FOODGRAIN, FRUIT, AND VEGETABLE OUTPUT RISES IN 2024-25
TOPIC: (GS3) AGRICULTURE: THE HINDU
Union Agriculture announced that India recorded higher foodgrain, fruit, and vegetable production in 2024-25 compared to the previous year, with a new target set for 2025-26.
Highlights of Production
- India’s foodgrain output in 2024-25 reached 353.96 million tonnes, a 6.5% rise (21.66 MT more) than the previous year.
- The production surpassed the set target of 341.55 million tonnes by 12.41 MT.
- Record harvests were achieved in crops such as: Rice, Wheat, Maize, Groundnut, Soybean
- For 2025-26, the government has set a higher production target of 362.5 million tonnes.
National Conference on Agriculture
- A two-day meeting of the Union and State Agriculture Departments was held to prepare a road map for Rabi crops.
- Discussions focused on:
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Availability of quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides
- Promotion of horticulture and natural farming
- Boosting pulses and oilseeds productivity
- Adoption of integrated farming systems for better income diversification.
Government’s Approach
- Centre-State coordination will continue to ensure steady agricultural growth.
- Special focus on farmers’ welfare and long-term sustainability.
- Steps to improve access to modern techniques and better input management.
Relief Measures for Flood-Affected States
- Flood-hit regions include Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, and Haryana.
- The Union government assured full support through Disaster relief efforts, Ensuring timely compensation to farmers.
- Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), farmers will receive insurance payouts without delay.
Government Initiatives
- Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides farmers with soil health status and crop-specific fertilizer recommendations.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Encourages organic farming and reduces chemical fertilizer dependence.
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focuses on climate-resilient farming, efficient input use, and integrated farming systems.
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY): Provides financial assistance to states for agriculture infrastructure and innovation.
- National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO–OP): Aims to reduce edible oil imports by boosting domestic oilseed and oil palm production.
Conclusion:
The rise in foodgrain, fruit, and vegetable production reflects India’s agricultural strength despite challenges. With new targets, climate-resilient practices, and welfare measures, the government aims to balance productivity, sustainability, and farmer security.
UNSEEN LABOUR BEHIND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
A recent report highlights the hidden labour behind Artificial Intelligence (AI), where low-paid workers in developing countries are engaged in data labelling and content moderation.
Human Role in AI Systems
- AI systems need human support and cannot work fully on their own.
- People called data annotators label text, images, videos, and audio to help machines learn.
- Large Language Models (like ChatGPT or Gemini) depend on such labelled data for training.
- Self-driving cars use human-labelled visuals to recognize traffic signs, vehicles, and people.
- Human input improves the quality of data, which makes AI results more accurate.
Nature of Work and Exploitation
- Human workers do tasks like labelling data, moderating content, and even providing voices or acting for AI audio/video.
- They are often exposed to harmful material such as violence, pornography, or disturbing images.
- This can cause mental health problems like stress, anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Many are paid very low wages, sometimes only around $2 per hour, with heavy workload and strict deadlines.
- Most workers do not know which major tech company they actually work for, as the jobs are given through online platforms or middle contractors.
Structural Issues
- Fragmented supply chains make labour invisible.
- Workers face job insecurity – risk of instant firing if targets are not met.
- Lack of unions and suppression of protests against working conditions.
- Reports of child labour and unqualified workers being hired for specialised tasks (e.g., medical scans).
Need for Regulation
- AI’s progress is built on unrecognised labour, yet workers are denied fair pay and dignity.
- Key steps needed:
- Global standards for AI labour practices.
- Transparency in outsourcing and subcontracting chains.
- Fair wages and safe working conditions.
- Protection of mental health and right to unionisation.
Conclusion:
The AI revolution is powered not just by algorithms but also by millions of invisible workers. Recognising and regulating their labour is essential to ensure that technological progress does not rest on exploitation.
