Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Sustainable Agriculture; Significance of CSR;
Why in the News?
Ten years ago, India became the first country to legally mandate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 establishes the rules governing CSR.
- According to the National CSR Portal, ₹1.84 lakh crore in CSR funds was disbursed between 2014 and 2023.
About CSR:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business practice where companies contribute to social, economic, and environmental betterment, addressing societal needs alongside their profit-making objectives.
- In India, the minimum percentage of a company’s net profit that must be spent on corporate social responsibility (CSR) is 2%.
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Sectoral division of CSR:
- Education: Receives the highest CSR share (33%-40%) for building schools, scholarships, infrastructure, and vocational training.
- Health Care: Allocates 20%-30% of CSR funds to hospitals, health camps, sanitation, and disease prevention.
- Environmental Sustainability: Accounts for 5%-10% of CSR funds, with projects in biodiversity conservation, waste management, and renewable energy.
CSR’s Role in Agriculture
- Claims 10%-15% of CSR funds, targeting infrastructure, agricultural practices, and livelihood support.
- Since the enactment of the Companies Act in 2013, which mandates CSR spending, a total of Rs 1.84 lakh crore has been disbursed in CSR funds from 2014 to 2023.
- These funds have increasingly targeted sustainability initiatives within agriculture, with 23% of surveyed companies prioritizing “environment and sustainability” in their CSR activities.
- Over 90.8% of farmers involved in CSR programs reported improvements in income or risk reduction due to these initiatives.
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How much of an impact does Agriculture have on India’s GDP?
- Agriculture contributes approximately 15% to 18.2% of India’s GDP, reflecting a decline from 35% in 1990-91 due to rapid growth in the industrial and service sectors. The average annual growth rate of the agricultural sector has been around 4% over the last five years. (acc to pib data)
- Agriculture remains crucial for employment, providing livelihoods for about 42% of the population, which is significantly higher than the global average of 25%.
What are the key requirements to improve agricultural sustainability?
- Investment in Infrastructure: There is a pressing need for capital investment in infrastructure development, including irrigation systems, cold storage, and transportation networks to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
- Technological Advancements: Adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies is essential. This includes better seed varieties, efficient irrigation methods, and sustainable farming techniques to enhance productivity.
- Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: Projects focusing on water conservation, energy-efficient irrigation, and agroforestry are critical for maintaining ecological balance while improving agricultural output.
What hinders CSR’s potential for agriculture?
- Lack of Clear Reporting Mechanisms: One of the main obstacles is the absence of robust frameworks to track and categorize CSR funding specifically directed towards agricultural initiatives. Current reporting practices do not emphasize agriculture-related CSR activities adequately.
- Diverse Allocation Categories: CSR activities can fall under multiple categories (e.g., gender equality, and environmental sustainability), making it difficult to isolate funds specifically aimed at agricultural sustainability. This lack of specificity hampers effective monitoring and impact assessment.
- Need for Distinct Sector Identification: To maximize CSR contributions to agriculture, it is crucial to identify agriculture as a distinct sector within CSR activities. This would streamline funding processes and enhance transparency and accountability in how funds are utilized for agricultural development.
Way forward:
- Establish Agriculture as a Separate CSR Category: Need to create a distinct sector for agriculture in CSR reporting to streamline funding, improve transparency, and enable targeted monitoring of agriculture-focused initiatives.
- Implement Comprehensive Reporting Frameworks: The government should develop robust mechanisms for tracking CSR funds specifically allocated to agricultural projects, ensuring clear categorization and facilitating better impact assessments.
Mains PYQ:
Q With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications. (UPSC IAS/2013)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Climate Change Impacts; Action related to Pandemic;
Why in the News?
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying launched the ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ initiative in New Delhi.
What is the primary aim of the Animal Health Security Project?
The Animal Health Security Project aims to strengthen India’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, reducing zoonotic disease risks through enhanced surveillance, laboratory systems, and regional collaboration. |
What are the objectives of the Animal Health Security Project?
