliament. • Representation of the People Act, 1951 • Section 8(3): Conviction + sentence of 2 years or more = automatic disqualification • Key Supreme Court Position • Supreme Court of India (Lily Thomas case, 2013) • Struck down protection given to sitting legislators. • Held that lawmakers are not above ordinary citizens. • Disqualification is immediate and automatic. Interventions (Judicial & Institutional) 1. Judicial Intervention • Trial court conviction enforcing criminal accountability. • Upholds rule of law over political status. 2. Electoral Law Reform via Judiciary • Supreme Court ensured cleansing of criminalisation in politics by removing statutory immunity. 3. Election Commission Practice • Acts on court conviction, not on executive discretion. Way Forward 1. Fast-Track Courts for MPs/MLAs • Prevent justice delayed → justice denied. 2. Statutory Bar on Ticket Distribution • Political parties to be legally bound to deny tickets to convicted persons. 3. Conviction-Based Reforms • Shift focus from “pending cases” to speedy convictions. 4. Strengthening Ethics in Public Life • As per Law Commission recommendations: “Democracy cannot survive where crime dominates politics.” Conclusion • The case reinforces that constitutional offices are bound by ordinary criminal law. • Rule of Law > Political Power, strengthening democratic accountability and public trust.

4 jan……….👇

➡️Export Promotion Mission (EPM): Credit-linked support for exporters Why in News • Govt. launched two new credit-linked schemes under Export Promotion Mission (EPM). • Outlay: ~₹5,181 crore over six years (till 2030-31). Issue / Background • High cost of export credit and collateral constraints limit MSME exports. • MSMEs contribute ~45% of India’s merchandise exports, yet face liquidity stress. Key Interventions 1. Interest Subvention on Export Credit • For pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit. • Lowers financing cost, improves liquidity and price competitiveness. 2. Collateral Support for Export Credit • Implemented via CGTMSE. • Credit guarantee: up to 85% for micro & small exporters, 65% for medium exporters. Expected Outcomes / Significance • Better MSME participation in exports. • Improved competitiveness in labour-intensive sectors (textiles, leather, engineering). • Supports India’s goal of $1 trillion exports by 2030. Way Forward • Expand coverage across sectors and districts. • Ensure timely reimbursement to banks. • Integrate with PLI and district export hubs. Conclusion • EPM’s credit-linked schemes address a core export bottleneck—affordable finance—making India’s export growth more inclusive, competitive, and resilient.

The ECMS approvals signify a structural transition from assembly-centric growth to component-driven manufacturing. By strengthening value chains, India enhances competitiveness, employment, and strategic autonomy, advancing its ambition of becoming a global electronics manufacturing hub.