INDIANS’ VIEWS ON POLITICAL SYSTEM
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
A Pew Research Centre survey shows that most Indians seek major political reforms while remaining confident in change and displaying greater trust in their elected representatives than many other nations.
Global Demand for Political Change
- The survey covered 25 countries across regions like Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.
- In most countries, more than half of the people felt their political system needed either major changes or complete restructuring.
- This shows a widespread dissatisfaction with how political systems function globally.
India’s Stand on Systemic Reforms
- In India, more than 70% of respondents expressed the need for major reforms or total transformation of the political system.
- About 34% of Indians strongly supported complete reform.
- India was among the top countries where demand for large-scale political change was highest.
Confidence in Change
- Many countries showed a gap between wanting reform and believing it is possible.
- For example, in South Korea, although most people wanted change, a large share was doubtful it could happen.
- In contrast, Indians were the most optimistic, with the lowest share of people doubting reforms.
- This indicates strong public belief in the country’s capacity to carry out systemic improvements.
Perceptions of Elected Representatives
- Interestingly, while demanding systemic reform, Indians still view their politicians positively.
- More than two-thirds of Indians believe their leaders are: Honest, Ethical, Well-qualified
- Only one-third of Indians gave negative ratings to their officials.
- Compared to countries like Japan and the Netherlands, where fewer people see reforms as urgent, India shows a mix of both strong reform demand and high trust in leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Indians blame the system more than individual politicians for governance issues.
- There is a dual perspective – citizens want large-scale reforms but still have faith in their representatives’ abilities.
- India stands out globally for combining high demand for change with high confidence in achieving it.
Conclusion:
The survey reflects India’s democratic spirit where people demand reforms yet remain hopeful about achieving them. Unlike in many nations, Indians trust their leaders but believe the political system itself needs structural transformation.
GOVERNORS’ ROLE IN ASSENT TO BILLS
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court’s September 2025 hearings on the Presidential Reference reaffirmed that Governors cannot indefinitely withhold assent to State Bills, stressing constitutional limits on their powers.
Background
- Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution deal with the Governor’s role in giving assent to Bills passed by State Assemblies.
- The April 2025 judgment clarified that Governors must act within reasonable time and cannot paralyse legislatures by inaction.
- To seek further clarity, the Centre invoked Article 143 (Presidential Reference).
Key Issues in the Hearings
- Governor’s Discretion: Constitution is silent on timelines, but silence does not mean unlimited discretion.
- Judicial Review: Bench questioned why Governors’ decisions under Article 356 (President’s Rule) can be reviewed but not under Article 200.
- Democratic Governance: Chief Justice asked if the Court should remain powerless while Governors make elected Assemblies “defunct.”
- Selective Delays: Only Opposition-ruled States like Kerala have faced long delays, raising concerns of political misuse.
Bench Observations
- Justice Vikram Nath stressed that Governors cannot indefinitely sit on Bills passed by competent legislatures.
- Court indicated that Governors are not meant to question the “wisdom” of the legislature.
- The Solicitor-General’s view that Governors act as a check on “hasty laws” was countered as undermining democracy.
Federal Balance
- The April judgment emphasised cooperative federalism and the autonomy of States within the constitutional framework.
- The Reference proceedings reaffirmed that constitutional posts cannot be misused to stall governance.
- Highlighted the importance of respecting the separation of powers and ensuring State legislatures function effectively.
Larger Concerns
- Experts noted that Article 143 (Presidential Reference) provides advisory opinions, which cannot override binding Supreme Court judgments under Article 141.
- If the Centre wanted to challenge the April ruling, it could have filed review or curative petitions instead of seeking an advisory opinion.
GOVERNOR ON A BILL (ARTICLES 200 & 201)
When a State Legislature passes a Bill, the Governor has the following choices:
- Give Assent (Article 200)
- The Bill becomes a law.
- Withhold Assent (Article 200)
- The Governor can reject the Bill, meaning it does not become law.
