FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATION ACT (FCRA)

1. Context

2. Foreign Contribution Regulation Act

• The law sought to regulate foreign donations to individuals and associations so that they functioned "in a manner consistent with the values of a sovereign democratic republic". 
• Foreign funding in India is regulated under the FCRA act. Individuals are permitted to accept foreign contributions without the permission of MHA. However, the monetary limit for acceptance of such foreign contributions shall be less than Rs. 25,000.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The FCRA was enacted during the Emergency in 1976 amid apprehensions that foreign powers were interfering in India's affairs by pumping money into the country through independent organizations. These concerns were, in fact, even older- they had been expressed in Parliament as early as 1969.

3. Provisions of the Act

• The FCRA requires every person or NGO wishing to receive foreign donations to be registered under the act, to open a bank account for the receipt of foreign funds in the statute Bank of India, Delhi, and to utilize those funds only for which they have been received, and as stipulated in the act.
•  They are also required to file annual returns, and they must not transfer the funds to another NGO.
• The Act prohibits the receipt of foreign funds by candidates for elections, journalists or newspapers and media broadcast companies, judges and government servants, members of the legislature and political parties or their office-bearers, and organizations of a political nature.

4. Key Highlights of the 2020 Amendment

• It bars public servants from receiving foreign contributions. It prohibits the transfer of foreign contributions to any other person.
• Aadhar number is mandatory for all office bearers, directors, or key functionaries of a person receiving foreign contributions, as an identification document.
• The foreign contribution must be received only in an account designated by the bank as an FCRA account in such branches of the State Bank of India, New Delhi.
• No funds other than foreign contributions should be received or deposited in this account.
• It allowed the government to restrict the usage of unutilized foreign contributions. This may be done if, based on an inquiry the government believes that such a person has contravened provisions of the FCRA.
• While NGOs earlier could use up to 50 percent of funds for administrative use, the new amendment restricted this use to 20 percent.

5. Registration under FCRA

• NGOs that want to receive foreign funds must apply online in a prescribed format with the required documentation. FCRA registrations are granted to individuals or associations that have definite cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programs.
• Following the application, the MHA makes inquiries through the Intelligence Bureau into the antecedents of the applicant and accordingly processes the application. The MHA is required to approve or reject the application within 90 days-failing which is expected to inform the NGO of the reasons for the same.
• Once granted, FCRA registration is valid for five years. NGOs are expected to apply for renewal within six months of the date of expiry of registration. In case of failure to apply for renewal, the registration is deemed to have expired.

6. Cancellation of Approval

The government reserves the right to cancel the FCRA registration of any NGO if it finds it to violate the Act. Registration can be cancelled for a range of reasons including, if "in the opinion of the Central Government, the public interest must cancel the certificate". Once the registration of an NGO is canceled, it is not eligible for re-registration for three years. All orders of the government can be challenged in the High court.

For Prlims& Mains

For Prelims: FCRA, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust, NGO, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). For Mains: 1. What is the Foreign contribution regulation act and discuss the new restrictions introduced by the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020.

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Examine critically the recent changes in the rules governing foreign funding of NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. (Please refer GS-II Paper, 2015)

 

Source: The Indian Express

 

 

SIXTH SCHEDULE

 

 

 

1. Context

 

Four persons were killed and at least 50 injured in Leh Wednesday as police opened fire after protesters, demanding statehood and seeking extension of Sixth Schedule protections to Ladakh, turned violent. The BJP office in Leh was also torched.

 

2.Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act is a significant legislative framework that governs the administration and governance of the Union Territory of Ladakh in India. Ladakh, located in the northernmost part of India, was previously part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir until August 5, 2019, when Article 370 of the Indian Constitution was abrogated, and the state was reorganized into two separate Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1995, plays a crucial role in the administration of the Ladakh region. Here are some key features and provisions of the LAHDC Act:

1. Establishment of Autonomous Hill Development Council: The Act establishes the LAHDC, a local self-government body, in the Ladakh region. The purpose of this council is to promote socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and the overall well-being of the people of Ladakh.

2. Composition of the LAHDC: The LAHDC consists of elected members who represent various constituencies within the Union Territory of Ladakh. The council members are elected through a democratic process.

3. Powers and Functions: The LAHDC is granted specific powers and functions related to local governance, development planning, and management of resources. These powers include making laws on certain subjects, levying taxes, and overseeing local administration and development activities.

4. Financial Autonomy: The LAHDC has financial autonomy, which means it can generate revenue through local taxes and fees and utilize these resources for local development projects and initiatives.

5. Executive Committee: The LAHDC has an Executive Committee responsible for the day-to-day administration of the region. The Executive Committee members are elected from among the council members.

6. Cultural and Environmental Preservation: The LAHDC Act recognizes the unique cultural and environmental significance of the Ladakh region and emphasizes the preservation of Ladakhi culture and traditions.

7. Special Provisions: The Act may contain special provisions for the socio-economic and cultural advancement of Scheduled Tribes and other marginalized communities in Ladakh.

8. Governor's Role: The Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh plays a role in the administration, coordination, and cooperation between the LAHDC and the Union Territory government.

9. Relations with the Central Government: The LAHDC Act allows for cooperation and coordination between the LAHDC and the central government of India to facilitate development activities and address the specific needs of the region

3.Article 224 of the Indian Constitution

Article 244 of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of certain tribal areas in India. It empowers the President of India to issue regulations for the peace and good governance of these areas. This article is particularly relevant to the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas in various states.

Here are the key provisions and details of Article 244:

1. Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas: Article 244 primarily deals with the administration of Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas within the states of India. These areas are inhabited predominantly by Scheduled Tribes (indigenous tribal communities).

2. Power of the President: The President of India is authorized by Article 244 to issue regulations that apply to these Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas. These regulations are intended to provide for the peace, good governance, and welfare of the tribal communities living in these areas.

