IPCC

1. Context

2. Synthesis Report

• The IPCC, an UN-backed scientific body whose periodic assessments of climate science form the basis of global climate action, is set to finalize what is known as the Synthesis Report, incorporating the findings of the five reports that it has released in the sixth assessment cycle since 2018.
• The Synthesis Report is supposed to be a relatively non-technical summary of the previous reports, aimed largely at policymakers around the world.
• It is meant to address a wide range of policy-relevant scientific questions related to climate change, but, like all IPCC reports, in a non-prescriptive manner. 
• This will bring an end to the Sixth Assessment Report, a collective work of thousands of scientists over a period of eight years, starting in February 2015.

3. Significance of the report

• The Synthesis Report is unlikely to reveal anything new. Climate science is fairly well established, and its impacts are already visible.
• As part of the sixth assessment cycle, the IPCC published three comprehensive reports- one on scientific evidence for climate change, the other on impacts and vulnerabilities, and the third exploring mitigation options available.
• Besides these, special reports on the feasibility of keeping global temperature rise within the 1.5-degree celsius limit, and the connections between land, ocean, and cryosphere, were also released.
• Together, these form the most comprehensive understanding of the earth's climate system, the changes it is undergoing, the repercussions of these changes, and the actions that should be taken to avoid the worst impacts.

4. The upcoming meetings

• The release of the synthesis report on March 20 would be immediately followed by a ministerial-level meeting in Copenhagen.
• This will discuss ways to implement the decisions taken at last year's climate meeting in Sharm el-sheikh, especially the one related to the creation of a new fund to help countries hit by climate-related disasters.
• This meeting is aimed at building the atmosphere for more ambitious agreements at this year's climate conference, scheduled in Dubai towards the end of the year.
• Later next week, the UN 2023 Water Conference will take place, with climate change as one of the most important agendas.
• Two G-20 meetings around the climate change theme are also scheduled towards the end of this month, one in Udaipur, Rajasthan, and the other in Gandhinagar, Gujrat.

5. About IPCC

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change.
• IPCC was created in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the objective of the IPCC is to provide governments at all levels with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies.
• IPCC reports are also a key input into international climate change negotiations. The IPCC is an organisation of governments that are members of the United Nations or WMO.
• The IPCC has currently 195 members. Thousands of people from all over the world contribute to the work of the IPCC.
• For the assessment reports, experts volunteer their time as IPCC authors to assess the thousands of scientific papers published each year to provide a comprehensive summary of what is known about the drivers of climate change, its impacts, and future risks, and how adaptation and mitigation can reduce those risks.
• An open and transparent review by experts and governments around the world is an essential part of the IPCC process, to ensure an objective and complete assessment and to reflect a diverse range of views and expertise.
• Through its assessments, the IPCC identifies the strength of scientific agreement in different areas and indicates where further research is needed. The IPCC does not conduct its own research.

6. Working Groups and Task Force of IPCC

• The IPCC is divided into three working Groups and a task force.
• Working group I deals with the physical science basis of climate change, working group II with Climate change impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability, and Working group III with the Mitigation of Climate Change.
• The main objective of the Taskforce on National greenhouse gas inventories is to develop and refine a methodology for the calculation and reporting of national greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
• Alongside the working Groups and the Taskforce, other Task Groups may be established by the panel for a set time period to consider a specific topic or question.
• One example is the decision at the 47th Session of the IPCC in Paris in March 2018 to establish a Task Group to improve gender balance and address gender-related issues within the IPCC.
• That Task Group completed its work and their work was fundamental to the Panel Adoption and Gender Policy and Implementation Plan.