➡️MeitY approval for electronic component projects India has rapidly scaled up electronics assembly, but component manufacturing remains the weakest link in the value chain. The approval of projects under ECMS marks a shift towards deepening domestic value addition and supply-chain resilience. 1. Why in News • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) approved 22 new projects under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). • The approved projects involve an investment of ~₹41,863 crore, with incentives linked to incremental production and employment. • The scheme follows a “first-to-finish” incentive model, encouraging faster project execution. 2. Issue / Background • Electronics is among India’s top import categories, next only to crude oil. • India’s electronics imports are ~$90 billion annually, largely due to component dependence. • Domestic value addition: • ~15–20% in mobile phones in India, • compared to ~60–70% in China and ~40% in Vietnam. Why components matter (Example) • India successfully emerged as a mobile phone assembly hub under the PLI scheme. • However, key components such as PCBs, camera modules, connectors, and passive components continue to be imported. • As a result, even when phones are “Made in India”, most value accrues outside India. 🔹Core issue: Assembly-led growth without component depth leads to shallow industrialisation. 3. Key Features of ECMS (with Examples) • ECMS focuses on electronic components, including: • Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) – backbone of all electronics, • Passive components (resistors, capacitors), • Electromechanical sub-assemblies. • Incentives are: • linked to incremental production, • tied to employment generation, • time-bound to push early completion. Example of policy design improvement • Under earlier PLI schemes, firms benefited mainly from final assembly. • ECMS corrects this by incentivising upstream manufacturing, similar to: • how China built depth before scale in electronics. 📌 Value addition: ECMS represents a move from output-based incentives to ecosystem-based incentives. 4. Expected Outcomes / Significance (with Examples & Data) (a) Economic & Industrial Impact • Higher domestic value addition reduces import dependence. • Backward integration strengthens sectors such as: • EVs (power electronics, control boards), • Telecom (network equipment components), • Defence electronics (secure hardware). Example: • Domestic PCB manufacturing directly benefits EV manufacturing, where electronics account for a rising share of vehicle cost. (b) Employment Generation • Electronics manufacturing has high employment elasticity. • Component manufacturing generates: • skilled jobs (design, testing, quality control), • semi-skilled jobs (fabrication, assembly). Example: • PCB fabrication units typically create 3–4 times more jobs than pure assembly lines. (c) Strategic & Supply-Chain Impact • COVID-19 and geopolitical tensions exposed risks of over-concentrated global supply chains. • ECMS helps India become a trusted alternative manufacturing base. Example: • Global firms increasingly seek China-plus-one supply chains; component depth makes India competitive in this shift. 📊 Government vision: India aims for $300 billion electronics production by 2026, which is unachievable without component self-reliance. Way Forward (with Examples) • Integrate ECMS with: • semiconductor fabs (chips + components ecosystem), • EV and renewable energy manufacturing. • Expand testing and certification infrastructure. • Example: Absence of domestic testing forces firms to certify components abroad, raising costs. • Strengthen MSMEs through: • concessional credit, • skilling and design-linked incentives. • Shift from import substitution to export competitiveness, as seen in: • East Asian electronics success stories. ✨ Value-addition line: In electronics, value chains—not final products—determine competitiveness. Conclusion

• Strengthen district-level grievance redressal to prevent litigation escalation. • Improve compensation transparency and timely payments to build trust. Institutional Measures • Replicate PRAGATI-like monitoring mechanisms at State and regional levels. • Enhance Centre–State coordination frameworks for infrastructure corridors. Economic & Social Measures • Link land acquisition with: • livelihood rehabilitation, • skill development, • local employment in projects. ✨ High-value enrichment line: Sustainable land acquisition requires balancing economic efficiency, social justice, and federal cooperation. 6️⃣ Conclusion Land acquisition in India is fundamentally an implementation and coordination challenge rather than a legal vacuum. The Centre’s reliance on PRAGATI-driven institutional coordination, instead of altering land laws, signals a pragmatic focus on execution, policy stability, and cooperative federalism to accelerate infrastructure development.