3. Governors' Role: While the President has the authority to issue regulations, these regulations are typically made after consulting with the Governor of the state. The Governor plays a crucial role in the administration of these areas.

4. Application of Laws: The regulations issued under Article 244 can specify the manner in which laws passed by the state legislature apply to the Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas. It can also specify the extent to which laws made by the Parliament of India apply to these areas.

5. Conflict Resolution: Article 244 allows for regulations to be made to resolve conflicts and disputes between different tribal communities within these areas.

6. Extension to Fifth Schedule Areas: Article 244 extends to the Fifth Schedule areas of India, which are those areas specified in the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. These areas have a higher degree of protection and autonomy for the tribal communities residing there

4. Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution pertains to the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. It provides special provisions and safeguards for the protection of the rights and interests of the tribal communities living in these regions. The Sixth Schedule is a significant component of India's federal structure and recognizes the distinctive cultural, social, and historical characteristics of these tribal areas. Here are some key features and provisions of the Sixth Schedule:

1. Areas Covered: The Sixth Schedule covers specific tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. These areas are known as "Scheduled Areas" and are inhabited by various indigenous tribal communities.

2. Tribal Autonomous District Councils (ADCs): The central feature of the Sixth Schedule is the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) within these tribal areas. These ADCs have significant powers and responsibilities for local governance, including legislation on matters such as land, forests, and local customs and traditions. Each state has its own ADCs, known by different names, such as the "Autonomous District Council" in Assam and "District Council" in Meghalaya.

3. Composition of ADCs: The ADCs have a defined number of seats reserved for tribal members, and they also include nominated members. These councils are responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to education, health, and socio-economic development within their areas.

4. Governor's Role: The Governor of the state is empowered to appoint the District Councils' members, but they must be from the tribal communities. The Governor also has the authority to modify the boundaries of the Scheduled Areas after consulting with the state's legislature.

5. Protection of Tribal Customs: The Sixth Schedule safeguards the customary laws and practices of the tribal communities in these areas. It ensures that the traditional institutions and customs of these communities are respected and preserved.

6. Land Rights: The Sixth Schedule provides a degree of protection to tribal land rights, making it more difficult for non-tribal individuals or entities to acquire land in the Scheduled Areas.

7. Exclusion and Inclusion of Areas: The Sixth Schedule allows for the inclusion or exclusion of areas from the Scheduled Areas through a formal process, which typically involves consultation with the tribal communities affected.

8. Amendment: The Sixth Schedule can be amended by the Parliament of India. Any changes or amendments must be approved by a two-thirds majority.

 

 

For Prelims: Fifth Schedule, Sixth Schedule, Autonomous distric council For Mains: 1.Explain the significance of the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in the context of tribal governance. How does it protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes? 2.Discuss the provisions and objectives of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. How does it impact the governance of tribal areas in the Northeastern states?

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.What is/ are true in relation to Autonomous Districts (CGPSC 2021) 1. Each Autonomous District Council has 30 members 2.24 members of the Autonomous District Council are elected via voting and rest 6 are nominated by Governor 3.Rights to direct the Acts passed by the Parliament of India is Autonomous. Districts of Assam lie with Governor A.1 , 2 and 3 B. 1 and 3 C. 1 and 2 D. 1 Only Answer (B)   2. Based on the Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution, with respect to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram  (DSSSB PRT General Section Officer 2019) Which of the following can the Governor of a State do? 1. Can create a new autonomous district 2. The area of atonomous district can be increased   A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer (C)

Source: indianexpress

 

 

CYCLONES

 

 

1. Context

 

Super Typhoon Ragasa battered Hong Kong with fierce winds and pounding rain, and headed into southern China on Wednesday. It has forced two million people to evacuate in southern China and brought a “significant storm surge”, with waters in coastal areas rising more than 3 metres above the reference level in Hong Kong

 

2. What is a Cyclone

• A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters. Essentially, it is a system of high-speed winds rotating around a low-pressure area, with the winds blowing counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
• According to the World Meteorological Organization, “Tropical cyclones are one of the biggest threats to life and property even in the formative stages of their development.
• Cyclonic winds move across nearly all regions of the Earth except the equatorial belt and are generally associated with rain or snow
• They include several different hazards that can individually cause significant impacts on life and property, such as storm surge, flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and lighting.
• Combined, these hazards interact with one another and substantially increase the potential for loss of life and material damage.”
• Cyclones occur chiefly in the middle and high latitude belts of both hemispheres. In the Southern Hemisphere, where most of the terrestrial surface is covered by the oceans, cyclones are distributed in a relatively uniform manner through various longitudes
• Characteristically, they form in latitudes 30° to 40° S and move in a generally southeasterly direction, reaching maturity in latitudes around 60°. 
• Cyclones that form closer to the Equator (i.e., at latitudes 10° to 25° north and south over the oceans) differ somewhat in character from the extratropical variety. Such wind systems, known as tropical cyclones, are much smaller in diameter. 
• Whereas extratropical cyclones range from nearly 1,000 to 4,000 km (620 to 2,500 miles) across, tropical cyclones typically measure only about 100 to over 1,000 km in diameter.

 

 

PC: Brittanica

 

3. Types of cyclones

3.1.Tropical Cyclones

Cyclones developed in the tropics region (the majority confined to 10⁰– 30⁰ N and S of the equator) are called tropical cyclones.

• tropical cyclones have a thermal origin, and they develop over tropical seas during certain seasons. Pre-existing low pressure, large sea surface with a temperature higher than 27° C, and the presence of the Coriolis force are a must for tropical cyclone formation.
  
  
• At these locations, the local convectional currents acquire a whirling motion because of the Coriolis force generated by the earth’s rotation. After developing, these cyclones advance till they find a weak spot in the trade wind belt.
  
  
• Tropical cyclones always originate in large water bodies.

3.2.Temperate Cyclone

Temperate cyclones (Mid-Latitude cyclones), also known as Extratropical cyclones, are active over the mid-latitudinal regions between 35° latitude and 65° latitude in both hemispheres.

