GS3_Current Affairs_2024.

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1. INDIAN ECONOMY AND ISSUES Current Status:
RELATING TO PLANNING, MOBILIZATION • NSSO PLFS 2023: National: 3.1%; Urban: 5.2%;
OF RESOURCES, GROWTH, Rural: 2.4%; Women's Labor Force
DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT Participation: 41%
• World Bank: Highlights low employment ratios

National GDP - Rs. 172.90 lakh crores at constant for women.
prices. Reasons for Unemployment: Population growth
External Trade - India registered record exports in outpacing employment at 1.9% vs. 1.7% annually
2023-24 at USD 778 billion (2000-2023) + Low educational attainment and skill
gap (ILO) + 29.82 crore workers need skilling (NSDC) +
Debt - Estimated 81.6% public debt-to-GDP ratio for 69% of jobs threatened by automation + 45.76%
FY2023-24. workforce in seasonal agriculture (2022-23) + 90% of
workers in informal.
The unemployment rate was 3.1 % for the calendar
year 2023 (PLFS 2023), with Urban at 5.2 % and rural Steps for Employment Generation: Aatmanirbhar
at 2.4 %. Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) to incentivize employers +
Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM
Women’s labor force participation rate was 41% (PLFS
SVANidhi Scheme) for collateral-free loans + Rashtriya
2023).
Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana (RUVP) for
1 out of every 3 unemployed individuals was young in entrepreneurship training to PM SVANidhi
India (ILO finding). beneficiaries + PM Vishwakarma Scheme for artisan
support + National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
National Skill Development Corporation skill gap study integrating vocational education + Deen Dayal
found that 29.82 crore workers need to be skilled, Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission
reskilled, and upskilled. (DAY-NRLM) for rural livelihoods.
1.3. Status of Skill Development
1.1. Global Value Chains (GVC) and India's

Integration • In India, only around 5% of the workforce is
formally skilled against 52% in the US and 96%
• Current Status: VC-Related Trade: 40.3% of in South Korea.
gross trade (2022), lower than South Korea
and Malaysia. • India has entered its 37 years long
demographic dividend period, lasting from
• Economic Impact: 1% increase in GVC
2018 to 2055.
participation boosts per capita income by over
1% (World Bank).
• Only 50.3% of India’s educated people are
Integration Measures: employable, as per India Skills Report, 2023.
• Foreign Trade Policy 2023 + PLI Scheme + One • Quality of jobs is on decline, highlighted by
District One Product (ODOP-DEH) + Make in Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
India Initiative
1.2. UNEMPLOYMENT IN INDIA
Module-related queries: @helpdeskupsc on Telegram I Main Group (open for all): t.me/UPSCneil I Youtube Channel: UnlockIAS Academy
Schemes/Policies/Initiatives: National Skill 1.7. Urban Poverty
Development Mission (NSDM) + Skill India Mission +
PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) with Recognition of • Contribute nearly 65% of India’s GDP.
Prior Learning (RPL) + PM YUVA Yojana + SANKALP and • 17% of urban households are slum dwellers
STRIVE for skill development + SMART for training (as per the Ministry of Housing and Urban
center accreditation + NIPUN project for upskilling Poverty Alleviation).
construction workers + Captive Employment under • Steps taken: NULM for self-employment and
DDU-GKY + Bharatskills Forum for digital knowledge- skilled wage jobs + PM-SURAJ portal for credit
sharing. support to marginalized sections + Smart
Cities Mission for sustainable urban
1.4. GROSS FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION (GFCF)
development + AMRUT for basic services and
Gross Capital Formation (GCF): It refers to the growth amenities + PM Awas Yojana (Urban) for
in the size of fixed capital in an economy. Housing for All by 2022 + Jal Jeevan Mission
(Urban) and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)
It includes Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): Like for universal water supply and sanitation.
land improvements; plant, machinery, and equipment
purchases; and the construction of roads, etc. 1.8. Savings due to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
In News: The sluggish growth of private Gross Fixed According to the Union Finance Ministry, the
Capital Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of Gross government has saved Rs 2.73 lakh crore of
Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices has been a taxpayers' money from 2014 to 2023 by adopting
significant challenge for the Indian economy. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to send money directly to
1.5. Human Development Report (HDR) 2023-2024 the targeted beneficiaries.
• Released by UNDP. 1.9. Non-Performing Assets (NPA)

• India’s rank Improved to 134 in 2022 from 135 RBI Report (2022-23): GNPA ratio fell to 3.9% in 2022-
in 2021. 23.
• Gross National Income per capita: Improved
to $6,951 from $6,542. Disproportionate share of Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
• Life expectancy at birth: Improved to 67.7 i.e., about 9/10th of NPAs.
years (in 2022).
The sectoral share of the NPAs is dominated by the
• Expected years of schooling: Increased to 12.6
infrastructure sector.
years.
Steps taken to halt the growth of NPAs: Recognition
1.6. India’s ranks in other major indices of NPAs through PCA after 2015 + Recapitalization via
Mission Indradhanush + Resolution mechanisms like
• Global Inequality Index - India has jumped 14 IBC, Project Sashakt, MSME SAMADHAN + Reforms
places to rank 108 in 2022. focusing on credit risk management and RBI powers +
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) - There EASENext (EASE 5.0) reforms for PSBs.
will be more than 230 million people living in
multidimensional poverty in 2021 in India. 1.10. Smart Cities Mission
• Inequality-adjusted Human Development Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs

Index (IHDI) - India’s rank declined by 6 places presented its report “Smart Cities Mission: An
to 140th in IHDI. Evaluation”.
• Out of its proposed share, the Central concessional finance via Affordable Housing Fund
Government has released 86% up to (AHF) and Priority Sector Lending (PSL) + Global
December 2023 Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India) for
• Only 28 cities have received 100% of their innovative construction technologies + National
share of funds from States/ULBs. Initiative for Promoting Upskilling of Nirman workers
• Half of cities could not undertake any project (NIPUN) under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National
under PPP model. Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NULM) for
• Madurai is the only Smart City which has construction worker skill training.
completed 100% of its projects.
1.13. Government Finance
Recommendations/Way Forward: MoHUA to lead
Greenfield Development master plans for ULBs + • 5.6% of GDP as fiscal deficit for FY2023-24
Emphasize creative urban regeneration through • Estimated 81.6% public debt-to-GDP ratio for
innovative mechanisms + Inclusive design with a focus FY2023-24
• 27.5% combined debt-to-GDP ratio of States at
on disability needs + Third-party assessment of Smart
end-March 2023
Cities projects, like MoHUA’s Amplifi 2.0 + Focus on • 60% debt-to-GDP ratio (40% Central Government
tier 2 cities in the next Smart Cities phase + Prioritize and 20% combined debt-to-GDP ratio of States) by
Pan-city projects with technology-driven solutions + FY25 to avoid the debt spiralling out of control.
Strengthen ULBs' capacity and innovative financing
like municipal bonds + Provide incentives like India ‘SAPTARISHI’ 7 PRIORITIES OF BUDGET 2023-2024
Smart Cities Awards Contest (ISCAC).
1. Financial Sector
1.11. Urban Infrastructure Development Fund
2. Inclusive Development
In news: National Housing Bank (NHB) has
3. Reaching the Last mile
operationalised the Urban Infrastructure Development
Fund (UIDF) with the outlay of ₹10,000 crore. 4. Infrastructure and Investment
Objective: Supplement the efforts of the State 5. Unleashing the Potential
governments/UTs by providing a stable and
predictable source of finance for the creation of 6. Green Growth
infrastructure.
7. Youth Power
As per the Census of 2011, 40% of India’s Urban
population lives in Tier 2 and 3 cities, which is Schemes/Initiatives: FRBM Act 2003 (amended 2019)
expected to grow at a very fast pace. + Fiscal Responsibility Legislation (FRL) by states +
Creation of FSDC + WMA management by RBI for
Most of Tier 2 and 3 cities lack the access of low States and Union.
finance funds.
Constraints: Vertical and horizontal financial
1.12. Housing imbalances + Rising commodity prices and geopolitical
tensions causing high inflation + Low Tax-to-GDP ratio
Over 1 crore houses grounded under PMAY (U) and limiting FRBM compliance + Corruption, leakages, and
over 75 lakh houses completed. free riders in schemes + Decreased state revenues due
to pandemic uncertainties.
Policy/Schemes/Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana (PMAY) for Credit Subsidy and Affordable 1.14. State Finances
Housing + Affordable Rental Housing Complexes
RBI Report:
(ARHCs) for ease of living + Infrastructure status and
• The debt-GDP ratio of states declined from Policies/Schemes/Initiatives: Taxpayers’ Charter for
31% at end-March 2021, to 27.5% by end- transparency + Faceless Assessment and Appeals
March 2023, supported by fiscal Schemes + Income-tax Act amendments for digital
consolidation. assets + Advance Rulings and international tax treaties
(DTAA, TIEA) + Government department information
• States consolidated Gross Fiscal Deficit to sharing + Vivad se Vishwas Scheme to reduce tax
Gross Domestic Product (GFDGDP) ratio litigations.
declined from 4.1% in 2020-21 to 2.8% in
2021-22. 1.17. Disinvestment (under non-tax revenue)
• Committed Expenditure: That includes Centre is likely to miss its disinvestment target for the
interest payments, administrative services, current year, as it has been able to garner only around
and pension, is expected to remain at 4.5 % of ₹10,000 crore while it had a target of ₹51,000 crore
GDP. for FY 2024.
Concerns with State Finance: Low non-tax revenue Methods for Disinvestment: IPO for first-time public
collection at around 1% of GDP (compared to 10% in share offerings + FPO for listed CPSE shares + OFS for
countries like Singapore, Egypt, Iran) + Reduced auctioning shares via Stock Exchange + Strategic Sale
development expenditure on education, sports, art, of substantial government shareholding with
and culture + Return to Old Pension Scheme (OPS) management transfer + IPP for institutional
would burden state finances, limiting growth- participation + CPSE ETF for selling government stakes
enhancing capital expenditures (potential fiscal across multiple CPSEs in one offering.
burden 4.5 times that of NPS) + Rising off-budget
borrowings (OBBs). Measures to Improve Disinvestments: Close sick
CPSEs and strategically disinvest viable ones (NITI
N.K. Singh Committee Recommendations: The Aayog) + Focus on withdrawing from sectors with
combined debt-to-GDP ratio of the centre and states competitive markets + Utilize National Monetisation
should be brought down to 60% by 2023 (comprising Pipeline for unlocking public asset value + Strengthen
of 40% for the Centre and 20% for states) CPSEs with managerial autonomy and strategic
decision-making.
1.15. Fiscal Deficit
1.18. Asset Monetization (AM)
Fiscal deficit for FY2023-24 moderated to 5.6% of
GDP. Idea of AM was first suggested by a committee led by
economist Vijay Kelkar in 2012.
The Government aims to reach a fiscal deficit level
below 4.5% of GDP by 2025-26. AM was announced in the Union Budget 2021-22
through the National Monetisation Pipeline.
The Combined Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) of states,
which increased to 4.1% of GDP in the pandemic- Initiatives for Asset Monetization: NMP to monetize
affected year, was brought down to 2.8% in FY22. brownfield infrastructure in 13 sectors (83% focus on
Roads, Railways, Power, Oil & Gas, Telecom) + Rs 6.0
1.16. Direct Taxation lakh crores potential from FY 2022 to FY 2025 +
Railways to monetize Dedicated Freight Corridor +
• Net Direct Tax collections (provisional) for the FY Airports for operations and management concessions
2023-24 stand at Rs. 19.58 lakh crore. + National Land Monetization Corporation (SPV) for
surplus land of CPSEs + Asset Monetisation
• Corporate tax collection stands at ₹9.11 lakh crore Dashboard for tracking and investor visibility.
and personal income tax at ₹10.44 lakh crore in
FY2023-24. 1.19. Capital Expenditure
Government has budgeted capital expenditure at 1.21. Update about UCBs
₹11.11 lakh crore (an increase of 11.1% over 2023-24)
in 2024-25. Recently, the Ministry of Cooperation constituted the
National Urban Cooperative Finance and
Total Capex grew at an average rate of 13% during Development Corporation Limited (NUCFDC), an
FY12 and FY22. Umbrella Organisation (UO) for UCBs.
Government Initiatives: Increased capital outlay in 1.22. Payment System in India

Interim Union Budget 2024-25 + Continuation of 50-
year interest-free loans to state governments + ₹2.4 As per RBI, cash accounts for nearly 50% of all
lakh crore capital outlay for Railways in FY2023-24 + transactions in India.
100 transport infrastructure projects for end-to-end
connectivity + Urban Infrastructure Development 50% volume of India’s digital payments is dominated
Fund for Tier 2 and 3 cities. by Debit Cards, PPIs, and IMPS.
1.20. Banking Sector

Schemes/Initiatives: RBI's Payments Vision 2025 with
5 pillars + Enhancements to UPI including UPI Lite and
15.4% Credit Growth for Scheduled Commercial Banks UPI-123Pay + PIDF for infrastructure development +
(SCBs) in FY22-23. Digital Payment Security Controls by RBI +
Rationalisation of MDR + Mission Har Payment Digital
4.5% Gross NPA ratio and 1.2% Net NPA of SCBs at and 75 digital villages + Fintech Repository by RBI +
end-December 2022. Regulatory Framework for Web-Aggregation of loan
products (WALP).
Schemes/Initiatives:
1.23. Capital Markets
• Regulation and Supervision: EASE 5.0 reforms
for PSBs + PRISM platform for integrated India is the 4th largest stock market.
supervision + Regulatory Review Authority 2.0
to reduce compliance burden + Expansion of Introduction of new instruments like hybrids,
Bank Licensing Framework + PCA to be convertibles, REITs, and InvITs.
extended to NBFCs by Oct 2024 + DAKSH
system for monitoring compliance in banks Significant money raised through IPOs.
and NBFCs.
1.24. Crypto Assets and their Regulation
• Banking Penetration and Experience:
Increase in Deposit Insurance to ₹5 lakh + RBI G20 countries adopted the New Delhi Leaders’
Fraud Registry for online fraud blacklisting + Declaration which called for effective regulation of
UDGAM portal for accessing unclaimed crypto assets.
deposits + Major banks classified as D-SIBs
(SBI, ICICI, HDFC). Under the ambit of the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002.
Constraints: High NPAs, especially in PSBs (5.5%) +
Increasing regulatory compliance burden and decline In 2022, the Ministry of Finance released a report
in capital adequacy for PSBs + Competition from non- proposing the creation of a digital rupee, a state-
banking companies and FinTechs due to limited backed cryptocurrency.
integration + Unchecked technology adoption, such as
algorithmic lending + Challenges for PSBs like Tax regime: In 2022, the Union Budget, for the first
bureaucratization and political interference + time officially classified digital assets, including
Widening liquidity deficit to ₹1.46 trillion, highest cryptocurrency, as “virtual digital assets.”
since 2019 + Worst deposit crunch in 20 years for
Indian banks. 1.25. Export Sector
India's overall exports (merchandise and services potential threats to Macroeconomic Stability due to
combined) reached US$ 778.22 billion in 2023-24. financial market integration.
India's share in world exports stands at 2.4%, with Approach for Internationalization of Rupee: Capital
China at 12% and the US at 9%. Account Convertibility through reviewing FEMA and
promoting INR in international trade; global
Exports contribute about 23% of India's GDP. promotion of INR through Currency Swaps, LCS, and
payment systems like RTGS, NEFT, UPI; and
Initiatives for India's Exports: Strengthening Financial Markets by harmonizing KYC
norms, establishing a 24x7 INR market, and including
• Foreign Trade Policy 2023 introduced with Indian bonds in Global Bond Indices.
automatic 'Status Holder' certificates for top
business leaders in international trade. 1.28. Global Debt of Developing Countries
• Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) • Global public debt reached an all-time high of $97
and Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme trillion in 2023 from $17 trillion in 2000.
to enhance export infrastructure and access.
• 30% of global public debt is held by developing
• Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) and countries.
RoDTEP Scheme to reimburse taxes and
duties on exported products. • India’s debt service was 2% of the GNI in 2022.
• Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) 1.29. Startup Ecosystem of India

