Mission for Cotton Productivity

For Prelims: Mission for Cotton Productivity, Union Budget 2025–26, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, High-Yielding Variety, Kasturi Cotton Bharat, Pink Bollworm,  Whitefly 

For Mains:  Mission for Cotton Productivity and its significance for India’s textile sector, Challenges in cotton cultivation in India, Role of technology and biotechnology in agricultural productivity

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 5,659 crore outlay for the “Mission for Cotton Productivity” covering the period 2026–27 to 2030–31. 

• The initiative is designed to address stagnant yields, mitigate pest-related challenges, improve quality, and make India self-reliant in cotton production while enhancing competitiveness in global textile markets.

Summary 

• The Union Cabinet approved a Rs 5,659 crore outlay for the “Mission for Cotton Productivity”  (2026–31) to improve cotton yield, quality, and farmer income through climate-resilient seeds, modern farming technologies, mechanization, and value chain reforms, while promoting India’s 5F vision from “Farm to Foreign.” 
• Despite being the world’s second-largest cotton producer, India faces challenges such as low productivity, pest attacks, climate vulnerability, fragmented landholdings, and poor processing infrastructure, necessitating reforms in irrigation, mechanization, extension services, and sustainable farming practices.

What is the Mission for Cotton Productivity?

• About: The Union Budget 2025–26 announced a five-year “Mission for Cotton Productivity” to enhance cotton productivity, quality, and strengthen the textile value chain.  
  • The mission focuses on research, extension activities, and the development of climate-smart, pest-resistant, and high-yielding cotton varieties, including Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton, using advanced breeding and biotechnology tools.  
• Implementing Agencies: Jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Textiles, supported by 10 institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). 
• Coverage: In its initial phase, the mission will focus on 140 districts across 14 major cotton-growing states, targeting large-scale adoption of modern farming technologies. 
• Alignment with 5F Vision: The mission strictly aligns with the Government's integrated vision for the textile sector: Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, ensuring a sustainable value chain. 
• Targeted Outcomes (by 2031): 
  • Production: Increase total cotton production from current levels to 498 lakh bales. 
  • Yield: Boost lint productivity from the stagnant 440 kg/hectare to 755 kg/hectare. 
  • Beneficiaries: Directly improve the socio-economic status of approximately 32 lakh cotton farmers across India. 

Note: Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton, mainly derived from Gossypium barbadense (Egyptian or Pima cotton), is considered the gold standard in textile manufacturing due to its superior fibre quality and staple length of 30 mm or more. 

What is the Need of Mission for Cotton Productivity for India? 

• Stagnant Productivity: Despite holding the largest acreage globally (~11.4 million hectares, accounting for over 21% of global production), India's lint productivity is heavily stagnant at around 440 kg/ha, far below the global average of ~770 kg/ha. 
• Pest Vulnerability: Recurrent infestations, particularly by the Pink Bollworm and Whitefly, have severely impacted crop yields and inflated input costs for farmers. 
• Quality Concerns: High contamination and trash content in traditionally processed Indian cotton have historically reduced its realization value in premium international markets. 
• Import Dependency: The domestic textile industry relies heavily on imports for Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton (primarily from Egypt and the USA) required for high-end garments. 
• Climate Stress: Over 65% of India's cotton cultivation is rainfed, semi-arid regions (such as Vidarbha, Marathwada, and parts of Telangana), making the crop highly susceptible to erratic monsoon patterns and climate change. 

State of Cotton Cultivation in India 

• Cotton, popularly called “White Gold”, is India’s most important commercial crop, contributing about one-fourth of global output. 
  • India is the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of cotton after China, with the largest cultivation area globally, though it ranks low in productivity, contributing nearly 20% of global cotton production.  
  • Cotton supports around 6 million farmers and millions engaged in processing and trade, while also contributing significantly to exports and foreign exchange earnings. 
• Growing Conditions: It is a subtropical crop that requires a warm, sunny, frost-free climate with adequate humidity. 
  • It grows well in deep alluvial soils (north India), black clayey soils (central India), and red-black mixed soils (southern India). 
  • While it can withstand some salinity, the crop is extremely vulnerable to waterlogging, making proper drainage crucial.  
  • Cotton is primarily a Kharif crop, with its sowing season starting in early April-May in northern India and during the monsoon season in the southern zone. 
• Cotton Growing States: According to 2024–25 estimates, the largest cotton-producing states in India are Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, and Karnataka. 
  • In India, majority of cotton production comes from 9 major cotton growing states, which are grouped into three diverse agro-ecological zones, as under:- 
    • Northern Zone - Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan 
    • Central Zone - Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh 
    • Southern Zone - Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. 
  • Apart from the above the cotton is also grown in the state of Odisha and Tamil Nadu. 
• Hybrid and Bt Cotton: Hybrid Cotton is produced by crossing two parent varieties with different traits, often occurring naturally through cross-pollination. 
  • Bt Cotton is a genetically modified variety that resists common pests, especially bollworms. 
  • GM herbicide-tolerant cotton is not yet approved for commercial cultivation in India. 