- Return the Bill for Reconsideration (Article 200)
- If it is not a Money Bill, the Governor can send it back to the Legislature with suggestions.
- If the Legislature passes it again (with or without changes), the Governor must give assent.
- Reserve the Bill for the President’s Consideration (Articles 200 & 201)
- The Governor can send certain Bills to the President of India (e.g., those against the Constitution, affecting central powers, or requiring Presidential sanction).
- The President may:
- Give assent, or
- Withhold assent, or
- Return the Bill (except Money Bills) for reconsideration.
Conclusion
The proceedings reinforced that Governors cannot act as political gatekeepers and must respect the mandate of State legislatures. Upholding constitutional clarity is vital to protect federalism and prevent paralysis of democratic institutions.
JUDICIAL EXPERIMENTALISM VS RIGHT TO JUSTICE
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court’s July 2025 ruling in Shivangi Bansal vs Sahib Bansal upheld a two-month “cooling period” and referral to Family Welfare Committees in Section 498A cases, sparking concerns over delays in justice.
Background: Section 498A / Section 85 BNS
- Originally enacted to protect women from cruelty in marriage.
- Over time, concerns arose about misuse through false FIRs and mass arrests.
- Courts and legislatures introduced safeguards to prevent wrongful prosecution.
Measures Against Misuse
- Lalita Kumari case: Placed matrimonial cruelty cases under “preliminary inquiry” before FIR registration.
- 2008 CrPC amendment: Introduced principle of necessity in arrests.
- Arnesh Kumar case (2014): Restricted arbitrary arrests, required police to issue a notice for appearance.
- Satender Kumar Antil case (2022): Directed bail if arrest made in violation of Arnesh Kumar guidelines.
- These checks reduced misuse while safeguarding victim’s rights.
Allahabad HC & Supreme Court Directions
- Allahabad HC (2022): Ordered a 2-month “cooling period” before coercive action.
- Complaints during this period to be referred to Family Welfare Committees (FWCs).
- SC (2025): Endorsed these guidelines in Shivangi Bansal case.
- Critics argue this restricts victims’ immediate access to justice.
Data Insights
- NCRB reports show:
- Section 498A was among top 5 “highest arrest” offences until 2016, later moved to top 10.
- From 2015 to 2022: registered cases rose from ~1.1 lakh to ~1.4 lakh.
- Arrests reduced from ~1.8 lakh to ~1.4 lakh due to safeguards.
- Indicates safeguards have reduced arbitrary arrests without denying justice to victims.
Concerns with ‘Cooling Period’ & FWCs
- No statutory authority exists for FWCs to handle such cases.
- Delays action even after FIR registration, worsening victims’ suffering.
- Undermines independence of police and judiciary in handling criminal cases.
- Echoes the 2017 Rajesh Sharma ruling that created FWCs and delays, later rolled back in 2018 (Social Action Forum for Manav Adhikar).
Way Forward
- Judicial directives must align with legislative intent and constitutional rights.
- Safeguards against misuse already exist; new experimental steps risk weakening justice delivery.
- The Supreme Court may need to reconsider its ruling to protect both the victim’s right to immediate justice and the functional autonomy of criminal justice agencies.
Conclusion
The idea of “judicial experimentalism” through cooling periods and FWCs may appear protective but risks diluting victims’ rights. With adequate safeguards already in place, reforms must strengthen access to justice rather than delay it.
GST 2.0 — SHORT-TERM CHALLENGES, LONG-TERM PROSPECTS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Government has introduced a new GST rate structure from September 2025, reducing rates for several goods and services. While this move benefits consumers and industries, it is expected to cause short-term revenue losses for the government.
Background of GST
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) was launched to simplify India’s indirect tax system.
- It is a destination-based tax, ensuring that the burden falls on final consumers.
- Earlier GST design faced problems such as multiple tax slabs, inverted duty structures, and compliance difficulties.