Scheme to facilitate import of capital goods.
India has the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the
• Districts as Export Hubs initiative and Export world.
Preparedness Index (EPI) to promote
subnational export activities. Government Initiatives:
1.26. FDI in India • Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) to

provide early-stage financial assistance.
FDI into India reached an all-time high of $84.83
billion in 2021-22 and expected to reach 100 billion. • Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Scheme.
1.27. Internationalization of Rupee • Providing global market access to Indian

startups through inter-governmental
In news: Recently, Prime Minister asked the Reserve cooperation.
Bank of India (RBI) to prepare a 10-year strategy to
make the Indian rupee a globally accessible and • Support for Intellectual Property protection
acceptable currency, enabling its internationalization. with fast-tracked patents and simplified rules.
Benefits of Internationalization of Currency: Limits • AIM-PRIME to promote and support science-

exchange rate risk, grants access to international based deep-tech startups.
financial markets, boosts capital formation, finances
budget deficit with domestic currency debt, lowers • Schemes for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
the impact of capital flow reversals, and reduces the such as AGNI, Uchcatar Avishkar Yojana,
need for forex reserves. Women Entrepreneurship platform etc.
Challenges in Internationalization of Currency: • LEAP AHEAD INITIATIVE, National Startup

Exchange Rate Volatility risks, Triffin Dilemma Advisory Council (NSAC).
affecting global demand vs. domestic policies,
heightened Vulnerability to External Shocks, and
Role of Startups in Rural Economy: Rural • Income Inequality: Top 1% holds 22.6% of
development (e.g., Atmanirbhar Gaon) + Employment national income (World Inequality Database,
generation (e.g., Meesho, Udaan) + Education and skill 2022-23).
development (e.g., Paathshaala, Learning Delight) +
Financial inclusion (e.g., Bank Saathi) + Women • Rural-Urban Divide: Monthly per capita
empowerment (e.g., Lijjat Papad) + Environmental expenditure: ₹3,773 (rural) vs. ₹6,459 (urban)
sustainability (e.g., AgriVijay, Earthshastra Ecotech) +
(Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
Water governance (e.g., Water Lab India, Kheyti,
Boon). 2022-23).
• Gender Pay Gap: Men earn 82%, women earn

1.30. Gig Workers
18% of labour income (World Inequality
Gig Workers and Gig Economy: Parliamentary Report 2022).
committee recommends welfare schemes + G20
supports social protection for gig workers + • Economic Growth: Service sector (60% GDP)
Rajasthan's 2023 Bill establishes gig workers' welfare concentrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka.
board and database.
• COVID-19 Impact: Billionaires increased from
Data: 77 lakh gig workers (2020-21) + Skill 102 (2020) to 166 (2022); hungry Indians from
distribution: 47% medium, 22% high, 31% low-skilled 190 million to 350 million.
+ Women's participation increased to 36% (2022) +
Youth participation grew eight-fold (2019-2022). • Tax System: Bottom 50% contributes 64% of
GST; top 10% contributes 4%.
Challenges: Job insecurity, income instability, lack of
legal protection, payment issues, need for training. • Education and Healthcare: Inequity traps
Framework: Code on Wages (2019) ensures minimum people in low-paid jobs, affecting bottom 50%
wage + Code on Social Security (2020) recognises gig and middle 40% (World Inequality Lab).
workers + E-Shram Portal for database.
Measures to Reduce Inequality:
2. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it: • Inclusive Growth: Deendayal Antyodaya
Yojana-NRLM + MGNREGA + PM Awas Yojana
2.1. Financial Inclusion + Skill India Mission.
• 50 Crore+ PMJDY accounts with over 55% • Financial Inclusion: Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan
accounts held by women. Yojana + Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana +
• RBI's Financial Inclusion (FI) Index shows Stand-Up India Scheme.
growth across all segments. • Social Security: Atal Pension Yojana + Pradhan
• Bottom 50% of the global population owns Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana + Pradhan
just 2% of wealth and 8% of income (World Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana.
Inequality Report 2022).
• Among the poorest 20 per cent of households, • Gender Equality: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
only 2.7 per cent have access to a computer Scheme + One Stop Centre Scheme +
and 8.9 per cent to internet facilities (India SWADHAR Greh + Pradhan Mantri Matru
Inequality Report 2022: Digital Divide by Vandana Yojana.
Oxfam).
3. STORAGE, TRANSPORT & MARKETING OF
2.2. High Income and Wealth Inequality in India AGRI PRODUCE ISSUES AND ISSUES AND
Key Statistics:
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3.4. India's Agriculture Exports
3.1. Agricultural Credit
• Decline: 8% decline in 2023-24, missed $60
billion target set by 2018 policy.
• Every 1% increase in agricultural credit produces
0.29% increase in agricultural GDP and • Global Share: 2.4% of world agri exports, 1.9%
consequently aiding in increased income of of imports (WTO 2023).
farmers.
• Ranking: 9th globally in agri exports.
• Small and marginal farmers hold 86% of • Export Composition: Rice and sugar = 37.4%.
operational landholdings, only 41% of such
farmers could be covered by banks. • Water Usage: High water use for rice (3,000-
5,000 liters/kg).
Measures Taken: LTIF (Long Term Irrigation Fund) by
NABARD + Unified Agricultural Marketing e-Platform + • Agriculture Export Policy 2018: Double
PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) + exports, diversify, increase global share,
PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) + Kisan promote indigenous products.
Credit Card scheme + Modified Interest Subvention
Other Initiatives: Trade Infrastructure for Export
Scheme (MISS).
Scheme (TIES) + Market Access Initiatives Scheme
3.2. PACS (MAI) + APEDA + Farmer Connect Portals: By APEDA.
3.5. Krishi Vigyaan Kendra: The Indian Council of

• More than 65000 functional PACS across country.
Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated the Golden
jubilee year of establishment of the Krishi Vigyan
• Under ‘centrally sponsored project for
Kendra (KVK). KVKs are the only institution at the
computerisation of PAC’ scheme, government
district level in India for technological backstopping
aims to computerise 63,000 functional PACS.
in agriculture and allied sectors.
• PIB: Account for 41 % of the KCC loans given by all One scientist, One Product Scheme: ICAR to launch
entities and 95% of these KCC loans are to the ‘one scientist, one product’ scheme to improve
Small and Marginal farmers (2022). research in the field of agriculture and animal
husbandry. Over 5,500 scientists will come with a
product, technology, model or a good publication.
3.3. Agriculture Mechanization Level

3.6. India's Grain Storage System
Indian farm mechanisation level is at 40–45%
Pilot Project: Inaugurated by the Prime Minister for
compared to that of the United States (95%), Brazil
'World's Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative
(75%) and China (60%) (NABARD, 2018).
Sector', involving 11 Primary Agricultural Credit
Main initiatives: Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) and Hi- Societies (PACS) across 11 states.
tech Hubs of High-Value Machines' under Sub Mission
Current Storage System: Small Farmers: 60-70% of
on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) + e-NWRs
food grains stored at household level using traditional
(Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt) for easier
structures.
financing
Initiatives for Augmenting Storage: NWR system 4.2. AgriTech Initiatives in India
under Warehousing Act, e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi for loans,
• Agri-Startups - Startup India: Recognized
National Policy for reducing losses, Grameen
Bhandaran Yojana for rural godowns, PM Kisan ~2800 AgriTech startups (e.g., BigHaat, Fasal,
Sampada for storage facilities, and SAFEETY for Merakisan).
advanced tech in storage. • Innovation Programs - RKVY: Innovation and
Recommendations: Agri-Entrepreneurship Development program
+ Agriculture Accelerator Fund: Rs. 500 crore
• Shanta Kumar Committee: Scientific storage + for agri-startups (2023-24).
Flexibility to FCI for Open Market Sale Scheme
• Digital Services: Agri Stack: Platform for
(OMSS) and exports + Encourage private
sector participation agritech and digital services + Agricultural
Data Exchange (ADeX): Open-source platform
• Ashok Dalwai Committee: Decentralization of for data sharing.
storage + Reducing loss at farmgate + Promote
• Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM): Utilizes
integrated agri-logistics systems
cloud computing, earth observation, remote
4. E-TECHNOLOGY IN THE AID OF FARMERS sensing, AI/ML models.
• ATMA Scheme: Supports state efforts in

4.1. Latest initiatives in digitisation of agriculture technology dissemination through training,
demonstrations, Kisan Melas, etc.
• Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg) is
an advanced agricultural data management 5. ISSUES RELATED TO DIRECT AND INDIRECT FARM
platform that generates crop estimates. SUBSIDIES AND MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICES
• The Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) offers a comprehensive

5.1. Fertilizers
view of farmer data, loan disbursement specifics,
and interest subvention claims, and fosters India is the 3rd largest producer of fertilisers and the
seamless integration with banks. 2nd largest fertiliser-consuming country after China
(2022).
• Weather Information Network Data Systems
(WINDS) manual leverages advanced weather Urea is the most produced (86%), the most consumed
data analytics to provide actionable insights on (74%), and the most imported (52%).
weather.
Government initiatives include PM-PRANAM (PM
Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation,
• YES-TECH is a technology-driven yield estimation Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth -
system, offering methodologies, best practices,
incentivizes states/UTs to promote alternative
and integration insights for accurate yield fertilizers and balanced fertilizer use) + MDA (Market
assessments at the Gram Panchayat level.
Development Assistance for promoting Organic
Fertilizers through the GOBAR-Dhan initiative) + One
• National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture Nation One Fertilizer Scheme (standardizes fertilizer
(NeGP-A) with an aim to achieve rapid brands across the country) + Nano Urea Plants (boost
development in India through use of modern productivity with liquid urea) + Fertilizer Flying
technologies in agriculture. Squads (prevent diversion and black marketing of
fertilizers) + Nutrient-Based Subsidy Scheme (NBS) 6.1. Millets in India
(subsidy provided for 22 fertilizers other than urea)
• Largest Producer: India (~41%) + 5th Largest
5.2. Financial Support to Farmers Exporter .
More than 11 crore farmers have been given the Initiatives:

financial benefits under PM-KISAN.
• Shree Anna Scheme + Production Linked
Overall, 2-2.5% of GDP is provided as subsidy annually Incentive Scheme: For millet-based products
in the form of fertilizer, credit, crop insurance, and (2022-27).
price support subsidies.
• Rebranding: Millets as “Nutri-Cereals” +
About 60% of the loans taken by farmers were from POSHAN Mission Abhiyaan (Inclusion of
institutional sources (NSSO Report). millets to improve nutrition) + Sub Mission on
Millets: Launched under the National Food
5.3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Security Mission in 2018.
Paid around ₹500 in claims for every ₹100 of premium 6.2. Farm Mechanization
(2016-2023).
• Mechanisation Level: India - 47% (China:
Key Initiatives under PMFBY 59.5%, Brazil: 75%)
• DigiClaim: Under it all the claims are worked
7. ECONOMICS OF ANIMAL REARING
out through National Crop Insurance Portal
(NCIP).
7.1. LIVESTOCK SECTOR
• CROPIC (Collection of Real Time Observations
and Photo of Crops) . • GDP Contribution: 4.11%
• Weather Information Network Data Systems • Agriculture GDP Share: 25.6%

(WINDS) portal.
• Employment: 8.8% of India's population
• Yield Estimation System, based on Technology
• Global Milk Production: Largest producer
(YES-TECH).
• Milk Production Increase (2014-15 to 2021-
• Forecasting Agricultural output using Space,
22): 51%
agro-meteorology and Land based
observations (FASAL) project. Value Add Data for Challenges:
• National Agricultural Drought Assessment • Low Productivity: Annual milk yield is 1172
and Monitoring System (NADAMS). kg, ~50% of the global average.
• ISRO’s Geo-platform, Bhuvan, provides data • Feed and Fodder Shortage: 2.3% of the
on plantation, pest surveillance and weather. world's land supports 10.7% of global
livestock.
6. PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - OBJECTIVES,
FUNCTIONING, LIMITATIONS, REVAMPING; ISSUES Government Initiatives:
OF BUFFER STOCKS AND FOOD SECURITY; • National Livestock Mission: Promotes

entrepreneurship and breed improvement.
MAJOR CROPS AND CROPPING PATTERN
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission: Focuses on capital needs + e-Gopala App: Provides market info to
indigenous bovine breed conservation. reduce middlemen.
• Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC):

Enhances animal health through vaccination
and disease surveillance.
• Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer

Producer Organizations (SDCFPO): Provides
9. LAND REFORMS IN INDIA
working capital to cooperatives.
8. FOOD PROCESSING AND RELATED INDUSTRIES IN 9.1. Land Record Modernization

INDIA- SCOPE’ AND SIGNIFICANCE, LOCATION,
Status: 95.09% of villages have completed
UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM REQUIREMENTS, Computerization of Land Records (Record of Rights
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT i.e., RoR)
8.1. Food Processing Industry Need for Modernization: Shift to Conclusive Titles
from Presumptive Titles + Enhance transparency to
• India’s processed food exports grew by 150% in reduce land disputes + Standardize land records for
nine years, with agricultural exports reaching $53 registration + Streamline and reduce registration
billion. process time + E-linkages for easier access to credit.
Schemes/Initiatives: DILRMP with ULPIN/Bhu-Aadhar

