Daily Current Affairs

2025

Current Affairs

Does Blood Money have a legal standing?

Context: Nurse Nimisha Priya from Kerala was sentenced to death by a Yemen court for murdering her business partner. Debates are ongoing around her acquittal and repatriation through ‘blood money.’

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Basic understanding of the terms ‘Blood Money’, ‘Plea Bargaining’. 

About ‘Blood Money’?

  • Known as ‘diya’ in Islamic Sharia law, it involves monetary compensation paid by the perpetrator to the victim’s family in cases of unintentional murder, culpable homicide, or when the victim’s family forgoes retaliation (qisas).
  • Its objective is to alleviate the suffering of the victim’s family, not to price human life.
  • Even after reconciliation via ‘blood money,’ the state/community may impose additional penalties.

Contemporary Applications

  • Saudi Arabia: Compensation for road accident victims or workplace deaths is determined by Sharia courts or committees.
  • Iran: Gender and religion influence compensation; recent efforts toward equalisation have remained incomplete.
  • Pakistan: Incorporated ‘diya’ and ‘qisas’ into mainstream law through the 1991 Criminal Laws Amendment.
  • Yemen: Present, but judicial oversight ensures fairness in compensation agreements.

India’s Position on ‘Blood Money’

  • No Blood Money: Indian legal and penal system does not recognise or have provisions for ‘blood money.’
  • Plea Bargaining, as an alternative: 
    • The Indian legal system does provide provisions for Plea Bargaining, introduced through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2005.
    • Plea bargaining allows the accused to plead guilty for concessions offered on a charge or a sentence.
      • Charge concession: The defendant may plead guilty for one of the several charges or a less severe charge in return for dismissal of other charges.
      • Sentence concession: The accused may plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence than what is prescribed for the concerned offence.
    • Limitations: Applicable for offences with imprisonment under seven years, provision is also not available for heinous crimes and offences against women or children.
    • Victim Compensation: Section 265E of CrPC allows victims to receive compensation during the process of plea bargaining.

Indian cases of Pardons via Blood Money abroad

  • Recent examples:
    • 2019: Arjunan Athimuthu’s death sentence in Kuwait commuted to life imprisonment after ₹30 lakh payment.
    • 2006: Abdul Rahim’s death sentence in Saudi Arabia was pardoned after ₹34 crore was paid but remains in prison.
    • 2017: Ten Indians in the UAE pardoned after paying 200,000 dirhams.
    • 2009: Seventeen Indians pardoned in the UAE after paying ₹4 crore equivalent in dirhams.
  • Nimisha Priya: Iran assured India of reviewing her case, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Three Indian Nuclear Entities removed from the US Entity List

Context: The United States has announced the removal of three Indian entities from its restrictive Entity List, in a move to remove hurdles for civil nuclear partnership between Indian and American firms.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement 2008; US Entity List. 

Major Highlights:

  • US Entity List: The US Entity List is a list of foreign individuals, businesses, and organisations that are subject to export restrictions and licensing requirements for certain goods and technologies.
    • Being placed on the Entity List does not outrightly prohibit transactions but imposes stringent licensing requirements.
    • Inclusion on this list indicates that the US government has reasonable grounds to believe these entities may engage in activities contrary to US national security or foreign policy interests. 
  • The three entities removed from the US entity list are: 
    • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
    • Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR)
    • Indian Rare Earths (IRE)
  • Significance: The removal of Indian entities is an attempt to facilitate implementation of the landmark India-U.S. Civil Nuclear agreement 2008. 

US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement

  • The US-India Nuclear Deal or the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement is a bilateral agreement signed between the US & India in 2008. It is popularly known as the 123 Agreement.
  • Aim: To pave the way for allowing the US to share civilian nuclear technology with India.
  • Benefits:
    • Ends India’s nuclear isolation and technology denial regimes against India. 
    • Enables India to have civil nuclear cooperation as an equal partner with the US and the rest of the world. 
    • Allows US companies to supply nuclear fuel and dual-use nuclear technology (including materials and equipment that could be used to enrich uranium or reprocess plutonium) for India’s civilian nuclear energy program.
    • Enables India to meet the twin challenges of energy security and environmental sustainability. 
  • India agrees to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog group, access to its civilian nuclear program. 