➡️Centre & Land Acquisition Policy 1️⃣ Why in News • The Cabinet Secretary clarified that the Union government has no plans to amend the existing land acquisition policy, despite persistent infrastructure delays. • The statement followed the 50th review meeting of PRAGATI, chaired by the Prime Minister, which reviews stalled infrastructure projects of national importance. • The discussion brought renewed focus on land acquisition as the single biggest bottleneck in India’s infrastructure pipeline. Enrichment: PRAGATI is a technology-enabled, PM-level monitoring platform aimed at resolving inter-ministerial and Centre–State bottlenecks through time-bound escalation. 2️⃣ What was / is the Issue Core Issue • Land acquisition continues to delay infrastructure projects not due to absence of law, but due to implementation, coordination, and administrative weaknesses. • The challenge is multi-dimensional: • fragmented and outdated land records, • disputes over ownership and compensation, • resistance from landowners due to livelihood concerns, • overlap with forest, environment, and right-of-way approvals. Data-based Evidence (PRAGATI) • 3,300+ infrastructure projects worth ~₹85 lakh crore reviewed. • 7,735 implementation issues raised. • 7,156 issues resolved (high resolution rate). • Break-up of resolved issues: • 35% – land acquisition • 20% – forest, wildlife & environmental clearances • 18% – right of way 🔹Inference: Even after multiple reforms, land acquisition alone accounts for more than one-third of implementation hurdles, making it the most critical constraint. 3️⃣ Outcomes / Results of the Issue Economic & Infrastructure Outcomes • Time overruns lead to: • cost escalation (inflation + interest burden), • reduced internal rate of return (IRR), • inefficient capital utilisation. • Delayed infrastructure affects: • logistics costs (already ~14% of GDP in India vs ~8–10% globally), • industrial competitiveness, • employment generation. Governance & Federal Outcomes • Persistent land disputes result in: • prolonged litigation, • Centre–State coordination stress, • uncertainty for private and PPP investments. • Weak land governance dilutes the impact of high public capex, despite record allocations in recent budgets. Value addition line: Infrastructure investment without timely land access converts capital expenditure into locked capital rather than productive assets. 4️⃣ Interventions (A) Government’s Policy Position • The Centre has chosen policy stability over frequent legal amendments. • Emphasis is on: • improving implementation efficiency, • faster dispute resolution, • coordinated decision-making across governments. Rationale: Frequent changes in land laws can create policy uncertainty, discourage States, and increase litigation. (B) Institutional Intervention – PRAGATI Mechanism • PRAGATI provides: • PM-level oversight for nationally important projects, • real-time digital monitoring, • escalation of unresolved issues beyond ministries. • Ensures: • inter-ministerial coordination, • Centre–State–district convergence, • accountability of Chief Secretaries and line departments. Impact: Projects stalled since the 1990s have reportedly moved forward after PRAGATI reviews. (C) Administrative Measures • Initial resolution at: • Ministry → State → District level. • Complex issues escalated only when necessary. • Increased cooperation from: • States (irrespective of political affiliation), • Chief Secretaries, • district administrations. Governance insight: This reflects a shift from law-centric reform to execution-centric governance. 5️⃣ Way Forward Administrative & Governance Measures • Front-load land acquisition at the project planning stage. • Integrate digital land records, GIS mapping, and cadastral surveys to reduce disputes.

➡️Recasting Sanitation with Urban–Rural Partnerships 1️⃣ Why in News • Despite major success of Swachh Bharat Mission since 2014, faecal sludge management (FSM) remains a critical gap. • Recent policy focus is on urban–rural partnerships to sustain ODF Plus outcomes, especially under SBM-G Phase II and SBM-U 2.0. 2️⃣ What was / is the Issue Core Issue • Sanitation efforts initially focused on toilet construction, but safe management of faecal waste was neglected. • In rural and peri-urban areas: • Septic tanks and pits fill up regularly. • Desludging is irregular, unsafe, and often informal. Scale of the Issue (Facts) • Over 12 crore toilets constructed since 2014. • As of Oct 2025, ~5.68 lakh villages (~97%) declared ODF Plus. • However, FSM infrastructure and service delivery remain uneven and inadequate, risking reversal of sanitation gains. 🔹Key concern: Toilets without waste treatment lead to environmental pollution and health risks. 3️⃣ Outcomes / Results of the Issue If FSM is weak: • Contamination of groundwater and surface water. • Increased risk of water-borne diseases. • Undermining of ODF and public health gains. Governance Impact: • Rural local bodies lack: • technical capacity, • financial viability, • treatment infrastructure. 🔹Hence, sanitation outcomes depend not just on toilets, but on complete service chains. 4️⃣ Interventions Urban–Rural Partnership Model (Case: Maharashtra – Satara) • Cities already have faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs) and sewage treatment capacity. • Nearby villages are linked to urban treatment facilities through formal agreements. Key Features • Scheduled desludging (every 5–7 years). • Services managed by gram panchayats, via private operators or SHGs. • Urban treatment plants treat rural sludge at no additional cost. • Costs recovered through modest sanitation tax, ensuring affordability. Supporting Policies • SBM-G Phase II (ODF Plus) – focus on solid & liquid waste management. • SBM-U 2.0 – city-level wastewater and sludge treatment. • AMRUT – urban water and wastewater infrastructure. 🔹Value addition: Shared infrastructure lowers costs and improves efficiency. 5️⃣ Way Forward • Scale up urban–rural sanitation partnerships nationwide. • Strengthen FSM regulations and monitoring at local level. • Ensure financial sustainability via sanitation user charges. • Build technical capacity of gram panchayats. • Integrate sanitation planning with water security and climate resilience. 🔹Value-addition line: Sanitation is sustainable only when infrastructure, institutions, and behaviour change move together. 6️⃣ Conclusion India’s sanitation journey must move beyond toilets to treatment systems. Urban–rural partnerships offer a cost-effective, scalable solution to sustain ODF gains, protect public health, and ensure environmental safety.