• Share of processed food exports in agri-exports
+ NGDRS adopted by 28 States/UTs + SVAMITVA for
has increased to 25.6% in 2022-23.
village mapping + Bhunaksha for digital cadastral
Government Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Kisan mapping + Best practices like BHOOMI-KAVERI, Mee-
Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) + Pradhan Mantri Seva, and blockchain proof of concept by NITI Aayog.
Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises
Scheme (PMFME) One District One Product (ODOP) + 10.EFFECTS OF LIBERALIZATION ON THE ECONOMY,
Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food CHANGES IN INDUSTRIAL POLICY AND THEIR
Processing Industry (PLISFPI) + Liberalised FDI regime EFFECTS ON INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
+ Krishi Udan and Krishi Rail schemes
8.2. Inland Fisheries 10.1. Industrial Policy
India has surpassed China as the largest contributor to 17% contribution of the manufacturing sector to GDP,
inland capture fisheries, ranking among the top three almost stagnant since 1991.
fish-producing countries globally.
Policies/Initiatives: Progressive Liberalization of
Measures Taken: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Industrial Policy since 1991 + Infrastructure
Yojana (PMMSY) + National Genetic Improvement Development through SEZs, Technology parks, NIMZs,
Facility + National Fisheries Development Board and NICP + PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan +
(NFDB) + National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) for sectors +
Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) + Fisheries and Amalgamation of 29 labor laws into 4 labor codes +
Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) + Other key laws like Make in India, MSMEs Act (2006),
Kisan Credit Card (KCC): For fishermen's working National Manufacturing Policy (2011), GST Reforms,
IBC Code
10.2. Industrial Corridors Semiconductors (SPECS) + Programme for
Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem
In news: Government of India and Asian Development + Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO) Pilot
Bank (ADB) signed $250 million loan for Industrial project.
Corridor Development in India.
10.5. E-commerce Sector
8th largest e-commerce market globally
10-15% share in India's retail market
Policy/Schemes/Initiatives: Consumer Protection (E-

commerce) Rules, 2020 + Open Network for Digital
Commerce (ONDC) to prevent monopolies + RoDTEP
scheme for e-commerce exports + Prioritize
technology under Digital India initiatives (BHIM,
BharatNet) + Equalisation Levy Rules, 2016 + 100% FDI
in B2B e-commerce + Digital Personal Data Protection
Act, 2023.
10.3. Production Linked Incentive (PLI)
10.6. Tourism Sector
Need: Stagnant manufacturing contribution to GDP
(15-17% since 1991) + Large number of MSMEs with 39th rank out of 117 countries in Global Travel and
90% workforce in informal jobs + Global push for Tourism Development Index (2024)
alternatives to China (China+1 strategy) + Initiatives
Schemes/Initiatives: Loan Guarantee Scheme for
like National Manufacturing Policy, Make in India, etc.,
COVID-affected tourism sector (LGSCATSS) + Swadesh
had limited success.
Darshan 2.0 (Theme-Based Tourist Circuits) +
Achievements of PLI Scheme: Significant increase of PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual
76% in FDI in the manufacturing sector (FY 2021-22) + Heritage) + RCS-UDAN 3.0 for tourism routes + MEET
Exports boosted by ₹2.56 lakh crore + Employment in India and INCREDIBLE INDIA 2.0 + National Strategy
generation of around 3.25 lakh people + Actual for Sustainable Tourism + Goa Roadmap for Tourism.
investment of ₹62,500 crore realized till March 2023 +
Medical Tourism: The Ministry of Home Affairs
Import substitution of 60% achieved in the telecom
recently notified the creation of a new category of
sector.
AYUSH visa for foreign nationals for treatment under
10.4. Electronics Sector AYUSH systems of medicine, i.e. easing medical and
wellness tourism in India.
Electronics sector contributes around 3.4% of GDP.
11. INFRASTRUCTURE: ENERGY, PORTS,
Domestic production increased from $29 billion (2014-
15) to $87 billion (2021-22) ROADS, AIRPORTS, RAILWAYS,
INVESTMENT MODELS
Schemes/Initiatives Electronics Development Fund +
Production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for
manufacturing + Modified Electronics Manufacturing 11.1. PM Gati Shakti
Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme + Scheme for Promotion of
Manufacturing of Electronic Components and
Multimodal connectivity aims to expedite India has 1% of the total vehicle population in the
infrastructure project implementation in India world but accounts for 11% of road crashes and
fatalities, costing 3-5% of GDP.
6 pillars: Comprehensiveness, Prioritization,
Optimization, Synchronization, Analytical, and 2.2% of the country’s total road network is National
Dynamic Highways which carries over 40% of road traffic.
BHARAT NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (BHARAT

NCAP): An indigenous star-rating system for vehicles
to assess their safety in cases of collision (as per
11.2. India’s Logistics Sector – Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197). Modelled on
the Global New Car Assessment Programme (Global
• Logistics cost -7.8-8.9 % of GDP in 2021-22. NCAP) with some modifications.
• India ranking 38th on World Bank’s Logistics 11.4. Indian Railways

Performance Index, 2023, an improvement
from 44th in 2018. • 4th Largest Railway Network in the world behind
only US, Russia, and China.
Steps taken –
• Single largest employer in India
• National Logistics Policy 2022 - targets • 1st and 4th respectively in passenger and freight
reducing logistics costs to 8-9% of GDP, transport globally.
improving India's Logistics Performance Index
Key Targets: Future-ready rail system by 2030 +
ranking to top 25 by 2030, and launching CLAP
Increase freight share to 45% + 100% electrification +
for comprehensive logistics action.
Eliminate level crossings by 2024 + Develop new
• Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) freight and high-speed corridors + Zero railway
(indigenous data-based platform which fatalities + Boost non-fare revenue to 20%.
integrates 34 logistics-related digital systems)
Initiatives: Rail skill development + KAVACH (collision
• Logistics given infrastructure status: It enabled avoidance) + High-speed trains (Vande Bharat) +
the logistics sector to access infra-lending at Safety fund (Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh) + Station
easier terms. upgrades (Adarsh Station) + Local product promotion
(One Station One Product) + Aluminium wagons +
• LEADS (indigenous logistics performance index 100% FDI in railways
on lines of the World Bank’s LPI)
11.5. RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM (RRTS) PROJECT: First
• Multimodal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) + Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) was launched in
Bharatmala Pariyojana + Dedicated Freight India with Namo Bharat RapidX train. High speed +
Corridors (DFC) high capacity. These will operate at a speed of 160
km/hour but are designed to be able to run at speeds
11.3. Road Infrastructure in India
up to 180 km/hour.
India has the second-largest road network in the
world 11.6. DEDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDORS (DFCS):
Road transport carries ~87% of India’s total passenger In news: The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor
traffic and more than 60% of its freight. (EDFC) has been completed fully in October 2023.
DFC consists of two arms:
o Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC): It 11.9. Mines and Minerals
starts at Sahnewal (Ludhiana) in Punjab and
ends at Dankuni in West Bengal. • Mining sector's contribution to Indian GVA is at ~
2 %.
o Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC):
The other arm is the around 1,500-km WDFC Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan
from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Yojana (PMKKY) and District Mineral Foundation
Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai. (DMF) + Project Sudoor Drishti (satellite monitoring of
mining) + Accreditation of Private Exploration
Agencies (mineral prospecting operations) + National
Geoscience Data Repository Portal (public access to
geological and mineral data).
11.7. Port Sector
11.10. Coal and Gas Sector
Turnaround time across Indian ports consistently
declined from 94 hours (FY13-14) to 52 hours (FY23- • 50% of India’s overall energy mix comes from Coal
24). • 28% of India’s overall energy mix comes from Oil.
• 87.7% of India’s oil needs are being fulfilled
Cargo handling of the Major Ports has steadily
through imports in FY2023-24.
increased over the years, with a 10% increase from
• India is the third-largest oil consumer.
last year.
Steps to enhance port connectivity: Sagarmala & Schemes/Initiatives: Reforms in Hydrocarbon

Bharatmala programmes (infrastructure development Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) 2016 (to
simplify exploration and production in the oil and gas
& capacity enhancement) + Sagarmantham Dashboard
sector) + Natural Gas Marketing Reforms 2020 (to
(monitoring of port projects) + Sagar Setu App & create a transparent and competitive gas market) +
digital modules (real-time vessel tracking & electronic SHAKTI (for transparent allocation of coal) +
data exchange) + Port digitization (RFID, Vessel Traffic Simplified mining plan approval (to ease commercial
Management System) + Cooperation with neighbours coal mining operations) + 100% FDI allowed (in oil and
(land ports like Sabroom) + NCOEGPS (National Centre gas sector to encourage foreign investment) + Rail-
of Excellence for Green Port & Shipping). Sea-Rail (RSR) coal transportation (to optimize coal
logistics) + Dedicated Coal Corridors (to streamline
11.8. Civil Aviation coal transport)
11.11. Power Sector

• India is the third largest domestic aviation market
globally after the USA and China. Third-largest producer and consumer of electricity
globally
• Aviation industry contributes $35 billion annually
to India's GDP Key Targets: Establish 500 GW of renewable energy
capacity by 2030 + Provide accessible, affordable, and
Initiatives: National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016 on-demand energy to consumers + Diversify energy
(policy framework) + 100% FDI in non-scheduled air production sources for sustainability + Increase
transport (investment) + UDAN for affordable travel distribution efficiency by reducing AT&C losses +
(regional connectivity) + AirSewa app (passenger Reduce emission intensity by 45% by 2030 from 2005
redressal) + e-Sahaj portal (security clearance) + Digi levels + Build a transnational energy grid to enhance
Yatra (seamless travel) + PLI Scheme for drones security.
(manufacturing) + Chicago Convention amendments
(global compliance) + ISHAN initiative (FIR integration)
Schemes/Initiatives: Revamped Distribution Sector better energy efficiency) + Generation Based
Scheme (aims to reduce Aggregate Technical & Incentive (GBI, financial support for wind projects
Commercial losses) + Infrastructure development for commissioned before 31 March 2017) + ISTS Charges
energy storage systems (focus on grid-scale battery Waiver (waives Inter-State Transmission System
systems for improved energy storage) + Additional charges for solar and wind projects commissioned by
borrowing for power sector reforms (financial support 30 June 2025).
for sectoral reforms) + PuSH portal (for efficient peak
demand management) + PLI (Production Linked 11.14. Maritime Sector
Incentive for power equipment manufacturing),
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Sustainable & green
Ujjwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY - financial
sector (carbon-neutral ports, green fuel, hydrogen
turnaround of power distribution companies), hub) + Port modernization (Top 25 global ports) +
Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS - Shipbuilding (Top 5 centers) + Quadruple port capacity
strengthening sub-transmission and distribution (10,000 million tons, 100% PPP) + Asia Pacific cruise
networks), Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar leader (25 terminals) + Boost logistics (12% coastal
Yojana (Saubhagya - universal household shipping, double inland waterways) + World-class
electrification). maritime services (education, research) + Maritime
cluster (IMEC, 5000 km waterways) + Efficiency via
11.12. Tidal Energy tech (COEME).
Significance: Indian Ocean (vast coastline, 1,382

Tidal Energy Potential in India: 12,455 MW (Tidal)
islands) + Coastal livelihoods (~250 million people) +
+ 41,300 MW (Wave)
Food security (second-largest fish producer) +
Potential Areas: (Gulf of Khambat, Kutch, Palk International trade (strategic location) + Regional
Bay, Sunderbans) power (Indian Ocean security provider).
Digital Public Infrastructure

Challenges: Technological (Low turbine efficiency,
corrosion, bio-fouling) + Financial (Capital- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Pillars: Technology
intensive, risk mitigation issues) + Environmental (open, scalable) + Governance (transparent, data
(Ecological disruption, wildlife effects). protection) + Local Ecosystems (barrier elimination,
sustainability).
11.13. Wind Energy
Foundational Elements: Identity (Aadhaar) +
• Global Position: 4th in wind power installed
Payments (UPI, AEPS) + Data Exchange (Digilocker,
capacity (after China, USA, Germany).
Account Aggregator).
• Energy Share: 10.3% of India’s energy basket.
Global South Significance: Inclusion + Resilience +
Recommendations: Replace inefficient turbines + Sovereignty + Innovation + Socio-economic outcomes.
Finalize VGF scheme for offshore wind + Approve
India's Global Role: Identity System (MOSIP adopted
Repowering Policy 2022 + Bidding trajectory for 37
GW offshore wind capacity by 2030. by 10+ countries) + UPI linkages (Singapore, UAE, etc.)
+ G20 promotion of DPI + Alternative public
Government Initiatives: National Offshore Wind ownership model + One Future Alliance (OFA) for LMIC
Energy Policy 2015 (framework for developing support + Open Source Infrastructure for innovation.
offshore wind projects) + Meso-scale Wind Maps
(NIWE's maps indicating potential wind energy at 12.DEVELOPMENTS AND THEIR
different heights) + Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 2018 APPLICATIONS AND EFFECTS IN
(promotes large grid-connected hybrid systems for
EVERYDAY LIFE equipment failures etc) + Agriculture (e.g. track
livestock health, equipment etc) + Transportation (e.g.
monitor fuel efficiency)
12.1. NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY 2023
Initiatives:
Prize awarded for: The discovery and development of
quantum dots. • Draft Policy on IoT by MeitY.
Quantum dots are man-made semiconductor • Centre of Excellence in Intelligent IoT Sensors.
particles, whose sizes are normally not more than 10
nanometers. They exhibit unique optical properties • MeitY collaboration with NASSCOM on
due to their small physical size. FutureSkills PRIME
Applications of Quantum Dots: Electronics (QLED 12.5. Robotic Technology

