Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Agriculture;
Why in the News?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has initiated the development of a National Agriculture Code (NAC), similar to the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.
What is the National Agricultural Code (NAC)?
- The NAC is a comprehensive set of standards for the agricultural sector, formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
- It aims to standardize all agricultural practices and post-harvest operations, including the use of machinery, field preparation, water use, crop management, and input management like fertilisers and pesticides.
- It will cover both traditional and emerging agricultural practices like organic farming, natural farming, and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.
What Role Will the NAC Play in Standardization?
- Comprehensive Framework: The NAC will provide a standardized framework for agricultural processes, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency in farming practices across India.
- Sector-wide Application: It will set guidelines for various aspects of the agriculture sector, including crop selection, land preparation, irrigation, soil and plant health management, post-harvest operations, sustainability, and documentation.
- Incorporation in Policies: The NAC will serve as a reference for policymakers, agriculture departments, and regulators to incorporate into schemes, policies, and regulations, aiding in quality control across the agricultural value chain.
Who is Involved in the Formulation of the NAC?
- The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is leading the formulation of the NAC.
- The BIS has formed working panels consisting of university professors, R&D organizations, and experts in 12-14 specific areas of agriculture to draft the NAC.
- The BIS is collaborating with premier agricultural institutes and has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutes like Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT) for setting up Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADFs).
How will the NAC Impact Farmers’ Livelihoods?
- Improved Decision-Making: The NAC will provide farmers with a structured guide for better decision-making in agricultural practices, which will help improve crop yields and reduce resource wastage.
- Capacity Building: The BIS plans to offer training to farmers on NAC standards, enhancing their technical knowledge and helping them adopt sustainable practices.
- Quality Assurance and Market Access: Standardized agricultural practices can ensure that crops meet quality requirements, potentially opening up better market access, higher incomes, and improved livelihoods for farmers.
- Adoption of New Technologies: With standards in place for emerging technologies like IoT in agriculture, farmers can integrate modern technology into their operations, increasing productivity and efficiency.
Way forward:
- Training and Capacity Building: Implement widespread training programs for farmers and agricultural professionals on NAC standards, ensuring smooth adoption of standardized practices and emerging technologies like IoT for improved efficiency.
- Policy Integration and Support: Ensure seamless incorporation of NAC recommendations into national agricultural policies, with financial incentives and technical support to promote sustainable and quality-driven farming practices across India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Significance of NMEO-Oilseeds;
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to enhance domestic oilseed production and attain self-sufficiency in edible oils.
About the Newly Launched NMEO-Oilseeds:
- Aim: Boost domestic oilseed production, achieve self-reliance in edible, and boost farmers’ incomes. Currently, imports account for 57% of India’s domestic demand for edible oils.
- Focus: It will focus on increasing edible oil production from Oil Palm by enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops (Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum)
- Increasing collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources (Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils).
- Tenure: 7 years (from 2024-25 to 2030-31)
Roadmap for the Mission:
- Increase Edible Oil Production: Achieve 25.45 million tonnes of domestic edible oil production by 2030-31, meeting 72% of domestic demand.
- Seed Infrastructure: It will introduce an online 5-year rolling seed plan through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) portal to ensure timely availability of seeds.
- Seed Hubs & Storage: Establish 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units to strengthen seed production infrastructure.
- Value Chain Clusters: Develop over 600 value chain clusters across 347 districts, covering 10 lakh hectares annually. These clusters will focus on providing high-quality seeds and promoting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
Other Initiatives by the Government:
- National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): Launched in 2021 with a budget of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation.
- Import Duties: A 20% import duty on edible oils has been imposed to protect domestic producers from cheap imports and encourage local oilseed cultivation.
- MSP & PM-AASHA: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for mandated edible oilseeds has been increased, and the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) ensures oilseed farmers receive MSP through price support and deficiency payment schemes.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Research and Development: Invest in research initiatives focused on developing climate-resilient, high-yield oilseed varieties through advanced technologies like genome editing.
- Enhance Farmer Engagement and Training: Implement comprehensive training programs for farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and effective resource management.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is circular migration;
Mains level: Significance of circular migration;
Why in the News?
Maharashtra’s 997 youth, earning Rs 1.37 lakh in Israel, engage in circular migration, boosting skills through labour mobility agreements.
What is the “triple win” scenario associated with circular migration?
- Migrants win by gaining high-paying jobs, improving their skills, and getting social security benefits while working abroad.