➡️Transforming Waste-Ridden Urban India 1️⃣ Why in News • At COP30 (2025), waste and circularity were highlighted as key climate solutions. • India reiterated commitment to circular economy through Mission LiFE, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and AMRUT. • Rapid urbanisation has made urban waste management a critical governance and environmental challenge. 2️⃣ What was / is the Issue Core Issue • Indian cities are increasingly waste-ridden, reflecting failure to transition from linear (collect–dump) to circular (reduce–reuse–recycle) waste management. Scale of the Problem ( • Urban India generates: • ~165 million tonnes of waste annually by 2030 • ~436 million tonnes by 2050 • Urban waste contributes to: • ~41 million tonnes of GHG emissions annually • Over 50% municipal waste is organic, yet remains under-processed. • Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste: ~12 million tonnes/year, largely unsegregated and illegally dumped. 🔹Issue is not absence of policy, but poor segregation, weak enforcement, and low circularity. 3️⃣ Outcomes / Results of the Issue Environmental Outcomes • Urban pollution, landfill fires, groundwater contamination. • Rising methane emissions from unmanaged organic waste. Economic & Health Outcomes • Loss of recoverable resources (plastics, metals, energy). • Increased health burden due to polluted air and water. • Higher municipal costs due to landfill-centric systems. Governance Outcomes • Indian cities lag global standards in clean and healthy urban living. • Waste management undermines goals of Garbage-Free Cities (GFC). 4️⃣ Interventions (So Far) Policy & Mission Interventions • Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban (SBM-U 2.0): • Focus on source segregation, landfill remediation, GFC star ratings. • AMRUT: • Links waste management with wastewater recycling. • Construction & Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 • Updated C&D Waste Rules, 2025 (effective April 2026). • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for plastics. Technology & Process • Composting and bio-methanation for wet waste. • Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants generating fuel and power. • Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for dry waste. ⚠️ Limitation: Implementation gaps, poor segregation, weak EPR enforcement. 5️⃣ Way Forward Governance & Policy • Make source segregation mandatory and enforceable. • Strengthen EPR across all dry waste categories, not just plastics. • Integrate C&D waste tracking with building permissions. Infrastructure & Capacity • Scale up bio-methanation and composting for organic waste. • Expand C&D waste recycling plants with assured offtake. • Improve testing, certification, and markets for recycled products. Behavioural & Institutional • Shift citizens from consumers to partners in circularity. • Incentivise reduction and reuse (first two Rs). • Improve inter-departmental coordination at city level. ✨ Value Addition Line: Circular economy in cities is not an environmental luxury but an urban survival strategy. 6️⃣ Conclusion India’s urban waste crisis reflects a linear development mindset unsuited to rapid urbanisation. A decisive shift to circular waste management—backed by enforcement, infrastructure, and citizen participation—is essential for clean cities, climate goals, and sustainable growth.