- Prevention, Detection, and Response: Enhance India’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats, minimizing risks of pathogens transmitting from animals to humans.
- Strengthen Surveillance Systems: Improve and integrate animal disease surveillance and early warning systems to promptly identify potential threats.
- Laboratory and Vaccine Infrastructure: Upgrade and expand laboratory networks and vaccine manufacturing facilities to ensure preparedness.
- Data Systems and Analytics: Strengthen interoperable data systems and analytics capabilities to support informed decision-making and risk communication.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Promote regional cooperation for transboundary animal disease control through cross-border collaborations.
How is the project funded and what is its timeline?
- The project is funded by the Pandemic Fund established by the G20 countries, which aims to help low- and middle-income countries improve their pandemic preparedness.
- The fund’s first round raised $2 billion, and India’s project received a $25 million grant.
- The project will be implemented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
- Timeline: Expected to conclude by August 2026.
Why is this project necessary for India?
- Zoonotic Disease Threat: About two-thirds of infectious diseases in humans are zoonotic (transmitted from animals), with recent examples including COVID-19. India’s large population of 536 million livestock makes it vulnerable to zoonotic outbreaks.
- Public Health Impact: With five of the six major global public health emergencies in recent decades being zoonotic, the project is crucial for India’s pandemic prevention and public health security.
- Vulnerable Population Protection: By addressing animal health threats, the project aims to protect the health, nutritional security, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations reliant on livestock.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Coordination Across Sectors: Enhance collaboration between animal health, public health, and environmental sectors to create an integrated response to zoonotic threats, ensuring swift data sharing and response mechanisms.
- Sustain Capacity Building and Infrastructure Investments: Ensure continued investment in laboratory networks, vaccine production, and training to maintain preparedness, and bolster resilience against emerging animal-to-human diseases beyond the project’s timeline.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Regional Groupings; Trade Relations; Significance and issues related to RCEP;
Why in the News?
According to NITI Aayog CEO, India should join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
What are the implications of India joining RCEP and CPTPP?
- Enhanced Trade Opportunities: Joining RCEP and CPTPP could significantly boost India’s trade by providing access to larger markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions.
- These agreements encompass a wide range of goods and services, potentially increasing India’s exports, especially from its Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 40% of exports.
- Integration into Global Supply Chains: Participation in these trade blocs would facilitate India’s integration into global supply chains, allowing it to benefit from the ‘China plus one’ strategy that many countries are adopting to diversify their supply sources away from China.
- This could enhance India’s manufacturing sector and attract foreign investment.
- Regulatory Alignment: Being part of these agreements would necessitate aligning India’s regulatory frameworks with international standards, which could improve the business environment and attract more foreign direct investment (FDI).
How does India’s current tariff structure affect its competitiveness in global trade?
India’s current tariff structure is characterized by relatively high average tariffs compared to other major economies. For instance:
- Average Tariffs: India has an average applied tariff of approximately 13.8%, which is higher than that of China (9.8%) and the U.S. (3.4%) but lower than some other countries when considering trade-weighted averages.
- High Bound Tariffs: Many of India’s bound tariff rates on agricultural products are among the highest globally, ranging from 100% to 300%, creating significant barriers for foreign exporters.
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What are the risks associated with joining RCEP, particularly concerning competition with China?
- Increased Competition with China: One of the primary risks of joining RCEP is the potential for increased competition with Chinese firms, which may have cost advantages due to economies of scale and established supply chains.
- Pressure on Domestic Industries: Opening up to international competition might pressure local industries, particularly in sectors where they are less competitive compared to their counterparts in member countries.
- This could lead to job losses and require significant adjustments within certain sectors.
- Easy geopolitical Impact on the economy: Increased reliance on trade agreements may expose India to external economic fluctuations, particularly if global demand shifts or if geopolitical tensions impact trade dynamics within these blocs.