• They have a dynamic origin and cyclone formation is due to frontogenesis (interaction of cold and warm fronts). When the warm-humid air masses from the tropics meet the dry-cold air masses from the poles and thus a polar front is formed as a surface of discontinuity. The cold air pushes the warm air upwards from underneath. Thus, a void is created because of the lessening of pressure. The surrounding air rushed in to occupy this void and coupled with the earth’s rotation, a temperate cyclone is formed. 
• Temperate cyclones can originate on both landmass or water.

4. How are cyclones named?

Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs). There are six RSMCs in the world, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and five TCWCs.

As an RSMC, the IMD names the cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, after following a standard procedure. The IMD is also mandated to issue advisories to 12 other countries in the region on the development of cyclones and storms.

 

 

For Prelims:  Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World For Mains: General Studies I: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 Only B. 2 and 3 Only C. 2 Only D. 1 and 3 Only Answer (C) 2.In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclones do not originate. What is the reason? (UPSC Prelims GS1, 2015) (a) Sea surface temperatures are low (b) Inter-tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs (c) Coriolis force is too weak (d) Absence of land in those regions Answer (a)   1.Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? (GS-1, 2014) 2.The recent cyclone on the east coast of India was called “Phailin”. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world? (GS-1, 2013)

Source: indianexpress

 

FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE (FLPR)

 

 

1. Context

 

Experts have called on the Indian government to find out if the unpaid work performed by women in taking care of their children and elders is because they want to do it or they feel it is their responsibility. The suggestion was made at a panel discussion held on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

 

2. What is the female labour force participation rate (FLPR)?

 

• The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLPR) is a crucial economic indicator that measures the percentage of women who are either employed or actively seeking work in relation to the total working-age female population. This metric helps assess the extent to which women are integrated into the workforce and their role in economic development.
• To calculate FLPR, one considers both employed women and those who are unemployed but actively looking for jobs. This figure is then divided by the total number of working-age women (typically aged 15 and above) and expressed as a percentage. A high FLPR suggests that a large proportion of women are engaged in economic activities, whereas a low FLPR indicates limited workforce participation.
• FLPR is significant as it reflects not only gender equality in employment but also the overall economic productivity of a country. When more women participate in the workforce, economic output rises, and household incomes improve. Moreover, a higher FLPR is often linked to greater social progress, as it reflects better access to education and employment opportunities for women.
• In India, the female labour force participation rate has seen considerable fluctuations over the years. The highest recorded FLPR was 40.8% in 2004-05, after which it witnessed a sharp decline.
• Various factors contributed to this trend, including societal norms that discourage female employment, lack of job opportunities in the formal sector, and a rise in household incomes that reduced the economic necessity for women to work. Additionally, many women opted to pursue higher education, further delaying their entry into the workforce.
• The lack of sufficient opportunities in industries such as manufacturing and services limits the potential for further growth in FLPR. Addressing these challenges requires policy interventions, such as skill development programs, improved childcare support, and greater access to formal employment opportunities for women.
• Thus, while the rise in FLPR in recent years is encouraging, sustained efforts are needed to ensure that women's participation in the labour force is not only increased but also leads to better economic and social outcomes

 

3. Statistics on female labour force participation rate

 

• India's female workforce participation rate peaked at 40.8% in 2004-05 but has experienced a decline in the years since. However, beginning in 2017, the Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLPR) has shown a gradual upward trend, reversing the previous decline.
• This increase has become particularly evident in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. In rural areas, FLPR rose from 41.5% in 2022-23 to 47.6% in 2023-24, while in urban areas, it increased from 25.4% to 28% over the same period.
• The resurgence in FLPR can be attributed to the economic recovery post-lockdown, which encouraged many women who were previously not part of the workforce to seek employment.
• Additionally, economic hardships have also played a role, compelling more women to enter the labour market in search of income.
• The increasing presence of women in India’s labour force, often referred to as the feminisation of the workforce, requires a more in-depth analysis. The recent rise in FLPR has been largely driven by a surge in self-employment, particularly in agriculture.
• State-wise census data suggests that in regions where women’s participation in the workforce has increased, it is primarily due to their growing involvement in agricultural activities.
• This trend underscores a significant concern—the limited availability of non-agricultural job opportunities for women. In rural areas, employment prospects for women remain largely restricted to agricultural work, highlighting the lack of diverse and stable employment options in other sectors

 

4. Feminisation of agriculture

 

• This phenomenon results in the feminisation of agriculture, a concept that economic studies define in two primary ways. Firstly, it signifies a growing share of agricultural work being performed by women, encompassing their expanding roles as smallholder cultivators or casual agricultural wage laborers.
• Secondly, feminisation of agriculture extends beyond labour participation to women’s control and ownership of agricultural resources, as well as their involvement in key decision-making processes. This includes land ownership, land rights, and authority over farm-related choices, such as crop selection and the use of agricultural inputs like fertilizers.
• Several underlying factors have contributed to this shift. The structural transformation of India’s economy has led to a declining contribution of agriculture to the country’s GDP, with employment shifting towards the service sector.
• Additionally, economic distress in rural areas has prompted men to migrate in search of non-agricultural employment, leaving women to take on increased responsibilities in farming.
• Other contributing factors include declining agricultural productivity, rising input costs, climate-related risks, and limited employment opportunities in rural areas. Furthermore, as rural youth—especially those with formal education—aspire for non-farm jobs, male migration from villages has accelerated, placing a greater burden on women to manage agricultural activities

 

 

5. Land Ownership and Gender disparity

 