Key Facts

  • India is not a signatory to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which it views as discriminatory.
  • India has not signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
  • India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the main reason being its refusal to sign the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Read More: US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation 

INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer Commissioned

Context: Recently, three naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, INS Vaghsheer, Project 75.  

About INS Nilgiri

About INS Nilgiri
  • INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class.
    • The Nilgiri-class stealth frigate is built under the codename Project 17A.
    •  It is a follow-on vessel of Shivalik class or Project 17 frigates currently in service.
  • INS Nilgiri is the first of seven frigates in Project 17A being built indigenously by:
    • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
    • Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). 
  • The multi-mission frigates are capable of dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats. 
  • The ships are fitted with:
    • supersonic surface-to-surface missile system
    • Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) system
    • 76 millimetre upgraded gun
    • combination of rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.
  • Significance: With their versatile weapons and capabilities, these ships can play a crucial role in anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Note: Other six ships of this class — Himgiri, Taragiri, Udaygiri, Dunagiri, and Vindhyagiri — are at various stages of construction at MDL and GRSE.

About INS Surat

  • INS Surat is the fourth and final stealth guided missile destroyer under Project 15B.
    • INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal have been commissioned over the past three years.
  • Key Features: 
    • INS Surat is a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and overall length of 164 metres.
    • INS Surat:
      • is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and torpedoes.
      • is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set comprising four gas turbines, it has achieved speeds exceeding 30 knots (56 km/h) during sea trials.
      • has modern sensors and communication facilities making them a key asset in network-centric warfare.
      • is Indian Navy’s first Al (artificial intelligence) enabled warship, which will utilise indigenously developed Al solutions to enhance its operational efficiency manifold.
  • Indigeneously built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
  • Significance: The warships have high speed and manoeuvrability, greater strike capability, and longer endurance, making them key assets in naval operations (mainly offensive).
  • Note:
    • Project 15A: The guided missile destroyers of the Kolkata class built under the project codenamed 15A — INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai — have been commissioned into the Navy.
    • Project 15B: To build an advanced variant of the Kolkata class, a contract for the construction of four more guided missile destroyers under the project codenamed 15B was signed in 2011.

About INS Vaghsheer

  • The sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project or Kalvari class submarine built under Project 75. 
    • Vaghsheer is named after a type of sandfish found in the Indian Ocean.
  • Design is based on the Scorpene class submarines developed by the French defence major Naval Group, and the Spanish state-owned entity Navantia.
  • Key Features:
    • The submarines have Diesel Electric transmission systems.
    • One of the world’s most silent and versatile diesel-electric class of submarines. 
    • They are attack submarines or the ‘hunter-killer’ type which are designed to target and sink adversary naval vessels.
      • armed with wire-guided torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and advanced sonar systems.
      • allows for future upgrades such as integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
    • Have the capability of operating in a wide range of Naval combat including:
      • anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare
      • intelligence gathering and surveillance
      • underwater mining operations and naval mine laying.

Project 75

  • Under Project 75, six Scorpene-class submarines (Kalvari class) are being constructed indigenously (at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited Mumbai) with Transfer of Technology from France. 
  • The project was initiated in 1997, and five submarines are currently commissioned. Submarines under Project 75 (Kalvari-class): 
    • INS Kalvari: Inducted in 2017 
    • INS Kandheri: Inducted in 2019 
    • INS Karanj: Inducted in 2021 
    • INS Vela: Inducted 2021 
    • INS Vagir: Inducted 2023
    • INS Vagsheer: Commissioned in Jan 2025. 
  • Budget size: Rs 23,000 crore. 

Conclusion: Addition of these three vessels was a step towards achieving the force level required for the Navy to be a formidable deterrent against any regional threats, and to bolster India’s strategic maritime influence in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. 

National Turmeric Board

Context: The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has established the National Turmeric Board of India at Nizamabad, Telangana.

Relevance of the Topic Prelims: Key facts about the National Turmeric Board. 