displays, LED lamps) + Healthcare (targeted drug
In terms of annual industrial installations, India ranks
delivery, tissue mapping) + Other uses (quantum
10th globally as per the World Robotics Report, 2022.
computing, solar cells, flexible electronics, quantum
communication). Initiatives: Draft National Strategy for Robotics (NSR)
by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
12.2. Blockchain Technology
(MeitY) + ARTPARK (AI and Robotics Technology Park)
Significance/Applications: E-Governance (digital under National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber
property and certificates management) + Banking Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) + Center for Advanced
(secure transactions, reduced fees, crypto-based Manufacturing for Robotics and Autonomous Systems
payments) + Supply Chain (tamper-proof product (CAMRAS) + FutureSkills Prime (capacity-building
journey records) + Healthcare (secure patient records initiative) + Manav (India’s first 3D-printed humanoid
and public health monitoring) robot) + Daksh (Remotely Operated Vehicle by DRDO)
+ Vyommitra (ISRO's spacefaring humanoid robot).
Initiatives: National Strategy on Blockchain (2021) +
Design and Development of a Unified Blockchain 12.6. 3D Printing Technology
Framework for offering National Blockchain Service +
Additive manufacturing (AM) = technology that
Telangana has conceptualized India's first Blockchain
constructs a three-dimensional object from a digital
District
3D model by adding material layer by layer
12.3. Web 3.0
Significance/Applications: Aerospace & Defence (e.g.,
Significance/Applications: Blockchain promotes 3D printed rocket engine by Agnikbaan) + Automotive
cryptocurrency and decentralized finance (DeFi) in (engine components, gear boxes) + Electronics
the financial sector + Ensures secure and transparent (wearable devices, RFID) + Healthcare (surgical
health records in healthcare + Governance becomes models, instruments) + Consumer Goods (jewellery,
more inclusive and efficient through Decentralized clothing, toys)
Autonomous Organizations (DAO) + Reduces platform
12.7. Critical Technologies
dependence by enabling digital activity to be
transferable across platforms Those technologies identified by government as
‘Critical’ for a nation's future economic growth,
12.4. Internet of Things (IoT)
national security, and technological advancement.
Significance/Applications: Healthcare (e.g. collect
Examples: AI, Quantum computing, IoT, and
real-time data like heart rate etc) + Manufacturing
Blockchain
(e.g. monitor machine performance, detect
12.8. Biotechnology Uses: For Research (alter DNA in cells) + Treatment of
Diseases (modify blood cells for leukemia, AIDS) +
Market Size: India is ranked 12th globally (India Bio- Biotechnology (genetically modify crops, livestock) +
economy Report 2023) Therapeutic Cloning (clone embryonic cells for organ
Types of Biotechnology: Blue (Marine and Aquatic transplants)
application), Green (Agriculture Processes), Red Crispr
(Medical) and White (Industrial)
In news: Recently Scientists developed a new
Significance/Applications: Bioremediation (e.g., exosome-based CRISPR (Clustered Regularly
Oilivorous-S, Oilzapper) + Health/Medicine (gene Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)/Cas9 gene-
therapy for Hemophilia A, CRISPR-cas9, artificial editing Platform.
insulin) + Bioenergy (bioethanol, biodiesel, fourth-
generation biofuels). Applications of CRISPR: Edit genes in human embryo;
Change genetic codes of crops to improve crop
Biotechnology and Agriculture: resilience; creating new therapies for Cancer
Significance: Increased crop productivity (e.g., DMH 11 treatment & sickle cell diseases etc.
Mustard) + Enhanced crop protection (e.g., GM CAR-T CELL THERAPY
Cotton) + Environmental benefits (e.g., BT Brinjal) +
Nutritional benefits (e.g., Golden Rice for improved In news: Cancer remission was achieved after
vitamin A uptake). commercial use of NexCAR19, India’s first indigenous
CART cell therapy.
Genetically Modified Organisms
NexCAR19 (Actalycabtagene autoleucel) targets cancer
Significance: Genetic biodiversity (resurrect extinct cells with the CD19 protein, a biomarker for B-cells,
species) + Industrial (Biofuels, Bioplastics) + Medical used in treating B-cell lymphomas (blood cancer) in
(Pharmaceuticals, Xenotransplantation, Gene therapy) patients who don’t respond to standard treatments
+ Agriculture (Pest resistance, Nutritional content) + like chemotherapy.
Environmental (Bioremediation, pollution control) +
Disease control (Gene drive for malaria). STEM CELL THERAPY (SCT)
For Food Security: In news: Delhi High Court permitted Stem Cell
Therapy for treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Benefits: Increased yields (DMH-11 – 28 % increase) + (ASD).
Climate resilience (: E.g., drought-tolerant rice E.g.
Sahbhagi Dhan) + Nutritional enhancement (Golden
rice – Vitamin A) + Sustainability (reduced need for
chemical inputs) + Climate change (GE crops for
carbon sequestration)
Challenges: Environmental concerns (monocultures,

high inputs) + Health risks (toxicity, e.g. GM cowpea) +
Ethical/social (corporate control, smallholder
marginalization) + Regulatory/legal (varying GM
regulations) + Biodiversity impacts (herbicide
resistance, genetic diversity changes)
Gene Editing As per ‘New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules 2019’ stem-
cell derived products are to be used as “new drugs”
which means that any doctor who uses SCT needs to wound-healing bandages) + Advanced equipment
take permission from government. (lightweight, strong materials like aluminium
performing like titanium) + Other uses (antibacterial
12.9. Nanotechnology silver-packed foods, adaptive camouflage)
Significance/Applications: Energy (nanotubes, 12.10. ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
nanostructured solar cells) + Agriculture (nano-
fertilizers, nano-sensors) + Water Management (nano- AMR will result in US$ 1 trillion to 3.4 trillion annual
membranes, magnetic nanoparticles) + Healthcare losses to GDP by 2030. (World Bank)
(nano-capsules for drug release) + Food Processing
(nano-composites for food packaging). Reasons for Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance:
Overuse/misuse of antimicrobials in humans and
Initiatives: Nano Science and Technology Initiative animals + Poor infection control in healthcare settings
(2002) + Nano Mission (2007) + Nano-electronics + Effluent discharge from hospitals and industries
Innovation Council by MeitY + INUP-i2i by MeitY + (antibiotics entering water systems) + Confusion over
Nano Science and Technology (INST) in Mohali treatment guidelines (e.g., duration of antibiotic
therapy for common infections like pneumonia).
Nanotechnology and Agriculture –
National Initiatives on AMR: National Program on
Uses: Nano-fertilizers (increase nutrient uptake) + AMR containment (12th FYP, 2012-17) + National
Nano-pesticides (target pests efficiently) + Nano- Action Plan on AMR (2017, One Health approach) +
biosensors (real-time data for farmers) + Nano- NARS-Net for AMR surveillance in medical colleges +
materials (improve soil structure, remove
Drugs and Cosmetics Rules (Schedule H1 for antibiotic
contaminants) + Crop protection (silica nanoparticles prescriptions) + Other initiatives (ban on inappropriate
shield plants) + Nanotechnology in crop breeding FDCs, Red Line campaign, Operation AMRITH in
(genetic manipulation). Kerala).
Nano Fertilizer Plant – Prayagraj E-Cigarettes
Nanotechnology and Health: India has banned e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of
Significance/Applications: Clinical investigation (e.g., Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture,
Gold nanoparticles used for detecting nucleic acids in Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage
disease diagnostics) + Cancer treatment (Hybrid and Advertisement) Act, (PECA) 2019.
Nanoparticles made of gold and copper sulphide show WHO: Children 13–15 years old are using e-cigarettes
potential in curing cancer) + Improved imaging tools at rates higher than adults in all WHO regions.
(allow earlier diagnosis and more personalized
treatment) + Drug delivery (nanotech materials Cervical Cancer
protect drugs from degradation and ensure efficient
delivery) + Gene sequencing technologies (advanced Cervavac is the first indigenous vaccine against
solid-state nanopore materials enhance accuracy in cervical cancer in India, developed and manufactured
gene sequencing) by Serum Institute of India.
Nanotechnology and Defence: When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical
cancer.
Significance/Applications: Nano-sensors (detect
chemical/biological weapons and reduce radioactivity) Second most common cancer among females in India.
+ Body Armour (Silicon dioxide nanoparticles harden Cause: human papillomavirus (HPV)
on ballistic impact) + Health Aid (Nanomedicines and
UN OCKIAS
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13. INDIGENIZATION OF TECH. AND Policy) + Infrastructure (Defence Corridors in UP and
TN).
DEVELOPING NEW TECHNOLOGY
Current Status (FY 2023-24): ₹21,083 crore exports
13.1. Technology Absorption in Defence (2024) ($2.63 billion) + 32.5% growth + 60% private, 40%
public contribution + 31x growth in 10 years.
Challenges - R&D Funding Gap: Actual expenditure in
2021-22 was ₹18,669.66 crore against a budget of Challenges: Low R&D spending (<1%) + Defence
budget (1.9% of GDP) + Credibility issues (largest arms
₹20,757.44 crore (Parliamentary Standing Committee
importer) + Capacity (outside top 25 arms exporters,
on Defence report, 2023-24). reliance on DPSUs)
Measures Taken
14. AWARENESS IN THE FIELD OF SPACE
• Acing Development of Innovative
Technologies with IDEX (ADITI) Scheme 14.1. NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR
• Signals Technology Evaluation and Adaptation (NISAR) SATELLITE
Group (STEAG) Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory being jointly
• Mission Shakti: by DRDO -Anti-Satellite Missile developed by NASA and ISRO
Test (A-SAT) in 'Hit to Kill' mode. NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days
• Project Akashteer: Automated air defence Significance of NISAR: Enables high-precision global
control and reporting system inducted by the earth imaging every 12 days, monitors coasts and ice
Indian Army. regions, tracks ecosystem changes, and observes
Recommendations: Prof K Vijay Raghavan natural hazards using dual-band radar.
Committee: 14.2. INDIAN SPACE POLICY – 2023
• Department of Defence Science, Technology, Strategy outlined:
and Innovation: Headed by a technocrat.
• Defence Technology Council: Establishment

recommended.
• National-Level Labs: Set up national-level

laboratory facilities instead of DRDO labs.
13.2. India’s Defence Exports
Recent Developments: BrahMos to the

Philippines (first batch delivered) + Increased 14.3. Private Sector in Space
exports to Seychelles, Maldives, Mauritius,
Ecuador. • In 2023, size of India's space economy is
estimated at $8 billion (around 2-3% of global
Reasons for Rise: Financial push (74% FDI, Exim Bank
space economy), which has potential of USD
financing) + Private sector role (25% R&D budget) +
Indigenous innovation (iDEX, Mission Raksha Gyan 100 billion by 2040. (Arthur D Little Report)
Shakti) + Indigenization (5th Positive Indigenisation
List) + Defence diplomacy (Line of Credit, Offset • Recently, Tamil Nadu based Startup Agnikul
launched world's first rocket with fully 3D-
printed engine and India's first semi-cryogenic In news: Earth witnessed G5 level of solar storm, the
engine-powered rocket. strongest in two decades and possibly one of the
strongest displays of auroras in past 500 years.
• Space Start-ups have increased to nearly 200
Solar storms occur when a magnetic eruption on the
in 2024 from 1 in 2022. (Economic survey
Sun, along with solar flares and CMEs, accelerates
2023-2024)
charged particles to high speeds.
Initiative: Indian Space Policy 2023 + IN-SPACe as
Implications of solar storms: Damage to spacecraft +
independent nodal agency + NSIL promoting private
Disruption of power grids and radio communications +
sector + Rs 1,000 crore VC fund in Budget 2024-25
Satellite navigation issues + Formation of auroras
(northern/southern lights).
Constraints/Challenges/Concern: Multiplicity of
regulations (Department of Space, ISRO, Antrix) + 14.6. CHANDRAYAAN-3
Space debris (26,000 large pieces) + Security concerns
from private sector involvement + Outdated liability Shiv Shakti Point
treaties for private entities.
Key findings of Chandrayaan-3: Higher surface
14.4. Aditya-L1 temperature (70°C) + Presence of sulphur and other
elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Cr) + Detection of thin plasma +
India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1 has been Possible lunar quake + Identification of 4-meter crater.
successfully placed in a halo orbit around Lagrangian
point (L1) of the Sun-Earth system 14.7. GAGANYAAN MISSION
Launch vehicle: PSLV C57 In news: Recently Government revealed names of four
astronaut-candidates for first Indian human
Aditya – L1 carries 7 payloads spaceflight mission, a.k.a. Gaganyaan.
Objectives: Understanding space weather drivers launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km
(solar wind origin and dynamics) + Identifying for a 3-day mission
processes across solar layers (chromosphere, corona)
leading to eruptions + Observing plasma and particle LVM3 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III)
dynamics from the Sun + Studying chromospheric and rocket is identified as the launch vehicle for the
coronal heating, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and Gaganyaan mission.
solar flares + Analyzing solar upper atmospheric
• The design of all systems and sub-systems for
(chromosphere and corona) dynamics
Gaganyaan has been completed.
Uniqueness of the mission: First mission to capture
• An Astronaut training facility has been
detailed images of the Sun in a unique ultraviolet
commissioned in Bengaluru.
spectrum + Equipped with smart systems to
automatically detect solar flares + Measures coronal Significance of the Gaganyaan Mission: Boosts
mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares close to the technological capability in crew safety, spacecraft
Sun’s surface design, and life support systems + Lays foundation for
future Indian Space Station + Stimulates space
Why L1? Placing satellite around L1 gives advantage of
economy and increases employment + Enhances
continuous observation of the Sun without any
international collaboration (support from France and
occultation/ eclipses.
Russia).
14.5. Solar Storms
14.8. X-RAY POLARIMETER SATELLITE (XPOSAT)
Launched by ISRO. • Zero Debris Charter: Signed by 12 countries to
mitigate space debris.
First dedicated satellite from ISRO to carry out
research and measure X-ray emission from celestial Indian Initiatives:
sources
• Debris Free Space Missions (DFSM) 2030:
14.9. Developmental Role of ISRO Aims for debris-free space missions.
Crop forecasting with satellites (e.g., FASAL for crops, • ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable
CHAMAN for horticulture) + Rural services through Operations Management (IS4OM): Ensures
Village Resource Centers (VRCs) and GeoMGNREGA + safe space operations.
Urban planning using satellite data (e.g., AMRUT) +
• Situational Awareness Control Centre
Water surface monitoring with SARAL satellite +
Resource management via TRISHNA satellite + (SSACC): Monitors space debris.
Railways integrated with NavIC and Bhuvan for • Project NETRA (Network for Space Object
navigation + Improved weather forecasting using Tracking and Analysis): Tracks and analyzes
INSAT satellites + Disaster management with space objects.
geoportals like Bhuvan and FLEWS in Assam +
Education support through EDUSAT connectivity + 15.ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIANS IN S&T
Regional navigation with NavIC system + Enhanced
broadband infrastructure through GSAT-N2.
15.1. SATYENDRA NATH BOSE
14.10. LIGO-INDIA PROJECT
50th death anniversary.
A planned advanced gravitational-wave observatory to
Referred as "Father of the God Particle"
be located in India as part of the worldwide network.
The fundamental particle ‘Bosons’ were named after
To be completed by 2030.
him. Awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1954.
Location: Hingoli district in Maharashtra.
Scientific Contributions: Bose-Einstein Condensates
Significance of LIGO: Direct evidence of gravitational (BEC) (state of matter created when particles are
waves (Einstein’s General Relativity) + Understanding cooled to near absolute zero) + Bose-Einstein Statistics
astrophysical phenomena (black holes, neutron stars, (a statistical procedure for counting possible states of
supernovae, Big Bang) + Advanced technology a quantum system) + X-ray diffraction cameras
development (e.g., Interferometric displacement
15.2. Contributions of M.S. Swaminathan
sensor).
• Plant geneticist known as the father of India’s
14.11. Mitigating Space Debris
Green Revolution.
Global Initiatives:
• First recipient of the World Food Prize (1987).
• Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee
• Awarded Padma Vibhushan, Ramon
(IADC): Established in 1993, coordinates
Magsaysay Award, among others.
global debris activities.
• UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines: Scientific Contributions: Developed new crop