➡️GST Revenue & Narrowing Fiscal Space 1️⃣ Why in News • GST collections stood at ~₹1.74 lakh crore (Dec 2025), showing only marginal growth. • This has highlighted shrinking fiscal space after GST rate cuts and income-tax relief in Budget 2025. 2️⃣ What was / is the Issue • The government expected tax relief to boost consumption and revenues. • However, short-term demand response remained weak as households preferred saving and debt repayment. • Meanwhile, expenditure commitments continued, especially on capital spending. 3️⃣ Outcomes / Results of the Issue • Total tax revenue ~3.4% lower YoY till Nov 2025. • Capital expenditure rose ~28%, while revenue growth lagged → revenue–expenditure mismatch. • Low inflation and weak nominal GDP growth worsened: • fiscal deficit ratio, • debt-GDP ratio. • Overall, fiscal flexibility reduced. 4️⃣ Interventions • Government increased: • GST and excise duties on tobacco products, • health and security cess on pan masala. • However, these measures take effect from Feb 2026, with full revenue impact only next financial year. 5️⃣ Way Forward • Improve GST buoyancy through better compliance and rationalisation. • Align tax relief with realistic consumption behaviour. • Protect growth-inducing capital expenditure due to its high multiplier. • Strengthen medium-term fiscal planning, especially in low-inflation environments. 6️⃣ Conclusion • Recent GST trends show the limits of tax-led demand stimulus in the short run. • Sustainable fiscal management requires balancing revenue realism, growth priorities, and fiscal discipline.

➡️ASSAM LANGUAGE ISSUE & SILCHAR VIOLENCE (1961) 1️⃣ Core Issue: Language as an instrument of inclusion/exclusion The Silchar violence arose because language was directly linked to access to the State. In Assam, the choice of official language determined: • access to administration, • eligibility for government employment, • participation in courts and public institutions. Thus, language ceased to be cultural and became institutional and political, making it a sensitive fault line. 2️⃣ Policy trigger: Failure of accommodative governance The Assam Official Language Act, 1960, which declared Assamese as the sole official language, ignored regional linguistic diversity, particularly in Bengali-majority Barak Valley. The problem was not promotion of Assamese, but absence of regional accommodation. This converted an administrative decision into a perceived act of exclusion. 🔹Uniform policies in diverse societies generate resistance. 3️⃣ Why Barak Valley opposed the policy Opposition in Barak Valley was driven by practical governance concerns, not emotional attachment to language. People feared that: • government jobs would become inaccessible, • courts and administration would function in an unfamiliar language, • long-term socio-economic mobility would decline. Thus, the agitation was about citizenship within the State, not cultural symbolism. 4️⃣ Escalation into violence: Breakdown of democratic response The movement initially remained peaceful. Violence occurred only after: • absence of dialogue, • administrative rigidity, • use of police force against protesters. The police firing that killed 11 civilians transformed a policy dispute into a legitimacy crisis. 🔹Conflicts escalate due to failure of democratic negotiation, not diversity itself. 5️⃣ Why the conflict was not communal or ethnic The protest involved people across religions and communities. This clearly establishes that: • the conflict was institutional, not communal, • the grievance was against policy design, not any ethnic group. 6️⃣ Resolution and its significance The later recognition of Bengali as an official language in Barak Valley showed that: • accommodation was feasible, • violence was avoidable, • asymmetric solutions strengthen unity. 🔹federalism takeaway: Flexible governance enhances legitimacy in diverse States. 7️⃣ Present relevance Silchar remains relevant because it demonstrates that: • identity-blind policies create alienation, • language, citizenship, and indigeneity debates are interconnected, • accommodation is essential for stability in border and migration-affected States. Conclusion The Silchar violence (1961) illustrates how institutional exclusion through language policy can fracture social cohesion, while accommodative governance can restore stability. In plural societies, managing diversity is more effective than enforcing uniformity.

3 jan……..👇

➡️Iran executed at least 1,500 people in one year, the highest figure in 35 years. • Data released by Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based rights group. • Described as an “unprecedented surge” in the use of capital punishment. Global human rights concern • Iran already ranks second globally (after China) in executions, as per Amnesty International reports. • Such numbers intensify scrutiny under international human rights law. Why has execution increased sharply? (Causes) (a) Domestic unrest • After the Mahsa Amini protests (2022), the state adopted harsher deterrence measures. • Executions used as a tool of political control. (b) Judicial structure • Strong role of Revolutionary Courts. • Limited transparency and weak appellate safeguards. (c) Drug-control policy • Iran lies on the Afghan drug trafficking route. • Retains death penalty for narcotics despite global move away from it.