About National Turmeric Board

  • The National Turmeric Board is a dedicated body that will focus on the development and growth of turmeric and turmeric products in the country.
  • Nature: It is not a statutory body.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry. 
  • Functions: The board will perform following functions;
    • Trade policy: It will work on policy formulation to increase turmeric yield and boost logistics and supply chain to foster trade into newer markets. The board has been constituted to boost turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030. 
    • R&D and value addition: It will promote research and development of new turmeric products, and will look into value addition of turmeric related products for marketing abroad. 
    • Ensure quality and safety standards: It will ensure quality and safety standards of turmeric production and exports. It will put efforts to enhance the capacity of farmers and food producer agencies for the same. 
    • Awareness generation: It will work on awareness generation about the medicinal and essential properties of turmeric.

About Turmeric

  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant from the Ginger family grown in temperature conditions of 20-30 degrees Celsius and high rainfall conditions.
  • India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric with 75% of global production.
  • It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and finds its mention in Ayurveda as Haridra.
  • More than 30 varieties of Turmeric are grown in India and it is grown in over 20 states in the country. 
  • The largest producing states of Turmeric are Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
  • The leading export markets for Indian Turmeric are Bangladesh, UAE, USA and Malaysia.

India-Bangladesh Border Fencing Issue

Context: Bangladesh has lodged opposition to India’s efforts to fence the India-Bangladesh border.

Relevance of the TopicMains: India and its neighbours- India-Bangladesh relations and issues.

Major Highlights:

  • India and Bangladesh share a 4096 kms long complex border (India's longest terrestrial border) with various terrains like marshy land of Sunderbans.  
  • India has been working on fencing the border for several years to address security concerns, but this initiative has faced opposition from Bangladesh, citing legal, humanitarian, and diplomatic challenges.

What are the Issues?

  • Border dispute: India and Bangladesh border is a densely populated area and lacks clear demarcation of border in riverine or marshy areas.
  • Security concerns: India has initiated fencing of the border as the porous border facilitates illegal migration, smuggling of goods, trafficking of women and children and drug trade.
  • Humanitarian and social impact: The regime change in Bangladesh is leading to hardships of people. This is leading to a threat of mass migration to India.

Arguments presented by Bangladesh

Bangladesh presented following arguments to restrain Indian efforts of fencing;

  • Violation of Agreements: Bangladesh claims that India’s fencing efforts violate the Indra-Mujib Accord of 1974, according to which there should be no fencing within 150 yards of the border.
  • Encroachment concerns: Bangladesh has raised concerns that fencing in some areas, particularly near riverine borders, results in the occupation of disputed land or encroachment into Bangladeshi territory.
  • Humanitarian issues: Fencing near residential and agriculture areas will restrain free movement, hampering livelihood of locals.

Indian response to Bangladesh’s arguments

  • Security justification: India has emphasised the need of fencing to prevent;
    • Illegal infiltration
    • Threats of cross-border terrorism 
    • Organised crimes like goods smuggling and human trafficking.
  • Commitment and cooperation: India has reiterated commitment to peace in the region, as India is fencing on the Indian side.
  • Diplomatic measures: India has proposed a joint survey, consultation and high level discussion to address concerns related to fencing alignment and humanitarian issues.
image 124

Way Forward

  • Enhancing dialogue: Border forces of both nations should engage in high level i.e. Director General level border talks. 
  • Joint Border management: India and Bangladesh should establish joint patrols and surveillance mechanisms to reduce reliance on fencing alone.
  • Alternate measures: Both nations can establish economic corridors and integrated check posts to facilitate legal migration to sustain livelihood of locals.

Other issues between India and Bangladesh

Apart from border dispute there are various other issues between India and Bangladesh

  • Illegal migration: Cross border migration has been a contentious issue, with India raising concerns about influx of illegal migrants into states like Assam and West Bengal.
  • Organised crimes: India-Bangladesh face issues like goods smuggling and Human trafficking. Also, cattle smuggling and urea smuggling are persistent. 
  • Water sharing dispute: India and Bangladesh have various river water sharing issues like Teesta river and Brahmaputra water sharing issue.
  • Energy cooperation challenges: Bangladesh is facing challenges with the Adani powers on energy sharing agreement due to delay in payments.
  • Minority issues: There have been persistent issues of attack on minorities in Bangladesh. India has lodged multiple concerns about protection of minorities in Bangladesh. E.g., Attack on ISKCON in Bangladesh.