Key Features of GST 2.0
- Rate Rationalisation: The 12% and 28% slabs have been removed. Rates now include 0%, 5%, and 18%, along with a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods.
- Sectoral Benefits:
- Employment-intensive sectors like textiles, automobiles, electronics, food, and healthcare will benefit from lower prices.
- Farmers and producers gain through reduced costs in fertilizers, farm machinery, and renewable energy equipment.
- Coverage of Goods: Out of 546 goods, about 80% saw rate cuts, while 20% experienced hikes.
Revenue Implications
- Immediate Impact: Revenue is expected to decline due to lower tax rates. For some goods placed in the nil tax category, collections will drop to zero.
- Estimated Losses: Finance Ministry projects a revenue loss of about ₹48,000 crore annually, though some estimates suggest higher figures.
- Long-term View: As disposable income rises, people may shift spending towards higher-tax goods (18% and 40%), creating potential for revenue recovery.
Consumer and Producer Impact
- Consumers: Benefit from lower prices, especially on essential goods in the 5% category.
- Producers: Reduced input costs in key sectors improve efficiency and competitiveness.
- Input Tax Credit (ITC) Issues: Zero-rated or exempt goods face cascading as no ITC is allowed, raising concerns for producers.
Macro-Economic Implications
- Fiscal Pressure: Revenue loss may widen the fiscal deficit for 2025–26.
- Slowing Growth: Nominal GDP growth in Q1 (8.8%) is already below budget assumptions (10.1%).
- Direct Taxes: Declined sharply compared to last year, worsening revenue constraints.
- Government Options:
- Cut expenditure (risking growth slowdown).
- Increase borrowing (raising debt burden).
- Allow higher fiscal deficit (inflationary risks if monetised).
Way Forward
- GST reforms should balance consumer relief with fiscal stability.
- Proper classification of goods is needed to avoid cascading.
- Growth in the long term will depend more on investment and productivity than on frequent tax cuts.
Conclusion
GST 2.0 is a bold step towards rate simplification and consumer welfare. While it brings immediate fiscal stress, the long-term outcome depends on how effectively the government manages revenue shortfalls and sustains investment-driven growth.
GST 2.0 — SHORT-TERM CHALLENGES, LONG-TERM PROSPECTS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Government has introduced a new GST rate structure from September 2025, reducing rates for several goods and services. While this move benefits consumers and industries, it is expected to cause short-term revenue losses for the government.
Background of GST
- Goods and Services Tax (GST) was launched to simplify India’s indirect tax system.
- It is a destination-based tax, ensuring that the burden falls on final consumers.
- Earlier GST design faced problems such as multiple tax slabs, inverted duty structures, and compliance difficulties.
Key Features of GST 2.0
- Rate Rationalisation: The 12% and 28% slabs have been removed. Rates now include 0%, 5%, and 18%, along with a 40% slab for luxury and sin goods.
- Sectoral Benefits:
- Employment-intensive sectors like textiles, automobiles, electronics, food, and healthcare will benefit from lower prices.
- Farmers and producers gain through reduced costs in fertilizers, farm machinery, and renewable energy equipment.
- Coverage of Goods: Out of 546 goods, about 80% saw rate cuts, while 20% experienced hikes.
Revenue Implications
- Immediate Impact: Revenue is expected to decline due to lower tax rates. For some goods placed in the nil tax category, collections will drop to zero.
- Estimated Losses: Finance Ministry projects a revenue loss of about ₹48,000 crore annually, though some estimates suggest higher figures.
- Long-term View: As disposable income rises, people may shift spending towards higher-tax goods (18% and 40%), creating potential for revenue recovery.
Consumer and Producer Impact
- Consumers: Benefit from lower prices, especially on essential goods in the 5% category.
- Producers: Reduced input costs in key sectors improve efficiency and competitiveness.
- Input Tax Credit (ITC) Issues: Zero-rated or exempt goods face cascading as no ITC is allowed, raising concerns for producers.