Way forward:
- Selective Tariff Reductions and Safeguards for Sensitive Sectors: India should negotiate phased tariff reductions and secure safeguards for vulnerable sectors like agriculture and small manufacturing.
- This approach would protect local industries while allowing gradual integration into RCEP and CPTPP markets.
- Strengthening Domestic Industries and MSMEs: India can boost competitiveness by enhancing MSME support through targeted subsidies, infrastructure improvements, and technology upgrades. Strengthening these sectors will help India leverage new market access and build resilience against foreign competition.
Mains PYQ:
Q Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Airships
Why in the News?
Some companies have been working to solve the buoyancy challenge of Airships, a longstanding issue that has hindered their use for cargo transportation.
What are Airships?
- Airships are lighter-than-air aircraft capable of controlled powered flight.
- They were the first aircraft to achieve this and were considered the future of travel in the early 20th century.
- However, as aeroplane technology advanced, the popularity of airships declined due to their technological limitations.
- Today, airships are used mainly for:
- Advertising platforms
- Aerial observation for research and military purposes
- Tourism and scenic flights
| Note: Buoyancy is the force that makes things float. It acts in the opposite direction to gravity. When an object is placed in a fluid (like air or water), the fluid pushes up against the object, helping it to stay afloat. |
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How do Airships work?
- Airships achieve lift by using lighter-than-air gases within their structure, much like helium balloons.
- Early airships used hydrogen due to its lightweight and low cost.
- However, hydrogen is highly flammable, leading to tragic incidents such as the Hindenburg disaster of 1937, which damaged public trust in airships.
- Most airships today use helium, a non-flammable gas that is safer than hydrogen.
- However, helium is scarce and expensive, costing about $35 per cubic meter (enough to lift just 1 kg).
- Challenge with varying Buoyancy:
- Airships require the ability to vary their buoyancy to adjust for weight changes when picking up or dropping off loads.
- Solutions such as releasing and refilling helium are impractical due to helium’s high cost and scarcity.
How Airships are a Promising Solution?
Airships hold potential as low-emission cargo vehicles due to their unique design:
- Airships have a high lift-to-drag ratio, meaning they consume far less fuel than aeroplanes for moving the same load.
- Companies are exploring the use of ballast to regulate airship buoyancy, a method common in hot air balloons and submarines.
- A French company has created a 200-meter “flying crane” airship called LCA60T, which can pick up water as ballast mid-flight, avoiding the need for specialized ground infrastructure.
- With concerns about climate change and the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, airships offer a less polluting alternative. They do not burn fossil fuels to lift, making them an eco-friendly choice.
PYQ:
[2017] Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard? |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CARICOM
Why in the News?
The second meeting of the India-CARICOM Joint Commission took place virtually on November 6. The first meeting was held in Georgetown, Guyana on June 2, 2015.
About Caribbean Community (CARICOM):
|
Details |
| Establishment |
Established in 1973 under the Treaty of Chaguaramas. |
| Main Objectives |
• Promote economic integration and cooperation among member states.
• Ensure equitable sharing of integration benefits.
• Coordinate foreign policy among member states. |
| Membership |
15 Full Members: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
Associate Members: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Observers: Aruba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela. |
| Leadership |
Chairmanship rotates every 6 months among the Heads of member states. |
| Administrative Structure |
CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana, serves as the main administrative body, led by the Secretary-General. |
| Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) |
Established in 2007, the CCJ acts as the final appellate court for CARICOM members and addresses regional trade disputes. |
| Key Initiatives |
• Single Market and Economy (CSME)
• Coordination in foreign policy
• Development cooperation
• Cultural exchange and integration |
| Significance |
CARICOM serves as a vital platform for regional collaboration, enhancing economic growth, political stability, and cultural unity among Caribbean nations. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Horn of Africa and adjacent region
Why in the News?