Read More:  India - Bangladesh border

Conclusion: Despite ongoing issues such as border disputes, water sharing, and trade imbalances, India and Bangladesh continue to prioritise cooperation. Diplomatic efforts, joint initiatives, and dialogue mechanisms remain essential in resolving conflicts and enhancing bilateral relations, fostering stability and growth in the region for both nations.

Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project

Context: The Detailed Project Report (DRP) on Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project submitted by Rajasthan will be analysed by various Central agencies.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project; key facts about important locations. 

About Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project

  • PKC-ERCP is a river interlinking project aimed at addressing the water scarcity challenges in the eastern region of Rajasthan.
  • The project will cover 13 districts of Rajasthan and a population of approximately 2.5 crore people.
  • Key details:
    • Water source: ERCP plans to utilise the surplus water from the Chambal basin (particularly Kalisindh, Parvati and Chambal rivers) and redirect it to water-deficient sub-basins such as Banas, Gambhiri, Banganga, and Parbati.
    • Proposed infrastructure: Infrastructure will include a canal, Doongri Dam and associated reservoir.
  • Significance of ERCP: 
    • Water availability: Rajasthan is an arid and semi-arid region facing significant water shortages. ERCP is intended to improve availability in water scarce regions to reduce dependence on erratic rainfall.
    • Irrigation management: The project aims to boost irrigation facilities in 2 lakh hectares in the region, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihood of farmers.
image 122

Challenges and concerns related to the project

  • Environmental impact: The project involves construction of the Doongri dam and reservoir which will lead to the submergence of regions of the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. 
  • Restrain biodiversity movement- The reservoir will divide North Ranthambore and south Ranthambore leading the barrier in the migration corridor of species in reserve.
  • Interstate dispute: Neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh have raised the sharing of Chambal water, this may lead to potential legal and political disputes regarding water sharing.
  • Delays in implementation: The project is witnessing delays as it does not have National project status. Further, environmental activism and poor political will is also delaying the project.
image 123

Way Forward

  • Securing National Project status: Intensifying dialogue with the central government to recognize ERCP as a national project may accelerate the development
  • Dialogue with neighbours: Rajasthan government should have proper dialogue with Madhya Pradesh government to build consensus over water sharing agreement of Chambal.
  • Alternate green corridor: Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment should be conducted to find an alternate green corridor for migration of the species in Ranthambore Tiger reserve.
  • Using technology: A proper planning of identifying water resources and long term impact should be predicted by using geo-spacial satellites and hydraulic modeling.
  • Community participation: ERCP will impact tribals like Van Gujjars of Ranthambore Tiger reserve region. These communities should be considered under planning of the project to evaluate the alternate livelihood for them. 
  • Focus on micro-irrigation: ERCP will only provide water but the focus should be on effective utilisation of the water. Therefore, micro-irrigation projects like sprinkler and drip should be promoted in the region.

About Tiger Reserves in Rajasthan

  • Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: 
    • Located in Sawai Madhopur region of Rajasthan.
    • It is nestled between Aravali in the West and Vindhya ranges in the East side.
    • Banas river flows through the reserve. Banas is a tributary of Chambal river.
  • Sariska Tiger Reserve (Alwar): Situated in the Aravalli Hills, Sariska is known for its efforts in tiger relocation and conservation. It also houses historical ruins like the Kankwari Fort.
  • Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (Kota): A newer reserve established in 2013, it spans the Mukundra Hills and aims to expand tiger habitats in Rajasthan.
  • Ramgarh Vishdhari: It is the fourth Tiger reserve of Rajasthan and 52nd Tiger reserve of the nation declared in 2022. Mej river, a tributary of Chambal flows through this region. Famous for Monitor Lizards.

Anti-tank guided missile Nag Mark-2

Context: India has successfully conducted field evaluation trials of indigenously-developed third-generation anti-tank guided missile Nag Mark-2. The trials were conducted at the Pokhran field range in Rajasthan, where the missile showcased exceptional precision and reliability.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Nag Mk-2.

About Nag Mark-2 Missile

  • Nag Mk-2 is an indigenously made all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). 
  • Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • Nag Mk-2 missile is launched from the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier).
    • NAMICA is an anti-tank armored vehicle or tank destroyer vehicle used by the Indian Army to launch anti-tank missiles. 
    • NAMICA is based on SARATH BMP-II. SARATH BMP-II is an amphibious infantry combat vehicle (ICV) used by the Indian Army. 
  • Estimated Range of Nag Mk-2 missile: 7 to 10 kilometres.
    • It is a significant improvement over Nag Mark 1, which has a 4-kilometre range.
image 121

Key features:

  • Third-Generation Fire-and-Forget Technology: Enables precision targeting with minimal operator intervention post-launch.
  • Versatile Performance: Capable of neutralising modern armoured vehicles, equipped with explosive reactive armour (ERA).
  • High-explosive anti tank (HEAT) warhead: The missile has a tandem HEAT warhead for increased destructive power.
  • Platform Compatibility: Successfully integrated with Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA), enhancing battlefield mobility and deployment flexibility.

Significance:

  • Underscored India's growing capabilities in anti-tank warfare and enhances Indian Army's ability to counter evolving armour threats.
  • Reaffirms India's commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 

Makaravilakku Festival

Context: Makaravilakku was celebrated at the Sabarimala temple in Kerala, coinciding with Makara Sankranti on 14th January 2025. 

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Makaravilakku Festival; Sabarimala Temple. 

About Makaravilakku Festival

  • Makaravilakku is an annual festival held in Kerala at the Sabarimala temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
  • The festival marks the culmination of a rigorous 41-day pilgrimage (which begins in mid-November and ends on Makara Sankranti) to honor Lord Ayyappa.
  • On this day, Lord Ayyappa is believed to have manifested in the form of a divine light, marking the arrival of prosperity and happiness.
image 119

Rituals:

  • 41-Day Pilgrimage (Vratham): 
    • Devotees who wish to participate in the Makaravilakku festival must observe a 41-day vratham which has strict conduct like celibacy, fasting, and wearing black or saffron clothing. 
    • The pilgrimage represents a period of self-purification, discipline, and devotion.
  • Makara Jyothi (divine light):
    • Makaravilakku or Makara Jyothi is one of the central elements of the festival.  
    • It is believed to be the divine light (symbolic presence) of Lord Ayyappa, and it appears at a specific spot near the temple in the evening. 
  • Grand Thiruvabharanam procession:
    • On Makaravilakku day, the sacred Thiruvabharanam, the royal ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are carried by a procession that moves from the Pandalam Palace to the Sabarimala temple, accompanied by chanting and music. 
image 120

About Sabarimala Temple

  • Sabarimala Sree Ayyappan Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Ayyappan, also known as Dharma Shasta.
  • According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ayyappa is the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu (Vishnu in his incarnation as Mohini). 
  • It is one of the largest annual pilgrimage sites in the world, with an estimate of over 10 to 15 million devotees visiting every year. 
  • The temple practices prohibit the women between the ages of 10 and 50 years from accessing the temple premises.
    • In 2018, the Supreme Court of India invalidated the prohibition on female entry inside the temple. 

Geographical location: 

  • Location: Sabarimala hill, Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. 
  • The temple is surrounded by 18 hills in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
  • The temple is located on the banks of the river Pamba.
  • Pamba River (Pampa River/ Dakshina Bhageerathi) is one of the longest river in Kerala after Periyar and Bharathappuzha.
  • During ancient times, it was called 'River Baris'. 

Time to recalibrate PM-KUSUM Scheme

Context: The PM KUSUM scheme has achieved significant results, however, in order to achieve its objectives, both the Centre and the State governments have to work in sync, while recalibrating the process of implementation.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: PM KUSUM Scheme.

Mains: PM KUSUM- Challenges and Recommendations. 

What is the PM KUSUM scheme?

PM-KUSUM Scheme
  • PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan) Scheme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in 2019.
  • It was launched in order to endow installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas and reduce dependence on grid, in grid-connected areas.
  • Objectives:
    • To enable farmers to set up solar power generation capacity on their arid lands and to sell it to the grid.
    • To increase the income of farmers by allowing them to sell surplus solar power to the grid.
  • Components:
    • Component A: 10,000 MW of decentralised ground-mounted grid-connected renewable power plants.
    • Component B: Installation of 20 lakh solar-powered agriculture pumps.
    • Component C: Converting 15 lakh agriculture pumps, already connected to the grid, into solar.

Significance of the Scheme:

  • Increase Access to Energy:
    • It incentivises the farmers to sell surplus solar energy to the states, which in turn will augment their income.
    • The scheme is expected to increase access to electricity in rural areas and provide a reliable source of energy for agriculture and other rural activities.
  • Contain Climate Catastrophe:
    • If farmers are able to sell surplus power, they will be incentivised to save power and, in turn, it will mean the reasonable and efficient use of groundwater.
    • Expansion of the irrigation cover by providing decentralised solar-based irrigation and moving away from polluting diesel.
    • When implemented fully, PM-KUSUM will lead to reducing carbon emissions by as much as 32 million tonnes of CO2 per annum.
  • Employment and Empowerment:
    • The scheme creates job opportunities in the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar power projects.
    • It empowers rural communities by giving them control over their own energy generation and distribution.

Challenges in Implementation:

  • Component-wise Progress:
    • Component A: Minimal progress due to lack of bidding guidelines and low feed-in tariffs.
    • Component B: Most successful, with 60% Central financial assistance and decentralised implementation in states like Rajasthan.
    • Component C: Limited traction due to lack of incentives for farmers already receiving cheap electricity.
  • Political Bias:
    • Divergence between Centre-State relations impacts scheme adoption. E.g., Bihar’s non-participation due to earlier political differences.
  • Operational Issues:
    • Inter-state Disparity E.g., Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan together account for half of two lakh solar pumps currently deployed in the country. 
    • Centralised implementation limits effectiveness.
    • Insufficient awareness campaigns and quality concerns for pumps.
    • Dependence on groundwater availability and irrigation challenges.

Way Forward

  • Decentralised Implementation:
    • Leverage local agencies for tailored execution.
    • Target linked financial assistance to reduce Inter-state disparity and address state-specific constraints.
  • Financial Incentives:
    • Increase Central assistance for Components A and C.
    • Introduce farmer-friendly payment options.
  • Policy Reforms:
    • Align agricultural subsidies with solar adoption to ensure farmer participation.
    • Promote dual-use models like Agro-PV (energy and farming integration).
    • Give up One Size Fits-all approach: Small and marginal farmers should be given a higher capital subsidy and long-term loans with interest subsidies.
  • Focus on Efficiency of Pumps: Solarising grid connected pumps must include replacement of the pump with more energy efficient newer age pumps. 
  • Awareness and Capacity Building: Wide-reaching campaigns to educate stakeholders. Training programs for farmers and implementing agencies.
  • Focus on Post-harvest losses: Use solar power for post-harvesting processes to promote local value addition and enhanced income levels.

By addressing implementation challenges, PM KUSUM can contribute significantly to climate action, energy security, and rural development. Its success depends on a holistic approach that integrates policy, technology, and local insights.

Urea Industry: Success Story

Context: Amid shortages in di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and a general lack of manufacturing sector investments, the urea industry has seen significant installation of new production capacities and progress towards achieving the goal of Atmanirbharta.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Basic understanding of Urea Industry- Present Status, Make vs Buy, etc.