7. Structure of IPCC

8. The Reports by IPCC

• In 1990, the First IPCC Assessment Report (FAR) underlined the importance of climate change as a challenge with global consequences and requiring international cooperation. It played a decisive role in the creation of the UNFCCC, the key international treaty to reduce global warming and cope with the consequences of climate change.
• The Second Assessment Report (SAR) 1995 provided important material for governments to draw from in the run-up to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997.
• The Third Assessment Report (TAR) 2001 focused attention on the impacts of climate change and the need for adaptation.
• The Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) 2007 laid the groundwork for a post-Kyoto agreement, focusing on limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius.
• The Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) was finalized between 2013 and 2014. It provided scientific input into the Paris Agreement. 
• The IPCC is currently in its sixth Assessment cycle where it will prepare three special reports, a Methodology Report, and the Sixth Assessment Report.
• The First of these Special Reports, Global Warming of 1.5°C (SR15), was requested by world governments under the Paris Agreement.
• In May 2019, the IPCC finalised the 2019 Refinement an update to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.
• The Special Report on Climate Change and Land (SRCCL) will be finalized in August 2019 and the Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC) will be finalized in September 2019.
• The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) is expected to be finalized in 2022 in time for the first global stocktake the following year.

9. Nobel Prize for IPCC

Previous year Question

For Prelims & Mains

EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITES (EOS)

 

 

1. Context

The 22.5-hour countdown to the launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), carrying an earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites, commenced at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota

 

2.What is Earth observation satellites?

 

• Earth observation satellites, also known as Earth remote sensing satellites, are designed to monitor and collect data about the Earth from orbit. This category includes both military spy satellites and those intended for non-military purposes, such as environmental monitoring, weather forecasting, cartography, and more.
• These satellites are crucial for overseeing and safeguarding our environment, managing resources, responding to global humanitarian crises, and supporting sustainable development. They offer valuable insights into various aspects like ocean salinity, ice thickness, crop health, and air quality.
• The most common type of Earth observation satellites are Earth-imaging satellites, which capture images similar to aerial photographs. However, some EO satellites conduct remote sensing without creating images, such as those using GNSS radio occultation techniques

3.Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09

 

• The PSLV-C61 mission is set to deploy the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). After the satellite is successfully separated, Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) will be activated to lower the altitude of the spent PS4 stage, thereby minimizing its orbital lifespan.
• This will be followed by passivation of the stage. The launch is scheduled from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
• In alignment with ISRO's goal of conducting responsible and sustainable space missions, this launch will be debris-free. Adequate fuel has been allocated to facilitate the satellite’s de-orbiting after its operational life, ensuring it descends to a lower orbit and disintegrates naturally within two years

4.Types of Earth Observation Satellites

Earth observation satellites are crucial tools for monitoring our planet. They provide valuable data for various applications, including weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and disaster management

Earth observation (EO) satellites can be categorized into two main types depending on their imaging techniques: passive and active.

• Passive Satellites: These satellites detect radiation that is reflected off the Earth's surface, including visible light and infrared. They generally cannot operate effectively through cloud cover.

• Active Satellites: These satellites emit energy towards the Earth's surface and measure the reflected signal to gather information. They are capable of penetrating cloud cover to obtain data

5. How do earth observation satellites collect data?

 

• Earth observation satellites operate in various orbits, providing different viewpoints of the Earth. Due to constraints in power and storage, most satellites do not continuously collect data.
• Some satellites provide consistent and reliable data, while others gather it intermittently over time.
• The collected data is stored on the satellite until it can be transmitted to a ground station when it comes into view.
• The duration from image capture to data availability can range from a month to just a few minutes, with advancements in technology reducing this time.
• As multiple companies own these satellites, there are various data providers with distinct pricing models.
• ISRO has deployed numerous operational remote sensing satellites. Currently, thirteen of these satellites are in sun-synchronous orbits, while four are in geostationary orbits.
• The data collected from these satellites supports a range of applications including agriculture, water resources, urban planning, rural development, mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, forestry, ocean resource management, and disaster response

6. Advantages of low Earth satellites

 

Earth observation satellites offer numerous advantages across various fields due to their ability to collect and transmit data from space.