varieties like Pusa Basmati and disease-resistant
International guidelines for debris reduction.
wheat; created frost-resistant potato hybrids like
'Alaska Frostless' and enabled participatory breeding
for locally adapted varieties.
Economic Ecology: Led the evergreen revolution, Pillars of IndiaAI and Related Schemes
integrating organic farming, eco-agriculture, and
sustainable practices through concepts like 4Cs • AI in Governance: BHASHINI (AI language
(Conservation, Cultivation, Consumption, translation tool for Indian languages), India Stack
Commercialization), and promoted biovillages and and AI.
VKCs.
• AI Computing & Systems: AIRAWAT
supercomputer, National Supercomputing Mission,
Policy and Institutional Contributions: Recommended
MSP 50% above production costs via NCF, established MeitY Quantum Computing Applications Lab.
MSSRF for sustainable agriculture, and played a key • Data for AI: Data Management Office, India
role in the ‘Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Datasets Program and India Data Platform.
Rights Act 2001'. • AI, IP & Innovation: Centre of Excellence for AI,
MeitY Start-up Hub, Proposed National Centre on
16.AWARENESS IN THE FIELD OF IT, AI (NCAI).
COMPUTER • Skilling in AI: Future Skills Prime (Nasscom &
16.1. Artificial Intelligence MeitY), Responsible AI for Youth.
• AI Ethics & Governance: RAISE (Responsible AI for
AI is expected to raise India's annual growth rate by Social Empowerment), Digital Sansad app for
1.3 percentage points by 2035 and can add $1 trillion Parliament transcripts.
to India's economy by 2035 (NITI Aayog).
AI and Agriculture
Potential of AI: AI is expected to raise India's annual
growth rate by 1.3 percentage points by 2035 and can Significance/Applications: Precision agriculture
add $1 trillion to India's economy by 2035 (NITI improves crop quality (e.g., SENSAGRI) + Smart
Aayog). farming aids nutrition, mechanization, and
pest/weather prediction (e.g., AgroStar) + Farmgate-
Initiatives: to-fork optimizes supply chain and market efficiency
• India AI Mission (e.g., Stellapps) + Data-driven agriculture enhances
productivity and market creation (e.g., BharatAgri
• National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence App).
(NSAI), by NITI Aayog
Key Initiatives: NITI Aayog’s National AI Strategy
• Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence emphasizes AI in agriculture + Kisan-eMitra chatbot
by NIC supports PM-KISAN scheme + Microsoft’s AI Sowing
App + NITI Aayog and IBM's AI-driven crop yield
• New Delhi Declaration of Global Partnership prediction model aids farmers.
on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) to mitigate
risks arising from AI. AI in Healthcare
• Future Skills PRIME for Reskilling/Up-skilling of Significance/Applications

IT Manpower for Employability in 10
• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Analyses
new/emerging technologies.
imaging (such as X-rays), helps in identifying
• National Artificial Intelligence Portal, one-stop diseases. E.g. S.A.R.A.H. Smart AI Resource
digital platform for sharing of resources Assistant, developed by WHO
related to AI in India
• Clinical research and discovery: Examines
IndiaAI Mission: data on drug interactions and side effects. E.g.
ProteinSGM, a Generative AI model from the
University of Toronto is used for protein manipulation for language translation + Research and
designing. Simulation: Realistic scenarios for professional training
• Robotic Surgery: AI integrated Robot surgeries Legal provisions: No specific laws against deepfake +
will minimize surgery-related complications. Section 66E of IT Act: Addresses privacy violations
through image misuse + Section 66D of IT Act:
• Workforce optimization: Enables operational Prosecutes malicious intent to cheat or impersonate +
and cost efficiencies. E.g. Virtual Assistants Indian Copyright Act: Penalties for copyright
and Chatbots. infringement.
AI and Defence 16.3. Quantum Technology
Significance: Border Security (e.g. detects intrusions) + Uses: Quantum communication: Transmits data using
AI-based technologies (e.g. in UAV) + to make quantum bits along optical cables (e.g., Quantum key
operations less reliant on human input. E.g., Vista, AI- distribution) + Quantum sensing/metrology:
controlled F-16 + assists humans to make precise Measures forces, gravitation, etc., using photons +
decisions + military robots Quantum computing: Solves problems beyond
16.2. Deepfakes classical computing + Quantum simulation: Simulates
material/chemical reactions with quantum computers
In news: Recently, the Centre issued an advisory to
social media intermediaries to identify misinformation Initiatives: National Quantum Mission (to drive
and deepfakes. India's advancements in quantum technologies) +
QuEST initiative (Quantum-Enabled Science and
How does Deepfake work? Technology to boost quantum research in universities)
+ QSim toolkit (Quantum Computer Simulator for
Uses technologies of deep learning, AI and
education and training) + Quantum Frontier Mission
photoshopping to create images of events.
(part of PM-STIAC for breakthroughs in quantum
Deepfake uses GANs (Generative Adversarial computing) + Dedicated labs at Mhow (military
Networks) with generators creating new images and institute for quantum research) + UN's 2025 Quantum
discriminators refining them for realism. It also Science and Tech year (global recognition of quantum
employs variational auto-encoders, neural networks advancements).
that detect facial features and enable versatile face
National Quantum Mission
swaps by suppressing non-face elements.
Mission objectives: Quantum Communication
Network (secure 2,000 km communication
infrastructure) + Inter-city QKD (2000 km quantum key
distribution for secure communication) + Quantum
Computing Power (develop 1,000 qubit quantum
computers) + Magnetometers and Atomic Clocks
(precision measurement tools and reliable
timekeeping) + Quantum Materials Design (novel
materials for advanced device fabrication).
17. ISSUES RELATED TO IPR

Benefits: Entertainment: Creative effects with voices
and likenesses + E-commerce: Virtual try-on for
clothing + Communication: Speech synthesis and facial 17.1. PATENTS IN INDIA
Recent Developments: o IP Mitra + Centre of Excellence in IP +
Modernization of IP offices
• Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024 notified by
the Department for Promotion of Industry and • Global Innovation Index (GII): India ranks 40th
Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and out of 132 economies
Industry.
17.2. TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE IN INDIA
• Key Provisions of the Rules: Certificate of
Inventorship (recognizes inventors' Measures by Government to Protect India's TK and
contributions) + Time limit for examination GRs: TKDL (digital repository to prevent bio-piracy) +
request reduced (from 48 to 31 months) + India's Patent Act, 1970 (PDR mechanism for
10% renewal fee discount (if paid in advance disclosure of GRs and TK) + Biological Diversity Act,
electronically for 4+ years) + Statement of 2002 (fair sharing of benefits from biological
working frequency reduced (from yearly to
resources) + Forest Rights Act 2006 (community rights
every 3 years).
over forest resources) + Ministry of AYUSH (dedicated
Key Data: to traditional medicine) + UNESCO's recognition (Yoga
as Intangible Cultural Heritage) + Other (Plant
• Over 1 lakh patents granted (March 2023 - Varieties Act 2001, Geographical Indications Act 1999).
March 2024).
17.3. Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic
• 7th position in Resident patent filing activity Resources, and Traditional Knowledge
globally (WIPO Report 2022).
Adopted by WIPO
Global Conventions/Treaties:
Addresses the interface between IP, genetic resources
• Paris Convention (1883) + Patent Cooperation (GRs), and traditional knowledge (TK).
Treaty (1970) + Budapest Treaty (1977)
Includes provisions for Indigenous Peoples and local
• India is a member of all. communities.
Regulation: Key Provisions of the Treaty: Mandatory Patent

Disclosure Requirements (disclose origin of Genetic
• Global: World Intellectual Property
Resources and Traditional Knowledge) + National
Organization (WIPO), TRIPS Agreement (WTO).
Framework (to remedy failure in PDRs) + Genetic
• India: Regulated by the Patents Act, 1970 Resources and Traditional Knowledge databases
(created in consultation with Indigenous Peoples) +
Key Initiatives in India: Assembly (representation from each Contracting
Party).
• National IPR Policy (2016)
o Scheme for Facilitating Start-Ups 18.CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND

Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) DEGRADATION, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
o Expedited Examination + National ASSESSMENT.
Intellectual Property Awareness
Mission (NIPAM) + Patent Facilitation 18.1. CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION
Programme
World Economic Forum released "Fostering Effective
o Reduction in filing fees for Start-ups, Energy Transition 2024" report.
MSMEs, educational institutes
• India's Rank: 63rd (up from 67 in 2023). • National Solar Mission (2010) + National
Electric Mobility Mission Plan (2013) + Green
India's Clean Energy Transition: Energy Corridor Projects + National Biofuel
• Global Position: Policy (2018) + Renewable Purchase
Obligation (RPO) + National Green Hydrogen
o 4th in Renewable Energy Installed Mission (2023)
Capacity + 4th in Wind Power capacity
+ 5th in Solar Power capacity. 18.2. COP28
• Installed Capacity: Increased from 76.37 GW The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the
in 2014 to 193.58 GW (including hydro) in May UNFCCC was held in Dubai, UAE.
2024. Key Outcomes
• RE Targets: • Climate Finance Mobilization: $83.9 billion
o 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy allocated to the Green Climate Fund,
capacity by 2030. Adaptation Fund, Least Developed Countries
Fund, and Special Climate Change Fund.
o At least 50% energy requirements via
RE by 2030. • Loss and Damage Fund: Officially
operationalized to aid vulnerable countries.
Challenges:
• Global Climate Finance Framework:
• Investment Disparities: Declaration for unified financial strategies.
o 90% growth in advanced economies • Global Green Credit Initiative (GGCI) by India.
and China.
• Conclusion of First Global Stocktake of the
• Other Challenges: Paris Agreement
o Uncertainties in subsidies and supply • The Global Cooling Pledge for COP 28.
chains + Geopolitical tensions and
trade protectionism + Energy storage Issues persisting from COP 28: Failure to agree on
limitations + Financial and economic global carbon market rules (blocked by EU, Africa,
barriers. Latin America) + Insufficient climate finance for
adaptation gap + Promotion of harmful marine
Initiatives for Energy Transition: geoengineering (e.g., Carbon Capture) + Concerns on
greenwashing and oil-gas influence +
Global Initiatives:
India’s concerns: refrained from signing Climate and
• International Solar Alliance (2015) + Clean Health Declaration + Emphasized equity in
Energy Transition Programme (IEA) + Panel on negotiations + Refused Green energy pledge (needs
Critical Energy Transition Minerals + Just coal for thermal power)
Energy Transition Partnerships + Carbon
Loss and Damage Fund (L&D)
Border Adjustment Mechanism + Global
Renewables and Energy Efficiency When? COP28 climate conference in Dubai, officially
Pledge(Signed by 133 countries at COP28) operationalized the loss and damage fund to help
vulnerable countries cope with the impact of climate
India's Initiatives:
change.
What? Compensation that rich industrialized nations, In news: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate
with historic role in climate change, must pay to poor Change (MoEFCC) notified rules for Green Credit
nations, whose carbon footprint is low but are facing Program (GCP) 2023.
the brunt of climate change.
What is Green Credit Programme? A market-based
First announced during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh mechanism to incentivise environment positive
(Egypt) in 2022. actions by different stakeholders.
India’s stand on fund: Strong supporter of the fund 18.5. Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023
and opening up L&D funds for developing nations and
not limit it to small island and least developed nations. provides to set up a carbon credit trading market as
the country aims at decarbonizing the economy.
Challenges in L&D fund: No agreed definition for
categorizing L&D activities + Poor data availability and Key features: Defines structure of Indian Carbon
reporting processes + Low pledges (~$700 million) vs Market for voluntary trading and compliance +
required billions annually + Low technical capacity in Accredited Carbon Verification Agencies (ACVAs) for
developing countries to model L&D + Difficulty in verification + Ministry of Power (MoP) to set
quantifying non-tangible L&D (e.g., non-economic compliance sectors and obligated entities +
losses like cultural disappearance). Institutional framework: National Steering Committee
for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM) for governance +
18.3. India and Climate Change Targets Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) as administrator
(identifies sectors) + Central Electricity Regulatory
Achievements/Progress
Commission (CERC) regulates carbon credit trading +
• Reduced the emission intensity vis-à-vis it's Grid Controller of India Limited manages the registry
GDP by 33% between 2005 and 2019. (India's (context: facilitating carbon credit trade in India).
National statement at UNFCC COP 28) Challenges to CCTS: Limited industry experience with
• Achieved 45.5% (203 GW) of installed cap-and-trade market + Complex institutional
electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel framework with multiple agencies + Difficulty in
sources. (June 2024, Ministry Of Power) setting emission targets (either too lax or too
stringent) + Poor market transparency (double
counting, greenwashing concerns) + Uncertainty
around penalties + Difficulty in meeting renewable
Quantitative targets under Nationally Determined
energy obligations for designated consumers
Contributions (NDCs) submitted to UNFCCC:
18.6. Emission Gap Report 2023
• To reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by
45% by 2030, from 2005 level. Globally, the richest 10% account for 48% of
emissions.
• To achieve about 50% cumulative electric
power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel- Bottom 50% of households contribute 12% of the
based energy resources by 2030. global total GHG emissions.
• To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 18.7. Role of Indian Traditional practices in climate
billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through change resilience
additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
18.4. Green Credit Program:
Adaptation to sea level rise: E.g. Kuttanad Kaliyanam • 2022 share in global CO2 emissions stood at
farming which involves below sea level paddy 8%. (3rd highest globally).
cultivation in Kerala.
• Per capita carbon emissions are still very low
Water use efficiency: E.g. Meghalaya's bamboo drip at 2 tonnes per person per year in 2021
irrigation system. (Global average 4.7 tonnes)
Traditional Rainwater harvesting: Helps mitigates the Adaptation finance needs are 10-18 times higher than
effects of drought. E.g., Jhalaras of Rajasthan, Zabo of current public flows. (Adaptation Gap Report 2023)
Nagaland.
Initiatives:
18.8. Climate Change and Health
• Global: Global Methane Pledge, Powering Past
Lancet – About 9 million people die annually due to Coal Alliance, Just Energy Transition
pollution-related morbidities. Partnerships (JETPs), Mission Innovation, etc.
Steps Taken (Global and India): COP28 UAE • India: Panchamrit Target declared in COP 26
Declaration on Climate and Health unveiled (India yet (Aim to achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2070),
to sign) + World Health Summit (WHS) held annually in Mission Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE),
Berlin + WHO's Alliance for Transformative Action on National Action Plan on Climate Change
Climate and Health (ATACH) initiative + India's (NAPCC), etc
National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human
Health + Environmental health surveillance + National 18.11. Climate Finance
Health Mission funds for Green/Low carbon measures At least USD 4-6 trillion per year for global
+ Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), 2022, for transformation to a low-carbon economy. (Emission
Green & Climate Resilient Hospitals. Gap Report 2022)
18.9. Climate Change Impact on Indian sub- 18.12. Impact of Climate Change on Cryosphere
continent
• India's average temperature has risen by • Last decade has witnessed the seven worst years
around 0.7 deg. C during 1901-2018. of ice loss.
• Frequency of daily precipitation extremes
(>150 mm per day) increased by about 75% • In case of temperature rises by 2°C-
during 1950-2015.
• Marine heatwaves expected to increase from o Nearly all tropical glaciers, most mid-
20 days per year to 220-250 days per year. latitude glaciers, and Polar Regions will
disappear. E.g., Venezuela may be the first
18.10. Climate Change and Mitigation nation to lose all its glaciers.
Global warming is estimated to be limited to 3°C if the
o Himalayas expected to lose 50 % of
current policies continue (Emission Gap Report 2023)
today's ice by 2100.
Global GHG emissions increased by 1.2% from 2021 to
2022. (Emission Gap Report 2023) Steps to protect glaciers: Himalayan Monitoring
Assessment Programme (HIMAP) by the International
India: Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
(ICIMOD) + UNESCO's World Glacier Monitoring
• India to date has only contributed 5% of Services + 2025 declared International Year of Glacier
warming (Emission Gap Report-2023). Preservation (Global) + National Mission for
Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) under the • Statutory Bodies: Central Pollution Control
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) + Board (Water Prevention and Control of
Himansh research station for glacier monitoring in Pollution Act, 1974), Commission for Air
Himachal Pradesh (India).
Quality Management (CAQM), (CAQM in the
National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas
18.13. India and Arctic
Act 2021)
In news: Ministry of Earth Sciences Launched India’s
• For vehicular emissions: BS-IV to BS-VI norms,
1st Winter Scientific Expedition to Arctic.
Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-
Initiatives for Arctic Region: Arctic Council for 25, Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of
cooperation on environmental protection + UN High Electric Vehicles (FAME) -2 scheme, etc.
Seas Treaty to mitigate climate change impacts +
• Flagship scheme: National Clean Air
India’s Arctic Policy for understanding Arctic’s impact
Programme (NCAP) to attain National Ambient
on India’s climate and energy security + Protection of
Air Quality Standards for PM 10
the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME).
concentrations by 2025-26.
Significance for India: Environmental protection due
• Monitoring: SAMEER app, System of Air
to Arctic’s influence on Indian monsoon and sea rise +
Quality and Weather Forecasting and
Economic benefits from Arctic's vast oil, gas, and
Research (SAFAR), Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan
mineral resources + Transportation opportunities
2023 etc.
through new shipping routes and mineral extraction +
Science and research to understand global climate • Other Initiatives: Graded Response Action
patterns (e.g., Arctic-Himalaya link). Plan (GRAP), Wind Augmentation and Air
Purifying Unit (WAYU) device, etc
18.14. CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT
MECHANISM: Policy instrument to put a fair price on
the carbon emitted during the production of carbon 18.16. 5 YEARS OF NATIONAL CLEAN AIR
intensive goods that are entering the EU and to PROGRAMME (NCAP):
encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU
countries + Non-tariff barrier + Can affect India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
exports + reporting started + It becomes operational in (MoEFCC) launched NCAP in 2019 due to rising air
its definitive phase on 1 January 2026. pollution in the country
To improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment

cities (NAC) and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States by
18.15. Air Pollution engaging all stakeholders
2023 World Air Quality report, IQAir: Ranked 3rd Swachh Vayu Survekshan (by MoEF&CC) ranks cities
globally in air pollution on the basis of the implementation of activities
9 out of 10 World's most polluted cities in India • PRANA (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in NAC)
(Begusarai, Guwahati, Delhi in Top 3) was launched to monitor the implementation of NCAP.
Regulatory Measures to Improve Air Quality 18.17. Water Stress
• Acts: Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) 25 countries, including India faces extremely high-
Act, 1981 water stress. (World Resources Institute (WRI)
31% of global GDP will be exposed to high water • For the first time, COP pushed to reduce mercury
stress by 2050. (WRI Data) supply sources and trade by strengthening capacities
at national level and developing study on global
Urban Water Crisis: Recently in Bangalore supply, trade, production and use of mercury
Way Forward: Nature-based solutions (green-blue compounds.
infrastructure, wetland restoration) + Sustainable 18.20. Land Degradation
water management (Shallow Aquifer Management
model in Telangana) + Community-based solutions India – Degraded land: ~ 29.7 per cent (ISRO Atlas,
(recycled water acceptance, Orange County, US) + 2021).
City-to-city learning (LOTUS-HR program,
Netherlands-India collaboration) + Private sector 50% of plane's topsoil lost via erosion over last 150
involvement (Dimna Lake, Tata Steel). (Context: Multi- years. (WWF report)
dimensional approaches to improve water Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) target setting
management and governance). programme (LDN TSP): Global voluntary commitments
Key Initiatives for Water Crisis: National Water to restore degraded land reached one billion hectares
Mission (integrated water conservation) + Urban River by 2030.
Management Plans (approved for 60 cities under LDN target: Committed to restore 26 million hectares
Namami Gange's River-City Alliance) + Jal Diwali by 2030.
(women-led water conservation, "Women for Water,
Water for Women" campaign) + Jal Shakti Abhiyan - Initiatives:
Catch the Rain (nationwide promotion of water
conservation). (Context: Comprehensive efforts Global: UNCCD (legally binding international
addressing India's water crisis through integrated agreement with Land Degradation Neutrality targets
strategies). for 2030) + LDN Fund (to mobilize private investments
for land restoration) + Bonn Challenge (global
18.18. Groundwater initiative to restore 350 million hectares of degraded
land by 2030) + UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
• India is world's largest user of groundwater (2021-2030, aimed at halting and reversing ecosystem
(uses 25% of all global groundwater extracted degradation) + Global Soil Partnership (collaboration
every year) for sustainable soil management).
• Indo-Gangetic basin in India has already India: NAPCC (National Action Plan on Climate Change
passed the groundwater depletion tipping for mitigating land degradation) + Desertification and
point. (Interconnected Disaster Risks Report Land Degradation Atlas (to track degraded land) +
2023 by United Nations University) Integrated Watershed Management (to conserve
• Water level in more than 60% of wells water and soil) + IIT-Delhi’s study on soil erosion
monitored by CGWB registered a declining (geospatial mapping) + Sustainable Land and
trend in the last one decade. Ecosystem Management Program (focused on
sustainable land practices).
18.19. MINAMATA CONVENTION
18.21. Sustainable Development Goals
In news: Fifth meeting of Conference of Parties (COP
5) to Minamata Convention was held in Geneva.
Adopted in 2013 at Kumamoto (Japan) and came into

force in 2017 (India ratified it in 2018)
financial mechanisms, prohibits sovereignty claims
over Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs), sets a global
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) framework,
and ensures fair benefit-sharing from MGRs and
associated Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
18.25. Organic Farming
Localization of SDGs: It is the process of taking into In news: Agricultural and Processed Food Products
account sub-national contexts in achievement of Export Development Authority (APEDA) created
SDGs. dedicated organic promotion division.
18.22. Mission LiFE: India has the highest number of organic farmers in the
world (44.3 lakhs) [Economic Survey 2022-23]
Launched by India at UN Climate Change Conference
(UNFCCC COP26) in 2021 Sikkim became the world’s first 100% organic state.
Mission LiFE Approach: Change in Demand (nudging Initiatives: NPOP and PGS-India certifications (organic
individuals for eco-friendly actions) + Change in Supply production standards) + FSSAI Jaivik Bharat logo
(adjust supply to meet revised demand) + Change in (certification for organic food) + PM PRANAM, Nano
Policy (shift industrial and government policies for Urea, Neem coated Urea, and GOBARdhan for EFFs
sustainable consumption). (environment-friendly fertilizers initiatives) +
Pramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and National project
18.23. COASTAL AQUACULTURE AUTHORITY
on organic farming (promotion of traditional farming)
(AMENDMENT) ACT, 2023: Amends the earlier 2005
+ Organic value chain development in Northeast
Act
(boosting organic farming in Northeastern regions).
Key Aspects: Broadened coastal aquaculture
18.26. PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA
definition + Registration under Coastal Aquaculture
Authority Act valid for CRZ + CAA to set standards for Per capita plastic waste generation doubled over the
inputs and effluents + Prohibit harmful inputs and last 5 years. (CPCB’s annual report in 2020–21)
regulate emissions + Allow aquaculture activities in
CRZ areas + Ban antibiotics and pharmacologically Ranked 3rd globally in generation of single-use plastic
active substances + Promote biosecurity measures. (SUP) waste (Plastic Waste Makers Index 2019)
18.24. High Seas Treaty Initiatives
In news: Union Cabinet approved India to sign the • Plastic Waste Management Rules and its
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) amendments.
Agreement or High Seas Treaty with the Ministry of
o Plastic Waste Management
Earth Sciences to spearhead its implementation
Amendment Rules, 2021 banned
High seas are areas outside the national jurisdiction of identified single use plastic item from
any country. 1st July, 2022.
Key provisions of the BBNJ Agreement: Applies to • Extended Producer Responsibility on Plastic
Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (high seas), Packaging, 2022.
establishes the Conference of Parties (COP) for
• Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
governance, and a Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM)
for open-access data sharing, creates voluntary
• Clean and Green campaign of MoHUA. Key Provisions of the Battery Waste Management
Rules, 2022: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) +
• India piloted a resolution in the 4th United Centralized online portal for exchange of EPR
Nations Environment Assembly in 2019, on certificates between producers and recyclers/
addressing single-use plastic products refurbishes + Mandatory recovery of the minimum
pollution. percentage of recovery of materials from waste
• Private sector collaborations: India Plastics batteries + Polluter Pays Principle: Environmental
Pact (IPP), Un-Plastic Collective (UPC). compensation imposed for non-fulfilment of EPR
target
PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT)
RULES, 2024 (PMW RULES 2024): 18.29. Delhi Framework on Farmers’ Rights:
Key provisions of PWM Rules, 2024: Local body to • Synergizing UN Policies: Combines global UN
assess annual plastic waste + Centralized portal for agreements (like ITPGRFA, CBD, UNDRIP) to
registration of Producers, Importers, Brand Owners + protect and enhance farmers' rights.
SUP elimination with local body reporting + Expanded
EPR scope for plastic packaging + Online report • Traditional Seed Systems: Promotes farmer-
submission by ULBs to SPCB and CPCB + New led systems for maintaining and using
definitions for stakeholders and biodegradable plastics traditional seeds.
+ FSSAI certification for compostable plastic
manufacturers • Sustainable Value Chains: Develop systems
where farmers can produce and sell their
18.27. E-Waste
crops independently, ensuring economic
Ranked 3rd largest e-waste generator following only sustainability.
China and the USA. (Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
report) • Global Farmer Partnerships: Supports
cooperation between countries, especially in
E-Waste Management framework in India the Global South, to share knowledge and
resources for the benefit of farmers.
Hazardous waste (Management and Handling)
amendment rules, 2003: First time covered the
18.30. Renewable Energy (RE) in India
Hazardous materials in e-waste composition.
E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011: India - 4th globally in Renewable Energy, 4th in Wind
Power capacity and 5th in Solar Power capacity.
Introduced the concept of Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR). Installed Capacity of Non-Fossil Fuel in total installed
capacity: 203 GW (45.5% in total)
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016: Introduced
concept of Producer responsibility Organization. 18.31. Solar Power
E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, E-Waste
Installed solar energy capacity: 85 GW (Power
(Management) Second Amendment Rules, 2023 and Ministry, June 2024)
E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024
streamlined EPR regime India ranks 5th in Solar Power Capacity globally.
18.28. BATTERY WASTE MANAGEMENT Initiatives: Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme
(AMENDMENT) RULES, 2024: Revisions were made (40 GW target by 2026) + Production-linked
recently incentives for Solar PV Modules (reduce import
dependence) + Solar Park Scheme (investment hubs) 18.35. SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE TOWARDS
+ PM-KUSUM (34.8 GW target by 2026) + AFFORDABLE TRANSPORTATION (SATAT): Launched
Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana (solar rooftop for in 2018 + Set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG)
low/middle-income) + Cochin Airport (first solar- production plants and make available CBG in the
powered airport) + PM Suryah Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana market for use in automotive fuels
(roof solar subsidies).
Targets under SATAT: 5000 CBG (Compressed Biogas)
18.32. PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: For Plant + 15 MMT of CBG (Compressed Biogas) + 50
installing Rooftop Solar in one crore households MMT of Bio-Manure
nationwide.
18.36. Forest Conservation in India
Aim: To provide free electricity up to 300 units every
month for one crore households. Total forest and tree cover: 24.62% of total
geographic area (increase of 0.28% from 2019), (India
Model Solar Village to be developed in each district State of Forest Report 2021).
Incentives to Local Bodies; National Portal for 17 states have more than 33% of their area under
households to apply for subsidies; Component for forest cover.
payment security for Renewable Energy Service
Company (RESCO). Initiatives: Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act
2023 + Green India Mission (5 Mha forest/tree cover
18.33. Hydrogen Energy increase) + Nagar Van Yojana (urban green cover) +
Accredited Compensatory Afforestation + Indian
Currently, India produces 6.5 million metric tonnes Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) by
per annum (MMTPA) of hydrogen, predominantly for MoEFCC for sustainable forest management + SC
use in crude-oil refineries and fertilizer production. Judgement (State of Telangana Vs Mohd. Abdul
(WEF) Qasim, 2024) promoting forests as a national asset
with Green accounting.
Initiatives: National Green Hydrogen Mission + 1st
Green Hydrogen Plant in stainless-steel sector + 18.37. 50 YEARS OF PROJECT TIGER:
Hydrogen blending in CNG/PNG networks by GAIL +
NTPC's Hydrogen Fuel-Cell buses in Leh + 1st Green Centrally Sponsored Scheme + Launched in 1973
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus by Indian Oil + SERB-supported
hydrogen production from methanol. Activities under the project: Establishment of Tiger
Reserves + Core-buffer strategy for tiger management
18.34. Ethanol Blending + Use of UAVs under e-Bird project for surveillance +
NTCA's M-STrIPES for tiger monitoring + Special Tiger
Key Target: Targets of 20% ethanol blending in petrol Protection Force (STPF) for anti-poaching operations
by 2025 (Updated) and 5% biodiesel blending in diesel in Tiger Reserves.
by 2030. (National Policy on Biofuels, 2018)
18.38. THE WILDLIFE (PROTECTION) AMENDMENT
Achievement: 10% ethanol blending in petrol by June ACT, 2022
2022.
Key Amendments: New CITES schedule replaces
National Policy on Biofuels 2018 (biofuels availability) vermin + Schedules reduced from 6 to 4 + Centre
+ EBP targeting 20% ethanol blending by 2025 + empowered to regulate invasive alien species +
Reduced GST on ethanol (18% to 5%) + PM JI-VAN Elephants permitted for religious purposes + Central
Yojana (2G ethanol projects) + Flexi-fuel engines authority for specimen import/export + Chief Wildlife
under PLI scheme + Amendment of IDR Act 1951 (free Warden manages sanctuaries + Centre can notify
ethanol movement). conservation reserves.
Concerns: Possible open sale of elephants + Centre • Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove
retains control over ‘vermin’ declaration + Concerns Ecosystem (SAIME)
over federal structure weakening State Wildlife
Boards + Standing Committee led by Forest Minister • Magical Mangroves campaign
replaces Chief Minister-chaired boards.
• National Coastal Mission Programme on
18.39. Human–Wildlife Conflict 'Conservation and Management of Mangroves
and Coral Reefs'
1,510 deaths recorded in the country due to animal
attacks in 2022 (Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 18.42. CORAL BLEACHING
2022).
Affected Areas:
Laws and Policies: Wildlife Protection Act 1972 +
Forest and wildlife in Concurrent List + 1022 Protected • Lakshadweep Islands: Significant risk due to
Areas + SOPs for Human-Wildlife conflicts + Advisory coral atolls.
for man–animal conflict management + Species-
specific guidelines for Human-Elephant conflict. • Gulf of Mannar: Coral cover decreased from
37% (2005) to 27.3% (2021).
Way forward: Science-based conflict-mitigation plans
+ Local community participation + Indigenous • Palk Bay: Coral cover dropped from 30.8%
Knowledge dissemination + Centre of Excellence for (2007) to 18.7% (2019).
training and awareness under MoEFCC.
• Goa: Limited to one species, Goniopora.
18.40. Wetland Conservation
Conservation Initiatives in India:
Data: India lost 2 out of 5 wetlands in last 3 decades
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification,
(Wetlands International).
1991: Under Environment Protection Act,
Schemes/Policies/Initiatives in India: Wetland 1986.
(Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 +
Establishment of Centre for Wetland Conservation • Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust: Eco-
and Management (CWCM) + National Plan for development for local fishing communities.
Conservation of Aquatic Eco-systems (NPCA) +
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) + Party to • Coral Reef Recovery Project-Mithapur:
Ramsar Convention + Ramsar sites in India: 82, e.g., Launched in 2008 by Wildlife Trust of India.
Yashwant Sagar (Madhya Pradesh), Tampara Lake
(Odisha), Pichavaram Mangrove (Tamil Nadu), Thane • Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): Restored
Creek (Maharashtra) etc + Blue Flag Certification coral reefs in the Gulf of Kachchh with Gujarat
(India has 12 Blue Flag Beaches). Forest Department.
18.41. Mangrove Conservation in India 19. DISASTER AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Initiatives for Mangrove Conservation in India • 58.6% of the landmass is prone to

