RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT
1. Context
The Supreme Court on Tuesday mooted whether the Chairpersons of Human Rights Commissions of States with low traffic of Right to Information (RTI) appeals could be given additional responsibility of acting as Chief Information Commissioners (CICs) till there is an increase in workload
2. The Right to Information (RTI) Act:
- The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a landmark legislation enacted in India in 2005.
- It empowers citizens to access information held by public authorities and promotes transparency and accountability in government functioning.
Here are key points about the RTI Act:
Objective
The primary objective of the RTI Act is to provide citizens with the legal right to request and receive information from government agencies and departments.
Applicability
The Act applies to all government bodies at the central, state, and local levels, including ministries, departments, public sector undertakings, and even non-governmental organizations receiving government funding.
Information Disclosure
It mandates government bodies to proactively disclose certain categories of information to the public, reducing the need for citizens to file RTI applications for routine information.
Request Process
- Citizens can file RTI applications in writing, seeking specific information. They need to pay a nominal fee with the application.
- Information must be provided within 30 days (or 48 hours for information concerning life and liberty), failing which authorities must explain the delay.
Exemptions
The Act specifies certain categories of information that are exempt from disclosure, primarily to protect national security, privacy, and sovereignty.
Public Interest Override
Even if the information falls under exempt categories, it must still be disclosed if there is an overriding public interest.
Promoting Accountability
- The RTI Act is a powerful tool for holding public officials accountable for their actions and decisions.
- It has been instrumental in exposing corruption, inefficiency, and human rights violations.
Challenges and Amendments:
Over the years, there have been concerns about the Act's effectiveness due to delays, procedural hurdles, and some amendments that activists argue weaken its provisions.
Impact
- The RTI Act has empowered citizens to participate in governance, making the government more transparent and accountable.
- It has been hailed as a significant step toward strengthening democracy in India.
Role of Information Commissions
Information Commissions at the central and state levels are responsible for hearing appeals and resolving disputes related to RTI applications.
3. RTI Act Amendment:
- The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023, amended the RTI Act.
- It changed the prohibition on disclosing personal data from qualified to the total.
- NCPRI opposed this change, as it hinders social audits and may protect powerful officials.
- The Right to Information (Amendment) Act, of 2019, gave Union Government unilateral power over information commissioners' tenure and salaries.
- This raised concerns about their independence and effectiveness.
4. Undermining the RTI Act:
Dependence on Subordinate Rules:
- The RTI Act's effectiveness relies on subordinate rules set by Union and State Governments.
- States have autonomy in determining payment methods for RTI applications, causing disparities.
Payment Method Variations
- Inconsistencies exist in payment methods across states.
- Example: Tamil Nadu doesn't accept Indian Postal Orders (IPOs), a convenient payment method.
- Court fee stamps and demand drafts may be less accessible and burdensome alternatives.
Tardy Appointments to Information Commissions
- Delays in appointing members to Information Commissions, like the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs), erode confidence.
- Appeals can languish for months or years without resolution.
- Jharkhand SIC, for instance, lacked commissioners since May 2020, rendering the appeals process ineffective.
5. Online RTIs:
- Online RTI applications ease accessibility by eliminating the need for uncommon financial instruments.
- Payment via UPI simplifies the process.
- Many Indian states lack online RTI portals, limiting access for citizens.
- Even when available, some state government bodies may not be registered on these portals.
- The Union Government's RTI portal, launched in 2013, faces usability issues.
- Account creation, which streamlined the application process, has been removed.
- Users must now enter personal details for each application.
- Past applicant data has experienced glitches, with applications disappearing and later being restored.
6. Challenges and Dissatisfaction:
- Dissatisfaction with the RTI Act's effectiveness is increasing at a fundamental level.
- More first appeals are being filed, indicating public dissatisfaction with the information provided by public officials.
- The RTI Act faces structural problems related to institutions and websites.
- These issues hinder citizens' ability to conveniently access information and file requests.
- Activists highlight that the weakening of the RTI Act isn't limited to changes in the law's text.
- It stems from various government institutions' ways of discharging duties, narrowing avenues for information access, and understaffed appellate bodies.
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For Prelims: Right to Information Act, 2005, Central Information Commission (CIC), State Information Commissions (SICs), Indian Postal Orders (IPOs), Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023.
For Mains: 1. Examine the impact of recent amendments to the Right to Information (RTI) Act on its core principles of transparency and accountability. How can the Act strike a balance between protecting sensitive information and ensuring citizens' access to government-held data?