• The 2005 report by the National Commission on Farmers highlighted a growing trend of women engaging in agricultural activities, including land management and assisting in farm operations.
• Estimates suggest that women contribute nearly 80% of agricultural labor in India and constitute over 42% of the total agricultural workforce. Recent PLFS 2023-24 data further reveals that 76.95% of rural women are employed in agriculture, underscoring their significant role in the sector.
• Despite their extensive contributions, women in agriculture remain largely unrecognized. Findings from the 2015-16 Agriculture Census indicate that while 73% of rural female workers are involved in farming, they control only 11.72% of the total cultivated land.
• This stark contrast highlights gender inequality in land ownership and decision-making. Moreover, most female-owned landholdings are small and marginal, a consequence of historical disparities in land distribution.
• In India, women can obtain land through inheritance, gifts, purchases, or government allocations. However, these avenues often do not guarantee equal access, as financial limitations make it harder for women to buy land, leaving inheritance as a primary means of ownership. Nonetheless, social and cultural barriers continue to hinder their ability to inherit and manage land independently.
• A relevant example is the 2017 land distribution initiative in Uttar Pradesh, where 331 landless households in Mirzapur district were granted land titles. In Sirsi village, 80 titles were distributed, of which only eight went to single women, while in Karkad, out of 251 titles, just 16 were allotted to single women.
• This means that only 7% of the total land titles were allocated to single women, reflecting the persistent gender gap in land ownership. Studies emphasize that securing land rights is crucial for women’s financial stability and their ability to make independent economic decisions

 

6. Gender equality in agriculture's journey

 

• It is often emphasized that a woman’s participation in paid employment should not automatically be equated with empowerment. Many women experience a “double burden”, where they must juggle paid work alongside unpaid domestic duties and caregiving responsibilities. Similarly, merely being engaged in agricultural activities does not necessarily lead to their empowerment.
• India’s agrarian economy has been facing financial distress, with declining agricultural incomes. As a result, women’s increased participation in farming may not translate into economic empowerment, especially in the absence of stable non-agricultural job opportunities. Studies also suggest that women have limited decision-making authority over crucial aspects such as fertilizer use, household assets, and alternative sources of livelihood.
• The concept of feminisation of agriculture is frequently discussed alongside the feminisation of poverty and agrarian distress.
• As men migrate to urban areas or other sectors for better employment opportunities, women are often left with no choice but to take up farming, which is typically perceived as a less profitable livelihood option.
• Additionally, gender disparities in land ownership prevent many female farmers from accessing credit, financial resources, and government assistance. Without legal ownership of land, they struggle to qualify for schemes such as the Kisan Credit Card or the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
• The widespread perception of farmers as predominantly male further contributes to the marginalization of women in the agricultural sector.
• Agriculture involves more than just sowing and harvesting—it requires investment, resource management, and decision-making.
• Therefore, achieving gender equity in agriculture necessitates policies that prioritize women’s inclusion, equitable land distribution, improved access to agricultural technology, and gender-sensitive climate adaptation strategies.
• Recognizing women as central stakeholders in agriculture will be key to their economic empowerment and long-term progress

 

7. Way Forward

 

Addressing these issues requires a multi-dimensional approach that ensures equal land rights, financial inclusion, access to technology, and policy frameworks that recognize women as key agricultural stakeholders. Empowering female farmers is not just about increasing their participation in agriculture but also about providing them with the resources, rights, and recognition needed to transform their roles from laborers to decision-makers and landowners. By implementing gender-responsive agricultural policies, improving access to credit, and breaking societal stereotypes, India can move toward a more equitable and sustainable agrarian economy where women play a central and empowered role

 

 

 

For Prelims: Periodic Labour Force Survey, National Sample Survey Office, labour force participation rate, worker population ratio For Mains: 1. Examine the changing nature of employment in India, as reflected in the increasing share of self-employment and the declining proportion of regular salaried jobs. Discuss the implications of this shift for the quality and sustainability of employment. (250 Words)

 

Previous Year Questions 1. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R). (UPPSC 2019) Assertion (A): The labour force participation rate is falling sharply in recent years for females in India. Reason (R): The decline in labour force participation rate is due to improved family income and an increase in education. Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Codes: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A) B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A) C. (A) is true, but (R) is false D. (A) is false, but (R) is true     2. Which of the following statements about the employment situation in India according to the periodic Labour Force Survey 2017-18 is/are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2020) 1. Construction sector gave employment to nearly one-tenth of the urban male workforce in India 2. Nearly one-fourth of urban female workers in India were working in the manufacturing sector 3. One-fourth of rural female workers in India were engaged in the agriculture sector Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 2 only       B. 1 and 2 only            C. 1 and 3 only           D. 1, 2 and 3     3. Disguised unemployment generally means (UPSC 2013) (a) large number of people remain unemployed (b) alternative employment is not available (c) marginal productivity of labour is zero (d) productivity of workers is low   4.  Assertion (A): Workers - population ratio in India is low in contrast to that in developed countries. Reason (R): Rapid growth of population, low female worker population rate and omission of unpaid family workers lead to low worker-population ratio. Choose the correct answer: (Telangana Police SI Mains 2018) A. (A) is true, but (R) is false. B. (A) is false, but (R) is true. C. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not a correct explanation of (A). D. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A). Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D Mains 1. Most of the unemployment in India is structural in nature. Examine the methodology adopted to compute unemployment in the country and suggest improvements. (UPSC 2023)

 

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

 

SAUDI - PAKISTAN PACT

 

 

1. Context

 

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a mutual defence pact. The agreement formalises decades of informal military cooperation. Its timing, coming days after Israel’s bombing of Qatar and amid doubts over U.S. security guarantees to the Gulf monarchies, signals a shifting regional order

 

2. Terms of the agreement

 

 