earthquakes of moderate to very high
• India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 by the
intensity.
Forest Survey of India (FSI).
• MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline • Over 40 million hectares (12% of land) is
Habitats & Tangible Incomes) by MoEFCC. prone to floods and river erosion.
• 5,700 km of the 7,516 km long coastline is
prone to cyclones and tsunamis.
• 68% of the cultivable area is vulnerable to 19.3. GLACIAL LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)
drought.
Recent Incident: Sikkim experienced a Glacial Lake
Outburst Flood (GLOF) due to the burst of the
19.1. Heatwaves in India
southern bank of the South Lhonak Lake.
India expected to lose around 5.8% of daily working
Recent occurrences: Kedarnath (2013), Chamoli
hours during to rising temperatures by 2030
(2021), Sikkim (2023)
(UNESCAP)
ICIMOD Report: Global warming (1.5°C-2°C) may
Over 10,000 people lost their lives due heat waves
cause glaciers to lose 30-50% volume by 2100.
between 2000-2020 (IMD).
Declaration of Heat waves: Based on actual GLOF Flood Mitigation measures: NDMA GLOF
temperature: Recorded maximum temperature of 45 management guidelines (2020) + Structural measures
(reservoirs, embankments) + Early Warning Systems
deg. C or above for all locations and 40 deg. C or
for 56 at-risk lakes + CEA guidelines for slope stability
below for coastal locations. in hydro projects
Initiatives taken: IMD's color-coded heat wave
Way Ahead (NDMA Guidelines): Monitoring systems
warnings (Green to Red) + Heat Action Plans by IMD, before and after construction in downstream areas +
NDMA, and local health departments + Rescheduling Study potential sources of avalanches or rockfalls +
outdoor working hours for labourers Reduce lake water volume through controlled
breaching or outlet structures.
Way Ahead (NDMA Guidelines): Develop a national
strategy for heat waves + Identify vulnerable hotspots 19.4. Landslides in India
and root causes of temperature rise + Establish new
temperature thresholds using gridded data + Integrate Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map – ILSM: 4.75 % of
climate mitigation and adaptation into heat plans + the area is categorized as "very highly
Upgrade forecast system for 2-3 week advance alerts susceptible."
19.2. Earthquake Management in India Initiatives Taken by India
59 % of the Indian landmass classified as earthquake- • National Landslide Susceptibility

prone Mapping (NLSM) Programme by
Geological Survey of India.|
Recent Earthquakes and their reasons:
• Morocco (epicentre - Atlas Mountains): Northward • Landslide Atlas of India by National

convergence of African plate with Eurasian plate Remote Sensing Centre of ISRO.
along a complex plate boundary.
• Provisions made in the MNREGA scheme
• Taiwan: Reverse Faulting (Slip between 2 sections for structural mitigation of landslides in
of rock in Earth's crust caused by compressional hill areas.
forces).
• National Institute of Disaster
• Afghanistan: Subduction of Arabian and Indian Management (NIDM), statutory
Plates under the Eurasian plate. organization under NDMA, 2005 (under
MHA), [recently got global recognition as
• Turkey: located on the Anatolian plate, squeezed 'centre of excellence' on landslide disaster
westward by the northward collision of two reduction for the period 2023-2026].
tectonic plates: the Arabian and Eurasian plates.
Way Ahead: No construction on slopes above 30 19.6. Forest Fires in India
degrees or near spring lines + Perform load-
bearing tests and use hazard zonation in urban Recent: Forest fire in Uttarakhand (2024);
planning + Grow fast-growing trees and grasses + Australian bushfire (2019).
MNREGA provisions for landslide mitigation in hill
areas. 22% area falls under highly and extremely fire-
prone category.
19.5. Fire Safety Regulations
Impact: 1.6% tree cover lost between 2001 and
In News: Recent fire accidents in a gaming zone in 2023 (Odisha witnessed the highest loss).
Rajkot (Gujarat), a firecracker factory in Harda
(Madhya Pradesh). Steps Taken: National Forest Policy (1988) +
National Action Plan on Forest Fire to minimize
Other recent incidents – forest fires (2018) + Centrally Sponsored Forest
Fire Prevention and Management Scheme
Coaching centres in Mukherjee Nagar and Kalu
Sarai (Delhi) due to narrow staircases, lack of NAPFF Guidelines: Fire risk zonation and mapping
emergency exits, lack of sprinkler system + Creation of fire lines + Controlled burning and
fire terracing + Counter fire techniques +
AMRI Hospital fire in Kolkata in 2011 due to Firefighter support (aircraft) and community
inactive fire alarms and sprinklers, unsafe storage involvement using Joint Forest Management.
of flammable material
19.7. Oil Spills
• 7,435 people were killed in over 7,500 fire
accidents in India in 2022 (NCRB). Recent occurrence: Ennore Oil Spill, Tamil Nadu;
Nagapattinam Oil Spill, Tamil Nadu
Fire Safety Standards: Fire service is a State
subject + National Building Code by BIS sets Initiatives taken:
central fire safety standards + States must
incorporate NBC in local bylaws + Additional National:
regulations like Model Building Bye Laws and Fire
& Life Safety guidelines. • National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency
Plan (1996): The Indian Coast Guard is the
Major challenges: NBC provisions, including ‘Fire nodal agency for the plan.
and Life Safety’ audits, are recommendatory in
nature + shortage of 5000+ fire stations • Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 has
provisions for the prevention and
NDMA Guidelines: Enact Fire Act at the state containment of oil pollution at sea.
level for mandatory clearances + Expand Fire
Services to block and Gram Panchayat levels + International:
Appoint professional heads of fire services at
state and district levels + Promote R&D for • International Convention on Civil Liability
water-efficient fire extinguishing technologies for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (2001):
India ratified the convention in 2015.
13th Finance Commission: Municipal • International Convention for the
Corporations with populations over one million Prevention of Pollution from Ships or
must develop fire hazard response and mitigation MARPOL Convention (India is a signatory).
plans.
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• International Convention on Oil Pollution • Obsolete Infrastructure
Preparedness Response and Cooperation
(OPRC) 1990 (India is a signatory). • Weak Governance: Lower-income countries
face large infrastructure deficits worsened by
• International Convention for Safety of Life poor planning, standards, regulation, and low
at Sea (SOLAS). investment.
• Systemic Risks: Climate change and

19.8. Volcanic Eruptions
biodiversity loss pose existential threats.
Major Volcanic eruptions in recent time: Mount
• Development Benefits: Investing in resilience
Etna Volcano (Sicily); Mount Vesuvius (Italy);
leads to reliable services, reduced damage,
Hunga Tonga (Tonga Island).
and sustainable development.
19.9. Dam Safety in India • Disproportionate Impact: LMICs need much
higher investment for resilience than currently
India is the 3rd largest dam-owning nation after
available.
USA and China.
• Finance Needs: Annual investment needed for
National: deficits, SDGs, and net zero by 2050 is $9.2
trillion. China, India, Japan, and the USA will
• National Register of Large Dams (NRLD)
account for 50% of global investment.
compiled and maintained by CWC.
• Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement

Project (DRIP): The 2nd and 3rd Phase of SECURITY
DRIP involves comprehensive
rehabilitation of 736 dams across 19 20. LINKAGES BETWEEN DEVELOPMENT
States.
AND SPREAD OF EXTREMISM
• Dam Health and Rehabilitation
Monitoring Application (DHARMA) 20.1. Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India
involves the application of Artificial
Intelligence (AI) in dam safety. Incidents of LWE violence have reduced by 73% from
• Dam Safety Act, 2021: Having a 4-tiered 2010.
Institutional Mechanism.
Reasons for decline in LWE/Initiatives: SAMADHAN
Way Forward: Decommission large dams; use initiative + CRPF's Bastariya Battalion + Operations
integrated water management; employ (Octopus, Double Bull, Chakrabandha) + Special
ROVs/drones for dam inspections; explore small Infrastructure Scheme funding + Rehabilitation via ITIs
irrigation-based alternatives. and Skill Development Centres.
19.10. Global Infrastructure Resilience 21. ROLE OF MEDIA AND SOCIAL

NETWORKING SITES IN INTERNAL
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
(CDRI) released its biennial report, “Global SECURITY CHALLENGES
Infrastructure Resilience: Capturing the Resilience
Dividend.”
21.1. Social Media
Key Points:
Internet penetration (over 880 million as of March • International Contribution: UN Counter
2023, TRAI) Terrorism Trust Fund.
Steps to curb misuse of social media: IT Rules 2021 22. BASICS OF CYBER SECURITY
mandate intermediaries to follow guidelines + Section
67 of IT Act 2000 punishes transmission of obscene World Cybercrime Index (2024) ranks India 10th as
material + PIB Fact Check Unit verifies false claims + major cybercrime hotspots.
Platforms must use tech-based measures to filter
Existing Framework: IT Act 2000 (legal framework) +
vulgar content.
CERT-In (incident response) + National Cyber Security
21.2. Threat of Online Radicalisation Policy 2013 + NCoE (cybersecurity tech development)
+ I4C (cybercrime coordination) + NCIIPC (critical
Online Penetration: Encrypted Apps: WhatsApp + infrastructure protection) + Cyber Swachhta Kendra
Gamification: Used for engagement and radicalisation (malware detection) + ISEA (information security
awareness) + National Cyber Security Strategy 2020
Initiatives to Curb Online Radicalisation:
(secure cyberspace)
Global:
Recently, the Standing Committee on Finance released
• UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy + EU a report about cyber security and the rising incidence
Digital Services Act (DSA). of cyber/white-collar crimes.
• Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism Key Recommendations: Centralized CPA (Cyber
(GIFCT) (by Meta, Microsoft, YouTube, and X) Protection Authority for oversight) + Grievance
redressal (fair mechanisms) + Enforcement
• Tech Against Terrorism: (tech companies, (strengthen cybersecurity at central and state levels) +
governments, and UNCTED) Global cooperation (enhance ties with leading
• Christchurch Call: Over 130 governments and countries).
organizations to remove extremist content Initiatives to Curb Cyber Threats:
online.
• Citizen Financial Cyber Frauds Reporting and
India: Management System: Part of the National
• Legal: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
(UAPA) 1967. • Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) +
• Institutional: Counter-Terrorism and Counter- Computer Emergency Response Team - India
Radicalisation Division (CT-CR). (CERT-In)
• Cyber-related: Information Technology Act • Chakshu: Initiative to empower citizens to