According to a joint report by the UN and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), at least 65 million people are food insecure in the Horn of Africa.
Food Insecurity in Horn of Africa Region:
Of the 65 million affected, 36 million reside in IGAD member states: Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
Main Causes:
- Extreme weather and climate change are primary drivers of food insecurity, leading to severe conditions.
- Conflict has also destroyed infrastructure and sources of food and income, worsening the situation.
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About the Horn of Africa:
|
Details |
| Location |
A peninsula in northeastern Africa, extending into the Arabian Sea. |
| Geographical Composition |
Comprises the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia. |
| Population |
Approximately 115 million people. |
| Area |
Covers about 2 million square kilometers. |
| Geographical Features |
Includes mountains, plateaus, deserts, and coastlines. Significant areas include the Ethiopian Plateau, Ogaden Desert, and Eritrean and Somalian coasts. |
| Historical Name |
Known as Bilad al Barbar or Berber Land in ancient times. |
| Significance |
- Known for diverse landscapes and unique biodiversity.
- Strategic importance due to proximity to oil-producing regions in the Middle East.
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| Key Bodies of Water |
- Lies to the south of the Gulf of Aden and along the southern boundary of the Red Sea.
- Grand Renaissance Dam: Under construction by Ethiopia on the Nile River, impacting regional water dynamics.
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| Shipping Routes |
Major shipping routes pass through the Red Sea, with Djibouti serving as a critical maritime hub for international trade. |
| Climate |
Characterized by a mix of arid, semi-arid, and temperate climates, influencing agriculture and livelihoods in the region. |
Geopolitical and strategic importance for India:
- The Horn of Africa is located near the Middle East, a region vital for global oil production.
- Around 40% of Middle Eastern oil flows through the Red Sea shipping lanes adjacent to the Horn, making it a critical point for energy security.
- Djibouti and the surrounding areas control access to the Bab el Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.
- Several countries, including the US, France, and China, have established military bases in Djibouti to secure their interests in this strategic region.
- China’s presence in Djibouti and other Horn of Africa nations aligns with its “string of pearls” strategy, which aims to secure military and economic footholds around India.
- The Horn region serves as a gateway to Africa for Indian investments in infrastructure, energy, and mining sectors.
- The region, particularly Somalia, poses threats from Pirates and terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab.
PYQ:
[2016] Consider the following statements:
- The India-Africa Summit
- held in 2015 was the third such Summit
- was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved a new Central Sector Scheme named PM Vidyalaxmi to provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education.
About the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme:
|
Details |
| Objective |
To provide financial assistance to meritorious students pursuing higher education in quality institutions. |
| Eligible Students |
Students gaining admission to the top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs), including government and private institutions. |
| Annual Family Income Criteria |
Up to ₹8 lakh for students who do not qualify for other government scholarships or interest subsidies. |
| Eligibility Based on NIRF Rankings |
• Top 100 institutions in overall, category-specific, and domain-specific NIRF lists.
• State government-run institutions ranked 101-200.
• All Central government-governed institutions. |
| Loan Amounts |
• Loans up to ₹7.5 lakh with a 75% credit guarantee.
• For loans up to ₹10 lakh, 3% interest subvention during the moratorium period. |
| Target Beneficiaries |
Approximately 1 lakh students each year, with preference for students in technical or professional courses from government institutions. |
| Financial Outlay |
₹3,600 crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2030-31. |
| Expected Impact |
Benefit for 7 lakh new students through interest subvention during the scheme’s duration. |
| Application Process |
Applications can be submitted via the PM-Vidyalaxmi portal for loans and interest benefits. |
| Payment Processing |
Interest support payments through e-vouchers and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets. |
| Significance |
Aims to enhance access to higher education for meritorious students, reducing financial barriers. |
PYQ:
[2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:
(a) bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system
(b) providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops
(c) providing pensions to old and destitute persons
(d) funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation |
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