Content: 10,000 FPOs Achieved under Government’s Flagship Scheme National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 10,000 FPOs Achieved under Government’s Flagship Scheme Introduction The Central Sector Scheme for “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)” was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29th February 2020. Budget outlay of ₹6,865 Crore till 2027-28. ₹254.4 Crore in equity grants released to 4,761 FPOs. ₹453 Crore credit guarantee cover issued to 1,900 FPOs. 10,000th FPO launched in Khagaria district, Bihar, focusing on maize, banana, and paddy. Over 30 lakh farmers connected to FPOs, with 40% women participation. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ),GS 3(Agriculture) What are FPOs? Definition: Collectives of farmers registered under the Companies Act or Co-operative Societies Act. Purpose: Achieve economies of scale in production, marketing, and access to institutional support. Implementing Agency: Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Need for FPOs Small and marginal farmers face challenges in: Access to technology, quality inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), and credit. Market linkages and fair pricing due to low bargaining power. FPOs strengthen farmers’ economic capacity by facilitating: Collective purchase and sales. Direct market access, reducing dependency on middlemen. Value addition and processing capabilities. Objectives of the Scheme Form 10,000 FPOs to create a sustainable farming ecosystem. Improve productivity, market linkages, and access to institutional finance. Provide handholding support for 5 years, including₹18 lakh financial assistance per FPO. Enable FPOs to become self-sustaining through entrepreneurship training. Convergence of Ministries for FPO Development Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Provides input licenses, dealership support, and market linkage via ONDC, e-NAM. Ministry of Food Processing: Offers 35% capital subsidy, 50% branding/marketing grants. Ministry of MSMEs: Provides credit guarantees, equity grants, and capacity-building programs. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying: Funds dairy cooperatives and fodder FPOs. APEDA: Supports export-oriented FPOs. Spices Board: Aids in export promotion and value addition for spices. Key Services and Activities of FPOs Input Supply: Seeds, fertilizers, pesticides at wholesale rates. Machinery Rental: Custom hiring of farm equipment. Value Addition: Cleaning, grading, sorting, and packaging. Market Aggregation: Collective marketing for better price realization. Logistics Support: Storage, transportation, and loading/unloading services. Higher-Income Activities: Seed production, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, etc. Major Initiatives under the Scheme Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF): Dedicated CGF created to facilitate bank loans for FPOs. Ensures better access to credit from financial institutions. ONDC Registration: 5,000 FPOs onboarded on ONDC to enable digital marketing and online sales. Strengthens B2B and B2C transactions, reducing dependence on intermediaries. MoU for Converting FPOs into CSCs: Collaboration between CSC SPV & Ministry of Agriculture. 10,000 FPOs to be converted into CSCs for digital service delivery. Inclusivity and Social Impact Special focus on marginal farmers, women SHGs, SC/ST farmers. Ensuring financial and social empowerment of weaker sections. Promotion of sustainable and climate–resilient farming practices. National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 Context and Significance Inland waterways have been underutilized in India despite their potential for cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly cargo transport. The new regulations aim to unlock private sector investments, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce transportation costs. This move aligns with the broader infrastructure development goals of the government, fostering Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and promoting the inland waterways sector as a growth engine. Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure) Key Features of the Regulations Permission and Approval Process Any public, private, or joint venture entity must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) before developing a terminal. Both new and existing jetties/terminals fall under the purview of these regulations. Classification of terminals: Permanent terminals: Can be operated throughout their lifetime. Temporary terminals: Initially granted for five years, extendable based on performance and compliance. Role of the Terminal Developer and Operator The technical design and construction responsibility lies with the developer, ensuring compliance with business and environmental standards. Adequate connectivity and access must be provided to