Present Status of the Urea Industry

  • Domestic urea production:
    • Between 2011-12 and 2023-24, India’s domestic urea production has risen from 22 million to 31.4 million tonnes.
  • Urea Imports:
    • Imports fell from 7.8 mt to 7 mt after peaking at over 9.8 mt in 2020-21. 
  • The current fiscal has so far recorded a further 31.7% drop in imports.
image 16

Read more: Fertilizer Subsidies: Mechanism and Challenges 

Benefits of Greenfield Projects in Urea Industry

  • Increased Production: The increase in urea production is attributed to six new plants launched in FY 2019 and later:
    • Three of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd (HURL) 
    • Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals
    • Matix Fertilisers & Chemicals 
    • Ramagundam Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (RFCL)
  • Climate-friendly:
    • These greenfield plants run on natural gas (mostly imported) with an identical annual production capacity of 1.27 mt. 
  • Energy-efficient:
    • They are also relatively energy-efficient, requiring only about 5 giga-calories (GCal) to produce one tonne of urea. The earlier units consume between 5.5 and 6.5 GCal.
  • Favourable Location:
    • The new plants are located in the new Green Revolution- areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Telangana.
    • The older units such as the National Fertilizers Ltd’s (NFL) Bathinda, Nangal and Panipat catered solely to farmers in Punjab and Haryana.
  • Indigenous feedstock:
    • There is a seventh urea plant coming up in Talcher, Odisha.
    • Unlike the six gas-based units producing ammonia with technology licensed from US, Denmark and urea from Italy or Japan, Talcher Fertilizers Ltd’s project will use coal as the feedstock. The coal is from the Talcher mines. 

The Make vs. Buy debate

  • Arguments supporting “Buy”:
    • Investment:
      • New plants need an investment of around Rs 61,575 crore.
    • Price:
      • The price of imported urea in India is currently $370-403 per tonne.
      • Urea from domestic greenfield projects cost $493 per tonne. 
      • Thus it is cheaper to “buy” (import) than “make” urea in India. 
  • Arguments supporting “Make”:
    • Price:
      • After deducting the levies on the feedstock cost of domestic urea, the cost will come down to $427 per tonne.
    • Transportation:
      • The imported bulk urea arriving in vessels has to be discharged at the port, before bagging and reloading for dispatch to the consumption centres. 
      • Moving this urea to the northern and eastern hinterlands would involve an additional cost of $30-35/tonne.
      • That further narrows the gap between “buy” and “make”. 
    • Other Benefits:
      • Domestic production creates employment.
      • Boosts overall economic activity that accrues from Make-in-India, as compared to simply Import-into-India.

A different Atmanirbhar urea strategy of “making” more in Northern and Eastern India, while exploring greater “buy” options for Peninsular India can be done by the Government. This along with shutting down some of the older energy-inefficient plants and also curbing urea consumption can boost the urea industry while placing India on path to achieve its Panchamrit goals.

PM-KISAN: Highs and Lows

Context: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), which provides yearly income support of ₹6,000 to eligible farmer families in three installments, has been through highs and lows both in terms of coverage and payout.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Questions regarding PM-KISAN scheme.

Mains: Analytical question on schemes, their impact, lacunae and suggestions.

About PM KISAN

  • Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN) scheme launched in 2018 provides an annual income support of Rs. 6000/- to eligible farmers in three installments.
  • Intended beneficiaries:
    • Originally, landholding farmers having a farming area up to 2 hectares were eligible for the scheme (around 80% of farmers in India). 
    • Later, in 2019 the scheme was extended to all farmers who owned land, irrespective of the size of their landholdings. 
  • Expected outcomes from scheme: 
    • Income support: The scheme was intended to benefit 14.5 crore farmers by providing them income support of Rs. 6000 annually. 
    • Reduction in farm distress by creating a buffer for the farmers during negative externalities like drought and crop failure.
    • Poverty alleviation: As 22% of Below poverty line are farmers (Situation Assessment Survey), income support will reduce poverty burden on farmers.
    • Demonstrating commitment towards farmers' benefit and doubling farmer’s income.
image 116