India’s Initiatives to Support Cotton Industry 

• Cotton Development Programme under NFSM (2014–15) 
• National Technical Textiles Mission (2020) 
• Mega Investment Textile Parks (MITRA) 
• Cott-Ally Mobile App 
• Committee on Cotton Promotion and Consumption (COCPC) 
• Cotton Corporation of India (CCI): Established in 1970 under the Ministry of Textiles as a PSU under the Companies Act 1956. 
  • It aims to ensure fair prices for farmers, stabilize market fluctuations and enforce MSP operations. 

What are the Major Challenges Confronting the Mission for Cotton Productivity? 

• Agronomic and Climate Vulnerabilities: The mission's push for the High-Density Planting System (HDPS) and Closer Spacing (CS) heavily relies on assured moisture.  
  • Without guaranteed micro-irrigation, these techniques could fail during dry spells or erratic monsoons. 
• Soil Degradation: Decades of monocropping and excessive chemical fertilizer use have severely depleted soil organic carbon in traditional cotton belts, limiting the potential efficacy of new High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds. 
• Biological Threats: The initial success of Bt Cotton has waned as pests, particularly the Pink Bollworm and Whitefly, have developed severe resistance.  
  • Developing truly pest-resistant seeds that can withstand evolving biological threats remains a massive scientific and on-ground challenge. 
• Fragmented Landholdings: The majority of Indian cotton farmers are small and marginal, owning less than 2 hectares of land.  
  • Modern interventions like HDPS and mechanized harvesting are highly capital-intensive and generally require large, contiguous land parcels to be economically viable. 
• Lack of Mechanized Harvesting: As rural labor becomes increasingly scarce and expensive, manual cotton picking is losing viability.  
  • However, mechanized cotton harvesters are currently too expensive for individual farmers, necessitating the creation of robust custom hiring centers (CHCs) or cooperative models. 
• Quality Control and Processing Gaps: Indian cotton historically suffers from high contamination (leaves, dust, human hair) due to manual picking and outdated ginning.  
  • While the mission's Kasturi Cotton Bharat targets a trash content of below 2%, overhauling the deeply entrenched, decentralized processing sector to achieve global standards will require immense capital and behavioral change. 
• Behavioral Resistance: Convincing farmers to shift away from traditional spacing and seed varieties to HDPS requires intensive hand-holding, risk-mitigation guarantees, and financial incentives. 
• Market and Economic Volatility: The rising costs of proprietary seeds, fertilizers, and pest management often squeeze profit margins. If the new HYV seeds and HDPS methods do not guarantee significantly higher Minimum Support Price (MSP) realization or market prices, farmers may fall into deeper debt traps.

What Measures can Strengthen Mission for Cotton Productivity?

• Strengthening Extension Services: The success of HDPS and new seed varieties relies heavily on "Lab to Land" transfers. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) must be mobilized to train farmers actively. 
• Promoting Mechanization: To support HDPS, there must be parallel subsidies and support for mechanized cotton harvesters to solve the issue of labor shortages during the picking season. 
• Irrigation Integration: Coupling the mission with schemes like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) - Per Drop More Crop will ensure that high-yielding varieties receive necessary moisture through micro-irrigation in rainfed belts. 
• Next-Gen Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Sole reliance on genetically modified seeds (like Bt) leads to pest resistance. 
  • The mission must enforce IPM, integrating pheromone traps, biopesticides, and the mandatory planting of "refuge crops" (non-Bt cotton planted around the edges) to slow down pest adaptation. 
  •  Excessive pesticide use in India’s cotton belts is causing a silent public health crisis, with many farmers suffering from eye diseases, cataracts, and even blindness due to prolonged chemical exposure without proper safety equipment.  
    • Safer farming practices, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), subsidised protective gear, and better occupational health safeguards are essential to protect farmers’ health and livelihoods.  
• Digital Agriculture (Agri-Stack): Leverage AI and satellite data to provide farmers with hyper-local, real-time advisories regarding weather anomalies, soil moisture, and early pest attack warnings directly to their smartphones. 

Conclusion 

The Mission for Cotton Productivity cannot succeed in isolation. It requires cooperative federalism, where State Agriculture Departments take ownership of the implementation, coupled with active private sector participation in processing, branding, and digital extension services. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Despite having the world’s largest cotton cultivation area, India continues to face low productivity. Examine the reasons and suggest measures.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the Mission for Cotton Productivity?
It is a Rs 5,659 crore Central initiative for 2026–31 aimed at increasing cotton yield, quality, and farmer income through modern technologies, climate-resilient seeds, and value chain reforms. 