Macro-Economic Implications
- Fiscal Pressure: Revenue loss may widen the fiscal deficit for 2025–26.
- Slowing Growth: Nominal GDP growth in Q1 (8.8%) is already below budget assumptions (10.1%).
- Direct Taxes: Declined sharply compared to last year, worsening revenue constraints.
- Government Options:
- Cut expenditure (risking growth slowdown).
- Increase borrowing (raising debt burden).
- Allow higher fiscal deficit (inflationary risks if monetised).
Way Forward
- GST reforms should balance consumer relief with fiscal stability.
- Proper classification of goods is needed to avoid cascading.
- Growth in the long term will depend more on investment and productivity than on frequent tax cuts.
Conclusion
GST 2.0 is a bold step towards rate simplification and consumer welfare. While it brings immediate fiscal stress, the long-term outcome depends on how effectively the government manages revenue shortfalls and sustains investment-driven growth.
NATIONAL MAKHANA BOARD
TOPIC: (GS3) AGRICULTURE: THE HINDU
The Prime Minister launched the National Makhana Board in Purnea, Bihar, along with a ₹475 crore development package to promote the makhana sector and support farmers.
What is Makhana?
- Also called fox nut or Euryale ferox, it is an aquatic crop that grows in stagnant ponds and wetlands.
- The edible part is its small round seeds, which have a black or brown outer shell, giving it the name “Black Diamond.”
- Found in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia.
Climatic Needs
- Temperature: 20–35°C.
- Relative humidity: 50–90%.
- Rainfall: 100–250 cm annually.
- These conditions make eastern India, especially Bihar, suitable for large-scale production.
Production in India
- Bihar produces about 90% of India’s makhana, mainly in the regions of Mithilanchal and Seemanchal.
- Smaller production occurs in Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha.
- Also cultivated in Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea.
GI Tag
- In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, highlighting its unique regional identity.
Significance of the National Makhana Board
- Aims to organize the makhana industry and provide a boost through research, marketing, and processing facilities.
- Supports farmers’ income, employment generation, and export potential.
- Aligns with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by promoting indigenous crops.
Conclusion:
The launch of the National Makhana Board marks a step towards making Bihar a global hub for makhana, ensuring better livelihoods for farmers and recognition of this unique crop.
EXERCISE PACIFIC REACH 2025
TOPIC: (GS3) DEFENCE: THE HINDU
The Indian Navy’s newly commissioned Diving Support Vessel INS Nistar is taking part in the multinational naval exercise Pacific Reach 2025 in Singapore. The event focuses on submarine rescue, maritime cooperation, and underwater operations.
About the Exercise
- Biennial Multinational Drill: Held once every two years, bringing together more than 40 participating nations.
- Venue: Singapore, with activities in both harbour and sea phases.
- Objective: Strengthening international collaboration in submarine rescue and deep-sea operations.
Key Phases
Harbour Phase
- Technical exchanges on submarine rescue systems.
- Subject Matter Expert discussions and medical symposiums.
- Cross-deck visits to share knowledge and best practices.
Sea Phase
- Practical rescue missions involving INS Nistar and the Submarine Rescue Unit (E).
- Joint operations with partner navies in the South China Sea.
INS Nistar – Highlights
- Commissioned: July 2025 at Visakhapatnam.
- Built by: Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Role: Acts as a mothership (MoSHIP) for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs).
Diving & Rescue Capabilities
- Integrated Saturation Diving System (ISDS): Deploys divers up to 300 m depth for repair and rescue.
- Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): Conduct surveillance and recovery in deep waters.
- Side Scan Sonar: Detects submerged vessels or wreckage.
- Submarine Rescue System: Provides safe evacuation during submarine emergencies.
Conclusion:
Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 reflects India’s commitment to regional maritime safety, underwater rescue cooperation, and self-reliance in naval capabilities.