facilitate efficient cargo movement. Digital Portal for Transparency and Efficiency IWAI is developing an online portal for: Application submission for jetties/terminals. Tracking the approval process in real time. Ensuring transparency, efficiency, and ease of access in regulatory procedures. Impact on Infrastructure and Economic Growth Private Sector Involvement and Investment Encourages public-private partnerships (PPPs), leading to greater capital inflow into inland waterways infrastructure. Reduces government expenditure burden while leveraging private sector efficiency. Boost to Cargo Movement and Trade Cargo transport on national waterways increased from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24. Enhanced infrastructure will further increase freight movement, making waterways a competitive alternative to road and rail transport. Expected to lower logistics costs and reduce congestion on highways and rail networks. Environmental and Cost Benefits Inland water transport is cheaper and has a lower carbon footprint compared to road and rail. Aligns with India’s sustainability goals by reducing fossil fuel consumption in logistics. Government Initiatives Strengthening the Waterways Sector Jalvahak Scheme Aims to shift 17% of cargo transport to national waterways, reducing reliance on road and rail networks. Provides financial and operational incentives to promote water-based logistics. Digitalization and Process Simplification Online portals and streamlined regulatory frameworks reduce bureaucratic delays, ensuring a seamless investment climate. Alignment with PM Gati Shakti and Maritime Vision 2030 Supports the broader PM Gati Shakti initiative, which focuses on multi-modal connectivity and integrated infrastructure planning. Complements Maritime Vision 2030, which aims to establish India as a global maritime power. Challenges and Way Forward Infrastructure Bottlenecks Need for modernizing existing jetties and developing last-mile connectivity to integrate waterways with road and rail. Regulatory and Compliance Issues Ensuring fast approvals and clear policy guidelines for private investors. Need for a robust dispute resolution mechanism to build investor confidence. Awareness and Adoption Challenges Limited awareness among businesses about the cost benefits of inland waterways. The government must undertake capacity-building initiatives and provide financial incentives for faster adoption.

Content : The necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation The steps that will shape India’s AI ambition Truce under fire The necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation Introduction: Wetlands, among the most biologically productive ecosystems, provide critical ecological, economic, and climate-related benefits but face severe threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change, necessitating their mainstreaming in developmental planning. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Practice Question:Discuss the necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation in developmental planning, considering its ecological, economic, and climate change mitigation roles. (250 words) Importance of Wetlands High Ecological Productivity: Wetlands provide crucial ecosystem services, covering 6% of the Earth’s surface but contributing 40.6% of global ecosystem services. Water Regulation: They act as natural sponges, absorbing floodwaters and replenishing groundwater. Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to 81% of inland wetland species and 36% of coastal and marine species. Climate Regulation: Function as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change effects. Livelihood Support: Provide resources for fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Declining Wetland Coverage Global Trends: 50% of wetlands lost since 1900. 35% reduction in wetland surface area (1970-2015). WET Index shows an annual decline of 0.78%, higher than natural vegetation loss. India’s Scenario: 75 Ramsar sites covering 1.33 million hectares, only 8% of India’s total wetlands (15.98 million ha). 30% of natural wetlands lost in four decades due to urbanization, agriculture, and pollution. Case studies: Mumbai: 71% wetland loss (1970-2014). East Kolkata: 36% loss (1991-2021). Chennai: 85% wetland loss (WWF report). Challenges in Wetland Conservation Rapid Urbanization: Encroachment and pollution degrade urban wetlands. Agricultural Expansion: Conversion to farmland reduces wetland areas. Industrialization: Unregulated waste discharge increases contamination. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall alter wetland hydrology. Governance Gaps: Conservation efforts are often fragmented and not integrated into developmental plans. Need for Mainstreaming Wetland Conservation Holistic Development Planning: Wetlands should be integrated into urban and rural planning. Ramsar COP14 Directives: Align conservation with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Link wetland management to climate policies (UNFCCC, IPCC). Support the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Economic Valuation: Loss of ecosystem services due to wetland degradation leads to economic costs (e.g., Cali, Colombia: $76,827/ha/year loss). Policy Implementation: Strengthen the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. Improve monitoring with GIS mapping and satellite imagery. Way Forward Ecosystem-Based Management: Shift from isolated conservation efforts to a landscape-based approach. Community Participation: Engage local communities in wetland restoration. Strict Regulatory Frameworks: Enforce environmental laws against encroachments and pollution. Financial Incentives: Promote payment for ecosystem services and sustainable tourism models. Inter-Departmental Coordination: Wetland governance should integrate multiple sectors (water resources, urban planning, forestry, etc.). The steps that will shape India’s AI ambition India’s Position in the Global AI Race India is at a critical juncture, competing with Silicon Valley while being pursued by China and Southeast Asia. The key challenge is not just technological adoption but also regulatory policies that may slow down AI progress. Indian software developers struggle against global competitors due to capability gaps, despite a strong IT workforce. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Practice Question :Discuss the major challenges in AI adoption in India and suggest a strategic approach to enhance India’s AI competitiveness while addressing ethical concerns. (250 words) Challenges in AI Adoption in India Export Competitiveness: AI is crucial for maintaining India’s dominance in IT and services sectors. Job Losses: Routine jobs are at risk as AI-driven automation expands. Algorithmic Discrimination: AI systems can reinforce biases and lead to unfair decision-making. Deepfakes and Misinformation: The proliferation of AI-generated misinformation can destabilize political and social structures. Market Domination by Foreign Tech Giants: Startups in India find it difficult to compete as global platforms set the rules of engagement. Regulatory and Competitive Challenges Indian developers have raised concerns about monopolistic practices, filing complaints against Google with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Regulatory intervention in AI could hamper innovation and put India at a disadvantage against China and the U.S., which have largely left AI unregulated. Compliance costs associated with AI regulation could slow down India’s AI sector growth. Navigating the Global AI Policy Landscape The European Union (EU) has opted for strict regulations due to concerns over human rights and AI-based surveillance. The United States (U.S.) follows a more innovation-friendly approach, focusing on market-driven AI development. India must find a middle ground—balancing regulation with competitiveness—rather than following EU or U.S. policies blindly. Risks of Over-Regulation AI regulations could push companies to relocate IT development to AI-friendly regions. Heavy regulation might reduce India’s attractiveness for global AI investments. China’s dominance in AI hardware and cloud computing already poses a competitive challenge. Strategic Steps for India’s AI Growth Encourage Open-Source AI Development: Keeping AI tools open and accessible will help Indian firms innovate and compete globally. Strengthen Existing Laws: Instead of new AI-specific regulations, India should enhance its existing antitrust, corporate liability, and public order laws. International Collaboration: Partnerships for AI standardization, computing resources, and energy security will be key. Policy Consistency: Conflicting policies from different regulatory agencies should be streamlined to avoid a fragmented AI policy landscape. Truce under fire Background of the Ceasefire Agreement The Israel-Hamas ceasefire was structured into three phases: Phase 1: Israeli repositioning, prisoner-hostage exchanges. Phase 2: End of the war. Phase 3: Reconstruction of Gaza. Initial compliance was observed with Hamas releasing 38 hostages and Israel freeing hundreds of prisoners. However, Israel’s reluctance to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor raises concerns about adherence to the truce. Relevance : GS 2(international Relations) Practice Question:The ongoing conflict in Gaza highlights the limitations of military solutions in resolving deeply rooted political issues. Analyze the factors leading to the failure of Israel’s objectives in Gaza and suggest measures for a sustainable peace in the region. (250 words) Israeli War Objectives and Current Reality Declared Objectives (October 7, 2023): Dismantling Hamas. Securing the release of hostages. Ground Reality (15 Months Later): Over 48,000 Palestinians killed, more than 1,00,000 wounded. Hamas remains operational. Hostages still held. Political and military pressure forced Netanyahu into a ceasefire agreement. Challenges in Implementing the Ceasefire Political Dilemma for Netanyahu: Full withdrawal would mean Hamas remains in power, threatening his coalition government. Right-wing allies oppose withdrawal, pushing for continued military presence. Israel’s Continued Occupation Violates Ceasefire Terms: Israeli troops remain in Gaza. Non-compliance weakens trust in negotiated settlements. Hamas’ Remaining Hostages: Over 60 hostages still in captivity. Increases leverage for Hamas in further negotiations. U.S. Influence: U.S. rhetoric, particularly Trump’s controversial statement about “owning Gaza” and ethnic cleansing, has complicated diplomatic efforts. Instead of inflammatory statements, the U.S. should push Israel to comply with the ceasefire terms. Potential Consequences of Continuing the War War of Attrition: If Israel continues occupation, a prolonged guerrilla-style conflict may ensue. Civilian casualties and destruction will rise. Diplomatic Fallout: International pressure on Israel is mounting. Arab states, global bodies may push for stronger action against Israeli policies. Economic and Security Costs: Continued military operations in Gaza will strain Israel’s economy. Security risks increase due to radicalization in the region. Way Forward: Achieving a Lasting Peace Israel’s Withdrawal from Gaza: Compliance with ceasefire terms is crucial. A Comprehensive Peace Plan: The U.S. and Arab nations must lead efforts to establish governance and reconstruction in Gaza. Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis: Immediate rebuilding of infrastructure, healthcare, and essential services in Gaza. A Political Settlement: Long-term stability requires a viable two-state solution or an internationally mediated governance mechanism for Gaza.

Content: GDP grows 6.2% on rising govt., consumer spending ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission unlocks solar flare secrets with new image SC sets aside dismissal of two women judicial officers India to go past U.S. in scientific publications by 2029, says Minister Recognition of universities will be revoked if they flout discrimination rules: Centre ndian digital economy ranked 28th on user spending: report India must hasten reforms to speed up growth: World Bank GDP grows 6.2% on rising govt., consumer spending Context :GDP Growth Rate: India’s real GDP grew 6.2% in Q3 FY 2024-25 (Oct-Dec 2024). Higher than 5.6% in Q2, but significantly lower than 9.5% in Q3 of 2023. Growth was 0.2 percentage points below RBI’s estimates. Factors Driving Growth: Government spending rose 8.3% (compared to 2.3% in Q3 2023). Private consumption increased 6.9% (compared to 5.7% in Q3 2023). Exports surged by 10.4%, a sharp rise from 3% growth last year. Declining Investment & Imports: Gross Fixed Capital Formation (Investment rate) slowed to 5.7% (from 9.3% last year). Imports fell by 1.1%, attributed to rupee depreciation. Supporting Indicators: High-frequency indicators like GST collections, public spending, electricity generation, and exports showed improvement. Implications Consumption-led recovery: Increased government and private spending is driving growth. Weaker investment sentiment: Slowdown in capital formation raises concerns about long-term growth sustainability. Trade impact: Export growth is positive, but declining imports signal lower domestic demand or higher import costs due to currency depreciation. Fiscal Policy Role: Government spending remains a key driver, indicating reliance on fiscal measures to sustain economic momentum. ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission unlocks solar flare secrets with new image Introduction : Historic Observation: India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, captured the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the lower solar atmosphere. Payload Involved: The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) onboard Aditya-L1 recorded the phenomenon in the photosphere and chromosphere. Significance: Marks a major step in understanding solar flares and their impact on Earth. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)   Scientific Breakthroughs X6.3-Class Solar Flare Observed: Captured on February 22, 2025. One of the most intense categories of solar eruptions. Near Ultraviolet (NUV) Detection: SUIT detected brightening in the 200-400 nm range. First time such observations were made with this level of detail. Energy Transfer Across Solar Layers: Confirms that energy released from flares spreads through different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere. Provides insights into the physics of solar explosions. Temperature Linkage Confirmed: Plasma temperature rise in the solar corona directly linked to brightening in the lower solar atmosphere. Validates existing solar flare theories and provides new data for refining solar physics models. Mission Background Launch Date: September 2, 2023. Current Orbit: Placed in a halo orbit around the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point L1 on January 6, 2024. Relevance & Impact Space Weather Research: Helps in predicting solar activity that affects Earth’s communication and power grids. Scientific Advancements: Enhances understanding of solar flares, benefiting future solar missions. Global Contribution: Strengthens India’s position in space-based solar studies. SC sets aside dismissal of two women judicial officers Judgment Context: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of two women judicial officers from Madhya Pradesh, Savita Choudhary and Aditi Kumar Sharma, who were dismissed for alleged inefficiency and misconduct. Their dismissal was deemed punitive, arbitrary, and illegal. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary) Judiciary’s Sensitivity to Women’s Well-Being: Justice B.V. Nagarathna, leading the Bench, emphasized the need for a sensitive and inclusive work environment for women judges. She highlighted the physical and mental health challenges faced by women in the judiciary due to heavy workloads and long hours. Gender as a Consideration in Performance Evaluation: While gender cannot excuse inefficiency, it is a critical factor in assessing judicial performance. Case example: One of the dismissed officers had suffered a miscarriage, battled COVID in the ICU, and dealt with her brother’s cancer diagnosis. Greater Representation of Women in Judiciary: The judgment stresses that increased women’s representation in the judiciary can shift gender stereotypes and change patriarchal perceptions. Women judges in higher positions can encourage more women to seek justice and enforce their rights. Legal and Human Rights Perspective: The SC referenced Article 10 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which mandates special protection for mothers. Justice Nagarathna acknowledged the physical toll on women judges, including working through menstrual pain and post-miscarriage trauma. Directive for Reinstatement: The SC ordered the reinstatement of both officers within 15 days with seniority intact. Senior advocate Indira Jaising hailed the verdict as a step toward an “enabling environment” for women in the judiciary. Broader Implications Judiciary as a Model for Gender Equality: The SC emphasized that the judiciary should set an example for the government and legislature in ensuring gender-sensitive policies. Workplace Reforms Needed: The case underscores the necessity of structural reforms for women’s well-being in high-pressure jobs like the judiciary. Potential Precedent: This ruling could influence future cases concerning gender sensitivity in workplaces, particularly in public service and decision-making roles. India to go past U.S. in scientific publications by 2029, says Minister Context : Projection: India is expected to surpass the U.S. in the number of scientific publications by 2029, as per Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. Relevance : GS 3(Science , Research) Current Global Ranking (2023 Data – National Science Foundation, U.S.): China: 8,98,949 publications (Rank 1) U.S.: 4,57,335 publications (Rank 2) India: 2,07,390 publications (Rank 3) Indian Scientists in Global Rankings: Top 2% Scientists List (2024 – Stanford University & Elsevier): India: 5,351 scientists (Rank 10) U.S.: 71,392 scientists (Rank 1) China: 27,165 scientists (Rank 2) Budgetary Growth in Science & Technology: Department of Science and Technology (DST) Budget: 2013-14: ₹2,777 crore 2024-25: ₹28,509 crore Increase: 926% Significance: Reflects India’s growing research output and global scientific recognition. Increased budget allocations demonstrate India’s commitment to scientific advancement. May boost India’s technological innovations, patents, and global collaborations. Challenges & Considerations: Need for quality enhancement along with quantity growth. Strengthening research infrastructure and funding for high-impact publications. Retaining top talent and fostering innovation in emerging scientific domains. Recognition of universities will be revoked if they flout discrimination rules: Centre Context : Strict Measures Proposed: The Union Government informed the Supreme Court about new UGC regulations empowering it to derecognize higher education institutions (HEIs) if they flout anti-discrimination norms. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Legal Basis: The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2025 are currently open for public comments before final notification. Punitive Actions: HEIs found non-compliant can be debarred from UGC schemes, degree offerings, and distance/online programs. UGC can remove universities from the list of recognized institutions under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. Section 12B (funding restrictions) may also be imposed on errant institutions. Additional punitive actions can be taken on a case-to-case basis. Context & Supreme Court Hearing: Petitioners: Mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, victims of on-campus caste discrimination leading to suicide. Legal Representation: Senior advocate Indira Jaising highlighted 18 student suicides in the last 14 months due to discrimination in HEIs. Government’s Stance: Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta emphasized the UGC’s strengthened role to ensure compliance. New Safeguards in HEIs: Equity Committees to be formed in all HEIs, including members from: Civil society Faculty and students Mandated representation from SC, ST, and women Justice Surya Kant’s Remarks: Acknowledged past violations and the low compliance levels, stressing the need for stronger enforcement. Concerns Raised: Some IITs, IIMs, and national law schools failed to respond to a UGC directive seeking data on Equal Opportunity Cells. Need for a robust monitoring mechanism to prevent and penalize discrimination in higher education institutions. Implications: Stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination policies in universities. Greater accountability for HEIs through direct UGC intervention. Potential resistance from autonomous institutions like IITs, IIMs, and NLUs. Improved inclusivity in higher education with systemic checks against caste and religious bias Indian digital economy ranked 28th on user spending: report Context : India’s Digital Economy Ranking: India is the third-largest economy globally, but its user digitaleconomy ranks 28th in terms of spending. Indicates a gap between aggregate digitalization and individual user spending. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) Reasons for Disparity: Internet connectivity density is comparable to other nations. However, the spending and usage per user remain lower. Potential for Growth: India’s digital economy is growing at twice the rate of its overall economy. Expected to contribute 20% of GDP by 2029. Scope for higher investments in digital penetration and infrastructure. CHIPS Framework Analysis: The report evaluates India using the ‘CHIPS’ framework (Criteria: access quality, AI readiness, etc.). Indiaranks: 3rd in overall economy size. 28th in user digital spending. 8th in the combined ranking of these metrics. Implications: Policy Focus Areas: Need to enhance affordability and accessibility of digital services. Bridging the gap between infrastructure availability and actual usage. Encouraging AI adoption and digital skill development. Investment Opportunities: Growth potential for e-commerce, fintech, and digital services. Increased scope for private and public sector investments in digital infrastructure. Future Outlook: India’s digital growth trajectory remains strong, but user adoption and spending need to catch up. The focus should be on inclusive digital transformation to maximize economic benefits. India must hasten reforms to speed up growth: World Bank Key Findings from the Report Growth Target: India needs to grow at 7.8% annually for the next 22 years to achieve high-income status by 2047. Past Performance: India has averaged 6.3% growth (2000-2024), providing a strong foundation for future reforms. Relevance : GS 3(indian Economy ,Infrastructure) Global Lessons for India Countries like Chile, Korea, and Poland successfully transitioned to high-income status through global integration. India must accelerate reforms and leverage past achievements to achieve similar success. Key Requirements for Achieving High-Income Status Faster & Inclusive Growth Across States Higher Investment: Increase total investments from 33.5% to 40% of GDP by 2035. Labour Force Growth: Raise labour force participation from 56.4% to 65%. Productivity Acceleration: Boost overall productivity growth. Demographic Dividend Utilization Investing in Human Capital for skill development. Enhancing Job Creation with better wages and security. Raising Female Labour Participation from 35.6% to 50% by 2047. Four Key Policy Areas for Growth Acceleration Increase Investments (Public & Private). Create More & Better Jobs through labour market reforms. Boost Structural Transformation, Trade, and Technology Adoption. Ensure States Grow Faster & Together for balanced regional development. Current Growth Status India has accelerated its growth to 7.2% in the past three fiscal years. Achieving 7.8% sustained growth requires ambitious reforms and effective implementation. Conclusion India has a strong economic foundation, but to reach high-income status, it must speed up policy reforms, boost investments, and enhance labour force participation.