➡️1. What is the News About? • Dong village in Arunachal Pradesh welcomed India’s first sunrise of 2026. • The occasion was marked by “Alo Prabhat: Dance of the Dawn”, a cultural performance. • The event was organised as part of the Sunrise Festival by the State Tourism Department. 2. Where is Dong Village and Why is it Important? Location • Dong is located in Anjaw district. • It is considered India’s easternmost inhabited village. Geographical Significance • Due to its eastern longitude, Dong receives the earliest sunrise in India. • It lies close to the India–China (LAC) and India–Myanmar tri-junction, giving it strategic relevance. 3. What is ‘Alo Prabhat – Dance of the Dawn’? Nature of the Performance • A thematic cultural presentation celebrating sunrise and harmony with nature. • Expressed through: • Indigenous chants • Folk songs • Traditional rhythms and movements Communities Involved • Drawn from the traditions of: • Mishmi community • Meyor community 🔹These tribes are among the oldest indigenous groups of eastern Arunachal Pradesh. • Aligns with India’s emphasis on intangible cultural heritage (UNESCO framework). 👇 When it was said that it “aligns with UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage framework”, it meant: • ✅ The event fits the type of heritage UNESCO promotes • ❌ It does not mean it is officially recognised or listed by UNESCO

➡️India Allows Banks to Sponsor Pension Funds under NPS 1. What is the National Pension System (NPS)? • NPS is a defined contribution, market-linked pension scheme regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). • It aims to provide old-age income security through systematic retirement savings. • Subscribers invest through Pension Funds (PFs) registered with PFRDA. 2. What Is the New Decision? Allowing Banks as Pension Fund Sponsors • PFRDA has given in-principle approval to banks to sponsor pension funds under NPS. • Earlier, banks mainly acted as Points of Presence (PoPs) — handling registration, contributions, and servicing. • Now, eligible banks can set up and manage pension funds independently. 3. Why Has This Reform Been Introduced? A. Increase Competition • At present, there are around 10 registered pension funds under NPS. • Entry of banks is expected to: • Increase competition • Improve fund performance • Reduce concentration risk B. Strengthen Pension Ecosystem • Banks have: • Large customer base • Strong distribution networks • Experience in asset management and compliance 🔹This can improve penetration of NPS, especially among retail and informal sector workers. 4. Eligibility Conditions for Banks Banks must meet strict prudential norms, including: • Adequate net worth • Sound financial health • Market capitalisation and governance standards • Compliance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines 🔹Ensures financial stability and subscriber protection.

Compared to December last year, GST revenue increased by 6.1%, showing moderate improvement in economic activity.

7. Examples of CRA in Practice (India & Global) India • NICRA villages showcase: • Climate tolerant crops • Zero tillage / improved seed management • Community watershed interventions Global • Africa wide adoption of conservation agriculture in semi-arid regions. • Latin America using agroforestry and weather risk tools. These examples show that CRA works across ecosystems when supported by policy and knowledge systems. 8. Challenges to Scaling CRA in India A. Awareness & Adoption • Small/marginal farmers comprise ~86% of holdings — limited access to knowledge and extension services. B. Cost & Finance • Precision tools and resilient seeds may require higher upfront costs. • Credit access is uneven. C. Quality Assurance • Biofertilisers / biopesticides quality may be inconsistent without robust standards. D. Institutional Fragmentation • Agriculture, water, climate planning and digital governance operate in separate silos 9. How to Overcome These Challenges (Way Forward) Policy & Institutional Action 1. Develop a national CRA roadmap under the BioE³ framework 2. Align agriculture, climate, water, and biotechnology policies Farmer Centric Support 3. Expand tailored climate advisories 4. Subsidies / credit for micro-irrigation and climate seeds 5. Scale CRA in extension curriculum and Krishi Vigyan Kendras Technological Scale 6. Integrate AI, remote sensing, and forecast-based advisories 7. Strengthen bio-input quality systems and certification Financial Instruments 8. Expand index-based crop insurance 9. Introduce climate bonds for agriculture infrastructure 10. Conclusion Climate-Resilient Agriculture is vital to protect India’s food security, improve farmers’ adaptive capacity, strengthen environmental health, and sustain productivity in the face of accelerating climate variability. Scaling CRA requires policy coherence, knowledge systems, financial support, and technology adoption rooted in credible science and farmer reality.