• The idea of collective defence implies that both nations are bound to act if either faces a security threat. To operationalize this, they have agreed to set up permanent coordination structures, including a joint military committee, systems for sharing intelligence, and broader training initiatives.
• Pakistan has maintained a military presence in Saudi Arabia for many years, but the latest defence pact formally embeds this cooperation within a treaty framework. Saudi Arabia is also believed to have extended considerable financial support to Pakistan’s nuclear programme in the past.
• In his 2024 book War, American journalist Bob Woodward recounts a conversation between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham that underscores the closeness of their ties.
• When the Crown Prince mentioned plans for uranium enrichment, Senator Graham questioned whether it was intended for building a bomb. MBS reportedly replied that he wouldn’t need to manufacture one, as he could simply purchase it from Pakistan.
• Although such remarks highlight the depth of their strategic relationship, the agreement itself does not explicitly state that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal would be available for Saudi defence—though Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has hinted at that possibility.
• The broader message is unmistakable: Saudi Arabia is signaling dissatisfaction with its existing security arrangements and inviting Pakistan to take on a greater strategic role in the Gulf

 

3. Significance of this agreement

 

 

• The timing of the agreement is as crucial as its substance. Saudi authorities revealed that negotiations with Pakistan had been underway for over a year, but the formal announcement came just a week after Israel’s strike on Qatar — a move that reflects the shifting security dynamics of the Gulf.
• Qatar hosts the Al-Udeid airbase, the largest American military installation in West Asia. Seeing such a well-fortified partner attacked without any repercussions appears to have convinced Riyadh that U.S. security assurances alone are no longer sufficient.
• This feeling of exposure is not new. Back in 2019, when Iran-backed groups targeted Saudi oil infrastructure, Washington refrained from intervening.
• The U.S., increasingly focused on East Asia, has little appetite to become deeply involved in Middle Eastern conflicts. Saudi Arabia’s strategic concerns are further sharpened by two developments — the ongoing Gaza conflict and the persistent threat from Yemen’s Houthis.
• The Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza derailed Riyadh’s U.S.-mediated plan to normalise ties with Tel Aviv through the Abraham Accords. The conflict has since widened across the region, adding to Gulf insecurity.
• At the same time, the Houthis have steadily strengthened their military capabilities. Their missile and drone operations have disrupted Saudi oil facilities and international shipping routes in the Red Sea.
• Even though a fragile truce exists, Riyadh still views them as a major threat. Despite repeated strikes by Saudi, U.S., and Israeli forces, the Houthis retain control over almost half of Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.
• In this context, Pakistan emerges as a practical partner. As a Muslim-majority nation with a long history of providing military assistance to Saudi Arabia, it can reinforce Riyadh’s security. In return, Pakistan benefits from Saudi financial aid, which is vital for shoring up its struggling economy

 

4. West Asia and its Security Parade

 

 

• Before the October 7 attacks, Washington’s strategy focused on fostering closer ties between Israel and the Gulf monarchies. However, Israel’s subsequent military actions in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, and Qatar have unsettled Arab capitals.
• In the aftermath, Riyadh has made it clear that it would only normalise relations with Israel if Tel Aviv agrees to the establishment of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.
• Israel, for its part, has rejected such an outcome, casting uncertainty over the future expansion of the Abraham Accords. By strengthening its partnership with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia is sending a clear message to both the U.S. and Israel that it intends to diversify its security partnerships.
• Still, this approach carries considerable risks. Pakistan might be pulled into Saudi Arabia’s ongoing rivalries with Iran or even into the Yemen conflict. Conversely, Riyadh could find itself exposed to South Asian instability, particularly if India–Pakistan tensions rise again.
• The agreement does not eliminate Saudi Arabia’s fundamental vulnerabilities — such as the threat from Iranian missiles or Houthi drones — but it does serve as a safeguard at a moment when U.S. commitments appear less dependable and Israeli actions are fueling regional instability

 

5. Saudi-Pakistan pact through the prism of India

 

• For India, the Saudi–Pakistan defence agreement presents challenges on several levels. Over the last ten years, New Delhi has significantly strengthened its engagement with Riyadh through energy cooperation, expanded trade, and counter-terrorism coordination.
• Nearly 2.6 million Indians live and work in Saudi Arabia, making the relationship crucial for both economic and social reasons.
• At the same time, India has cultivated a close strategic partnership with Israel, often showing a pro-Israel inclination in its West Asia policy.
• With Saudi–Israel normalisation stalled and Israel’s aggressive military actions unsettling Gulf states, Riyadh appears to have set aside India’s sensitivities by formalising security ties with Pakistan.
• The message seems clear: just as India can lean towards Israel, Saudi Arabia can tilt towards Pakistan.
• As Gulf monarchies broaden their network of alliances, they may pay less attention to India’s strategic concerns. If Pakistan manages to project itself as a reliable security partner for the region, India’s influence could diminish.
• Moreover, India must adapt to the wider transformation in the Gulf: U.S. dominance is waning, regional actors are reassessing their priorities, and traditional security structures are undergoing change.
• For New Delhi, vital interests — from energy security and safeguarding its expatriate community to preventing extremist threats — depend on ensuring stability in the Gulf.
• India’s most prudent response would be to pursue a balanced approach: consolidating its economic and political relations with Riyadh while simultaneously strengthening ties with other Gulf countries, Iran, and additional regional partners

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, energy, water management, climate change, Belt and Road Initiative, Special Economic Zones, International North-South Transport Corridor, Chabahar Port,  For Mains:  1. Discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by CPEC for India in the context of regional cooperation and economic competitiveness. How can India navigate these challenges effectively? (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   Prelims: 1. Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC CSE 2016) (a) African Union (b) Brazil (c) European Union (d) China Answer: D 2. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently published the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, in 2020. Which of the following statements is correct about EIA? (Punjab Civil Service 2020) 1. It predicts the effect of a proposed industrial/infrastructural project on the environment. 2. It prevents the proposed activity/project from being approved without proper oversight or taking adverse consequences into account. 3. It compares various alternatives for a project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits. 4. As per the new notification, Coal and non-Coal mineral prospecting and solar photovoltaic projects do not need prior environmental clearance. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. Only 1 and 2 B. Only 2, 3 and 4 C. Only 1, 2 and 3 D. Only 1, 2 and 4   Answer: D   3. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021) 1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research program. 2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural (CGIAR) headquartered in France. 3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centers. Which of the statements given above is correct? (a) 1 and 2 only                (b) 2 and 3 only              (c) 1 and 3 only                      (d) 1, 2 and 3   Answer: D   4. With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements : (UPSC 2021) 1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater. 2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater. 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   5. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020) 1. 36% of India's districts are classified as "overexploited" or "critical" by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). 2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act. 3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1 and 3 only Answer: B   6. Consider the following statements: 1. On the planet Earth, the freshwater available for use amounts to less than 1% of the total water found. 2. Of the total freshwater found on the planet Earth 95% is bound up in polar ice caps and glaciers. 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: A   7. Special Economic Zones (SEZ) have been created first time in the: (OPSC OAS 2019) A.  EXIM Policy, 2000        B.  EXIM Policy, 2005 C. Industrial Policy, 1956 D. Industrial Policy, 1991   Answer: A   8. Consider the statement: "India wants Chabahar port to be included in the 13-nations International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) that extends from India to Russia." Which of the following country/countries is/are members of INSTC? (Haryana Civil Services 2021)  1. Iran 2. Iraq 3. China 4. Mongolia Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only        B. 2 and 3 only          C. 3 and 4 only         D.  1, 3 and 4   Answer: A   9. What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (UPSC CSE 2017) A. India's trade with African countries will enormously increase. B. India's relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened. C. India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. D. Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipe between Iraq and India.   Answer: C   Mains 1. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC CSE 2018) 2. China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for the development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine. (UPSC CSE 2014) 3. “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC CSE 2017)

 

Source: The Hindu

 

FENTANYL

 

 

 

1. Context

 

In the latest version of the Major’s List sent to the U.S. Congress, President Donald Trump listed 23 countries as being significant sources and/or sites of transit of illicit drugs — especially fentanyl — that he said threaten the U.S. The list of countries includes India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan.

 

 

2. What is Fentanyl?

 

 

• Fentanyl, a man-made opioid, has become the primary driver of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Originally created in the 1960s for medical use, it continues to be prescribed in tightly controlled doses to patients experiencing severe pain.
• Outside medical supervision, however, fentanyl is extremely dangerous — nearly 50 times stronger than heroin. As little as 2 milligrams can be lethal, since it acts as an agonist on the mu-opioid receptors found on nerve cells, which normally interact with the body’s natural pain-regulating chemicals.
• In high doses, fentanyl overstimulates these receptors, suppresses the brainstem’s respiratory centers that regulate automatic breathing, rapidly crosses the blood–brain barrier, and accumulates in the central nervous system. This leads to severely reduced breathing (hypoventilation) and life-threatening respiratory depression.
• Overdoses can be countered with naloxone, a competitive antagonist of the mu-opioid receptor. By displacing fentanyl and other opioids from the receptor, it helps restore normal breathing. But naloxone must be given quickly, as prolonged oxygen deprivation can cause brain damage or death within minutes.
• Between August 2023 and August 2024, over 57,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses, the majority linked to fentanyl. In 2022, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported seizing 50.6 million fentanyl-laced pills along with enough powdered fentanyl to create an estimated 379 million potentially lethal doses — enough to kill the entire U.S. population

 

The Major’s List is issued annually to identify regions where geography, trade, or industry plays a significant role in the movement of narcotics or the chemicals used to manufacture them into global markets. According to the U.S. State Department, inclusion on this list does not necessarily indicate how effective a country’s anti-narcotics measures are. Instead, it reflects whether substantial amounts of drugs or precursor chemicals are being produced or trafficked through that nation. However, certain countries — including Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar, Colombia, and Venezuela — have been singled out as having “failed demonstrably” in meeting their responsibilities under international drug-control treaties

 

 

3. Why is it hard to regulate fentanyl?

 

 

• Unlike heroin or cocaine, which are extracted from plants, fentanyl is entirely synthetic and produced in laboratories from chemical compounds known as precursors. The most significant of these are N-phenethyl-4-piperidone (NPP) and 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (4-ANPP). While these chemicals have legitimate industrial and pharmaceutical applications, they can also be diverted into illegal production networks.
• In illicit labs, these precursors are chemically transformed into fentanyl powder through standard organic chemistry reactions. The process can be carried out using common glassware, basic solvents, and moderate heat.
• This means that once traffickers acquire the precursor chemicals, converting them into fentanyl is relatively straightforward.
• Moreover, because only minimal amounts of precursors are needed to produce large volumes of fentanyl, and they can be shipped covertly, regulating the trade has proven extremely challenging

 

 

4. How is Fentanyl Supplied?

 

 

• The global fentanyl supply chain involves numerous players. China and India are key sources of precursor chemicals, some of which are illegally diverted. Mexican cartels are primarily responsible for converting these precursors into fentanyl powder.
• The finished product is then either pressed into counterfeit pills or mixed with other drugs and trafficked into the U.S., mainly via the Mexico–U.S. border.
• To combat this, the U.S. has used criminal prosecutions, trade sanctions, diplomatic engagement, and strengthened law enforcement measures. In January 2025, two Indian firms, Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals, were charged with conspiring to export fentanyl precursors to the U.S. and Mexico.
• A senior executive at Raxuter, Bhavesh Lathiya, was arrested in New York on smuggling charges.
• Following these developments, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi revoked or denied visas for certain business executives linked to the illicit fentanyl trade

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

 

POONA PACT

 

 

1. Context

 

24th September holds great importance in Indian history, as it was the day in 1932 when B.R. Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact with Madan Mohan Malviya, who represented Gandhi. The pact replaced the separate electorate with reservations for the Depressed Classes. Let’s know about it in detail.

 

 

2. Poona Pact

 

• In September 1932, at Yerawada Central Jail in Pune, Mahatma Gandhi commenced a fast unto death to protest the granting of separate electorates to the Scheduled Castes. This protest ultimately led to the signing of the Poona Pact between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

• B.R. Ambedkar is widely recognized for awakening political awareness among Dalits, which fueled their struggle for representation and power. His political agenda focused on ensuring that lower castes gained political influence. As Ambedkar noted, “No one can address your grievances better than you, and these cannot be resolved unless political power rests in your hands.”