 

Here are some of the key benefits:

• Climate Change: Track changes in climate patterns, ice melt, sea level rise, and greenhouse gas concentrations.
• Natural Disasters: Monitor and assess the impact of natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods in real-time.
• Agriculture: Provide data on crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs, helping optimize agricultural practices and increase yields.
• Water Resources: Monitor water bodies, track changes in water availability, and manage water resources more effectively.
• Land Use: Assist in urban planning and land use management by providing detailed imagery and data on land development and changes.
• Infrastructure: Support infrastructure development by providing accurate and up-to-date information on land and environmental conditions

 

 

For Prelims: LOS, PSLV, GSLV For Mains: GS III - Science & technology

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018) 1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. 3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 2 D. 3 only Answer: A

Source: PIB, Business Standard

 

 

FOREST RIGHTS ACT

1. Context 

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is in talks with the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change for funding the management of community forest resources, for which rights have been vested in gram sabhas of tribal communities and other forest-dwellers across the country under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), government officials said

2. Key Takeaways

• The ST Commission is caught in a row with the Union Environment Ministry over the latest Forest Conservation Rules (FCR), 2022.
• The row is over the potential violation of provisions enshrined in the Scheduled Tribes and Other Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 was dubbed the Forest Rights Act (FRA).

3. The involvement of NCST in the Act

• The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change in June 2022 notified the forest (Conservation Rules, 2022, which prescribed the mechanism for the diversion of Forest land for non-forest purposes.
• These amended rules have omitted a clause (Present in 2014 and 2017 Rules) that explicitly required any proposal to mandatorily have the consent of local tribespeople and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) of the area, before proceeding for Stage 1 clearance.
• The FCR, 2022 has allowed applying entities to go for the consent of locals, represented by the Gram Sabha after Stage 1 or even after Stage 2 clearance.
• According to the FRA, 2006, in case of a dispute over forest land, precedence has to be given to the rights of STs and OTFDs, who live in and off the forest and its resources, over any other party.

4. NCST demands

• In September 2022, NCST Chairperson Harsh Chouhan shot off a letter to Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, highlighting the potential consequences of FCR, 2022, recommending that they be put on hold and the previous Rules, which provided for the consent clause, be strengthened.
• The ST panel argued that the previous versions of the Rules provided a legal space for ensuring the completion of the processes for recognition and vesting of rights under the FRA in areas where forests are being diverted.
• The ST Commission noted that it made little sense to take the consent of tribals and forest dwellers after an applicant had got Stage 1 clearance.

By then, the applicant would be invested in the project and would then have the incentive to "pursue the State It said governments or Union Territories" to divert the land at the earliest. The NCST added that the FCR, 2022 provided for compensatory Afforestation, but nowhere did it prescribe safeguards or a mechanism for compliance with FRA.

 

• Further, the NCST's Working Group found that FRA compliance was in trouble even under the old rules.
  It said currently, nearly 25, 000-30, 000 hectares of forest land were being diverted every year.
• It cited a study by the Centre for Environment and Development, ATREE to note: " Out of 128 applications for forest diversion for mining, over 100 had been processed between 2009 and 2018".
• It added that 74 proposals had Stage 2 approval, 46 had Stage 1 approval (in principle), with just five rejected and four closed for other reasons.
• None of the rejections was for non-compliance with FRA.
• The study also found that 14 of these cases (all post-2014) had been cleared with an FRA compliance report, despite, this being far from the "ground reality".

5. About NCST

• The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes is a constitutional body that was established by the Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
• The Commission is an authority working for the economic development of Scheduled Tribes in India.

This amendment replaced the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with two distinct commissions which are:

1. National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
2. National Commission for scheduled Tribes (NCST)

Article 366 (25) of the Constitution, Scheduled Tribes are those communities that are scheduled in by article 342 of the Constitution. Also, Article 342 of the Constitution says that: The Scheduled Tribes are the tribes or tribal communities or part of or groups within these tribes and tribal communities which have been declared as such by the President through a public notification.

5.1. Composition of NCST

• The NCST consists of one chairperson, one vice-chairperson and three full-time members.
• Out of the three members, there should compulsorily be one lady member.
• Tenure of the members is 3 years.

 5.2. Functions of NCST

•  It investigates and monitors issues related to safeguarding the provisions for Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution and evaluating the working of those safeguards.
• NCST will inquire into specific complaints concerned with the deprivation of rights and safeguards of the STs.
• The commission participates and advises on the planning process for the socio-economic development of the STs and also evaluates the progress of the various developmental activities.
• The President will be presented with an annual report on the working of those safeguards.
• Apart from annual reports, other reports also will be submitted to the President as and when necessary.
• The Commission will also give reports on what measures are to be taken by both the central and various state governments for the effective execution of the measures and safeguards for the protection, development and welfare of the STs.
• Other functions of NCST are related to the welfare, protection, development and advancement of the STs.