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Previous year Question1. Which of the following is related to the Right to Information Act, of 2005? (UPPSC 2015)
A. Lily Thomas v/s Union of India
B. Nandini Sundar v/s State of Chhattisgarh
C. Namit Sharma v/s Union of India
D. None of the above
Answer: C
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Source: The Hindu
GLOBAL WARMING
1. Context
Climate change is turning seas greener, forests browner and coral reefs whiter; as habitats grow warmer and more polluted, insects and birds are altering their pigmentation, reshaping how they adapt to their surroundings, tolerate heat and even how successfully they mate
2. The difference in Temperature rise
- Temperature rises over land is much higher than over oceans. Overland the annual mean temperatures have risen by as much as 1.59 degree Celsius since preindustrial times, according to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
- Oceans, in contrast, have warmed by about 0.88 degree Celsius. The warming trends over the Indian region are very different.
- An assessment of climate change over the Indian subcontinent, published by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2020, said annual mean temperatures had risen by 0.7 degree Celsius from 1900.
- This is significantly lower than the 1.59 degree Celsius rise for land temperatures across the world. It could give the impression that the problem of climate change in India was not as acute as in other parts of the world. But that is not entirely accurate.
3. Why is warming over India is lower?
- The relatively lower rise in temperatures over India is not a surprise. Also, India is not a special case. The increase in temperatures is known to be more prominent in the higher altitudes, near the polar regions, than near the equator.
- This is attributable to a complex set of atmospheric phenomena, including heat transfers from the tropics to the poles through prevailing systems of air circulation. India happens to be in the tropical region, quite close to the equator.
- A substantial part of the difference between the temperature rise over India and that over the entire world can be explained by understanding what the different numbers represent.
- The planet as a whole has warmed by 1.1 degree Celsius compared with preindustrial times.
- But, as mentioned earlier, this is just the average. Different regions have seen very different levels of warming.
- The polar regions, particularly the Arctic, have seen significantly greater warming. The IPCC report says the Arctic region has warmed at least twice as much as the world average.
- Its current annual mean temperatures are about 2 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial times. Some other studies suggest the Arctic could be warming even faster.
- Again, this happens because of a variety of reasons, including the processes mentioned earlier. Another prominent cause is what is known as the albedo effect, or how much sunlight a surface reflects. The ice cover in the Arctic is melting, because of which more land or water is getting exposed to the Sun.
- Ice traps the least amount of heat and reflects most of the solar radiation when compared with land or water.
- More recent research suggests that the higher warming in the polar region could be attributed to a host of factors, including the albedo effect, changes in clouds, water vapour, and atmospheric temperatures.
- The warming in the polar regions accounts for a substantial part of the 1.1-degree Celsius temperature rise over the entire globe.
4. Higher warming over land than oceans
- However, the 0.7 degree Celsius temperature rise over India has to be compared with the warming seen over land areas, not the entire planet.
- As mentioned, land areas have become warmer by 1.59 degree Celsius. Land areas tend to get heated faster and by a larger amount, than oceans.
- Daily and seasonal variations in heating over land and oceans are usually explained in terms of their different heat capacities. Oceans have a higher capacity to cool themselves down through the process of evaporation.
- The warmer water evaporates, leaving the rest of the ocean relatively cooler. However, longer-term enhanced heating trends over land have to be attributed to other, more complicated, physical processes involving land-ocean-atmospheric interactions.
5. Impact of Aerosols
- Aerosols refer to all kinds of particles suspended in the atmosphere. These particles have the potential to affect the local temperature in multiple ways.
- Many of these scatter sunlight back, so that lesser heat is absorbed by the land. Aerosols also affect cloud formation.
- Clouds, in turn, have an impact on how much sunlight is reflected or absorbed.
Aerosol concentration in the Indian region is quite high, due to natural as well as man-made reasons. - Due to its location in the tropics and the arid climate, India is no stranger to dust. But it also happens to be experiencing heavy pollution right now.
- Emissions from vehicles, industries, construction, and other activities add a lot of aerosols to the Indian region. A reduction in warming could be an unintended but positive side effect.
| For Prelims: Global Warming, Intercontinental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Aerosols, Albedo, Climate change, and land-ocean-atmospheric interactions. |
Previous year Questions
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1. In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration? (UPSC 2017)
1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams
2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs
3. Subterranean deep saline formations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3 only
Answer: D
2. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017)
1. Climatic and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a unique initiative of the G20 group of countries.
2. The CCAC focuses on methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons.
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
Answer: B
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Source: The Indian Express
UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION (UGC)
1. Context:
Last month, the University Grants Commission (UGC) (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, triggered protests by a section of general category students. On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the regulations.
2. University Grants Commission (UGC)
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is a statutory body in India that was established to oversee and maintain the standards of higher education. It was formed in 1956 under the University Grants Commission Act of 1956 and operates under the Ministry of Education, Government of India
The primary functions of the UGC include:
- Allocating funds to universities and colleges.
- Formulating and implementing academic standards for higher education institutions.
- Monitoring and maintaining the quality of teaching, research, and examinations in universities.
- Providing guidance and coordination among universities and colleges in the country.