• During the plenary session of the First Round Table Conference in London, Ambedkar emphasized that the Depressed Classes would remain politically powerless unless the constitutional framework provided mechanisms designed to empower them. He proposed separate electorates as a form of affirmative action to strengthen lower-caste representation.

• The idea of separate electorates entailed a dual voting system—allowing Scheduled Castes to vote both for their own candidates and in the general electorate.

• Ambedkar argued that joint electorates might superficially aid the integration of lower castes into Hindu society but would do little to challenge their subordinate status. He believed that in a joint electorate, the majority could control the election of Dalit representatives, preventing them from defending their community against “majority tyranny.”

• Although Gandhi was concerned about the conditions of the untouchables, he opposed separate electorates for them. He felt such arrangements offered too limited a benefit, and instead believed that lower castes should aim for broader leadership opportunities rather than just a restricted quota of seats.

• Gandhi’s opposition was also motivated by the fear that separate electorates would fragment Hindu society, posing a threat to the unity of the community. This stance had strategic reasoning:

  (i) Gandhi understood that the British had long exploited divisions within Indian society for their colonial objectives, and separate electorates could further facilitate this “divide and rule” approach.

  (ii) Additionally, at a time of growing Hindu-Muslim tensions, granting separate electorates to lower castes alongside those for Muslims could weaken consolidated Hindu leadership, reducing its collective political influence

 

 3. Difference of Opinions on Separate Electorates

 

 

• At the Second Round Table Conference in 1931, the deep differences between Gandhi and Ambedkar regarding the political rights of the untouchables became evident. Gandhi remarked, “Those who speak of the political rights of the Untouchables do not know their India.”

• Gandhi challenged Ambedkar’s claim to speak for all untouchables in India, fearing it could fragment Hindu society. Ambedkar, however, remained doubtful of Gandhi’s methods and the Congress’s commitment to ending untouchability, prioritizing the political empowerment and dignity of the Depressed Classes over the unity of Hindu society.

• The debate between the two leaders also highlighted their differing philosophies: Gandhi referred to untouchables as “Harijans” (Children of God), while Ambedkar used the Marathi term ‘Dalits’ (Broken People). The conference concluded without any resolution.

• Despite Gandhi’s resistance, Dalit leaders continued to press for separate electorates, with Ambedkar traveling to London to lobby British officials. This led to British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald announcing the 1932 Communal Award (MacDonald Award), which granted separate electorates to Depressed Classes as well as other minorities like Muslims.

• In response, Gandhi, while imprisoned at Yerawada Jail in Poona, began an indefinite fast demanding the withdrawal of separate electorates for untouchables. Facing Gandhi’s “extreme form of pressure,” Ambedkar eventually agreed to the Poona Pact on 24 September 1932, with Madan Mohan Malviya signing on Gandhi’s behalf. The pact replaced separate electorates with reserved seats for the Depressed Classes.

• After ending his fast, Gandhi proposed the creation of the Anti-Untouchability League to continue efforts against untouchability. Nevertheless, tensions between Gandhi and Ambedkar continued, reflecting their fundamentally different visions of caste reform and social change

 

4.Mahad Satyagraha and Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha

 

 

• The Mahad Satyagraha, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1927, was a landmark event in the struggle for the rights of Dalits and the fight against untouchability. It took place in the town of Mahad in Maharashtra, where Ambedkar organized a public campaign to assert the right of Dalits to access public water resources, specifically the Chavdar Tank, which had been traditionally denied to them due to caste-based discrimination.
• This protest was not merely about drinking water; it symbolized a broader demand for equality, human dignity, and social justice. By insisting on the right to use the public tank, Ambedkar challenged the entrenched social norms that relegated Dalits to the margins of society.
• The Mahad Satyagraha marked one of the first organized acts of civil disobedience by Dalits and highlighted Ambedkar’s philosophy that legal and social equality must be asserted through direct action.
• Complementing his activism on the ground, Ambedkar also recognized the need for social and educational empowerment of the marginalized. In 1924, he founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (Society for the Welfare of the Excluded) to provide a platform for Dalits to organize themselves, promote education, and improve their socio-economic conditions.
• The Sabha encouraged literacy, vocational training, and awareness of rights among the untouchables. It also served as a forum to articulate grievances, foster leadership within the community, and build solidarity against caste oppression.
• Through this institution, Ambedkar sought to create an empowered and self-reliant Dalit community capable of challenging social discrimination and asserting their rights in both public and political spheres.
• Together, the Mahad Satyagraha and the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha illustrate Ambedkar’s dual approach to social reform: confronting discriminatory practices directly while simultaneously building institutional mechanisms to uplift and empower the marginalized.
• These initiatives laid the groundwork for the larger struggle against caste-based inequalities and the pursuit of political and social justice for the Dalit community in India

 

 

For Prelims: Mahad Satyagraha of 1927, Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha, Poona Pact, Second Round Table Conference (RTC)   For Mains: GS I - Modern Indian History

 

 

Previous Year Questions: 1. In 1927, Who started the Mahad Satyagraha in Maharashtra (NDA 2022) A. Mahatma Gandhi B. Sardar Vallabhai Patel C. Dr. Ambedkar D. Jyotiba Phule   Answer: C

 

 

Source: indianexpress

 

NATIONAL MAKHANA BOARD

 

 

 

1. Context

 

On 15th September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Makhana Board in Purnea, Bihar. The announcement for the creation of the Makhana Board was made in the Union Budget 2025-26. In this context, let’s learn about the Makhana board, Makhana and important geographical aspects of it.