- The home country (like India) wins because when the workers return, they bring back new skills and experience that help improve local industries.
- The host country (like Israel or Germany) wins because they get the skilled workers they need to fill labour shortages without facing long-term migration issues.
How does circular migration contribute to skill development and poverty alleviation for Indian migrants?
- Skill Development: Indian workers gain exposure to international work environments, cutting-edge technology, and management protocols, which enhance their skills and employability.
- Poverty Alleviation: Higher wages in developed countries allow migrants to send remittances back home, improving the economic conditions of their families and contributing to poverty alleviation.
In what way does circular migration mitigate the issue of brain drain?
- Temporary Nature: Since workers return after a set period (e.g., five years), they bring back their enhanced skills and experience, preventing a permanent loss of talent to foreign nations.
- Knowledge Transfer: Returning workers contribute to domestic industries by applying the new skills and technologies they learned abroad, benefiting the home economy.
What are the policy implications for implementing circular migration effectively? (Way forward)
- Skill Matching and Training: Governments must ensure exact skill matching between migrant workers and the requirements of the destination countries, providing refresher courses and training as needed.
- Government-to-Government Agreements: Strong bilateral agreements are essential to safeguard the rights of workers, ensure fair wages, and provide social security in the destination countries.
- Streamlined Procedures: Policies should simplify legal compliances, fast-track passport issuance, and remove barriers like language skills through training in languages such as Japanese, German, or French.
Conclusion: Circular migration offers a “triple win” by benefiting migrants, home countries, and host nations. It enhances skills, boosts incomes, mitigates brain drain, and fosters knowledge transfer, provided there is proper policy support, skill matching, and streamlined processes.
Mains PYQ:
Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UNAIDS and its functions
Why in the News?
According to the UNAIDS Director, without India’s significant contribution, the world is unlikely to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
What is HIV/AIDS?
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
- AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged, leading to life-threatening infections and cancers.
- HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as blood, semen, and breast milk.
- Although there’s no cure, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can manage HIV and prevent the progression to AIDS.
India’s progress in reducing HIV Infections
- From 2010 to 2023, India reduced annual new HIV infections by 44%, which is better than the global average.
- India has also made impressive progress in reducing AIDS-related deaths by nearly 80% between 2010 and 2023, surpassing the global average.
- Challenges:
- In 2023, India saw 68,000 new infections, meaning around 185 people were infected each day.
- The Global AIDS Strategy calls for 80% of prevention services to be delivered by community-led organizations.
- These organizations are best placed to reach key populations, but they need adequate resources and space to lead these efforts.
|
About UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS):
|
Details |
| Established |
In 1996, by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) |
| Headquarters |
Geneva, Switzerland |
| Main Purpose |
To coordinate global action to combat HIV/AIDS, prevent infections, and support those affected |
| Mandate |
• Coordinate the global response to HIV/AIDS
• Support countries in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment strategies
• Advocate for human rights and equality in access to HIV services |
| Principle |
Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA), endorsed by the UN in 2001 and 2006 |
| Global Targets |
90-90-90 targets:
90% diagnosed, 90% on treatment, 90% virally suppressed by 2020 |
| Global AIDS Strategy |
2021-2026: Aim to end inequalities driving HIV and ensure 30 million on treatment by 2025 |
| Cosponsors |
11 UN organizations, including UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, UNESCO, World Bank |
| Key Areas of Focus |
Supporting countries to meet SDG 3: End AIDS by 2030.
• HIV prevention
• Treatment access
• Human rights advocacy
• Gender equality
• Youth and adolescents |
| Funding |
Donors include governments, private foundations, and corporations |
| Key Campaigns |
World AIDS Day (December 1), global awareness and advocacy efforts |
| Achievements |
Significant progress toward the 90-90-90 targets, especially in countries like South Africa, Cambodia, and Eswatini |
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing?
- Chikungunya
- Hepatitis B
- HIV-AIDS
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Energy Efficiency Hub
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a ‘Letter of Intent’ that will enable India to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub (Hub).
About the International Energy Efficiency Hub
- The Hub was established in 2020 as the successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), of which India was already a member.
- The Hub is a global platform that promotes collaboration and energy efficiency among governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
- Members: As of July 2024, 16 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, the European Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK.)
- The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory agency, has been designated as the implementing agency for India’s participation in the Hub.
Significance for India
- India will benefit from opportunities to collaborate with other member states as a member.
- India can share its expertise and learn from international best practices in energy efficiency.