- Supporting and promoting innovations and improvements in the education system
3. Appointment, Tenure, Eligibility
University Grants Commission (UGC) Appointment, Tenure, and Eligibility
| Position | Appointment Method | Tenure | Minimum Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | Appointed by the President of India | 5 years, extendable for another 5 years (subject to review) | Distinguished academician with: * Minimum 10 years of experience as Professor in a University system or 10 years in equivalent position at a reputed research/academic administrative organization. * Eminence in higher education. * No connection with the concerned university or its colleges. |
| Member | Appointed by the President of India | 5 years, extendable for another 5 years (subject to review) | Renowned scholar/expert with: * Proven track record in teaching/research/administration in relevant field. * Minimum 10 years of experience as Professor/equivalent in a University/College/Institute of national importance. * Demonstrated commitment to higher education development. |
| Vice-Chancellor (University) | Appointed by Executive Council of the University | 5 years, extendable for another 5 years | Distinguished academician with: * Minimum 10 years of experience as Professor in a University system or 10 years in equivalent position at a reputed research/academic administrative organization. * Eminence in the sphere of higher education. * No connection with the concerned university or its colleges. |
| Dean (Faculty) or Director (School/Institute) | Appointed by Executive Council of the University/Governing Council of the Institute | 5 years, extendable for another 5 years | Eminent scholar with: * Minimum 10 years of experience as Professor in relevant field. * Exceptional research record and contributions to the discipline. * Strong administrative and leadership skills. |
| Professor | Through Selection Committee constituted by the University | Up to 5 years (initially), extendable based on performance review | Ph.D. in relevant subject with: * Proven track record of research publications in peer-reviewed journals. * Significant contribution to the discipline. * Experience in research supervision. |
| Associate Professor | Through Selection Committee constituted by the University | Up to 5 years (initially), extendable based on performance review | Ph.D. in relevant subject with: * Good academic record and publications. * Minimum 8 years of teaching/research experience in relevant field. |
| Assistant Professor | Through Selection Committee constituted by the University | Up to 5 years (initially), extendable based on performance review | Master's degree with at least 55% marks and Ph.D. in relevant/allied/cognate discipline OR Master's degree with NET/SLET/SET qualification. |
4. University Grants Commission - Statutory Provisions
The University Grants Commission (UGC) operates under statutory provisions outlined primarily in the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. Here are some of the key statutory provisions governing the UGC:
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University Grants Commission Act, 1956: This is the primary legislation that established the UGC. It defines the roles, functions, powers, and responsibilities of the Commission. It also outlines the composition of the UGC, appointment procedures, and its authority to allocate funds to universities and colleges.
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UGC (Institutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2016: These regulations provide guidelines for institutions seeking the status of "Deemed to be University." They specify the criteria, application process, and conditions for granting this status.
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UGC (Minimum Standards of Instruction for the Grant of the First Degree through Non-formal/Distance Education) Regulations, 2017: These regulations specify the minimum standards for offering programs through distance education mode, ensuring quality education delivery.
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UGC (Open and Distance Learning) Regulations, 2017: These regulations govern the standards and norms for open and distance learning programs offered by universities and institutions in India.
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UGC (Establishment and Maintenance of Standards in Private Universities) Regulations, 2003: These regulations outline the norms and standards for the establishment and functioning of private universities, ensuring quality education.
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UGC (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women Employees and Students in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2015: These regulations mandate higher educational institutions to establish mechanisms for preventing and addressing sexual harassment.
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UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2012: These regulations aim to promote equity in higher education, focusing on providing opportunities to disadvantaged sections of society.
5. University Grants Commission - Powers and Functions
The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India is entrusted with several powers and functions aimed at promoting and regulating higher education in the country.
Some of its key powers and functions include:
- UGC allocates funds to universities and colleges for their development, improvement, and maintenance
- Provides financial assistance to encourage and support research activities in various academic disciplines
- UGC establishes and maintains academic standards in higher education to ensure quality across universities and colleges
- Develops frameworks and guidelines for curriculum development in different academic programs
- UGC recognizes universities in India and provides approval for the establishment of new universities
- Monitors the quality of education, teaching, research, and examinations in universities to ensure adherence to set standards
- UGC promotes and supports research activities by providing grants, fellowships, and scholarships to students and faculty members
- Facilitates coordination and cooperation among universities and other higher educational institutions
- Advises the Central and State governments on matters related to higher education policies, regulations, and development
- Provides guidance, assistance, and recommendations to universities for enhancing their academic and research standards
- Conducts assessments and accredits higher education institutions to ensure and improve quality
- Undertakes periodic reviews and assessments to maintain and enhance the quality of education
- Implements programs and initiatives to promote access to higher education for underprivileged and marginalized sections of society
- Develops and revises regulations and guidelines governing various aspects of higher education, such as distance education, deemed universities, private universities, etc
- Collects, analyzes, and maintains data related to higher education for policy formulation and decision-making purposes
6.Institutions which grant Degree
In India, degrees are granted by various types of institutions that are recognized and authorized to award them.