2. Why is Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton important for India?
ELS cotton is essential for premium textile manufacturing, and India currently depends heavily on imports from countries like Egypt and the United States to meet domestic demand. 

3. What are the major challenges in India’s cotton cultivation?
Key challenges include stagnant productivity, pest attacks such as Pink Bollworm and Whitefly, climate vulnerability, fragmented landholdings, and high contamination during processing. 

4. What is Kasturi Cotton Bharat?
Kasturi Cotton Bharat is a branding initiative aimed at positioning Indian cotton as a premium, sustainable, and globally trusted product while reducing contamination levels below 2%. 

5. How does Bt Cotton help farmers?
Bt Cotton is a genetically modified cotton variety that provides resistance against bollworm pests, helping improve crop protection and productivity. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims 

Q1. The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of (2021)  

(a) brown forest soil  
(b) fissure volcanic rock  
(c) granite and schist  
(d) shale and limestone  

Ans: (b)

Q2. A state in India has the following characteristics: (2011)  

1. Its northern part is arid and semi-arid.  
2. Its central part produces cotton.  
3. Cultivation of cash crops is predominant over food crops.  

Which one of the following states has all of the above characteristics?  

(a) Andhra Pradesh  
(b) Gujarat  
(c) Karnataka  
(d) Tamil Nadu  

Ans: (b) 

Q3. "The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost — free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop." Which one of the following is that crop? (2020) 

(a) Cotton 
(b) Jute 
(c) Sugarcane 
(d) Tea 

Ans: A 

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Mains 

Q. Analyse the factors for the highly decentralised cotton textile industry in India. (2013)

Balancing Censorship and Freedom of Speech

For Prelims: Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, IT Act, 2000, Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026, Safe Harbour Protection, Sahyog portal, Article 19(2), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, Deepfake, Cinematograph Act, 1952, Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, K.S. Puttaswamy Case (2017).   

For Mains: Various provisions for censorship in India. Need and challenges associated with censorship and steps needed to balance censorship and freedom of speech. 

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The Union government’s increasing use of the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021 and the IT Act, 2000 to censor online content represents a significant challenge to democratic discourse and freedom of speech in India.  

Summary 

• India’s digital censorship landscape is shifting through IT Rules amendments and tools like the Sahyog Portal, raising concerns over executive overreach.  
• While aimed at security and AI-generated threats, these measures risk bypassing judicial oversight.  
• Ensuring transparency and adhering to the Proportionality Test is crucial for democratic integrity. 

What are the Recent Concerns Associated with Censorship in India? 

• Weaponization of Legal Provisions: The critics argue that the government is leveraging Sections 69A and 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000 to mandate the removal of content and entire accounts, often targeting independent media and political opposition. 
  • Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 requires platforms like Meta and X to comply with 3-hour takedown timelines; failure to do so risks the loss of "safe harbour" protections and potential criminal liability for employees. 
  • Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000, authorizes the Central Government to block online information to protect national sovereignty, security, and public order.  
  • Under Section 79(3)(b), intermediaries lose their "safe harbour" protection if they fail to expeditiously remove or disable access to unlawful content.  
• Dilution of Judicial Precedents: Current practices appear to bypass the "actual knowledge" requirement of illegality established in the landmark Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India case (2015). 
• Sahyog Portal: The opening of Sahyog portal to police nationwide has "supercharged" takedown requests under Section 79(3)(b), effectively acting as a censorial rubber stamp without formal parliamentary legislation. 
• Lack of Transparency: The censorship infrastructure operates under a veil of secrecy, with the government failing to publish meaningful data on the volume or justification of discourse interventions. 
• Intermediary Compliance: Most social media platforms have prioritized legal ease over protecting free speech, opting to automatically process takedown notices rather than challenging them in court. 

What are the Various Provisions for Censorship in India? 

• About: Censorship is the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information on the grounds that such material is considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or "inconvenient". It is carried out by both government authorities and private institutions to impose specific political, moral, or social values.  
• Constitutional Limits: Censorship in India is legally bound by the "Reasonable Restrictions" clause under Article 19(2) of the Constitution. The government can only censor content if it affects:  
  • Security of the State. 
  • Friendly relations with foreign States. 
  • Public order, decency, or morality. 
  • Contempt of court or incitement to an offense. 
• Speech & Public Order: Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 penalizes acts (including electronic communication) that excite secession or endanger the unity and integrity of India. It replaced the old IPC Section 124A (sedition). 
• Digital Content: Internet censorship is governed by the IT Act, 2000 and the IT Rules (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code), 2021. 
  • A 2026 Amendment to the IT Rules, 2021 requires platforms to remove flagged harmful AI-generated content (like deepfakes) or "Synthetically Generated Information" within 3 hours of notification.  
  • OTT platforms, exempt from CBFC jurisdiction, are regulated by the IT Rules, 2021. These rules mandate a Code of Ethics requiring OTT platforms to implement age-based content classification and strictly refrain from publishing illegal content.  
• Film Censorship: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 (and the 2023 Amendment), is the only body that can legally "censor" content before it reaches the public. It can demand cuts, modifications, or refuse a certificate entirely if a film violates the interests of "sovereignty, integrity, security of the state, or public order."  
  • Films are rated as U (Universal), UA (Parental Guidance), A (Adults Only), or S (Specialized audiences). The 2023 amendment introduced age-based markers within the UA category (UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+).  
  • In K.A. Abbas v. Union of India Case (1970), the Supreme Court has upheld the pre-censorship of films as a reasonable restriction on freedom of speech, recognizing their unique visual impact.  
• Print Media and Publications: Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 (as amended) requires registration of newspapers and books; used for regulatory oversight. 
  • Official Secrets Act, 1923 restricts publication of information prejudicial to national security. 
• Broadcasting and Cable Television: Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 impose the Programme Code and Advertising Code, prohibiting content that offends decency, morality, or public order, or criticizes friendly countries. 
• Other Relevant Provisions: Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 restricts reporting that scandalizes the judiciary or prejudices fair trials. Telecommunications Act, 2023 provides broad powers concerning interception and restrictions on communications. 

What is the Need and Challenges Associated with Censorship? 

Category	Need	Challenges
National Security	Sovereignty & Integrity: Content is censored if it threatens the territorial boundaries of India (e.g., incorrect maps) or incites armed rebellion/secessionist movements.	Vague Definitions: Terms like "security of the state" or "public order" are often interpreted broadly, leading to the suppression of legitimate dissent.
Social Harmony	Communal Buffer: This acts as a "preventive strike" against inflammatory speech that could trigger the "Clear and Present Danger" of riots or mob lynching in sensitive areas.	The "Silencing" Effect: Censorship intended to protect one group often leads to a "Heckler's Veto," where a small, loud group can shut down any creative work they find offensive.
Protection of Minors	Psychological Safeguarding: The need is qualified by the state's duty as Parens Patriae (parent of the nation) to protect the developing psyche of children from "toxic" or "predatory" content.	Digital Borderlessness: With the rise of the internet and VPNs, preventing minors from accessing restricted content is technically nearly impossible.
Integrity of Information	Digital Veracity: In the era of "Post-Truth," the need is qualified by the urgency to prevent Cognitive Hacking—where deepfakes or fake news are used to destabilize the economy or elections.	Technological Lag: Regulators often struggle to keep up with the speed of AI. By the time a "3-hour takedown" is ordered, the content has often already gone viral.
Public Decency	Community Standards: The state intervenes when content is deemed "obscene" under the Hicklin Test (tending to morally bad and corrupt).	Subjectivity: What is "indecent" or "immoral" is highly subjective and varies across generations and regions, leading to inconsistent enforcement.
Judicial Integrity	Fair Administration of Justice: To prevent "Trial by Media" where sub-judice matters are sensationalized, potentially influencing the judicial process or witnesses.	Right to Information: Over-censoring court proceedings can clash with the public's right to know and the principle of an open and transparent judiciary.

 

What Steps are Needed to Balance Censorship and Freedom of Speech? 

• Adherence to the Proportionality Test: Any restriction on speech must satisfy the four-fold test established in K.S. Puttaswamy Case (2017):  
  • Legality: The action must be backed by a clear law. 
  • Need: It must serve a legitimate state aim. 
  • Proportionality: The measure must be the least restrictive way to achieve that aim. 
  • Procedural Safeguards: There must be checks against abuse. 
• Narrow and Precise Definitions: Vague terms like "annoyance," "objectionable," or "fake news" should be clearly defined to prevent subjective interpretation. This prevents a "chilling effect" where creators self-censor out of fear of legal repercussions. 
• Judicial Oversight and Review: Takedown orders under Section 69A of the IT Act, 2000 should ideally be subject to prior judicial scrutiny rather than being purely executive decisions. As highlighted in Anuradha Bhasin vs. Union of India Case (2020), transparency in these orders is mandatory to allow for legal challenges. 
• Independent Oversight Bodies: Establishing an autonomous Digital Rights Ombudsman or a multi-stakeholder body (including civil society and tech experts) can help adjudicate content disputes fairly, reducing the risk of executive overreach. 
• Transparency in Takedowns: The government and platforms should publish detailed transparency reports. These reports must include the volume of requests, the specific legal grounds used, and the percentage of content successfully appealed by users. 
• Robust Grievance Redressal: The three-tier mechanism under the IT Rules, 2021 must ensure that users have a meaningful right to appeal. Platforms should be required to provide a written rationale for any content removal to the affected user. 
• Strengthening Intermediary Protections: The "Safe Harbour" provision (Section 79) must be protected. Intermediaries should only be liable when they fail to act on a court order or a specific, legally valid government notification, rather than being pressured into proactive, automated censorship. 

Conclusion 

The evolving digital landscape necessitates a delicate balance between national security and Article 19(1)(a). While curbing deepfakes and misinformation is vital, the state must ensure procedural fairness and transparency. Reforms must include independent oversight, narrow legal definitions, and robust grievance redressal to prevent authoritarian overreach while safeguarding national security and public order. 

Drishti Mains Question:

“Censorship intended for national security often becomes a tool to suppress legitimate dissent.” Critically analyze with reference to India’s legal framework on internet governance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the 'Safe Harbour' protection under the IT Act? 
It is a legal immunity under Section 79 that protects intermediaries from liability for third-party data, provided they follow due diligence and expeditiously remove unlawful content upon "actual knowledge." 

2. How did Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India (2015) judgment impact online speech? 
The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A for being vague and overbroad, emphasizing that restrictions on speech must be narrow and that "actual knowledge" for takedowns requires a court or government order. 

3. What are the 'Reasonable Restrictions' mentioned in the Indian Constitution? 
Under Article 19(2), the state can restrict speech on specific grounds including Sovereignty and Integrity of India, Security of the State, Public Order, Decency, and Contempt of Court. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Prelims

Q. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (2018) 

(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.  

(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.  

(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.  

(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.  

Ans: (c)

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Mains 

Q. What do you understand by the concept of “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. (2014)

Rebalancing India’s Water–Energy–Food Nexus

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The World Bank in its report “Nourish and Flourish” has warned that global food systems are misaligned with hydrological (water) realities, threatening food security. This concern is reinforced by the International Energy Agency, which highlights how energy shocks can trigger cascading food and water crises.  

• For India, a system reliant on subsidised electricity and water-intensive crops has created an unsustainable Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus, posing risks to long-term ecological and food security. 

What are the Current Challenges Regarding Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus? 

• Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus: The WEF nexus refers to the deeply interconnected nature of our water, energy, and food systems. 
  • Water for Food: Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater in India, accounting for over 85% of total water usage, predominantly extracted from groundwater. 
  • Energy for Water: Extracting this groundwater requires massive amounts of energy. Agricultural pumping consumes nearly 20% of India's total electricity. 
  • Policy-Driven Imbalance: State policies providing free or highly subsidized electricity for agriculture directly incentivize the over-extraction of groundwater to grow water-intensive crops (like paddy and sugarcane) in water-scarce regions (like Punjab and Maharashtra). 

Challenges 

• Severe Groundwater Depletion: According to the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2025, released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) several states in Northwest and South India are categorised as highly over-exploited.  
  • The Punjab–Haryana model of cultivating paddy (a water-guzzling crop) in semi-arid regions is hydrologically unsustainable, with groundwater levels declining by over 1 metre annually due to excessive irrigation.  
  • The World Bank estimates that current agricultural water systems can sustainably feed only one-third of the global population by 2050 if inefficiencies persist.  
• Distorted Cropping Patterns: The Minimum Support Price (MSP) and open-ended procurement regimes heavily favor rice and wheat.  
  • This discourages crop diversification, pushing farmers away from ecologically suitable, drought-resistant crops like pulses, oilseeds, and millets. 
• Financial Burden on Power DISCOMs: Subsidized or free power to the agricultural sector places a massive financial strain on state-owned Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), creating a cycle of debt and poor infrastructure maintenance. 
  • India spends over Rs 1.5 lakh crore annually on electricity subsidies, along with large agricultural support, much of which promotes inefficient water and energy use.  
• High Energy Dependence in Agriculture: Irrigation in India relies heavily on electricity and diesel, making agriculture vulnerable to oil shocks, especially as the country imports 85–90% of its crude oil. Rising oil prices increase the import bill, fiscal deficit, and inflation, exposing the farm sector to global disruptions.  
• The "Solar Pump" Paradox: Initiatives like PM-KUSUM (solarizing agriculture pumps) are meant to reduce the burden on DISCOMs and provide clean energy. 
  • However, if not carefully regulated, "free" solar energy during the day can lead to even more ruthless and unregulated extraction of groundwater. 
• Exporting "Virtual Water": India is a leading global exporter of rice and sugar. By exporting these water-intensive commodities, India is essentially exporting billions of liters of "virtual water," worsening its own domestic water scarcity. 
• Fragmented Governance: Policies for water, energy, and agriculture operate in silos, weakening systemic resilience. 