➡️Why India Needs Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) 1. What is Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA)? Definition: According to FAO, CRA (often called climate-smart agriculture) “Agriculture that sustainably increases productivity and resilience (adaptation), reduces/removes greenhouse gases where possible (mitigation), and enhances achievement of national food security and development goals.” — FAO, Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook (2013) Key elements: 1. Adaptation – withstand climate extremes 2. Mitigation – lower emissions 3. Sustainable productivity – stable or rising yields in a changing climate Meaning in Indian context: Not a single technology, but an integrated set of practices, policies, and technologies that help farmers cope with climate risk while securing food and income. 2. What Climate Risks Does Indian Agriculture Face? A. Climate Exposure • India’s annual average temperature has risen by ~0.7°C since 1901 (IMD). • Extreme heatwaves, unseasonal rain, and delayed monsoon onset have become more frequent, as per IPCC AR6. B. Rain-fed Agriculture Vulnerability • ~52% of cultivated land in India is rain-fed. • These lands contribute ~40% of total food production (GoI agricultural statistics). This makes large parts of Indian farming highly sensitive to rainfall variability. C. Glacier & Water Stress • Himalayan glacier melt affects Indus–Ganga river systems, risking irrigation water (WMO/UNEP assessments). • Groundwater in many northern and western States is classified as over-exploited (CGWB data). 3. Why Conventional Farming Alone Cannot Meet Future Needs A. Food Security Demands Rising • India must feed ~1.4 billion people by 2050. • Per capita food demand is rising with income growth. B. Climate Variability Reduces Productivity • Crop yield variability increases with temperature and drought frequency (IPCC). • Wheat and rice are especially sensitive to heat stress. Example: • South Asia’s wheat yields could decline by ~6% for every 1°C rise above 15°C (FAO Climate Risk Atlas). 4. Core Technologies & Practices Under CRA A. Crop & Genetic Innovations • Drought tolerant rice/wheat varieties • Short-duration varieties to escape terminal heat • Salt-tolerant crops for coastal soils Example: • Drought-tolerant rice (N22) varieties tested in south and east India show higher survival under moisture stress (ICAR reports). B. Water & Soil Management • Micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler) • Rainwater harvesting, check dams, contour bunding • Soil organic carbon enhancement (cover cropping) National Mission: • Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) promotes efficient water use. C. Digital & Precision Tools • Weather-based advisories • AI crop prediction models • Sensor-based irrigation scheduling These help farmers time sowing, irrigation, fertiliser, and pest control optimally to climate conditions. 5. Where Does India Stand? (Government & Institutional Response) A. National Initiatives • NICRA (National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture) — launched by ICAR in 2011 to develop CRA technologies and community adaptation models. • NMSA (National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture) — under NMSA, focus on soil and water conservation. • Soil Health Card Scheme — improves nutrient management and reduces dependence on chemical fertilisers. • PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana — accelerates water-use efficiency. • State adaptation plans being prepared under various climate action missions. 6. Scientific Evidence & Global Support for CRA IPCC (Climate Change 2022: Impacts) • Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change (high confidence). • Adaptation options like irrigation, crop diversification, and improved genetics substantially reduce risk. FAO Findings • Climate-smart practices increase yields and reduce emissions intensity when scaled appropriately. • Biofertilisers and soil organic matter increase resilience and soil health (FAO technical guidance). These are peer-reviewed, internationally accepted validations supporting CRA.