General Studies Paper-3

Context: The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative, confirmed that the world is witnessing its fourth global bleaching event.

About

• The bleaching-level heat stress has impacted 83.7% of the planet’s coral reef area and mass coral bleaching has been recorded in at least 83 countries and territories.
  • The ongoing global coral bleaching event is the biggest to date.
• Previous Bleaching:
  • The 1st and 2nd global coral bleaching events occurred in 1998 and 2010, respectively.
  • The 3rd global coral bleaching event, which occurred from 2014-2017, when 68.2% of the world’s reef area experienced bleaching-level heat stress.
• Future Projections: Climate models predict that by 2040-2050, nearly every coral reef worldwide will face annual bleaching events.
• Great Barrier Reef Status: Currently undergoing a sixth mass bleaching event.
  • Second consecutive bleaching episode after 2016-17.
  • Caused by prolonged marine heatwaves, especially in Far Northern and Northern regions.
• Bleaching History in Australia: Mass coral bleaching events recorded in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, and 2024.

What are Corals?

• Corals are invertebrates that belong to a large group of animals called Cnidaria.
  • Corals are formed by multiple small, soft organisms known as polyps.
  • They secrete a rocky chalk-like (calcium carbonate) exoskeleton around themselves for protection.
  • Coral reefs are therefore created by millions of tiny polyps forming large carbonate structures.
• Appearance: Corals range in colour from red to purple and even blue, but are most commonly shades of brown and green.
  • Coral are bright and colorful because of microscopic algae called zooxanthellae.
• There are three types of coral reefs – fringing reefs, barrier reefs and atolls.
  • Fringing reefs form along shorelines, barrier reefs form in open water and atolls are circular reefs that have formed around sunken volcanoes.

Coral Bleaching

• Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the colourful algae living in their tissues.
• Without these helpful algae, the corals become pale and are vulnerable to starvation and disease.
• A bleached coral is not dead, but ocean temperatures need to cool off for any hope of recovery.
• At least 14% of the world’s remaining corals were estimated to have died in the previous two global bleaching events.

What triggers Coral Bleaching?

• The leading cause of coral bleaching is climate change.
  • A warming planet means a warming ocean, and a change in water temperature—as little as 2 degrees Fahrenheit—can cause coral to drive out algae.
• Coral also bleaches for other reasons, like extremely low tides, pollution, or too much sunlight.

Concerns

• Coral bleaching matters because once these corals die, reefs rarely come back.
• With few corals surviving, they struggle to reproduce, and entire reef ecosystems, on which people and wildlife depend, deteriorate.
• This would have dire implications for ocean health, subsistence fisheries and tourism.

Impact of Coral Bleaching

• Wildlife: Thousands of marine animals depend on coral reefs for survival.
  • Coral reefs provide shelter, spawning grounds, and protection from predators.
  • They also support organisms at the base of ocean food chains.
  • As reef ecosystems collapse, already at-risk species may face extinction.
• Humans: Coral reefs are natural barriers that absorb the force of waves and storm surges, keeping coastal communities safe.
  • Every year, reefs provide about $2.7 trillion in goods and services, according to a 2020 estimate by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network.
  • Bleached coral also compounds the overfishing crisis by removing links in the food web and depriving some fish of a place to spawn and develop.
  • Reef tourism brings in billions of dollars each year and supports thousands of jobs.

Can corals recover from bleaching?

• Corals can recover if conditions improve, but recovery can take years or even a decade, depending on the extent of the damage.
• Corals can recover only if temperatures drop and conditions return to normal.
• When this happens, the algae returns and the corals gradually regain their health.

Way Ahead

• Strengthening Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
• Implementing coral restoration techniques, such as coral gardening and breeding resilient coral species, to enhance recovery after bleaching events.
• Advocating for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit temperature increases and ocean acidification.
• Increasing investment in research to better understand coral resilience, bleaching triggers, and recovery processes, alongside developing advanced monitoring technologies.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Pahalgam terror attack has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to a series of retaliatory measures by both countries.

Key Measures By India & Pakistan

India’s Measures

• Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
• Closure of the Attari-Wagah Border
• Cancellation of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES Visas)
• Expulsion of Pakistani Military Advisors
• Reduction of Diplomatic Personnel

Pakistan’s Retaliatory Measures

• Airspace Closure
• Trade Suspension
• Diplomatic Retaliation like reducing the strength of India’s High Commission and suspension of Simla Agreement and all bilateral agreements with India.
• Visa Restrictions except for Sikh pilgrims visiting the Kartarpur Corridor.
• Labeling the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as an ‘act of war’.

Pakistan’s Airspace Closure for India

• Airspace refers to the portion of the atmosphere controlled by a country, where it regulates the movement of aircraft.
• Its closure is governed by both domestic regulations and international frameworks.

Domestic Regulations

• Each country has exclusive rights over the airspace above its territory, as defined by its civil aviation authority.
• In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversees airspace management and closures during emergencies.
• Domestic laws allow governments to issue Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) to inform airlines of restrictions.

International Regulations

• Chicago Convention (1944): It establishes rules for airspace sovereignty and international flight operations, under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
  • Article 1 recognizes the complete and exclusive sovereignty of nations over their airspace.

Impacts of Airspace Closure

• Flight Rerouting and Increased Costs: Indian carriers have been forced to reroute flights to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
  • Longer flight paths over the Arabian Sea and Central Asia are increasing fuel consumption and operational costs.
  • Ticket prices for international flights may rise by 8–12%, affecting passengers.
• Economic Implications: The move mirrors Pakistan’s 2019 airspace closure, following the Indian Air Force’s air strikes in Balakot in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack, which lasted five months and cost Indian airlines over ₹700 crore.

Simla agreement

• The Simla Agreement was a bilateral treaty between India and Pakistan, signed by former prime minister Indira Gandhi and then Pakistani president Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on July 2, 1972.
• It was aimed to resolve conflicts and foster peaceful relations after the 1971 India-Pakistan war.

1. The war was triggered when India intervened in East Pakistan’s (now Bangladesh) fight for independence.

Major Provisions

• Both countries pledged to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir issue, bilaterally without third-party involvement, marking a shift from previous international mediation.
• They agreed to respect each other’s territorial integrity, political independence, and non-interference in internal affairs.
• The 1971 ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir was re-designated as the Line of Control (LoC), with both sides committing not to alter it unilaterally.
• The agreement called for the restoration of diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations, including the resumption of communication, travel, and trade links.
• India agreed to release over 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war as part of the agreement, one of the largest releases in history.
• India returned over 13,000 km² of territory seized during the war, but retained strategic areas in the Chorbat Valley.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: According to the April 2025 edition of the IMF’s World Economic Outlook, India will remain the fastest growing major economy over the next two years.

World Economic Outlook Report

• The World Economic Outlook (WEO) is the International Monetary Fund’s key report on global economic trends and policy challenges.
• Published twice a year it provides projections for the near and medium term, covering advanced, emerging, and developing economies.

Key highlights

• India’s Growth outlook: India is projected to remain the fastest-growing large economy and is expected to grow by 6.2 percent in 2025 and 6.3 percent in 2026.
• Global Growth outlook: The global economic growth will be much lower, at 2.8 percent in 2025 and 3.0 percent in 2026.
• Emerging Asia: The region is also expected to grow strongly, led by India, but faces downward revisions due to global trade disruptions.

Reasons for slowdown in world economy

• Tariff War 2.0: Since early 2025, new tariffs by the US on imports, coupled with retaliatory measures, have triggered a fresh wave of trade tensions.
• Slowing Consumer Confidence: As new tariffs increase costs and lower disposable incomes, consumer spending has weakened, especially in the US and Europe.
• Inflation: While headline inflation has cooled from its peak, core inflation remains sticky, particularly in services.
• Diminished Policy Space: High public debt and rising interest rates have limited the ability of governments to respond with countercyclical policies.
• Aging populations in countries like Japan, Germany, and China are reducing the available workforce, constraining long-term growth.