These institutions include:
- Central Universities: Established by an Act of Parliament and are under the purview of the central government.
- State Universities: Established by state governments within their respective states.
- Deemed Universities: Granted the status of "Deemed to be University" by the University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Many colleges are affiliated with universities and offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The degrees awarded by these colleges are conferred by the affiliated university
- Some colleges have been granted autonomy by the University Grants Commission or the respective university. These colleges have the authority to design their curriculum and conduct examinations, and they award degrees on their own
- Certain institutes, like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and others designated as Institutes of National Importance, have the authority to award degrees
- Institutions like Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and others recognized by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB) offer distance education programs and award degrees
These institutions adhere to the guidelines and regulations set by regulatory bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Bar Council of India (BCI), Medical Council of India (MCI), and others to maintain the quality and standards of education while awarding degrees in their respective fields of expertise
7. Challenges regarding the University Grants Commission
The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India, despite its significant role in regulating and fostering higher education, faces several challenges:
Insufficient Funding: The allocated funds might not always meet the growing needs of universities and colleges, impacting infrastructure development, research, and educational quality
Ensuring Quality: Maintaining and assuring consistent quality across a diverse range of institutions, especially in rapidly evolving fields, can be challenging.
Accreditation Processes: Some institutions struggle to meet accreditation criteria, impacting their ability to offer recognized degrees
Rapid Changes in Education: Keeping regulations updated and aligned with the evolving educational landscape, including emerging technologies and global standards, poses a challenge
Global Rankings: Enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian higher education institutions in terms of rankings and international collaborations is an ongoing challenge
Industry-Relevant Skills: Aligning educational programs with industry needs to enhance employability requires continuous curriculum updates and industry collaboration
8. University Grants Commission - Historical Background
The University Grants Commission (UGC) in India has a rich historical background that traces back to the pre-independence era and has evolved significantly over time:
Pre-Independence Era:
- 1920s-1940s: Before India gained independence, the idea of a body to oversee and promote higher education emerged. The need for such an institution was discussed during the 1920s and 1930s.
Post-Independence Formation:
- 1947: After India gained independence in 1947, discussions intensified regarding the establishment of a commission to oversee higher education and allocate funds to universities and colleges.
- 1950: The UGC was initially set up as an ad-hoc committee to oversee the allocation of grants to universities and colleges.
- 1956: The University Grants Commission Act was passed on December 28, 1956, establishing the UGC as a statutory body. This formalized its role in overseeing and promoting higher education.
Evolution and Functions:
- Early Years: Initially, the UGC focused on disbursing grants and fostering the development of universities and colleges.
- Expanding Role: Over time, the UGC's role expanded to encompass setting academic standards, promoting research, and advising the government on higher education policies.
- Regulatory Functions: It started playing a more regulatory role by formulating guidelines and regulations for various aspects of higher education.
Milestones and Amendments:
- 1960s-1970s: The UGC underwent amendments to accommodate changes in the higher education landscape and to enhance its effectiveness.
- Subsequent Decades: The UGC continued to evolve, adapting to the changing needs of higher education, introducing reforms, and addressing emerging challenges.
9. Way forward
Throughout its history, the UGC has adapted to the changing educational scenario in India, expanding its functions and responsibilities to meet the evolving needs of higher education. It remains a key institution in the Indian education system, contributing significantly to the development and enhancement of higher education across the country
Source: The Hindu
RETAIL INFLATION
1. Context
Overall vehicle retail sales in January grew 18.61% year on year (YoY) to 27,22,558 units, led by growth in two-wheeler (2W), commercial vehicle (CVs) and three-wheeler (3W) sales, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) on Tuesday
2. What is Inflation?
- It is the rise in prices of goods and services within a particular economy wherein consumers' purchasing power decreases, and the value of the cash holdings erodes.
- In India, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) measures inflation.
- Some causes that lead to inflation are demand increases, reduction in supply, demand-supply gap, excess circulation of money, increase in input costs, devaluation of the currency, and rise in wages, among others.
3. Retail Inflation
Consumers often directly buy from retailers. So, the inflation experienced at retail reflects the actual price rise in the country. It also shows the cost of living better. In India, the index that reflects the inflation rate at the retail level is known as Consumer Price Index (CPI). Unlike WPI, CPI includes both goods and services. CPI is used to calculate the Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees.
4. How Inflation is measured?
- In India, inflation is primarily measured by two main indices- WPI (Wholesale Price Index) and CPI (Consumer Price Index), Which measures Wholesale and retail-level price changes, respectively.
- The CPI calculates the difference in the price of commodities and services such as food, medical care, education, electronics, etc, which Indian consumers buy for use.
- On the other hand, the goods or services sold by businesses to smaller businesses for selling further are captured by the WPI.
- Both WPI (Wholesale Price Index) and CPI (Consumer Price Index) are used to measure inflation in India.