Key Challenges in the Scheme Implementation

  • Does not address structural problems such as fragmentation of land holdings, higher dependence on monsoonal rainfall, poor marketing infrastructure (APMCs) etc. and hence, PM-KISAN is populist rather than reformist.
  • Promote Fragmentation of Landholdings: Farming households holding larger land parcels will try to split holdings to try to qualify for the benefits under the scheme.
  • Exclusionary: Excludes the landless agricultural workers, tenants, and sharecroppers.
  • Absence of land records may lead to exclusion of poor and vulnerable categories of farmers.
  • Inadequate financial support: The scheme offers Rs. 6000/- per annum to farmers equates to Rs. 17 per day per household that is substantially low to achieve goals like alleviation of farm poverty.
  • Under-utilised corpus: The fund allocated for the scheme was around Rs. 85000 crores but it remained under utilised since launch of scheme.  The scheme witnesses fluctuating beneficiaries, also the number is reducing from 2021-22 to 2023-24. 
  • Substandard than state schemes: Many state schemes like Telangana’s Rythu Bandhu and Odisha’s Kalia scheme provide better income support to farmers than the PM Kisan scheme, leading to limited enrollment of farmers.
image 117

Suggestive Measures for better Implementation

  • Increasing support amount: The scheme can explore increasing support to promote enrollment in the scheme on the lines of Rythu Bandhu and Kalia scheme of states.
  • Expand beneficiary coverage: Scheme should increase coverage by adding landless tenants with substantial proof of tenancy agreement in scheme.
  • Adding benefits: Apart from income support, the scheme can be drafted as an umbrella support extending to medical expenses, crop insurance and credit assurance scheme rationalising other schemes in PM KISAN.
  • Strengthening implementation: Digitisation of land records and using digital records for identification of beneficiary can improve impact of scheme at ground level.

Conclusion: The PM-KISAN scheme, while a significant step toward supporting small and marginal farmers, requires increased financial aid, broader beneficiary inclusion, and efficient implementation for maximum impact. With effective execution, it can reduce farmer distress, boost rural economies, and enhance agricultural productivity, fostering socio-economic development in India's agrarian landscape.

What is rat-hole mining?

Context: Recently, nine workers were trapped in a flooded coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. Bodies of four of the workers have been recovered, and rescue work is still ongoing.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Rat Hole Mining.

Rat Hole Mining

  • The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal. 
  • A rat-hole mine involves digging of very small tunnels, usually only 3-4 feet deep, in which workers, more often children, enter and extract coal. Rat-hole mining is broadly of two types – side-cutting and box-cutting.
image 57
  • Rat hole mining is prevalent in the Northeastern States, especially in Meghalaya.

Why is it prevalent in North-eastern India?

Despite the presence of coal reserves, commercial mining is not practiced in the North-Eastern regions because of terrain’s unsuitability and nature of coal deposits. 

  • The coal seam is extremely thin, and methods like open-cast mining are economically unviable.
  • The coal found in the North-East contains lots of sulfur and this type of coal is categorized as bad quality of coal. Thus discourages big ticket private investments.
  • Being a tribal state where the 6th Schedule applies, all land is privately owned, and hence coal mining (like limestone mining) is done by private parties which do not have capacity of big investment.
  • Further, these mines are considered as gold chest by the locals which provides employment and prospect of money for the population of these backward area without much investment.

Demerits

Damage to Ecology:

  • Unregulated rat mining leads to land degradation, deforestation, and water with high concentrations of sulphates, iron, and toxic heavy metals, low dissolved oxygen, and high biochemical oxygen demand.
  • Ecology - Piling of coals along roadside have caused severe issues of air and water pollution. Off road movements in and around mining area has resulted into damaged ecology. A petition to NGT by Assam’s All Dimasa Students’ Union has claimed that rat-hole mining in Meghalaya had caused the water in the Kopili river (it flows through Meghalaya and Assam) to turn acidic.
  • Risk to lives - Asphyxiation because of poor ventilation, flooding of mines during rainy season, and sudden collapse due to unscientific digging has caused loss of life to individuals.

Present Status

  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned rat-hole mining in 2014, and retained the ban in 2015. 
  • The ban was on grounds of the practice being unscientific and unsafe for workers.
  • The Meghalaya High Court appointed Justice (Retired) BP Katakey committee to recommend the measures to be taken by the state in compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT). This committee noted that despite the ban, illegal mining continues with large cache of coals reaching to the markets unhindered.

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