Reasons for India’s Resilience

• Domestic Demand: India’s growth remains largely driven by robust domestic consumption and investment, particularly in infrastructure and services.
• This has weakened global investor sentiment, triggered financial market volatility, and elevated policy uncertainty to unprecedented levels
• Structural Strengths:
  • A young population and expanding digital economy.
  • A growing middle class with increasing consumption power.
  • Government-led capex push and PLI schemes that bolster industrial activity.

Way Ahead

• Structural reforms: Durable structural reforms across several areas, including labor markets, education, regulation and competition, and financial sector policies, can jointly lift productivity and potential growth and support job creation.
• Technological Integration: Technological progress, related to digitalization and AI, can enhance productivity and potential growth.
• Fiscal Prudence: Maintaining fiscal sustainability amid high global debt and rising interest rates is critical.

General Studies Paper-2

Context; Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister of India, held the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) with Pakistan ‘in abeyance with immediate effect’ in the aftermath of the terror strike in Pahalgam.

About the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

• It was signed in 1960 by India’s Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan’s President Ayub Khan to regulate water-sharing between the two countries.
• It was brokered by the World Bank.

According to IWT:

• India controls the Eastern Rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej).
• Pakistan controls the Western Rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum).
• Under the IWT, India received rights over 20% of the system’s water, while Pakistan received 80%.
• India is allowed limited use of western rivers for non-consumptive purposes like hydropower, but cannot block or significantly alter flows.

Implications for Pakistan of IWT Suspension

• Water Security Threat: Pakistan is highly dependent on the Indus River system for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.
  • Suspension would leave Pakistan vulnerable to upstream control by India, especially over the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), potentially disrupting water availability.
• Agricultural Impact: Punjab and Sindh, the key agricultural regions, rely heavily on Indus waters.
  • A reduction or delay in water flows could devastate crop cycles, threatening food security and livelihoods.
• Energy Crisis: A significant portion of Pakistan’s power comes from hydroelectric dams on the Indus.
  • Disruption in water flow could reduce energy generation, worsening the power crisis, especially in summer.
• Geopolitical Fallout: Suspension would escalate tensions with India, possibly leading to military posturing, cross-border skirmishes, or further diplomatic isolation.
• International Repercussions: Pakistan could appeal to the UN, World Bank, or ICJ, framing India as violating a binding treaty.
  • Suspension may invite international pressure on India to reinstate the treaty, possibly straining India’s global relations.
• Domestic Unrest: Water shortages and crop failures could fuel domestic discontent, protests, and political instability.
• Dependence on China or Other Allies: Pakistan may look for alternative water management partnerships or increase strategic alignment with China.

Feasibility of Suspension of the IWT by India

• Strategic Leverage: India’s move signals a strong diplomatic stance, reinforcing its position against terrorism.
  • It could serve as a negotiation tool to pressure Pakistan into policy changes.
• Treaty Framework and International Law: IWT lacks an exit clause, meaning neither India nor Pakistan can legally abrogate it unilaterally. The Treaty has no end date, and any modification requires the consent of both parties.
  • However, under Article 62 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, a fundamental change in circumstances can justify withdrawal.
  • The United Nations and World Bank could push for negotiations to prevent regional instability.
• India’s Water Management Challenges: Diverting water from the Western Rivers requires major infrastructure projects, including dams and reservoirs.
  • Environmental concerns, such as river ecosystem disruptions, must be addressed.
• Pressure on Pakistan’s Internal Stability: Water scarcity could exacerbate inter-provincial disputes within Pakistan, particularly between Punjab and Sindh.
  • Political instability may lead to increased militant activity along the border.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Recently, the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) Chairperson acknowledged India’s strong position in global affairs, and pitched for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Need for Reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

• Outdated Power Structure: The current structure reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945, right after World War II.
  • The P5 members (USA, UK, France, Russia, China) hold permanent seats with veto power, even though the global balance of power has shifted significantly. The Council doesn’t represent the world’s current economic and political realities.
• Lack of Representation: Africa and Latin America have no permanent representation, even though they comprise a significant portion of the global population and contribute to peacekeeping and economic development.
  • Developing countries are underrepresented, reducing the legitimacy and moral authority of the UNSC.
• Questionable Legitimacy and Effectiveness: The veto power of P5 members often leads to deadlock, preventing effective action in crises (e.g., Syria, Ukraine).
• Greater Global Participation: More inclusive membership would ensure broader consensus, diverse viewpoints, and shared responsibility for global peace and security.

India’s Bid for Permanent Membership in the UNSC

• Demographic & Economic Strength: As the world’s most populous country and the fifth-largest economy, India wields significant regional and global influence.
  • Its market size, technological prowess, and strategic capabilities make it a vital player in global decision-making.
• Global Peacekeeping Role: India has been one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces, with over 250,000 troops deployed in 49 of the 71 peacekeeping missions to date.
• Democratic Credentials: As the world’s largest democracy, India’s inclusion is argued to bring democratic balance to a Council that includes authoritarian states.
• Nuclear Responsibility: India is a nuclear-armed state but adheres to a ‘No First Use’ doctrine and remains committed to non-proliferation, even though it is not a signatory to the NPT, which it criticizes as discriminatory.
• Support from Major Powers: India has garnered support from four of the five P5 members — the United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom — all of whom recognize India’s growing global footprint.

India’s Aspirational Role in Global Governance

• Multipolarity, Not Unipolarity: India argues for a system where power is more diffused and representative.
• Global South Solidarity: Championing causes like development, food security, climate justice, and debt relief for less-developed nations.
• During India’s G20 Presidency, it brought the African Union into the group as a permanent member, a historic step toward inclusivity.
• India’s focus on the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) model and vaccine equity underscored its ambition to provide scalable, open-source solutions to global challenges.
• Strategic Autonomy: India insists on a sovereign path, resisting alignment with any one bloc.
• Democratization of Institutions: From the UNSC to the IMF, India seeks structural reforms to increase the representation of developing nations.

Opposition and Challenges

• Consensus on Reforms: UNSC reforms require a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly (129 of 193 members) and the approval of all P5 members.
• India has found support from various regional blocs, including the African Union, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and ASEAN members.
• China Factor: China, the only P5 member not in favour of India’s bid, remains the biggest impediment. Its geopolitical rivalry with India, border disputes, and strategic alignment with Pakistan shape its opposition.
• Strategic Ambiguity: India is a member of the QUAD (with the US, Japan, and Australia), it also engages actively with BRICS, which includes Russia and China—two nations with divergent views from the West.
• Role of G4: India is part of the G4 group (India, Germany, Brazil, and Japan) that collectively seeks permanent seats.
• However, their candidatures are opposed by a counter-group, United for Consensus (aka Coffee Club), including Italy, Pakistan, Mexico, and Egypt who argue for equitable regional representation instead of new permanent members.
• Slow Progress in Reform: The Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) process has seen limited tangible outcomes, despite ongoing discussions.
• Critics argue that the debate often leads to endless discussions rather than concrete action.

Conclusion

• India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC reflects its growing global stature and commitment to multilateralism.
• While challenges remain, continued diplomatic efforts and international support could pave the way for a more inclusive and representative Security Council.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)-led Sahyog portal, the government has issued 130 content notices to online platforms like Google, YouTube, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft in the last 6 months.

About

• These notices effectively act as content blocking orders and are sent under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
• These fall outside Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, which has been commonly used to issue online censorship orders.
• As per Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, online intermediaries can lose their safe harbour protections if they fail to block access to content which has been flagged by an “appropriate” government agency.
• Safe harbor protections provide legal immunity to social media platforms for third-party user-generated content.

Legal Framework: Section 69A vs. Section 79(3)(b)

• Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000: This section empowers the government to block public access to content on the internet in certain circumstances, such as concerns over national security, sovereignty, public order, or to prevent incitement.
  • It includes safeguards as laid out by the Supreme Court in the Shreya Singhal case (2015).
  • A reasoned order explaining the necessity of blocking content.
  • The person or entity affected should have a chance to contest the order.
• Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act: This section deals with the liability of intermediaries (such as platforms like X Corp) for third-party content.
  • It exempts platforms from liability for illegal content unless they fail to act swiftly to remove or disable access to that content when notified by the government.
  • Intermediaries argue that this provision should not be used to directly block content, as it is not intended for that purpose.

Digital content censorship

• Digital content censorship refers to the control of online content by governments, organizations, or other entities. This includes:
• Blocking websites and apps
• Removal of social media content
• Regulation of OTT (Over-The-Top) streaming platforms
• Restrictions on digital news and journalism

Legal Framework Governing Digital Censorship in India

• Right to Freedom of Speech (Article 19(1)(a)): Subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) concerning decency, morality, and public order.
• Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Section 69A grants the government power to block online content for security or public order concerns.
• Intermediary Guidelines & Digital Media Ethics Code, 2021: Regulates social media, OTT platforms, and digital news media.
• Self-Regulation by OTT Platforms: Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime follow self-regulatory frameworks such as the Digital Publishers Content Grievances Council (DPCGC).
• The Central Board of Film Certification (“CBFC”), which was established by the Cinematographic Act, of 1952, is responsible for censoring movies in India.

Challenges in Digital Censorship in India

• Balancing Freedom of Speech & Regulation: Over-regulation can suppress creativity, while under-regulation can spread harmful content.
• Transparency & Accountability: Content moderation and censorship decisions often lack clear guidelines, raising concerns about misuse.
• Jurisdictional Issues: Many digital platforms operate from outside India, making enforcement difficult.
• Technological Advancements: The rapid evolution of digital media complicates consistent and fair regulation.
• Ethical Concerns: The subjective nature of obscenity laws can lead to arbitrary censorship.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Independent Regulatory Bodies: Ensuring that courts and neutral institutions review censorship decisions.
• Enhancing Transparency in Content Moderation: Digital platforms should publish periodic transparency reports on content takedowns.
• Encouraging Digital Literacy: Educating citizens to identify fake news rather than enforcing restrictive censorship.
• Public Consultation in Policymaking: Involving journalists, legal experts, and civil society in framing digital content regulations.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: As per the report released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has seen its third consecutive below-normal snow year in 2025.

Findings

• The report used a 23-year time series (from 2003 to 2025) of basin-scale snow persistence during the snow season between November and March.
• All three major river basins — Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra — are experiencing significant declines in snow persistence.
• Snow persistence across the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) was at a two-decade low of 23.6%.
• Snow persistence in the Ganga basin – 24.1 per cent below normal – was the lowest in 23 years.
• The snow persistence in the Indus basin declined to 24.5 per cent below normal, from a high of 19.5 per cent above normal in 2020.
• The report recorded a bigger decline across the Mekong (51.9 per cent), Salween (48.3 per cent), and Tibetan Plateau (29.1 per cent) river basins in South East Asia.
• Continued deficit of seasonal meltwater means lesser river runoffs and early-summer water stress, especially for downstream communities.
• Recommendations:
  • improved water management,
  • stronger drought preparedness,
  • better early warning systems,
  • and greater regional cooperation.
• Long-term resilience will depend on adopting science-led, forward-looking policies, and investing in seasonal water storage, efficient use of meltwater, and integrated water management strategies.

Snow Persistence

• Snow persistence is the fraction of time snow is on the ground. When this snow melts, it provides water to people and ecosystems.
• In the river basins of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), snowmelt is the biggest source of water in the streams.
• Overall, it contributes 23% of the runoff to the region’s 12 major river basins every year.

Hindu Kush Himalaya

• The HKH mountains extend around 3,500 km over eight countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
• These mountains are also called the “water towers of Asia” because they are the origins of 10 crucial river systems on the continent — Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow river, and Tarim.
• These river basins provide water to almost one-fourth of the world’s population and are a significant freshwater source for people in the HKH region.

Way Ahead

• In the long term reforestation with native tree species can help the ground retain more snow.
• Better weather forecasting and early warning systems can also help local communities prepare for impending water stress.
• Improving water infrastructure and developing policies for protecting areas receiving snowfall are important for long-term change.
• Communities’ involvement in local, national level decision-making and promoting regional cooperation are vital for comprehensive solutions for the sustainability of snow.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: ISRO’s study using satellite data has estimated India’s total wheat production for the 2024-25 Rabi season at 122.724 million tonnes from eight major wheat-growing states.

About the study

• It used the Comprehensive Remote Sensing Observation on Crop Progress (CROP) framework, which employs Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) datasets from EOS-04, EOS-06, and Resourcesat-2A to monitor wheat sowing and crop conditions in near real-time.
• CROP is a semi-automated, scalable framework, developed by NRSC/ISRO that enables the near real-time monitoring of crop sowing and harvesting during the Rabi season across India.
• As of March 31, 2025, the wheat sown area was 330.8 lakh hectares, closely matching the Ministry of Agriculture’s data.

Importance and Need of  Space Technology in Agriculture Sector

• India’s agricultural sector is vital for livelihoods but faces pressure from a growing population and shrinking natural resources.
• To ensure sustainability, optimized planning and smart resource management are essential.
• Space-based technologies such as satellite imaging, remote sensing, GNSS, and geolocation offer powerful tools for monitoring large, diverse areas.
• It Improves crop monitoring, resource use, and weather forecasting.
• It supports informed decision-making for farmers, researchers, and policymakers.

Applications

• Precision Agriculture : Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) enables accurate field mapping and resource allocation.
  • It helps in precise irrigation, nutrient management, and crop planning.
  • It boosts yields and resource efficiency.
• Improved Connectivity : Satellite-based networks provide real-time access to weather, prices, and expert advice.
  • Remote Sensing & Satellite Imaging : It tracks crop health, vegetation, and land use.
  • It detects disease early for targeted pest control and reduced pesticide use.
• Hyperspectral Imaging: It offers detailed plant health insights by detecting subtle physiological changes.
  • More effective than traditional spectral sensors.
• Water & Soil Management: It supports efficient irrigation, groundwater conservation, and soil moisture tracking.
  • It aids in combating erosion, land degradation, and promoting soil conservation.

Related steps

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has actively adopted space technology since the 1980s for improving agricultural planning and productivity.
• In 2012, the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) was established to operationalize ISRO’s space technology for crop forecasting.
• The Soil and Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) uses satellite data for soil resource mapping.
• Krishi-DSS is a first-of-its-kind geospatial platform specifically designed for Indian agriculture. The platform provides seamless access to comprehensive data including satellite images, weather information, reservoir storage, groundwater levels and soil health information, which can be easily accessed from anywhere at any time.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• Space technology holds immense promise for the future of agriculture.
• By harnessing the power of satellite imagery and data, the agricultural sector can achieve significant improvements in productivity, sustainability, and economic value.
• Their growing adoption will play a crucial role in ensuring food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla outlined a comprehensive roadmap for achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

About

• India’s vision for 2047, known as ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), aims to transform the nation into a developed economy by the time it celebrates its 100th anniversary of its independence.
• The four pillars of Viksit Bharat are Yuva (Youth), Garib (Poor), Mahila (Women) and Kisan (Framers).
• It requires comprehensive efforts across various sectors, including economic growth, social equity, global competitiveness, environmental sustainability, industrial modernization and good governance.

Major Highlights

• Economic Growth Trajectory: Growth rate increased from 2.9% (1951–52) to 7.6% (2023–24).
• GDP to surpass USD 7 trillion by 2030 and projected to reach USD 34.7 trillion by 2047, as per the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).
• Per Capita Income: Estimated to reach USD 4,667 by 2030 and USD 21,000 by 2047.
• Sectoral Contributions to GDP (By 2047):
  • Agriculture: From 20% (FY23) to 12%.
  • Industrial Sector: To reach 34%.
  • Manufacturing Sector: To reach 25%.
  • Services Sector: Stable at around 54%.
• Key Enablers:
  • Ease of doing business.
  • Global scalability of promising sectors to become MNCs.
  • Development of the semiconductor industry.
  • Support for the startup ecosystem.
  • Export capacity building.
  • Reforms in agriculture and food processing.
  • Filling vacant positions in government (National and State levels).
  • Digital transformation acceleration.
  • Boost to the renewable energy sector.
  • Investment in physical infrastructure.
• Global Standing Goals: 2nd largest Economy in Asia-Pacific by 2030.
  • 3rd largest economy globally by 2030.
• Renewable Energy Goals: India ranks 4th globally in renewable energy.
• Government target: 500 GW of installed renewable capacity by 2030.
• PHDCCI projections: 900 GW by 2040 and 1500 GW by 2047.
• Digital & AI Adoption: Internet usage rose from 8% in 2010 to 52% in 2024, projected to reach 82% by 2047.
  • Projected to rank among the top 5 globally in AI readiness by 2047.
• India’s Innovation-Driven Growth: Global Innovation Index rank improved from 52nd in 2019 to 39th in 2024.
  • PHDCCI projects India will be among the top 5 innovation leaders by 2047.
  • The semiconductor industry is projected to reach USD 750 billion by 2047.

Government Initiatives

• Impact of Government Initiatives: Make in India, Digital India, Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, Udaan Yojana, and electronic manufacturing clusters are reshaping infrastructure and commerce.
• Policy Reforms:
  • Simplification of industrial policies.
  • Transparent tax regime.
  • Single-window clearance system.
  • All contributing to a more business-friendly environment.

Conclusion

• India is progressing steadily toward economic prosperity and innovation leadership.
• Marked by resilience, adaptability, and focus on inclusive growth.
• Positioned to become a key global economic player by 2047.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, equitable and sustainable agriculture at the 15th meeting of BRICS Agriculture Ministers in Brasilia, Brazil.

Key Highlights

• BRICS Agriculture Ministers launched the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership to address land degradation, desertification, and the loss of soil fertility.
• In the Joint Declaration, BRICS nations collectively reiterated their resolve to make the global agri-food system fair, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.
• India’s Stand: Empowering the Backbone of Agriculture
• India highlighted the need to socially, economically and politically empower small and marginal farmers, especially women, at the center of global agricultural strategies.
• The world’s 510 million smallholder farmers are the backbone of the global food system and are also the most vulnerable in the face of climate change, price volatility, and resource scarcity.

What is Sustainable Agriculture?

• Sustainable agriculture refers to farming practices that meet today’s food needs while preserving resources for future generations.
• This means adopting methods that protect the environment, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and use water and land efficiently.
• This approach is designed to maintain a balance between productivity, environmental health, and socio-economic equity.

Need of Sustainable Agriculture

• Over-dependence on Rainfall: Indian agriculture is largely rain-fed, with around 60% of the cultivated area depending on monsoon rains.
• Agricultural Price Volatility: Price volatility forces farmers to sell their produce at low prices during peak harvest seasons.
  • Limited agricultural processing capacity and low levels of mechanization leads to post-harvest losses. Farmers are also unable to add value to their produce, leading to lower returns.
• Access to Finance: Small farmers face difficulties in accessing credit and financial services.

Initiatives taken for sustainable agriculture

• Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs): FPOs have emerged as a key tool to support small and marginal farmers by aggregating their produce, providing access to technology, and improving their market presence.
• Warehouse Receipt Financing: Warehouse receipt financing allows farmers to store their produce and sell it later when prices are more favorable.
  • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) focuses on promoting climate-resilient farming, efficient water use, and soil health management.
  • National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) strengthens agricultural resilience through climate-focused research, technology demonstration, and capacity building.
  • Bio-fertilizers are promoted to reduce chemical usage and enhance soil microbial health.

Concluding remarks

• The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting marks a collective step towards redefining the global food system—making it more just, resilient, and farmer-centric.
• For India, the summit reaffirmed the vision of an agriculture-led inclusive growth model, placing smallholder farmers and sustainability at the heart of policymaking.