5. What is the Inflation Target?
- Under Section 45ZA, in consultation with the RBI Act, the Central Government determines the inflation target in terms of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), once in five years and notifies it in the Official Gazette.
- Accordingly, on August 5, 2016, the Central Government notified in the Official Gazette 4 percent Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation as the target for the period from August 5, 2016, to March 31, 2021, with the upper tolerance limit of 6 percent and the lower tolerance limit of 2 percent.
- On March 31, 2021, the Central Government retained the inflation target and the tolerance band for the next 5-year period-April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026.
- Section 45ZB of the RBI Act provides for the constitution of a six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to determine the policy rate required to achieve the inflation target.
6. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
- The MPC is a statutory and institutionalized framework under the RBI Act, of 1934, for maintaining price stability, keeping in mind the objective of growth. It was created in 2016.
- It was created to bring transparency and accountability in deciding monetary policy.
- MPC determines the policy interest rate required to achieve the inflation target.
- The committee comprises six members and Governor RBI acts as an ex-officio chairman. Three members are from RBI and three are selected by the government. The inflation target is to be set once every five years. It is set by the Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India.
- The current inflation target is pegged at 4% with -2/+2 tolerance till March 31, 2021.
7. What Caused the drop in Inflation?
- Retail Inflation or price gains based on the Consumer Price Index, slowed to 6.77 % last month, from September's 7.41%, aided by an appreciable deceleration in food price inflation.
- The year-on-year inflation based on the Consumer Food Price Index eased by almost 160 basis points in October, to 7.01%, from the preceding month's 8.60%, helped by a 'decline in prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses and oils, and fats', the Government said.
- With the food and beverages sub-index representing almost 46% of the CPI's weight, the slowdown in food price gains understandably steered overall inflation lower even as price gains in three other essential categories, namely clothing, and footwear, housing, and health remained either little changed from September or quickened.
- Inflation at the Wholesale Prices Level also continued to decelerate, with the headline reading easing into single digits for the first time in 19 months. A favorable base effect along with a distinct cooling in international prices of commodities including crude oil and steel amid gathering uncertainty in advanced economies was largely instrumental in tempering wholesale price gains.
8. Recent Measures by the Government
To soften the prices of edible oils and pulses, tariffs on imported items have been rationalized from time to time. The stock limits on edible oils are also maintained, to avoid hoarding.
The Government has taken trade-related measures on wheat and rice to keep domestic supplies steady and curb the rise in prices.
The impact of these measures is expected to be felt more significantly in the coming months.
For Prelims & Mains
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For Prelims: Inflation, MPC, CPI, WPI, food Inflation, RBI, Headline inflation, Core inflation For Mains:
1. Explain the concept of inflation and its impact on an economy. Discuss the various causes of inflation and the measures that can be taken to control it, with specific reference to India. (250 Words)
2. What are the challenges and opportunities associated with managing inflation in India? Evaluate the effectiveness of recent policy measures in addressing inflationary pressures and maintaining price stability. Suggest strategies for sustainable economic growth while managing inflation risks. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)
1. The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is appointed by the Central Government.
2. Certain provisions in the Constitution of India give the Central Government the right to issue directions to the RBI in the public interest.
3. The Governor of the RBI draws his natural power from the RBI Act.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
2. Concerning the Indian economy, consider the following: (UPSC 2015)
Which of the above is/are component(s) of Monetary Policy? (a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 2 (d) 1, 3 and 4
3. An increase in Bank Rate generally indicates: (UPSC 2013) (a) Market rate of interest is likely to fall.
(b) Central bank is no longer making loans to commercial banks.
(c) Central bank is following an easy money policy.
(d) Central bank is following a tight money policy.
4. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)? (UPSC 2017) 1. It decides the RBI's benchmark interest rates.
2. It is a 12-member body including the Governor of RBI and is reconstituted every year.
3. It functions under the chairmanship of the Union Finance Minister.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 3 only D. 2 and 3 only 5. Read the following passage and answer the question that follows. Your answers to these items should be based on the passage only.
Policymakers and media have placed the blame for skyrocketing food prices on a variety of factors, including high fuel prices, bad weather in key food producing countries, and the diversion of land to non-food production. Increased emphasis, however, has been placed on a surge in demand for food from the most populous emerging economics. It seems highly probable that mass consumption in these countries could be well poised to create a food crisis.
With reference to the above passage, the following assumptions have been made: (UPSC 2021)
1. Oil producing countries are one of the reasons for high food prices.
2. If there is a food crisis in the world in the near future, it will be in the emerging economies. Which of the above assumptions is/are valid?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
6. India has experienced persistent and high food inflation in the recent past. What could be the reasons? (UPSC 2011)
1. Due to a gradual switchover to the cultivation of commercial crops, the area under the cultivation of food grains has steadily decreased in the last five years by about 30.
2. As a consequence of increasing incomes, the consumption patterns of the people have undergone a significant change.
3. The food supply chain has structural constraints.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
7. With reference to inflation in India, which of the following statements is correct? (UPSC 2015)
A. Controlling the inflation in India is the responsibility of the Government of India only
B. The Reserve Bank of India has no role in controlling the inflation
C. Decreased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation
D. Increased money circulation helps in controlling the inflation
8. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017
2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answers: 1-C, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A, 5-D, 6-B, 6-C, 7-B
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Source: The Hindu
GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD
1.Context
In March 2025, barely two months after Donald Trump assumed office as president for his second term, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a report titled ‘The Growing Demand for Animal Products and Feed in India’.
2.What is GM Food?
- Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that have altered DNA to change their properties
- Genetically modified crops can improve yield, build resistances to pests, frost or drought, or add nutrients
- Crops can also be modified to reduce carbon emissions and boost the sustainability of food production
- While widespread, GM crop production uses only about 10% of the land non-GM crop production uses.
- GM is nothing more than a breeding technique, much like crossing that we’ve been doing for thousands of years. But it’s more sophisticated, so we can make very precise changes, very rapidly
- GMOs were first introduced in the US in 1994, with modified tomato plants that ripened more slowly to prolong their shelf life
- Since then, a wide range of crops, such as soybeans, wheat and rice have been approved for agricultural use, along with GM bacteria grown to produce large amounts of protein
- Scientists in India have also developed strains of Sub-1 rice, which are much more resistant to flooding
- Flooding is a major issue in rice-growing regions of northern India and Bangladesh, set to become worse as the climate crises develops, and now 6 million farmers in the region are using Sub-1 rice to safeguard their crops against inundation
- Golden rice, on the other hand, is a GM strain modified to contain vitamin A, designed to combat the shortage of dietary vitamin A in parts of Asia and Africa
2.1. Disease resistance
Gene editing technology has also helped save crop production from blights
In the late 20th century, the papaya ringspot virus almost wiped-out papaya crops in Hawaii, but a local scientist developed a modified papaya that was resistant to the virus. Seeds were distributed to farmers, saving papaya production a decade later
Currently there’s no real solution except for massive fungicide applications
No one wants that, so we worked on adding genes or DNA changes from distantly related plants to achieve better resistances to the fungus
3. Key takeaways of Report "The Growing Demand for Animal Products and Feed in India"
- The report estimated that India’s domestic demand for maize would rise significantly from about 34.7 million tonnes (mt) in 2022–23 to 62.8 mt by 2040 and further to 93 mt by 2050 under a moderate GDP growth rate of 4.6% annually. Similarly, the demand for soybean meal is expected to increase from 6.2 mt to 17.7 mt in 2040 and reach 28.3 mt by 2050.
- Under a faster economic growth scenario of 6.6% per year, the projected demand is much higher. Maize consumption could reach 98 mt by 2040 and surge to 200.2 mt by 2050. Correspondingly, soybean meal demand may increase to 30.9 mt in 2040 and expand sharply to 68.3 mt by 2050.
- Since domestic production may not be sufficient to meet this rising demand, substantial imports would be required. According to projections, maize imports could reach 11 mt by 2040 and 26 mt by 2050, while soybean meal imports may increase to 6 mt and 13 mt respectively under the moderate growth scenario.
- The importance of this report lies in both its timing and context, as maize and soybean meal are essential components of animal feed.
- Cereal grains such as maize, wheat, rice, sorghum, and others primarily provide carbohydrates, which serve as the main energy source for poultry, livestock, and aquaculture species. Soybean typically contains around 18–22% oil, and after oil extraction, the remaining by-product known as soybean meal is rich in protein.
- This protein-rich meal is a crucial ingredient in feed for poultry, cattle, and aquaculture, along with other oilseed meals such as mustard, cottonseed, and groundnut. Additionally, rice bran and wheat bran, which are by-products of milling, also contribute protein and nutrients to animal feed.
- For example, poultry feed for broiler chickens usually contains about 55–65% maize, while feed for egg-laying birds contains around 50–60%. In cattle feed, maize constitutes approximately 15–20%.
- As incomes rise, urbanisation expands, and India’s population is expected to reach at least 1.5 billion by 2050, dietary patterns are likely to shift significantly.
- People will increasingly consume foods rich in protein and micronutrients rather than relying mainly on cereals and basic staples.
- In the case of maize, out of the projected total production of 43 mt in 2025–26, nearly 24 mt is expected to be used for animal feed. Currently, most feed raw materials are sourced from domestic agricultural production.
- India’s total compound feed production is estimated at around 60 mt, including about 40 mt for poultry, 18 mt for cattle, and 2 mt for aquaculture and shrimp farming.
- Although the organised feed industry largely depends on domestic raw materials, it has recently shown interest in importing maize and soybean to meet growing demand.
- However, a major barrier is that maize and soybean grown in countries like the United States, Brazil, and Argentina are mostly genetically modified (GM).
- Under the bilateral trade agreement with the United States, India has continued its restriction on importing GM maize and soybean. However, it has allowed imports of certain alternative feed ingredients.
- One such product is red sorghum, with the United States being the world’s leading producer and exporter, expected to produce about 11 mt and export 5.4 mt in 2025–26.
- Another permitted import is distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a by-product of ethanol production. Maize contains around 70% starch, 8–10% protein, and 3–4% oil, with the remaining portion consisting of the husk.
- During ethanol production, the starch is converted into glucose, which is fermented using yeast to produce alcohol and then distilled into ethanol. After ethanol extraction, the remaining fermented grain residue is dried to produce DDGS, which is rich in nutrients and used as animal feed.
- In India, ethanol distilleries already supply more than 3 mt of DDGS annually to the feed sector, and this is expected to increase to 4.2 mt by 2025–26. Imports of DDGS from the United States would supplement domestic supplies, even though it is derived from GM maize.
- In summary, India has not yet permitted direct imports of genetically modified maize or soybean or their meal from the United States. However, it has allowed limited imports through alternative products such as sorghum and DDGS, thereby creating a partial opening for feed ingredient imports
4. GM Controversy
- Many people find the idea of GM foods hard to swallow — a 2020 opinion poll found 50% of people in 20 surveyed countries perceived GM foods as unsafe
- When GM crops were first developed 30 years ago, uncertainty and concerns about safety were shared by scientists, but things are different now
- Scientists say that "GM food is completely safe to eat, and 30 years of information showing it’s not dangerous for the environment"
- There are concerns big corporate interests from companies like Monsanto, which promote more pesticides and monocultures and wrong forms of agriculture and seeds sold to farmers and expensive prices
5. GM Food Industry
- GM agriculture is moving on from the Monsanto big-dog corporate model
- GM products are increasingly focused on social and public enterprise and the industry is looking at more local solutions that help smallholder farmers in developing countries
- Regulation and licensing are a huge part of this. Many, including Replanet, strongly advocate for open-source seeds and GM technologies
- You can develop GMOs without patents developed by humanitarian public organizations
- It’s about creating a licensing landscape that empowers local farmers to adapt to the demands of sustainable agriculture, but quickly enough to meet rising populations and climate change
6. Way Forward
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are created by altering the genetic makeup of a living organism through the insertion of external genetic material. In agricultural biotechnology, genes are often sourced from soil-dwelling bacteria and introduced into a plant’s genome using genetic engineering techniques.
The term GMO is broad and encompasses genetically modified crops as one category within it. GM crops refer specifically to agricultural plants whose DNA has been intentionally modified to incorporate beneficial traits. These modifications are typically aimed at improving productivity, enhancing resistance to pests and herbicides, and enabling crops to tolerate harsh climatic conditions.
At present, Bt cotton is the only genetically modified crop permitted for commercial cultivation in India. No genetically modified food crop has been approved for large-scale farming, although field trials and research experiments are ongoin
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For Prelims: Bt Cotton, Bt Cotton
For Mains: 1. Genetically modified food remains controversial, especially in Europe, but for some experts, it is the best science-based method for a sustainable global food system amidst biodiversity loss and a rising population. Discuss (250 Words)
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Source: indianexpress
CLIMATE RESILIENT AGRICULTURE (CRA)
1. Context
Climate change is real, and for India to continue meeting domestic food demands, agriculture needs to cope with the increasing unpredictability of the weather, declining soil health, and growing air pollution.
2. What is climate-resilient agriculture?
- Climate-resilient agriculture relies on a combination of biotechnological innovations and allied technologies to shape sustainable farming methods and lower reliance on chemical-based inputs, without compromising yields.
- Key approaches include the use of biofertilizers, biopesticides, and assessments of soil microbial health. Advances such as genome editing enable the development of crop varieties that can tolerate stresses like drought, high temperatures, salinity, and pest attacks.
- Alongside this, AI-based analytical tools process diverse climatic and agronomic data to design location-specific agricultural practices.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) describes climate-resilient agriculture as the capacity of farming systems to foresee, prepare for, adapt to, withstand, and recover from the effects of climate variability and extreme weather events.
3. Significance of CRA for India
- India’s agrarian economy supports a fast-expanding population, intensifying the demand for stable and sustained agricultural output.
- However, nearly 51% of the country’s net cultivated land depends on rainfall and contributes about 40% of total food production, rendering it highly sensitive to climatic fluctuations.
- Traditional agricultural practices by themselves are increasingly inadequate to cope with the mounting challenges posed by climate change.
- In this context, climate-resilient agriculture provides a range of technological solutions that aim to boost farm productivity while safeguarding ecological sustainability.
Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture:
- The National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), an initiative of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has examined the effects of climate change on farming systems and rural livelihoods.