2000, Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre report suspected fraud communications
(I4C). proactively.
• State Initiative: Operation Pigeon (Kerala) – 23.MONEY-LAUNDERING AND ITS PREVENTION

youth counseling.
23.1. PREVENTION OF MONEY LAUNDERING ACT
• Army Initiatives: Sahi Raasta – rehabilitate
(PMLA), 2002
youth in J&K, Operation SADBHAVANA –
welfare activities.
Ministry of Finance notified changes in the Prevention Programme (BADP) addressing needs within 50 km of
of Money Laundering (Maintenance of Records) the international border + Border Infrastructure and
Rules, 2005 notified under PMLA 2022. Management (BIM) Scheme enhancing border
infrastructure and security.
Amendments to the Rules: Beneficial ownership if
over 10% (previously 15%) of partnership capital + 24.3. MARITIME SECURITY
Principal officer must be at management level + Trusts
must disclose trustees' status + Client records to be Maritime Security Framework: Indian Navy (overall
kept for five years post-closure. maritime security), Indian Coast Guard (coastal
security in territorial waters), BSF (security of creeks in
Key Initiatives to strengthen AML regime: Expanded Gujarat and Sunderbans), CISF (physical security of
PMLA scope to non-financial sectors + Empowered major ports), Sagar Suraksha Dal (trained volunteer
regulators (RBI, SEBI, IRDAI) + Complying with FATF fishermen for sea and coastal waters).
recommendations.
Key Initiatives for Maritime Security: Inter-agency
24. SECURITY CHALLENGES AND THEIR exercises (Sagar Kavach) + Regional cooperation
(Maritime Security Cooperation Initiative
MANAGEMENT IN BORDER AREAS
MAHASAGAR, Security and Growth for All in the
Region SAGAR, Indian Ocean Rim Association IORA) +
24.1. BORDER INFRASTRUCTURE Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region
(IFC-IOR) for maritime awareness + International Ship
In news: Recently, Defence Minister inaugurated 90
and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code for global
projects of Border Road Organisation strengthening
security + India as Vice Chair of the United Nations
the border infrastructure of country
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee
Government Initiatives to Strengthen Border on Fisheries (COFI).
Infrastructure: Border Infrastructure and
24.4. INFORMATION FUSION CENTRE FOR INDIAN
Management (better roads and communication),
OCEAN REGION (IFC-IOR)
Shekatkar Committee (outsourcing and modern
construction), BOLD-QIT (electronic surveillance on Recently, IFC-IOR played a crucial role in tackling the
borders), CIBMS (technological border monitoring), hijacking incident of the Malta-flagged vessel
all-weather roads and tunnels (e.g. Atal tunnel), (Merchant Vessel) m.v. Ruen
Vibrant Villages Programme, Forest (Conservation)
Amendment Act, 2023 (exempts land for strategic Established in 2018, based at IMAC, and hosted by the
projects within 100 km of borders - will facilitate Indian Navy
construction of strategic linear projects).
Four sectors: Gulf of Guinea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian
24.2. ROLE OF COMMUNITY IN BORDER Sea, and the Bay of Bengal & South East Asia.
MANAGEMENT
24.5. ARMED FORCES (SPECIAL POWERS) ACT (AFSPA)
In news: A recent report by the Rural Development
In news: Union Ministry of Home Affairs has extended
and Migration Prevention Commission of Uttarakhand
AFSPA in parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh by
reported that 11 villages in the state along the India-
another 6 months.
Tibet border have been abandoned.
AFSPA grants special powers to armed forces to bring
Initiatives for Improving Life of People Living along
back order in “disturbed areas”.
International Borders: Vibrant Villages Programme
(2023) for comprehensive development of northern
border villages + Border Area Development
Key highlights: Disturbed areas declared for restoring perceived illegal migration + Exodus of junta soldiers
order (by Governor, UT admin, or Centre) + Immunity into Mizoram posing security risks + UNODC links
to armed forces personnel (requires Centre’s sanction Myanmar’s unrest to regional narcotics surge.
for legal action) + 2016 SC ruling allows investigation
for excesses + Army must promptly hand over arrested 24.8. PEACE AND STABILITY IN NORTHEAST
individuals to police + Applicability in parts of Assam, REGION
Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh. Initiatives for Peace and Stability
Committees related to AFSPA: B P Jeevan Reddy • Reduction of AFSPA Areas:
committee (2005): It called for repeal of AFSPA by
terming it a symbol of hate and oppression. o Also, o AFSPA lifted from 85% of Assam.
Incorporation of AFSPA in Unlawful Activities
o Completely withdrawn from Tripura
(Prevention) Act, 1967 + Second ARC (2007):
(2015) and Meghalaya (2018).
Recommended that AFPSA be repealed to remove
feeling of discrimination and alienation among North • North East Special Infrastructure Development
East people + Santosh Hegde committee (2013): Scheme (NESIDS)
Appointed by Supreme Court to review encounter
killing in Manipur since 1979. • Revised Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation
Scheme: For militants.
24.6. Manipur Violence
• PM-DevINE: Central scheme for rapid
Reasons for violence in Manipur: Meitei demand for development.
ST status (fears of land monopoly) + Instability from
Myanmar refugees + Rise in poppy cultivation (linked • Northeast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project
to Kukis) + Kuki demands for separate
• NITI Forum for North East
state/administration + Asymmetric representation in
Assembly + Uneven development. • Act East Policy
Way ahead: Apply Lokur Committee criteria for ST

25. LINKAGES OF ORGANIZED CRIME WITH
identification + Implement NRC with 1951 as base
year to check infiltration + Strengthen border TERRORISM
management (BSF, ITBP) + Streamline legislative
representation between hills and valley for balanced 25.1. Drug Trafficking in India
governance.
Highest possession of drugs for trafficking: Punjab
24.7. Free Movement Regime with Myanmar (maximum), followed by UP, TN. (NCRB 2022 report).
In news: Union Ministry of Home Affairs has scraped India is one of the world’s single largest opiate
Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and markets in terms of users (World Drugs Report 2022).
Myanmar.
Measures taken by India: Operation Samudragupt
Formalized in 2018 as part of India’s Act East Policy. (NCB's anti-drug trafficking in Indian Ocean) + NDPS
Act 1985 (legal framework) + Border security
Allows visa-free travel within 16 km of border for enhancements (e.g., Comprehensive Integrated
residents. Border Management System) + SIMS and NIDAAN
portals (databases of offenses and offenders) + Narco-
Reasons for scrapping FMR: Uncontrolled immigration
Coordination Centre (NCORD) for law enforcement
from Myanmar + Meitei-Kuki tensions due to
coordination + Signatory to international conventions First comprehensive and global legally binding
(e.g., UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961). instrument to fight transnational organized crime
India’s initiatives: CBI is the national Nodal Authority

to receive and respond for transnational crimes. o
Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013 has been enacted
25.2. Terrorism wherein human trafficking has specifically been
defined
India ranked 14th on Global Terrorism Index 2024.
Issues with UNTOC: Vague definition of organized
Global Initiatives to Counter Terrorism: UN Global crime (excludes terrorism) + Lack of strong
Counter-Terrorism Strategy (GCTS, 2006: emphasizes enforcement (relies on voluntary cooperation) +
comprehensive global measures) + UNSC Counter- Circumvention by powerful nations (e.g., US using
Terrorism Committee (CTC: strengthens state extraterritorial jurisdictions) + Inability to keep up with
capacities) + Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF: emerging threats (AI, deep web)
international collaboration) + FATF (monitoring illicit
financial flows) + SCO RATS (regional security 25.5. Hybrid Warfare
cooperation). Fusion of conventional and unconventional tools
Initiatives by India to Counter Terrorism: Unlawful (power + subversion) to exploit vulnerabilities.
Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA, 1967: criminalizes Key Domains of Hybrid Warfare: Political warfare (e.g.
terrorist acts) + National Investigation Agency (NIA: US 2016 US election), Technological warfare (e.g.
probes terrorism) + NATGRID (links intelligence data) +
cyberattacks on nuclear systems), Military warfare
MHA Counter-Radicalisation and Cyber Security (e.g. Israel-Hezbollah 2006), Economic warfare (e.g.
Divisions + Bilateral cooperation (e.g., India-U.S. supply chain disruption), Social warfare (e.g.
partnership) propaganda exploitation).
25.3. UNLAWFUL ACTIVITIES (PREVENTION) ACT
(UAPA) 1967
26.VARIOUS SECURITY FORCES AND
AGENCIES AND THEIR MANDATE
In news: Ministry of Home Affairs declared ‘Jammu
and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party’ as an
26.1. Specific Roles and Functions of CAPFs
'Unlawful Association' under UAPA 1967.
Border Guarding Forces: Assam Rifles (AR) + Border
2019 Amendment: Individuals can be designated as
Security Force (BSF) + Indo-Tibetan Border Police
terrorists (appealable within 30 days) + Nuclear
(ITBP) + Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Terrorism Convention (2005) added to define acts +
Terrorist acts threaten India's unity, security, or • Assam Rifles (AR): Deployed in the North
sovereignty + Cognizable offences (arrests without a Eastern region, tackling insurgency, guarding
warrant) + Penalty: death, life imprisonment, fine, and the India-Myanmar border.
forfeiture of terrorism proceeds (with approval) +
Tribunal for appeal setup. • Border Security Force (BSF): Deployed on the
India-Bangladesh and India-Pakistan borders.
25.4. UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST
TRANSNATIONAL ORGANISED CRIMES (UNTOC) • Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Deployed
on the India-China border.
20th Anniversary
• Sahastra Seema Bal (SSB): Deployed on the
India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders.
26.2. DEFENSE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT • 1983: Integrated Guided Missile Development
ORGANIZATION (DRDO) Programme for giving shape to the strategic,
indigenous missile systems approval.
Ministry of Defense (MoD) has constituted Prof. K
Vijay Raghavan committee to review the functioning • 1998: Pokhran-II (Operation Shakti) was a
of DRDO and suggest restructuring and redefining its series of five nuclear weapon tests conducted
role. by India.
Reasons for inefficient delivery by DRDO: Lack of • 2003: India declared its Nuclear Doctrine with
harmonization (e.g., LCA Tejas delay due to Kaveri a No First Use policy.
engine) + inadequate monitoring at trial stages + focus
on obsolete technologies + bureaucratization + limited 27.2. Drones in India
private sector involvement + scalability issues. Steps to regulate drone security risks: Draft Drone
Key Recommendations by K. VijayRaghavan Rules 2021 (ease compliance, ensure safety) +
Committee: Create a new Defence Techno-Industrial National Counter Rogue Drones Guidelines 2019
Consortium + Defense R&D council with military (counter rogue drones) + Anti-drone systems (D4S by
leaders + integrate with iDEX for innovation + DRDO) + Digital Sky platform (DGCA drone
collaborate with national institutions + create tri- management) + Import restrictions (ban except
service R&D division + wind up redundant DRDO labs R&D/defence) + Drone (Amendment) Rules 2022 (no
pilot license required)
Misc.
Drones for defence:
27.1. POKHRAN-I
DRDO successfully tested autonomous flying wing
India is celebrating 50 years landmark of its first technology demonstrator - it is an indigenous high-
nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, as part of the speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
‘Smiling Buddha’ operation conducted on 18th May
1974. Drone Technology for Defense in India: DRDO-
developed UAVs like LAKSHYA and NISHANT (target
Operation Smiling Buddha (Pokhran I) acquisition, surveillance), Black Kite, Golden Hawk,
Pushpak (short-range tactical missions), NETRA (real-
India became the first nation apart from P5 countries time reconnaissance), Rustom (long-endurance
to conduct the test. surveillance), and a counter-drone system
(neutralizing rogue drones).
Evolution of India’s Nuclear Programme
Government Initiatives to Promote Drones: Drone
• 1944: Homi Jahangir Bhabha established the Shakti (framework for stakeholders) + PLI scheme
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), (incentives for drones and components) + Drone Rules
laying foundations of India's nuclear program. 2021 (support for SMEs) + Procurement of MQ-9B
• 1972: Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) SkyGuardian (USA) and Hermes-900 (Israel) + D4
was authorized to develop and prepare a system (drone defense) + Anti-drone Vajra sentinel
nuclear device for testing. (iDEX initiative).
• 1974: Pokhran I (Operation Smiling Buddha) 27.3. MULTIPLE INDEPENDENTLY TARGETABLE RE-
was successfully completed. ENTRY VEHICLE (MIRV) TECHNOLOGY
DRDO has conducted first successful flight test (named

Mission Divyastra) of indigenously developed Agni-5
missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-
Entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology
It allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear

warheads, each capable of striking different targets
independently
MIRVs can be launched from land or sea platforms

(with submarine).

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UNLOCK IAS

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Focus is on developing the right thought process i.e.

AIR 14 (2023) on ‘Sherlocking’

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• World Bank: Highlights low employment ratios

1.3. Status of Skill Development

1.1. Global Value Chains (GVC) and India's

1.2. UNEMPLOYMENT IN INDIA

• Released by UNDP. 1.9. Non-Performing Assets (NPA)

• Inequality-adjusted Human Development Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs

Government Initiatives: Increased capital outlay in 1.22. Payment System in India

1.20. Banking Sector

• Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) 1.29. Startup Ecosystem of India

1.26. FDI in India • Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) to

1.27. Internationalization of Rupee • Providing global market access to Indian

Benefits of Internationalization of Currency: Limits • AIM-PRIME to promote and support science-

Challenges in Internationalization of Currency: • LEAP AHEAD INITIATIVE, National Startup

• Gender Pay Gap: Men earn 82%, women earn

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3.5. Krishi Vigyaan Kendra: The Indian Council of

3.3. Agriculture Mechanization Level

• ATMA Scheme: Supports state efforts in

• The Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) offers a comprehensive

More than 11 crore farmers have been given the Initiatives:

• Weather Information Network Data Systems • Agriculture GDP Share: 25.6%

OF BUFFER STOCKS AND FOOD SECURITY; • National Livestock Mission: Promotes

• Livestock Health & Disease Control (LH&DC):

• Supporting Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer

8. FOOD PROCESSING AND RELATED INDUSTRIES IN 9.1. Land Record Modernization

Schemes/Initiatives: DILRMP with ULPIN/Bhu-Aadhar

8.2. Inland Fisheries 10.1. Industrial Policy

10.5. E-commerce Sector

8th largest e-commerce market globally

10-15% share in India's retail market

Policy/Schemes/Initiatives: Consumer Protection (E-

BHARAT NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (BHARAT

• India ranking 38th on World Bank’s Logistics 11.4. Indian Railways

DFC consists of two arms:

Steps to enhance port connectivity: Sagarmala & Schemes/Initiatives: Reforms in Hydrocarbon

11.11. Power Sector

Significance: Indian Ocean (vast coastline, 1,382

Digital Public Infrastructure

Applications of Quantum Dots: Electronics (QLED 12.5. Robotic Technology

Challenges: Environmental concerns (monocultures,

Done with basics but not able to clear

I was unable to clear my first Prelims attempt in CSE

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• Defence Technology Council: Establishment

• National-Level Labs: Set up national-level

13.2. India’s Defence Exports

Recent Developments: BrahMos to the

• UN Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines: Scientific Contributions: Developed new crop

• Future Skills PRIME for Reskilling/Up-skilling of Significance/Applications

17. ISSUES RELATED TO IPR

Regulation: Key Provisions of the Treaty: Mandatory Patent

o Scheme for Facilitating Start-Ups 18.CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND