Decarbonization of Global Shipping

Source:TH 

Why in News?  

Global shipping is now on track to drastically cut its carbon emissions by 2040-2050. This shift is being driven by mounting climate pressures and global decarbonisation goals.  

• The move presents a big opportunity for India both in supplying green fuels and building the infrastructure needed for this transition.

What are the Green Fuels used for Decarbonising Shipping? 

• Green Methanol: Derived from green hydrogen (generated using renewable energy) and CO₂ captured from industrial processes. 
  • Advantages: It can be used as a drop-in fuel for existing engines, reducing carbon emissions by 90-95% compared to conventional fuels. 
  • Challenges: Green methanol incurs high production costs driven by renewable electricity prices and electrolyser infrastructure. 
• Green Ammonia: Produced by combining green hydrogen with nitrogen from the air. 
  • Advantages: Completely carbon-neutral, making it a long-term solution for shipping. 
  • Challenges: Green Ammonia has a highly volatile nature, requiring specialized storage tanks and modifications to engine technology. 
• Biofuels: Derived from organic matter, biofuels can offer a lower-carbon alternative but are not as scalable as methanol or ammonia. 
  • Advantages: Can be used in existing engines with minimal modifications 
  • Challenges: Limited scalability due to land and feedstock constraints, Biofuel production competes with food production in some cases. 

What are the Challenges in Adopting Green Fuels in the Shipping Industry? 

• Cost Considerations:  Producing green fuels like methanol requires electrolysers and large amounts of renewable energy, both of which are capital-intensive.  
  • It takes 10–11 MWh of renewable electricity to produce one tonne of green methanol, which costs around USD 1,950 per tonne compared to USD 560 for VLSFO, making it significantly more expensive.  
  • Demand for green methanol is expected to exceed 14 million tonnes by 2028, while supply may reach only 11 million tonnes, adding to price pressure. 
• Technological and Infrastructure Barriers: The adoption of green fuels requires substantial modifications to both ships and port facilities. This includes retrofitting engines and building bunkering infrastructure at global ports. 
  • Ammonia engines are still experimental, and many shipping firms prefer green methanol, which is safer and more compatible. The Maritime is a conservative sector and slow to adopt untested tech, and global standards for green fuels are still lacking. 
• Regulatory and Certification Issues: International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations are evolving but not yet uniformly adopted. Lack of certification frameworks for green fuels impedes market confidence. 
• Storage and Safety Concerns: While hydrogen is a potential fuel, its storage and transportation challenges make it unfeasible for direct use in shipping. Therefore, green ammonia and green methanol are considered more viable options. 
• Geopolitical Dynamics: The discussions at the IMO were heavily influenced by geopolitical tensions. Oil-exporting countries such as Saudi Arabia opposed drastic changes to safeguard their fossil fuel markets. China favored minimal levies to maintain global competitiveness. 
  • Smaller nations, particularly small island states, advocated for steep carbon levies to finance green development initiatives. 
  • India, alongside Singapore, piloted a compromise solution that integrated both environmental effectiveness and economic fairness. 

What is India’s Role in Global Shipping Decarbonisation? 

• Policy Leadership and Global Collaboration: India played a key role in shaping the Market-Based Measure (MBM) framework to reduce emissions from global shipping, which was adopted at the IMO’s 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session. 
  • Under the MBM framework, India suggested a ‘bridging mechanism’ to penalise polluters, while rewarding those adopting Zero or Near-Zero (ZNZ) fuels. 
  • India hosted the Green Shipping Conclave 2025 in Mumbai, underscoring its leadership in shaping global decarbonisation frameworks. 
• Clean Fuel Production: India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production, essential for green ammonia and methanol key fuels for shipping. 
  • India has vast solar potential and aims to reach 280 GW of solar power by 2030, forming a major part of its 500 GW renewable energy target, making it an ideal hub for green hydrogen production, supporting global shipping decarbonisation 
• Maritime Infrastructure and Green Ports: India is enhancing green bunkering facilities and investing in green ports through initiatives like the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines and the Green Tug Transition Programme. 
  • India is focused on green fuel production and has ambitious plans to develop green fuel bunkering ports at locations like Tuticorin V.O. Chidambaranar and Kandla. 
• Financial Commitment to Green Shipping: The Rs 25,000 crore Maritime Development Fund for FY26 will catalyse investments in green infrastructure, fleet modernisation, and alternative fuels to meet the IMO’s emission reduction targets. 
  • Policies like Maritime India Vision 2030 align with global decarbonisation goals. 

 

How can India Lead in Shipping Decarbonisation? 

• Green Fuel Infrastructure Development: India must invest in developing green hydrogen production hubs powered by its abundant solar energy resources. 
  • There is a need to scale up carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to facilitate the production of green methanol from industrial CO₂. 
• Policy and Financial Incentives: The government should continue to offer Sovereign Guarantees to reduce risk for green fuel investments and make green methanol production financially viable. 
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes can support the domestic manufacturing of electrolyzers and help build a robust green fuel supply chain. 
• Shipbuilding and Retrofitting: India’s government can bolster its maritime capabilities by providing incentives for green fuel-ready shipbuilding in Indian shipyards. 
  • India has pledged USD 10 billion to support the purchase of over 110 ships, with 10-20% of these being green fuel-compatible, will help create economies of scale and attract global shipbuilders. 
• Export Potential: Under the National Hydrogen Mission, Indian green hydrogen must meet a GHG intensity of no more than 2 kg CO₂e per kilogram, or 16.7 grams of CO₂ per megajoule (MJ) well within the IMO’s reward thresholds, which are capped at 19.0 g CO₂e/MJ until 2034 and 14.0 g CO₂e/MJ thereafter.  
  • This alignment creates a significant opportunity for India to export green fuels globally and capitalise on international incentives.  
  • This supports India’s energy security, aligns with maritime goals, and helps meet the target of a 40% carbon intensity cut by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070. 
• International Partnerships and Technological Collaboration: India should partner with South Korea and Japan for green shipping tech transfer and build alliances with countries like Singapore to boost green fuel exports. 

Conclusion 

India plays a pivotal role in global shipping decarbonisation through policy leadership, green technologies, and international collaborations. By focusing on green hydrogen, clean fuel production, and sustainable port development, India aims to align its maritime sector with global climate goals, while also reaping long-term economic benefits.

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the significance of maritime decarbonisation in meeting global climate goals. What role does India play in this transition?

Chhattisgarh Forest Department Withdraws CFRR Directive

Source: TH 

Why in News?

The Chhattisgarh Forest Department withdrew its directive that had designated itself as the nodal agency for implementing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.  

• The directive was issued to align CFRR with the National Working Plan Code (NWPC) 2023, it tried to override gram sabhas’ authority, triggering strong grassroots opposition and leading to its withdrawal. 

What are Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR)? 

• About: CFRR are a key provision under Section 3(1)(i) of the FRA, 2006, which empowers forest-dwelling communities to protect, regenerate, conserve, and manage their customary forests. 
• Key Features of CFRR: 
  • Recognition of Rights: CFRR gives Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs) the legal right to live, use, and cultivate forest land they’ve been dependent on. 
  • Gram Sabha as Governing Body: CFR rights legally empower Gram Sabhas to manage, protect, and regenerate forests. 
    • Gram sabhas draft forest management plans focused on local needs like livelihoods, restoration, and biodiversity. These must align with official plans but not be controlled by them, ensuring local knowledge guides adaptive forest management. 
  • Sustainable Livelihoods: Communities can collect and sell non-timber forest produce (NTFP) (Minor Forest Produce) like bamboo, honey, herbs, etc. 
  • Critical Wildlife Habitats (CWH): CFRR balances ecological protection with rights, ensuring wildlife conservation without displacing people unfairly. 
    • Empowers locals to stop deforestation, illegal mining, and other external threats. 
• Importance:  
  • Corrects Historical Injustice: CFRR challenges the colonial legacy of centralized control over forests by shifting power to local communities, thus rectifying historical injustices where local institutions were replaced by bureaucratic forest departments. 
  • Strengthens Conservation: Recognises the role of traditional knowledge in managing forests and biodiversity, especially in protected areas like national parks and sanctuaries. 
  • Empowers Communities: It places conservation power and responsibility in the hands of those who live closest to the forests. 

What is the National Working Plan Code, 2023 and How does it Conflict with the CFRR? 

• National Working Plan Code, 2023: Released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the NWPC 2023 is a revised framework for scientific forest management across India. 
  • It builds on the earlier codes of 2004 and 2014 with a more integrated and updated approach.  
  • The code aims to guide state forest departments in sustainable forest planning, focusing on biodiversity conservation, forest productivity, soil and water management, and socio-economic benefits. 
• Concerns Over NWPC in CFRR Management: 
  • Top-down Approach: NWPC imposes bureaucratic forest department control over forests that should be managed by gram sabhas, as mandated by the FRA, 2006. 
  • Colonial Timber Focus: The NWPC is rooted in colonial forestry, prioritizing timber extraction over biodiversity and livelihood needs. It conflicts with FRA's community-based approach, which aims to empower gram sabhas to manage forests for sustainable livelihoods and conservation. 
  • Excludes Community Wisdom: It ignores traditional ecological knowledge and lived experience of local forest dwellers in favour of technical, data-heavy methods. 
  • Incompatible Planning: The rigid formats and technical demands of NWPC are not suited for the flexible, context-specific CFR plans needed at the community level, delaying grassroots forest governance. 
  • Potential for Misuse: NWPC can be used by forest departments to regain control over CFR areas, undermining the legal authority of gram sabhas. 
  • Obstructs Climate Resilience: Static working plans under NWPC fail to adapt to climate variability, while CFR plans led by communities can offer more adaptive, real-time responses.
    

What Steps are Needed to Ensure Effective CFRR Implementation? 

• Institutional Clarity and Legal Compliance: Forest Departments must not override Gram Sabha authority. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), as the nodal agency for FRA, must actively defend Gram Sabha autonomy and resist pressures to dilute the law through other instruments like the NWPC  2023, which risks recentralising forest governance. 
• Financial and Administrative Support for Gram Sabhas: The 15th Finance Commission recommended direct financial devolution to local bodies.  
  • A dedicated component should be earmarked for CFR-holding Gram Sabhas for forest conservation and sustainable use. 
  • Schemes like the Green India Mission and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) should include modules to train communities in preparing and implementing CFR Management Plans. 
• Streamlining and Scaling CFR Plan Preparation: The Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan  provides an indicative framework for CFR Management Plans. States must adopt this with flexibility and ensure iterative learning. 
• Digital Mapping and Dashboards: States like Odisha and Maharashtra have shown success with digitally mapped CFR areas.  
  • A national-level CFR Dashboard (similar to the PMAY or JJM dashboards) should be created to track recognition and implementation. 
• Independent Oversight: Constitute state-level CFR implementation committees involving Adivasi leaders, ecologists, and legal experts to review grievances and implementation hurdles. 
• Judicial Backing: The Supreme Court (e.g., in Wildlife First v. MoEFCC, 2019) have emphasised the primacy of rights under the FRA. Courts must be vigilant against administrative dilution of CFRR. 

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the role of the Gram Sabha in forest governance underCommunity Forest Resource Rights. How can the autonomy of Gram Sabhas be strengthened in the face of bureaucratic resistance?

Generative AI and Copyright Issues

Source: IE 

Why in News?

The rapid growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT and Gemini has triggered concerns over the use of copyrighted content, raising key debates around intellectual property rights, authorship, deep fakes, and ethical AI governance.  

• These developments challenge conventional legal and ethical frameworks and require urgent attention. 

 

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI), first coined by John McCarthy in 1956 broadly refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. 
• Generative AI represents a major advancement in AI, enabling machines to create original content—such as text, images, music, code, or videos—by learning from large datasets like books, websites, and digital art.  
• Eg: ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude for natural language generation; DALL·E and Midjourney for image creation; and AIVA and Amper Music for music composition. 

 

What are the Key Copyright Challenges Related to AI-generated Content? 

• AI Mimics Copyrighted Material: AI models require vast datasets, often comprising copyrighted texts, images, and music, to train and optimize performance, raising concerns of unauthorized copying when AI mimics or replicates creative elements of original works. 
  • Although the AI may not directly reproduce works, its outputs can closely resemble protected content, leading to potential copyright infringement. 
• Fair Use & Transformative Use: The doctrine of fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission, especially for research, education, or commentary. In the US, it is based on 4 factors: purpose, nature, amount used, and market impact.  
  • Tech firms claim AI training is transformative use, adding new expression, meaning or utility and qualifying as “non-expressive use”, i.e., not directly replicating expressive elements. 
  • In the Bartz vs. Anthropic (Claude AI) case, a US court upheld fair use for AI training on pirated books but acknowledged liability for storage. 
  • In Silverman vs. Meta  (LLaMA AI) case, no market harm was found, but the court emphasized the need for creator compensation frameworks — highlighting evolving legal standards. 
• AI, Creativity & Legal Liability: AI is reshaping copyright norms through AI-generated works (created solely by machines) and AI-assisted works (human-created with AI support).  
  • AI-assisted content is owned by humans, but AI-generated works raise unresolved questions of authorship and ownership.  
  • Legal liability in copyright infringement cases remains unclear, whether on the developer, user, or platform. 

What is the Legal Status of AI-Generated Content in India? 

• Legal Status of AI-Generated Content in India: 
  • Legal Gaps for AI-Generated Content: Indian law currently does not recognize non-human authorship, the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 attributes authorship solely to natural persons, excluding AI and its developers. As a result, AI-generated works without significant human input are not protected.  
    • Additionally, the use of copyrighted material for AI training remains a legal grey area, with no explicit provisions in place.  
    • While Section 52 permits certain uses for "research," its applicability to AI training has not been tested in Indian courts. 
  • Protection for AI-Assisted Works: When a human uses AI as a creative tool, the output may be protected and in such cases, authorship lies with the human, akin to traditional works created using digital tools. 
• Fair Use Provisions under Indian Copyright Law: Section 52 of the Copyright Act, 1957 outlines exceptions to infringement, including: 
  • Private or personal use, including research or education 
  • Criticism or review of any work 
  • Reporting of current events or public lectures 
  • Reproduction for judicial proceedings 
  • Transient or incidental storage during digital transmission or linking 
    • These exceptions form the doctrine of fair dealing, similar to the fair use doctrine in the US. 
• Judicial Interpretation Regarding Use of Copyrighted Material: 
  • Civic Chandran v. Ammini Amma (1996): The Kerala High Court held that parody does not amount to infringement, establishing a 3-factor test: quantity/value of content taken, purpose of use and likelihood of market competition 
  • Eastern Book Company v. D.B. Modak (2008): The Supreme Court (SC) held that raw SC judgments are public domain and not copyrightable, but editorial additions (like headnotes, formatting) by publishers are copyrightable if they show originality through skill and judgment.  
    • The Court rejected the “sweat of the brow” doctrine and adopted the “skill and judgment” test, marking a key judicial interpretation on the originality threshold under Indian copyright law. 
  • India TV v. Yashraj Films (2012): Delhi High Court, in this case expanded fair dealing to cinematographic and musical works, especially after the Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2012, which included exceptions for disabled access and non-commercial public use. 
  • DU Photocopy Case (Oxford v. Rameshwari Photocopy Services, 2016):  The Delhi High Court ruled that photocopying book excerpts for educational use was fair dealing, affirming access to knowledge and public interest as guiding principles. 
• Comparative & Evolving Frameworks: Indian courts increasingly rely on US fair use factors to interpret fair dealing under Section 52 of the Copyright Act, 1957, including the purpose and character of use, nature of the copyrighted work, amount and substantiality, market impact, and transformative character.  
  • However, India lacks a clear definition of “substantial portion”, leaving judicial discretion to determine fair use on a case-by-case basis.  
  • As a TRIPS-compliant nation, India seeks to align with Article 13 of the TRIPS Agreement, which mandates that exceptions to copyright must not conflict with normal exploitation of the work or unreasonably prejudice the rights holder. 
• Policy Developments: A 2025 Commerce Ministry panel is reviewing the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 to address digital and AI-related gaps.  

Way Forward 

• Legal Modernization & Fair Use Assessment: To address AI-related challenges such as training data usage and algorithmic reproduction, the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 should be updated to include AI-specific provisions.  
  • Additionally, courts can adopt a structured approach to fair use assessment by applying the 4-factor test outlined by the Kerala High Court in Civic Chandran v. C. Ammini Amma (1996), aligning India's framework more closely with US fair use standards. 
• Data Governance & Compliance: Establish clear data usage policies for AI training with oversight mechanisms, audit trails, and mandatory compliance officers in AI firms to ensure adherence to copyright norms and ethical data handling. 
• Balanced Innovation & Rights Protection: Develop a multi-stakeholder regulatory framework to strike a balance between innovation and copyright protection. This includes enabling collective licensing models and ensuring fair compensation for content creators. 
• International Cooperation & Standard Setting: India should proactively engage in global forums like WIPO to shape harmonized copyright rules for AI and contribute to building global ethical and legal standards for generative technologies. 

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the key legal and ethical challenges posed by generative AI in relation to copyright laws. Suggest suitable regulatory measures.

4 Members Nominated to Rajya Sabha

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

The President of India has nominated 4 persons (Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Ujjwal Nikam, Meenakshi Jain, and C. Sadanandan Master) to the Rajya Sabha under the category of 12 seats reserved for distinguished experts in literature, science, art, and social service. 

Key Facts About 4 Nominated Personalities to Rajya Sabha 

• Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Former Foreign Secretary and 1984-batch IFS officer; served as Ambassador to the US, Thailand, and High Commissioner to Bangladesh.  
  • Played a key role in the "Howdy Modi" event (2019) and was the Chief Coordinator of India’s G20 Presidency (2023). Known for expertise in strategic affairs, multilateral diplomacy, and foreign policy formulation. 
• Ujjwal Nikam: Special Public Prosecutor in major cases like the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, 1993 Bombay blasts, and Khairlanji massacre.  
  • Known for his tough stance on terrorism, courtroom skills, and commitment to justice. 
• Meenakshi Jain: Former Delhi University professor with 30+ years of teaching. Authored NCERT Medieval History textbook.  
  • She is also a Padma Shri awardee (2020), ex-member of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), affiliated with Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR).  
  • Known for contributions to Indian civilisation, religious identity, and alternative historiography. 
• C. Sadanandan Master: A former teacher, columnist, and political leader from Kerala, he survived a brutal political attack in 1994 that left him physically disabled. 

What is the Procedure of Elections for Members to the Rajya Sabha? 

• About Rajya Sabha: The Rajya Sabha (Council of States), is the upper house of the Indian Parliament constituted under Article 80 of the Constitution.  
  • It was first constituted in 1952, is a permanent body and is not subject to dissolution. However, one-third of its members retire every 2 years, and they are eligible for re-election or renomination without any limit. 
  • While the Constitution does not specify the term of its members, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prescribes a 6-year term for each member. 
• Members of RS: The Rajya Sabha can have a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 are indirectly elected by the elected members of State and Union Territory Legislative Assemblies, and 12 are nominated by the President under Article 80(1)(a).  
  • As per Article 80(3), the nominated members must possess special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art, or social service. 
    • While sports is not explicitly mentioned, it has been included under "art" by interpretation, leading to nominations of personalities like Sachin Tendulkar and Mary Kom. 
• Indirect Election in Rajya Sabha: 
  • Electoral College: Rajya Sabha members representing states are elected indirectly only by the elected members of the State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) through proportional representation using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. 
    • Nominated MLAs and Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs) do not have voting rights in these elections. 
  • Seat Allocation by Population: Rajya Sabha seats are allotted to states based on their population.  
    • For example Uttar Pradesh has 31 seats and Goa has only 1 seat. 
• Election Procedure: 
  • Proportional Representation with STV: Rajya Sabha members are elected by elected MLAs through the STV system using proportional representation. The vote (quota) to win is calculated as: 
    • Quota = (Total valid votes ÷ (Seats to be filled + 1)) + 1 
  • Preferential Voting System: MLAs rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3…). A candidate meeting the quota with first preference votes is declared elected. Surplus votes are transferred to next preferences. 
  • Elimination & Transfer: If no one meets the quota, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to remaining candidates based on preferences. This continues until all seats are filled. 

More Related Articles  What is Cross Voting?  Does Anti-Defection Law Apply to Rajya Sabha Elections?

ICAR & Its Role in Food & Nutritional Security

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 97th Foundation Day on 16th July 2025, marking a significant milestone and highlighting its transformative role in strengthening Indian agriculture and ensuring food and nutritional security. 

What are Highlights of ICAR's Role in Ensuring Food and Nutritional Security? 

• Agricultural Growth & Food Security: ICAR played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution and food security by boosting production of foodgrains (6.21x), horticulture (11.53x), fish (21.61x), milk (13.01x), and eggs (70.74x) from 1950–51 to 2021–22. 
  • In 2024–25, India achieved its highest-ever foodgrain output at 353.95 million tonnes, becoming the largest producer of rice and milk, and second in wheat, horticulture, and fish. 
• Research Excellence & Innovation: ICAR released 679 field crop varieties (including 27 bio-fortified), world’s first two genome-edited rice varieties, and contributed 90% to Rs 50,000 crore basmati exports. 
  • It also led to 115.3 MT wheat production (85% under ICAR varieties) and significantly boosted pulse and oilseed output. 
• Advancement in Horticulture, Fisheries, Livestock & Engineering: Developed 83 horticulture varieties, 2,950+ tonnes of breeder seeds, and 22 lakh planting materials.  
  • It introduced super-intensive shrimp farming, breeding protocols for 7 fish species, registered 10 livestock breeds, released 2 chicken varieties, and deployed 45 new agri-machines, enhancing on-farm efficiency and sustainability. 
  • Climate-Smart & Resource Management Initiatives: Established National Soil Spectral Library, developed 35 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), organic farming models for 10 cropping systems, promoted agroforestry in Odisha, and innovated a microbial consortium reducing methane emissions in rice cultivation by 18%. 
• Capacity Building, Education, and Extension: Implemented the 6th Deans Committee Report on agricultural education, launched PM-One Nation One Subscription (PM-ONOS) scheme. 
  • It awarded ASEAN Fellowships, and trained staff under Karmayogi Jan Seva. ICAR conducted 18.57 lakh farmer trainings, issued 4.19 crore mobile advisories, helped reduce stubble burning by 80%. 
• Global Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives: Strengthened ties with ASEAN, SAARC, G20, QUAD, BRICS, etc., signed 9 MoUs, participated in platforms like Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) & International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). 
  • It also launched transformative programmes like the Global Centre on Millets (Shree Anna), Clean Plant Programme, National Gene Bank, MAHARISHI initiative, and genome editing in 40 crops, positioning India for next-gen agri-resilience. 

What are the Key Initiatives for Promotion of Agriculture in India? 

• Credit & Financial Support: 
  • Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme 
• Crop Insurance: 
  • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Covers crop loss from pre-sowing to post-harvest. 
  • Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS): Covers weather-related risks. 
• Mechanisation & Infrastructure: 
  • Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Promotes equipment training via Farm Machinery Training & Testing Institutes (FMTTIs). 
  • Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Provides loans (interest subvention up to 3%) for post-harvest infrastructure, capped at 9% for loans up to Rs 2 crore. 
• Research & Technology: 
  • National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM): Developed Makhana processing machines and supported 24 enterprises. 
  • Project VISTAAR: Unified digital agri-ecosystem integrating AI chatbots, Agristack, and real-time farmer feedback. 
  • Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS): Disseminates weather advisories via 130 Agromet Field Units and apps like Meghdoot and Mausam. 
• Organic & Sustainable Farming: 
  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for promoting organic farming clusters. 
  • Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) provides subsidies to small/marginal farmers for micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler systems). 
• Institutional Support & Decentralization: 
  • Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) 
  • Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA): Strengthens decentralized agricultural extension services. 
• Collectivization & Market Access: 
  • Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs Scheme 
• Pension & Social Security: 
  • Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PMKMY) provides Rs 3,000/month pension post age 60 farmers. 
• Skill Development & Education 
  • Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) 
  • Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY): 7-day short-term training in agriculture & allied sectors. 
  • Student READY Programme: Skill-oriented training, internships, and rural exposure for agri-students. 

Drishti Mains Question: Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, yet farmers face persistent structural challenges. Discuss the key issues and examine how ICAR-led reforms can contribute to sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Source:IE 

India is building its first large-scale animal overpasses on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway under the Bharatmala Pariyojana, allowing wildlife to cross safely through the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’s (RTR) buffer zone. 

• The overpasses are camouflaged with vegetation, and noise barriers to reduce traffic noise, helping protect animal behaviour and movement. 
• Ranthambore Tiger Reserve: It is located in the Sawai Madhopur district, Rajasthan, nestled between the Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges.  
  • RTR includes Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary, Keladevi Sanctuary, and part of the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. 
  • It is named after the historic Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the reserve. 
• Rivers: RTR is bound by the Banas River in the north and the Chambal River in the south. 
• Lakes: There are many lakes in the RTR named Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab and Malik Talab. 
• Vegetation: Predominantly dry deciduous forest and tropical spike type. 
• Fauna: Home to the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, caracals, sambar, chital, chinkara, wild boars, and several species of birds like sarus crane, serpent eagle, and painted spurfowl. 
  • As per the 2023 tiger census, RTR shelters 71 tigers and cubs, making it the third most densely populated tiger reserve after Corbett and Kaziranga. 
• Fauna: Dominated by the Dhok tree (Anogeissus pendula), and other are Babul (Acacia nilotica), Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica), Gum (Sterculia urens), and Khair (Acacia catechu). 

Read more: Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Birth Anniversary of Kumaraswami Kamaraj

Source: ET 

The Prime Minister paid homage to Freedom Fighter and Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary (15th July 2025). 

Kamaraj (1903-1975)

 

• Role in Freedom Struggle: 
  • Born in 1903 in Tamil Nadu, he was inspired to join the freedom struggle by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. 
  • In April 1930, Kamaraj joined the Salt Satyagraha Movement, and in 1942, he was jailed for his involvement in the Quit India Movement. 
  • He was also elected to the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946, and later to Parliament in 1952. 
• Contribution in Nation Building: 
  • He served as Chief Minister of the erstwhile Madras Province (1954) and later as President of the Indian National Congress (1963).  
    • He was perhaps the first non-English-speaking Chief Minister of India. 
  • In 1963, Kamaraj suggested to Jawaharlal Nehru that senior Congress leaders should leave ministerial posts for organizational work.  
    • This became known as the 'Kamaraj Plan,' aimed at reducing the focus on power and strengthening commitment to the principles and policies. 
  • He introduced free education and the mid-day meal scheme in schools.  
    • His birth anniversary is observed as Education Development Day in Tamil Nadu, honouring his enduring legacy.  
• Legacy: In recognition of his service to the nation, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1976. 
  • He passed away in 1975, at the age of 72.

Read More: Important Indian National Congress Sessions

Freedom Fighter Hemam Neelmani Singh

Source: IE 

Union Home Minister recently paid tribute to Hemam Neelmani Singh, a prominent freedom fighter from Manipur associated with the Indian National Army (INA), during a posthumous felicitation event organized by the Bharat Vikas Parishad. 

Hemam Neelmani Singh 

• About: Hemam Neelmani Singh was a freedom fighter, social reformer, and former Deputy Education Minister of Manipur. He played a crucial role in India’s independence struggle, especially in the Northeast, and contributed significantly to post-independence educational and linguistic reforms. 
• Early Life & Role in INA: 
  • Born in 1915, Singh was influenced by a blend of Gandhian and Bose principles but was more oriented towards the principles of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and joined the INA in 1944. 
  • He played a key role in the Battle of Imphal, 1944 and the unfurling of the Indian tricolour at Moirang on 14th April 1944, the first time it was raised on Indian soil. 
  • He evaded arrest until 1945, was later imprisoned by the British, and released in 1946.  
• Post-Independence Contributions: 
  • As Deputy Education Minister of Manipur, he led key initiatives in education reform and women's empowerment, advocating for improved access to higher education. 
  • Donated his residence at Moirang Konjengbam for use as the INA headquarters. 
  • Promoted Hindi as a unifying language in Manipur to foster national integration, and lived austerely, eating only one meal a day until the Science stream was introduced at Moirang College. 
• Legacy: Often remembered alongside Mairembam Koireng Singh (Manipur’s first Chief Minister) as inseparable figures in the state’s freedom movement, Hemam Neelmani Singh was posthumously honored by the Bharat Vikas Parishad and the Government of Manipur for his contributions. 

Bharat Vikas Parishad 

• Bharat Vikas Parishad is a voluntary organisation inspired by Swami Vivekananda, originally founded as the Citizens Council by Lala Hans Raj and Suraj Prakash during the 1962 India-China war to mobilize public support.  
• It was renamed Bharat Vikas Parishad in 1963. 

Freedom Fighters from North-East India 

Read More: North-East India

Sanchar Mitra Scheme

Source: PIB 

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Sanchar Mitra Scheme as a nationwide initiative to promote digital literacy, cyber hygiene, and telecom awareness among citizens. 

Sanchar Mitra Scheme: 

• About: It is a volunteer-based digital outreach programme that engages university students, designated as Sanchar Mitras to raise awareness on telecom safety, cyber fraud prevention, responsible mobile usage, and electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation concerns. 
• Key Features: 
  • Students from relevant technical backgrounds (telecom, electronics, computer science, cybersecurity) are nominated in collaboration with local DoT units. 
  • Structured training is provided by National Communications Academy–Technology (NCA-T) and DoT’s Media Wing in emerging areas like 5G, 6G, AI, EMF safety, and cybersecurity. 
  • Exceptional volunteers may gain access to internships, national telecom projects, India Mobile Congress, and international forums like International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 

Read More: Strengthening India's Cyber Defence