- Findings suggest that without suitable adaptation strategies, projected climate changes during 2020–2039 could lead to yield declines of about 3% in irrigated rice, 7–28% in rainfed rice, 3.2–5.3% in wheat, and 9–10% in maize, while soybean yields may increase by 2.5–5.5%.
- Moreover, climate-induced extreme events such as droughts adversely impact food and nutritional intake, deepen poverty levels, trigger migration from rural areas, escalate farmer indebtedness, and weaken the adaptive capacity of agricultural communities.
4. What are CRA Practices?
- Agroforestry: Agroforestry refers to the integration of trees with agricultural crops, which contributes to better soil quality, limits land degradation, and supports ecological diversity. By improving moisture retention in the soil and offering diversified sources of income and resources, this approach provides multiple advantages to farming communities.
- Soil and Water Conservation: Measures such as contour bunds, farm ponds, and check dams play a crucial role in conserving soil moisture, preventing soil loss, and enhancing groundwater recharge. These interventions enable farmers to better manage drought conditions and water shortages, challenges that are intensifying due to climate change.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Approaches like crop diversification, organic cultivation, and integrated pest management minimize reliance on chemical inputs while restoring soil health. In addition, these methods help lower greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
- Livestock Management: Practices including stall-feeding and crop–livestock integration enhance the efficiency and resilience of livestock production systems. At the same time, they reduce stress on natural resources, particularly grazing lands, which are increasingly under pressure as climate impacts intensify
5. What are Government Initiatives?
- The Government of India is implementing the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which serves as the overarching policy framework for climate-related interventions in the country.
- One of its key missions, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), focuses on strengthening the resilience of Indian agriculture to climate stress. Initially, NMSA was approved with three core components—Rainfed Area Development (RAD), On-Farm Water Management (OFWM), and Soil Health Management (SHM).
- Over time, additional initiatives were introduced, including the Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Mission Organic Value Chain Development for the North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), and the Per Drop More Crop programme. Further, the restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was launched in April 2018 to promote sustainable land use and livelihoods.
- In the research domain, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) initiated a flagship network programme titled National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) in 2011 to advance climate-adaptive farming practices.
- This multi-sectoral and multi-location initiative addresses climate variability while catering to the diverse needs of stakeholders across different agro-climatic regions. Its major pillars include research, field-level demonstrations, and capacity building, along with the preparation of policy inputs on agriculture–climate linkages.
- Key achievements under ICAR’s climate resilience efforts include the development of 1,888 climate-resilient crop varieties and the preparation of District Agriculture Contingency Plans (DACPs) for 650 districts.
- To shield farmers—particularly small and marginal cultivators—from climate-related risks, the Government launched the yield-based Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) alongside the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) from the Kharif season of 2016.
- These schemes aim to ensure income stability and promote sustainable agricultural production by offering financial assistance to farmers affected by crop losses due to natural calamities and adverse weather conditions.
6. India's Stand as of today
- In 2011, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) initiated a flagship network programme titled National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). To strengthen farmers’ capacity to cope with climate variability, the project has promoted and demonstrated location-specific climate-adaptive technologies across 448 climate-resilient villages.
- These interventions include practices such as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), aerobic rice cultivation, direct-seeded rice, zero-tillage wheat, adoption of crop varieties resistant to extreme climatic stresses, and in-situ management of rice residues.
- Complementing these efforts, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) has been designed to improve farm productivity, particularly in rain-dependent regions, by emphasising integrated farming systems, efficient water management, soil health enhancement, and the coordinated use of resource-conserving practices.
- In recent years, the BioE3 policy has further recognised climate-resilient agriculture as a priority area for advancing biotechnology-driven solutions, many of which have already reached the commercial stage.
- A number of private sector firms now provide bio-inputs that enhance soil quality and lower reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
- At the same time, India’s digital agriculture ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with agritech startups delivering AI-based advisory services, precision irrigation systems, crop health surveillance, and yield forecasting tools to support climate-smart farming.
7. Way Forward
India encounters multiple constraints in expanding climate-resilient agriculture, particularly the limited uptake among small and marginal farmers due to challenges related to accessibility, awareness, and affordability. In addition, variations in the quality of biofertilisers and biopesticides have weakened farmer confidence in biological inputs. The diffusion of climate-resilient seed varieties has also been gradual, while advanced approaches such as gene-editing technologies are still at a nascent stage and unevenly adopted across States. Moreover, the digital divide restricts the effective use of precision farming tools and AI-driven advisory systems. These issues are further intensified by declining soil health, increasing water stress, and rapidly intensifying climate variability, which may surpass the pace of existing adaptation measures. Inadequate coordination across policies and institutions also poses a risk to the timely scaling of CRA initiatives.
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For Prelims: Climate Resilient Agriculture, National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC)
For Mains: GS III - Environment and Ecology
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Previous Year Questions
1. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements:(2021)
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (d) 2. With reference to the ‘Global Alliance for ClimateSmart Agriculture (GACSA)’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2018)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (b) |
Source: The Hindu