 

 

2. National Makhana Board

 

 

• The newly established National Makhana Board aims to assist Makhana farmers in Bihar and other parts of India by boosting production, fostering innovation through new technologies, improving post-harvest handling, enhancing value addition, and streamlining processing and marketing. These efforts are expected to make Makhana more accessible in domestic markets, expand its export potential, and help create a strong brand identity.

• Bihar is the leading producer of Makhana, contributing nearly 90% of India’s total output. Cultivation is concentrated in nine districts of northern and eastern Bihar—Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi—collectively forming the Mithilanchal region. Of these, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar account for roughly 80% of the state’s production.

• Besides Bihar, smaller-scale cultivation of Makhana is seen in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha, and it is also grown in countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea

 

3. Significance of the Makhana board

 

 

• The creation of the National Makhana Board in Bihar marks a crucial step for farmers engaged in Makhana cultivation. The state government had long urged the Centre to implement policies that would support and promote this sector.

• Even though Bihar contributes nearly 90% of India’s total Makhana production, it has struggled to benefit from the growing national and international demand. Interestingly, the largest exporters of Makhana in the country are Punjab and Assam, with Punjab exporting the crop despite not cultivating it at all.

• This disparity is largely due to Bihar’s underdeveloped food processing industry and weak export infrastructure. The absence of cargo facilities at the state’s airports further restricts direct exports. Additionally, productivity remains low as Makhana cultivation is highly labor-intensive, which raises input costs significantly.

• Another challenge is the slow adoption of high-yield seed varieties such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1, developed by agricultural research institutes, which could otherwise boost production efficiency.

• The establishment of the Makhana Board is expected to transform the sector by giving a strong push to production in Bihar and across India, positioning the state prominently on the global Makhana map.

• The Board’s initiatives are likely to include farmer training programs to make them more export-oriented, the development of an ecosystem to attract investments in food processing, and the creation of the necessary export infrastructure

 

4. Makhana as a black diamond

 

 

• Makhana, known in English as fox nut, is the dried edible seed of the prickly water lily or gorgon plant (Euryale ferox). This aquatic plant thrives in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia and is easily identified by its purple and white blossoms and its large, spiny, circular leaves, which can grow over a meter wide.

• The edible portion consists of small, round seeds with a black to dark brown outer covering, which has earned Makhana the nickname “Black Diamond.”

• Once processed, these seeds are often roasted or puffed into light snacks called ‘lava.’ Makhana is highly nutritious, offering a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential minerals. Owing to its health benefits and medicinal properties, it is consumed in multiple forms for dietary, therapeutic, and culinary purposes.

• In 2022, Mithila Makhana received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which certifies that the product originates from a specific region and possesses unique qualities or a reputation linked to that area. This GI tag remains valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter.

• Climatic Conditions for Cultivation:

  • Makhana is an aquatic crop grown mainly in tropical and subtropical climates.

  • It is cultivated in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, wetlands, lakes, land depressions, and ditches with water depths of 4–6 feet.

  • Ideal growth conditions include a temperature range of 20–35°C, relative humidity between 50–90%, and annual rainfall of 100–250 cm

 

 

5. National Turmeric board

 

 

• On 29th June, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the newly established headquarters of the National Turmeric Board in Nizamabad, Telangana.

• The National Turmeric Board was set up by the Central Government in January this year, with a target of reaching USD 1 billion in turmeric exports by 2030.

• The Board has been tasked with boosting the turmeric sector nationwide, with a special focus on Telangana. It will serve as a nodal body for addressing issues related to turmeric cultivation and trade, coordinate with the Spices Board and other agencies, and support initiatives to strengthen production, processing, and marketing of turmeric.

• India holds the distinction of being the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric, with major production concentrated in Telangana, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya. The country commands over 62% of the global turmeric trade. In FY 2023–24, India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric-based products worth USD 226.5 million

 

6. Makhana

 

• Makhana, also known as fox nut or gorgon nut, is the dried edible seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox), an aquatic plant commonly found in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia.
• The plant is easily identifiable by its large, prickly circular leaves, which can exceed a meter in diameter, and its violet and white flowers. The edible seeds have a blackish-brown outer coating, earning them the nickname “Black Diamond.”
• After processing, the seeds are roasted or popped to make a light snack called ‘lava,’ which is widely consumed.
• Makhana is valued for its nutritional richness, being a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and minerals, and has wide applications in food, healthcare, and traditional medicine.
• Bihar is the leading producer of Makhana, accounting for nearly 90% of India’s production. Cultivation is concentrated in nine districts of the Mithilanchal region, including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi, with the first four contributing almost 80% of the state’s output.
• In addition to Bihar, Makhana is cultivated in smaller quantities in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha, as well as in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.
• Recognizing its unique regional identity, Mithila Makhana was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022, which is valid for ten years and can be renewed.
• Makhana is typically grown in tropical and subtropical climates and thrives in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, wetlands, ditches, and lakes with water depths of about 4–6 feet.
• The ideal temperature range for cultivation is 20–35°C, with relative humidity between 50–90% and annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 250 cm. Despite being the largest producer, Bihar has faced several challenges in leveraging its dominant position in the global Makhana market.
• The state lacks a robust food processing industry and export infrastructure, as none of its airports have cargo facilities.
• Cultivation remains highly labor-intensive, resulting in high input costs, and farmers have been slow to adopt high-yield varieties such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1 developed by agricultural research institutions

 

7. Way Forward

 

To address these challenges and unlock the sector’s potential, the Central Government established the National Makhana Board in 2024, headquartered in Bihar. The Board aims to promote production through modern technologies, improve post-harvest management, encourage value addition, and strengthen processing and marketing channels. It will also train farmers to become export-oriented, facilitate investment in food processing, and create the necessary infrastructure to enable exports. These efforts are expected to boost production, expand market access, and enhance Bihar’s presence on the global Makhana map

 

For Prelims: Makhana, Makhana Board, Geographical Indication (GI) tag   For Mains: GS II - Governance

 

 

Source: Indianexpress