India’s Initiatives Related to Saving Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Systems 

• National Bioenergy Programme 
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 
• Sahi Fasal Campaign (Under National Water Mission) 
• Atal Bhujal Yojana 
• Shree Anna (National Millet Promotion) 
• BioE3 Policy 
• National Mission on Natural Farming 

What Steps are Needed to Align the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Systems?  

• Promoting Crop Diversification & Re-aligning MSP: There is a crucial need to transition from "calorie security" to "nutritional and ecological security."   
  • The MSP framework must be reoriented to incentivize crops that match the agro-climatic zones. For instance, promoting Shree Anna (Millets) in arid regions of Rajasthan and the Deccan plateau. 
• Rationalizing Power Subsidies: Instead of providing free electricity, state governments should move towards a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) model.  
  • Farmers can be given a fixed monetary subsidy, incentivizing them to save electricity (and thus, save water). 
  • Under PM-KUSUM, farmers should be heavily incentivized to sell surplus solar power back to the grid. Treating electricity as a "cash crop" will motivate farmers to pump only the water they strictly need. 
• Enhancing Water Use Efficiency (WUE): Aggressive promotion of micro-irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler) under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – 'Per Drop More Crop'. 
  • Shifting from traditional flood irrigation to precision farming and IoT-based soil moisture monitoring. 
• Promoting Regenerative Agriculture: Adopting practices like Zero Tillage, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR), and organic farming, which improve soil health, increase water retention capacity, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers (which are highly energy-intensive to produce). 
• Implementing Water Accounting and Budgeting: Village-level water budgeting, as seen in schemes like Atal Bhujal Yojana, should be scaled up. Communities must be empowered to manage local aquifers and decide cropping patterns based on the available water budget.

Conclusion 

India’s food security cannot be sustained at the cost of its water and energy security. A paradigm shift from a "production-centric" approach to an "ecology-centric" approach is required. By integrating hydrological realities and energy economics into agricultural policymaking, India can ensure climate-resilient farming, secure farmer livelihoods, and protect its vital natural resources for future generations. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

“Energy security and water security are inseparable from food security.” Discuss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus? 
It refers to the interdependence between water, energy, and food systems, where changes in one sector directly affect the others. 

2. Why is groundwater depletion a major concern in India? 
Agriculture uses over 85% of freshwater, with excessive extraction driven by subsidised electricity and water-intensive crops. 

3. What is the objective of PM-KUSUM? 
It aims to solarize agricultural pumps, reduce DISCOM burden, and provide farmers with clean energy and income opportunities. 

4. What is ‘virtual water’ in agriculture? 
It refers to water embedded in crops; exporting water-intensive crops like rice means exporting large volumes of water. 

5. How can crop diversification help the WEF nexus? 
Shifting to drought-resistant crops like millets reduces water use, energy demand, and enhances climate resilience. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims

Q. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate -Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)

1. 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. 
2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (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 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  

Ans: (d) 

Q. In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020)

1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops 
2. Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies 
3. Social Capital development 
4. Free electricity supply to farmers 
5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system 
6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments 

Select the correct answer using the code given below:  

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only  
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only  
(c) 2, 3 and 6 only  
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6  

Ans: (c)  

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Mains 

Q. Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).(2016) 

Q. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?(2017)

Iran’s Nuclear Threshold and NPT Compliance

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The geopolitical tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program highlights a strategic balance under the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), where Iran maintains the technical capability for weaponization while officially adhering to a civilian-use narrative. 

What are the Key Facts Regarding Iran’s Nuclear Ambiguity? 

• NPT Paradox: The NPT recognises an inalienable right to civilian nuclear technology, but because enrichment and reprocessing can serve both peaceful and weapons purposes, it creates a blurred line between energy use and weaponisation that Iran’s nuclear programme exemplifies.  
• Technical Proximity: Iran possesses a significant stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%; experts note that the path from 60% to the 90% weapons-grade threshold is technically shorter than the initial enrichment stages.  
  • Iran is classified as a threshold state—a nation possessing the breakout capability (technical knowledge and material) to build a bomb rapidly but refraining from the final assembly to avoid international sanctions. 
  • Analysts estimate Iran’s current breakout time—the period required to produce enough fissile material for a warhead—is now measured in weeks, effectively making it a nuclear-capable state. North Korea was once an example; Iran now is one. 
• Nuclear Cascade Risk: Iran’s status as a threshold state risks a regional nuclear cascade, where neighboring countries may feel compelled to seek nuclear parity to ensure their own security.  
• JCPOA Factor: The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 2015, or the 2015 Iran Deal, successfully curtailed enrichment until the US unilaterally exited in 2018, leading Tehran to resume high-level enrichment.  
• Covert Actions Against Iran: Includes Stuxnet virus in late 2000s (highly sophisticated computer worm discovered designed to sabotage Iran's nuclear program by physically damaging centrifuges), assassination of nuclear scientists, Twelve-Day War (2025) , and ongoing conflict – aimed at eliminating even threshold state status. 

What is Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)? 

• About: NPT is a landmark international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and technology, promoting cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and furthering the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.  
  • Opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force in 1970, it is the most widely adhered-to arms control treaty in history.  
• Three Pillars: The NPT is often described as a "grand bargain" based on three central pillars:  
  • Non-Proliferation: Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS) agree not to acquire or manufacture nuclear weapons. Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) agree not to assist NNWS in acquiring them. 
  • Disarmament: All parties—specifically the NWS—commit to pursuing negotiations in good faith to halt the nuclear arms race and achieve complete disarmament. 
  • Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: All parties have the "inalienable right" to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes (such as power generation or medicine) under international supervision. 
• Nuclear "Have" vs. "Have-Nots": The treaty creates a legal distinction between two groups of states:  
  • Nuclear Weapon States (NWS): Defined as those that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to 1st January, 1967. This includes only five countries: the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China (the P5). 
  • Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS): All other signatories, who agree to forgo the nuclear path. 
• Verification and the IAEA: To ensure that NNWS are not diverting nuclear material from peaceful power plants to secret weapons programs, the treaty relies on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Signatories must accept IAEA "safeguards," which involve regular inspections of their nuclear facilities.  
• Criticisms:  
  • Discriminatory Nature: Many argue the treaty is inherently unfair because it "freezes" the world into nuclear "haves" and "have-nots," with no strict deadline for the P5 to disarm. 
  • Non-Signatories: Four UN member states have never joined the NPT namely India, Pakistan, Israel, and South Sudan. North Korea acceded in 1985, announced its withdrawal in 2003 (the only state to do so), and subsequently developed nuclear weapons. Iran joined NPT in 1970 but recently expressed doubts about continued participation. 
  • Withdrawal Clause: Article X allows a state to withdraw if "extraordinary events" jeopardize its supreme interests, which some see as a loophole for "breakout" capabilities. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What is the "NPT Paradox" regarding civilian nuclear rights? 
It refers to Article IV’s "inalienable right" to peaceful nuclear energy, which allows states to develop dual-use technologies like enrichment that can be rapidly repurposed for weaponization. 

2. How is a "Nuclear Weapon State" (NWS) defined under the NPT? 
An NWS is legally defined as any state that manufactured and exploded a nuclear device prior to 1st January, 1967, specifically the US, Russia, UK, France, and China. 

3. What is the role of the IAEA in the NPT framework? 
The IAEA acts as an independent watchdog that implements "safeguards" and intrusive inspections to verify that non-nuclear states are not diverting peaceful nuclear material toward secret weapons programs. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Q. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (2020)

(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium  

(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies  

(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises  

(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned  

Ans: (b) 

RBI’s Strategic Gold Repatriation

Source: IE 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) moved 104.23 metric tonne (MT) of gold from the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) to domestic shores in the 2nd half of 2025-26. 

• 3 Year Trend: This marks the 3rd consecutive year of large-scale gold transfers, with 168.06 MT brought home in 2025-26, compared to 107.21 MT and 103.68 MT in the preceding two years.  
  • Approximately 197.67 tonnes remain with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements, as India reduces its historical reliance on London and New York vaults.  
• Dominant Domestic Holdings: As of March 2026, the RBI holds 77% of its total 880.52 MT gold reserves domestically, a dramatic increase from just 38% in March 2023.  
• Geopolitical Resilience: The move is a response to global uncertainties following the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict and the freezing of Russia’s dollar reserves, prompting central banks to favor "domestic storage" to avoid potential sanctions or asset freezes.  
• Increased Share in Forex: The value-wise share of gold in India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves jumped to 16.7% (up from 11.7% in 2024-25), driven by a sharp rally in global gold prices.  
  • The foreign exchange reserves are composed of 4 distinct categories namely Foreign Currency Assets (~80.0%), Gold Reserves (~16.7%), Special Drawing Rights (~2.4%) and Reserve Position in IMF (~0.9%).  
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934 outlines the types of foreign assets the RBI is permitted to buy and hold (e.g., foreign government securities, deposits with foreign central banks).  
• Global Context: According to the World Gold Council, despite an increase in domestic gold storage, RBI's overall gold reserves grew by only 10% (86 MT) over the last 3 years.  
  • This trend contrasts with central banks like the National Bank of Poland, Uzbekistan, and China, which purchased gold heavily in early 2026 to diversify reserves amid geopolitical conflicts.  

Read More: RBI's Repatriation of Gold 

CINBAX-II 2026

Source: TH 

The Indian Army is participating in the 2nd edition of the India-Cambodia Joint Military Exercise, CINBAX-II 2026, held in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. The inaugural edition of CINBAX was held in Pune, India, in December 2024. 

• Contingent Details: 120 personnel from India, primarily from a Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, joined 160 personnel from the Royal Cambodian Army for the exercise.  
• Objective: To achieve operational synergy, share best practices, and enhance coordination during joint missions focused on countering hostile forces.  
• Focus Area: The exercise focuses on Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations within sub-conventional environments, specifically in semi-urban and jungle settings.  
  • The 2026 edition includes training in modern combat skills such as drone operations, sniper tactics, and mortar handling.  
• Mandate: It is conducted under the framework of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, aligning with the dynamics of modern UN peacekeeping operations.  
  • Chapter VII of the UN Charter authorizes the UN Security Council to take decisive action, including binding economic sanctions and military force, to maintain or restore international peace and security. 
• Strategic Significance: CINBAX is aimed at strengthening defence cooperation between India and Cambodia under India’s broader military diplomacy and Act East Policy, 2014.  

Read More: Forging a New Era of India-ASEAN Relations 

INS Mahendragiri Inducted into Indian Navy

Source: TH 

The Indian Navy recently took delivery of INS Mahendragiri, the sixth ship in the Nilgiri-class (Project 17A), marking a significant milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in warship design and construction. 

• It is the latest addition to a series of multi-role stealth frigates, including INS Dunagiri and INS Taragiri, that represent a significant leap in the Navy's modernization. 

INS Mahendragiri 

• Design and Features: Designed by the Warship Design Bureau, the frigate is equipped with a CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion system, advanced sensors, and a versatile weapons suite for anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine operations. 
  • The frigate has 75% indigenous content, showcasing India’s growing capability in indigenous warship manufacturing.  
• Stealth: The ship is designed with a low radar cross-section (RCS), reducing its visibility to enemy sensors and radars.  
  • Key features include radar-absorbing coatings, flush-mounted weapons, and specialized exhaust systems for infrared signature reduction. 
• Firepower: Equipped with BrahMos missiles, MFSTAR radar, and MRSAM air defense systems, INS Mahendragiri enhances India’s combat capability in both offensive and defensive operations.  
• Significance: The growing fleet of indigenous warships reflects India's broader effort to enhance its blue-water operational capabilities and maintain a sustained presence in the Indian Ocean Region. 

Project 17A  

• About: Project 17A, also known as the Nilgiri-class, comprises the development and deployment of seven stealth guided-missile frigates developed as a follow-on to the Shivalik-class (Project 17).  
  • Of the seven frigates, four (Nilgiri, Udaygiri, Taragiri, Mahendragiri) are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), and three (Himgiri, Dunagiri, Vindhyagiri) by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd.  
• Significance: Project 17A frigates are designed for blue-water operations, enabling the Navy to project power across vast distances and protect maritime trade routes.  

Read More: INS Taragiri 

Easing FDI Norms for China Linked Entities

Source: TH 

The Indian government has relaxed FDI norms for overseas companies (not registered in land-border countries) that have a Chinese or Hong Kong shareholding of up to 10%. These companies can now invest in India through the automatic route, provided they do not exercise "control" and the investment is in a permitted sector.  

• Relaxation of Press Note 3 (2020): The new Press Note 2 (2026 Series) modifies the Press Note 3 rules that mandated government approval for all investments from countries sharing a land border with India, regardless of the stake size.  
  • This relaxation allows greater ease for investments from Chinese or Hong Kong entities with limited stakes. China currently accounts for a marginal 0.32% (USD 2.51 billion) of India’s total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows (April 2000 – December 2025), ranking 23rd among investor nations. 
• Definition of Beneficial Owner: To ensure legal clarity, the government has aligned the term with the Prevention of Money-laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, where "beneficial ownership" is defined as a controlling ownership interest exceeding 10%.  
• FEMA and PMLA Alignment: The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has formally amended the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to provide the necessary legal backing for this 10% exemption for investments under the automatic route.  
• Strategic Safeguards: Strict restrictions continue to apply to entities actually registered in China, Hong Kong, or other land-border nations (Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan), who still require prior government approval for any investment. 
• Mandatory Reporting: Even if an investment qualifies for the automatic route under the 10% rule, the Indian investee company is required to report the transaction to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for monitoring purposes. 
• Exemption for Multilateral Bodies: Investments from multilateral banks or funds where India is a member (e.g., Asian Development Bank (ADB), AIIB) are now exempt from being categorized under the "land-border country" restriction, facilitating easier capital flow from global institutions.

Read More: Easing of FDI Curbs from Land-Bordering Countries