6. Forest Rights Act 

• The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, commonly known as the Forest Rights Act of India, is often referred to as the Tribal Rights Act or the Tribal Land Act.
• It was enacted in 2006 and recognises the rights of tribal communities that live in the forest as well as other traditional forest dwellers to the forest resources that were essential to their ability to provide for a variety of needs, including subsistence, habitation and other sociocultural requirements.
• The forest management policies, including the Acts, Rules and Forest Policies of Participatory Forest Management policies in both colonial and post-colonial India, did not, till the enactment of this Act., recognize the symbiotic relationship of the STs with the forests, reflected in their dependence on the forests as well as in their traditional wisdom regarding conservation of the forests.

The Act encompasses Rights of Self-cultivation and Habitation which are usually regarded as Individual rights; and Community Rights such as Grazing, Fishing and access to Water bodies in the forest, Habitat Rights for PVTGs, Traditional Seasonal Resources access to Nomadic and Pastoral Communities, access to biodiversity, community right to intellectual property and traditional knowledge, recognition of traditional customary rights and right to protect, regenerate or conserve or manage any community forest resource for sustainable use.

 

• It also provides rights to the allocation of forest land for developmental purposes to fulfil the basic infrastructural needs of the community.
• In conjunction with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Settlement Act, 2013 FRA protects the tribal population from eviction without rehabilitation and settlement.
• The Act further enjoins upon the Gram Sabha and rights holders the responsibility of conservation and protection of bio-diversity, wildlife, forests, adjoining catchment areas, water sources and other ecologically sensitive areas as well as to stop any destructive practices affecting these resources or cultural and natural heritage of the tribals.
  The Gram Sabha is also a highly empowered body under the Act, enabling the tribal population to have a decisive say in the determination of local policies and schemes to impact them.
• Thus the Act empowers the forest dwellers to access and use the forest resources in the manner that they were traditionally accustomed, to protect, conserve and manage forests, protect forest dwellers from unlawful evictions and also provides for basic development facilities for the community of forest dwellers to access facilities of education, health, nutrition, infrastructure etc.

6.1. Objective

1. To undo the historical injustice that occurred to the forest-dwelling communities
2. To ensure land tenure, livelihood and food security of the forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers
3. To Strengthen the conservation regime of the forests by including the responsibilities and authority of Forest Rights holders for sustainable use, conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological balance.

For Prelims & Mains

For Prelims: Forest Rights Act, NCST, NCSC, Forest Conservation Rules 2022, Traditional Forest Dwellers,  For Mains:  1.Discuss the powers and functions of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in protecting the rights of the Forest-dwellers in India. (250 Words)

 

Source: The Hindu and Ministry of Tribal Affairs

 

 

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.

 

 

For Prelims: Climate Resilient Agriculture, National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC),  Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC) For Mains: GS III - Environment and Ecology

 

Previous Year Questions   1. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements:(2021) The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres. 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) GACSA is an outcome of the Climate Summit held in Paris in 2015. Membership of GACSA does not create any binding obligations. India was instrumental in the creation of GACSA. 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

 

 

CONSUMER RIGHTS

 

 

1. Context

 

Every year, National Consumer Rights Day is observed on 24th December to raise awareness about consumer rights and promote fair trade practices. In this context, let’s know about the history of this day and consumer rights in detail.

 

 

2. National Consumer Rights Day

 

• National Consumer Rights Day in India marks the coming into force of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, which received the President’s assent on 24 December 1986. In recognition of this milestone, 24 December is observed every year as National Consumer Day.

• This historic law was enacted to protect the rights of consumers, establish an effective system for resolving complaints related to goods and services, and guarantee fair practices and access to justice in the marketplace.

 

3. Consumer Protection Act, 2019

 

• The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 superseded the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. It identifies offences such as the supply of incorrect or deceptive information about the quality or quantity of goods or services and the publication of misleading advertisements. The Act also lays down measures to be taken when goods or services are found to be unsafe, hazardous, or harmful.

• Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 explains a “misleading advertisement” as one relating to any product or service that:

  • (i) presents an untrue or incorrect description of the product or service; or

  • (ii) offers a false assurance or is likely to deceive consumers regarding the nature, composition, quantity, or quality of the product or service; or

  • (iii) communicates an implied claim which, if expressly stated by the manufacturer, seller, or service provider, would amount to an unfair trade practice; or

  • (iv) intentionally withholds material information.

• Section 21 of the Act outlines the enforcement powers of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) against deceptive advertising. If, after inquiry, the CCPA concludes that an advertisement is false or misleading and prejudicial to consumer interests or violates consumer rights, it may direct the trader, manufacturer, advertiser, publisher, or endorser to withdraw or suitably alter the advertisement within a specified timeframe.

• The CCPA is empowered to levy a fine of up to ₹10 lakh and impose imprisonment up to two years on manufacturers or endorsers responsible for misleading advertisements. For repeated violations, the penalty may increase to ₹50 lakh, along with imprisonment up to five years. Additionally, the authority can prohibit endorsers from promoting any goods or services for up to one year, which may extend to three years for subsequent breaches of the Act.

 

 

4.  Government Guidelines on Misleading Ads

 

• In November last year, the Union government issued fresh norms to curb deceptive advertising by coaching institutes, barring exaggerated or false assurances such as “100% selection” or “guaranteed employment”. These rules were framed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) following a surge in complaints received through the National Consumer Helpline.

• As per the new framework, coaching institutions are barred from making misleading statements about the nature and length of courses, qualifications of faculty, fee details and refund terms, success rates and rankings in examinations, as well as promises of assured jobs or salary hikes.

• The guidelines clarify that the term “coaching” covers educational assistance, academic guidance, structured study programmes and tuition, while excluding counselling services, sports training, and creative or artistic pursuits.

• Coaching centres are not permitted to use the names, images, or endorsements of successful candidates unless explicit written permission is obtained after their selection. They are also required to clearly display disclaimers and fully disclose key course-related information in their advertisements.

 

 

5. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

 

 

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) functions as India’s highest consumer regulatory body. It was constituted under Section 10(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and started functioning on 24 July 2020.

• The Authority is responsible for overseeing violations of consumer rights, addressing unfair trade practices, and taking action against false or deceptive advertisements that harm the collective interests of consumers and the wider public.

• Powers and Functions of the CCPA include:

  (i) Safeguarding, advancing, and enforcing consumer rights as a collective and preventing their infringement under the Act;

  (ii) Curbing unfair trade practices and ensuring that individuals or entities do not indulge in such practices;

  (iii) Preventing the circulation of misleading or false advertisements for goods or services that violate the Act or related rules and regulations;

  (iv) Ensuring accountability of all parties involved in publishing deceptive advertisements;

  (v) Initiating complaints before Consumer Commissions and examining issues connected to the protection of consumer rights;

  (vi) Advising on the adoption of international agreements and standards relating to consumer protection;

  (vii) Encouraging consumer awareness and supporting research in the area of consumer rights;

  (viii) Providing guidance to Central and State governments and their departments on policies and measures aimed at consumer welfare.

 

 

6. Way Forward

 

Consumer rights form the backbone of a fair, transparent, and accountable market economy. With the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the establishment of the Central Consumer Protection Authority, India has significantly strengthened its institutional and legal framework to protect consumers against unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. These measures not only empower consumers with enforceable rights and effective grievance redressal mechanisms but also promote ethical business conduct. As markets become more complex and digitalised, continuous awareness, strict enforcement, and responsive regulation are essential to ensure that consumer welfare remains central to economic growth and good governance

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance For Mains: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

 

Previous Year Questions 1. Which of the following statements about the 'Consumer Protection Act 2019' is not true? (UGC NET 2020) A.It has widened the definition of consumer B.It provides for E-filing of complaints C.It establishes Central Consumer Protection Authority D.It ignores mediation as an alternate disputes resolution mechanism Answer (D)

Source: Indanexpress