- The country will also contribute to global efforts to address climate change by promoting energy-efficient technologies and practices.
- India’s participation will:
- Accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
- Improve energy security by adopting more efficient energy practices.
Back2Basics: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
|
Details |
| Establishment |
Established in March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 |
| Objective |
To promote energy efficiency and conservation, reduce energy intensity, and enhance energy security |
| Governing Body |
Functions under the Ministry of Power, Government of India |
| Key Functions |
• Develops energy efficiency policies and strategies
• Implements energy conservation programs
• Coordinates with various sectors like industry, transport, and municipalities on energy efficiency
• Promotes R&D in energy conservation technologies |
| Key Initiatives |
• Standards and Labeling Program (Star rating system for appliances)
• Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme (for energy-intensive industries)
• Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) (for commercial buildings)
• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)
• Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP) |
| Important Programs |
• National Energy Conservation Awards
• Demand Side Management (DSM)
• Street Lighting National Program (SLNP) (LED streetlight replacement) |
| Goals |
• Reduce energy intensity in India
• Improve energy efficiency in key sectors like agriculture, industry, buildings, and appliances
• Contribute to sustainable development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions |
| International Cooperation |
Collaborates with UNDP, World Bank, and ADB on energy efficiency projects globally |
| Legislative Framework |
Operates under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 |
| Achievements |
• Significant reduction in carbon emissions
• Supports India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement |
|
PYQ:
[2016] On which of the following, can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?
1. Ceiling fans
2. Electric geysers
3. Tubular fluorescent lamps
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Brain mapping of fruit flies and its applications
Why in the News?
Researcher have successfully mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, marking the first time researchers have created such a detailed map of an adult animal’s brain.
How Was the Fruit Fly Brain Mapped?
- The process of mapping Fruit Flies (Drosophila melanogaster) brain began in 2013.
- Scientists dunked the brain of an adult fruit fly in a chemical bath, hardening it into a solid block.
- This process involved 7,050 sections of the brain and produced 21 million photos to map the entire brain.
- The first high-resolution image of the brain was created more than a decade after the work started.
|
Key findings
- Scientists identified more than 50 million connections between 139,000 neurons (brain nerve cells).
- They classified the cells into 8,453 distinct types, making it the largest catalogue of cell types in any brain.
- The research gave insights into how different types of cells function and how the fruit fly’s eyes process motion and color.
- A group of “hub neurons” was discovered, which may help speed up information flow.
Significance of the Work
- Although the human brain is more complex, the logic of how neurons communicate is similar between fruit flies and humans.
- Fruit flies are a valuable model system for neuroscience. Their brains solve many of the same problems that human brains do.
- It could help in understanding and treat mental health conditions like Parkinson’s and depression.
- The mapping of the fruit fly’s brain raises hopes that scientists will eventually be able to map the entire human brain.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chenchu Tribes and its unique culture
Why in the News?
- The Chenchu tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in Andhra Pradesh, faces poverty, unemployment, and worsening living conditions due to the discontinuation of a special MGNREGS project.
- The government launched the MGNREGS Chenchu Special Project in 2009 to address their specific needs, providing 180 days of employment.
About Chenchu Tribe
|
Details |
| Location |
Primarily found in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Odisha |
| Habitat |
Sparse and deciduous Nallamala forest, part of the Eastern Ghats |
| Language |
Chenchu language, belonging to the Dravidian language family |
| Traditional Livelihood |
Hunter-gatherers, relying on forest produce like honey, roots, tubers, soapberries, and gum for sustenance |
| Role in Tiger Conservation |
Involved as tiger protection watchers in the Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) |
| Forest Rights |
Granted land rights under the Forest Rights Act (2006), allowing subsistence farming and forest dwelling |
| Challenges |
Facing displacement, low literacy rate (40.6%), and rehabilitation issues due to relocation from their forest homes |
| Cultural Practices |
Worship Malalamma Vana Devatha (goddess of honey); brew liquor from acacia bark, mahua flower, and jaggery |
| Society |
Community-oriented with close-knit family bonds, practicing traditional subsistence living and deeply connected to forest ecosystems |
| Population |
64,227 (2011 Census), spread across five districts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
| Government Support |
Special rights granted under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (FRA) |
| Major Threats |
Displacement due to tiger conservation efforts, lack of modern skills, poverty, and low literacy rates |
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following pairs :
Tribe: State
1. Limboo Limbu : Sikkim
2. Karbi : Himachal
3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha
4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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