UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (11TH DECEMBER, 2024)

Increase in Urban Sector Investments

Syllabus: GS1/Urbanisation

Context

• The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, highlighted that the urban sector investments have grown 16 times.
• This increase underscores the government’s commitment to achieving the goal of Vikshit Bharat by 2047.

Achievements under Various Schemes

• The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): This mission focuses on ensuring basic services like water supply, sewerage, and urban transport to improve the quality of life in cities, particularly for the urban poor.
• Achievements: 
  • Creation of 4,649 million liters per day (MLD) water treatment capacity.
  • Establishment of 4,429 MLD sewage treatment capacity.
  • Under AMRUT 2.0, stormwater drainage projects are being prioritized to address waterlogging, along with initiatives to improve drinking water and sewerage systems.
• Smart Cities and New Cities Scheme: Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to promote sustainable and inclusive cities by using smart technology for better infrastructure, transportation, and services. 

• Urban Mobility and Sustainability Initiatives:
  • Expansion of Regional Rapid Transit Systems (RRTS).
  • Promotion of e-mobility and walkable streets in cities to reduce pollution and address environmental concerns.
  • Under the scheme the metro network has increased significantly, expanding to the new cities.
• Urban Housing and PMAY 2.0: 
  • Converting existing Government funded vacant houses into ARH through PPP mode or by Public Agencies.
  • Provisional sanctions for around 7% of the planned 1 crore urban houses based on the population of states signing MoUs, ensuring timely allocation and expediting the process.
• Swachh Bharat Mission: Over the past six months two major dumpsites in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad have been completely remediated, successfully addressing approximately 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste.
• Under the PM Svanidhi Scheme, loans totaling ₹13,422 crore have been disbursed to street vendors.

Urbanisation in India

• In Western countries, urbanisation followed industrialisation, which created jobs that absorbed rural labour.
  • Their urbanisation was sustained also because of massive economic transfers from colonies. 
• In contrast, India’s urbanisation is largely driven by economic distress, resulting in poverty-driven urbanisation, with both rural-to-urban and urban-to-urban migration.
  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, the strain on urban planning became apparent, as reverse migration trends highlighted gaps in infrastructure.
• According to the 2011 Census, India’s urban population increased from 27.7% in 2001 to 31.1% in 2011, at a rate of 2.76% per year.
• World Bank estimates suggest around 40% of India’s population live in urban areas, in around 9,000 statutory and census towns.
  • How well India manages this urban transformation will play a critical role in realizing its ambition of becoming a developed country by 2047, the 100th year of independence.

Urban Challenges in India: 

• Outdated Plans: Spatial and temporal plans are often outdated and fail to accommodate population growth. 
• Overcrowded Unplanned Areas: Since the 1980s, deindustrialisation has led to job losses in cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, Surat, and Mumbai.
  • Many workers displaced by this trend moved to peri-urban areas, where they live in overcrowded conditions. 
  • Currently, 40% of India’s urban population resides in slums. 
• Climate Change: Climate change severely impacts Indian cities.
  • Cities face severe pollution and are increasingly subject to urban flooding and heat island effects. 
• Inequality in Development: Inequality is widening, with exclusive developments catering to the wealthy while millions lack basic housing.
• Waste Management: Rapid urbanization has led to increased waste generation, and many cities struggle with effective waste collection and disposal, resulting in environmental degradation.
• Transportation and Traffic Congestion: Inadequate public transport systems, coupled with a rise in private vehicle ownership, contribute to severe traffic congestion and pollution.

Way Ahead

• Infrastructure Development: Prioritizing the development of urban infrastructure like roads, water supply, sanitation, and waste management to accommodate the growing population.
• Affordable Housing: Ensuring the availability of affordable housing to reduce overcrowding in urban areas and address the needs of the lower-income population.
• Sustainable Growth: Emphasizing green and sustainable urban development by focusing on renewable energy, green spaces, and waste recycling.
• Rural-Urban Integration: Fostering balanced growth by improving rural infrastructure and connectivity to reduce pressure on metropolitan areas.

The Code of Conduct Judges Need to Follow

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context

• The recent remarks by the Allahabad High Court Judge against the Muslim community during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event have sparked public outrage, underscoring the need for judicial accountability.

What is the Judicial Code of Conduct?

• The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life: This document adopted by the  Supreme Court of India in 1997, lays down ethical standards and principles for judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
  • It aims to reinforce impartiality, integrity, and transparency in judicial conduct.
• The In-house Procedure: This mechanism provides for remedial action against judges who fail to uphold the accepted values of judicial life.
  • Under this, complaints against a judge can be addressed to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or the respective High Court Chief Justice.

Judicial Ethics

• The judiciary derives its strength from two key pillars;
  • Public acceptance of judicial authority
  • Integrity and impartiality of judges.
• The Restatement of Values of Judicial Life sets forth the following principles;
  • Reaffirming Public Faith: Judges must conduct themselves in a manner that enhances public trust in the judiciary’s impartiality. 
  • Public Gaze: Judges must remain conscious that their conduct is under public scrutiny at all times, demanding a higher standard of ethical behavior.
• Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, 2002 codifies global standards for judicial ethics. These principles emphasize;
  • Impartiality and Dignity
  • Freedom of Expression with Restraint
  • Respect for Diversity.

Mechanism for Removal of Judges

• The Constitution of India provides for the removal of judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts under Article 124(4) and Article 217 on grounds of “proved misbehavior or incapacity.” 
• The process involves;
  • Initiation of Impeachment: A motion for removal must be introduced in either House of Parliament, supported by a special majority (⅓rd of the total membership and ⅓rd of members present and voting).
  • Presidential Approval: After the motion is passed, the President of India issues an order for the removal of the judge.

In-House Procedure for Investigation

• To address judicial misconduct outside the formal impeachment process, the Supreme Court in 1999 adopted an “in-house procedure” for conducting investigations;
  • Filing Complaints: Complaints can be made to the CJI, High Court Chief Justice, or the President.
  • Preliminary Inquiry: The Chief Justice of the High Court seeks a response from the accused judge and forwards the findings to the CJI.
  • Fact-Finding Committee: If serious allegations arise, the CJI appoints a committee comprising two Chief Justices of other High Courts and one High Court judge to investigate.
  • Recommendations and Action: If the committee finds sufficient grounds for removal, the CJI may advise the judge to resign. If the judge refuses, the report is forwarded to the President and the Prime Minister for further action, paving the way for impeachment.

Importance of Judicial Ethics

• Erode Public Trust: Any deviation from impartiality weakens public confidence in the judiciary.
• Affect Judicial Independence: External influences or personal biases compromise the judiciary’s role as an independent arbiter.
• Undermine the Rule of Law: Unethical behavior impacts the fair application of laws and the delivery of justice.

Concluding remarks

• Judges hold a position of immense trust and responsibility, and adherence to ethical standards is paramount to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the credibility of the judiciary. 
• By maintaining high standards of conduct, the judiciary can continue to be the guardian of constitutional values and the protector of justice in society.

Internet Shutdowns in India

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Context

• The Union Government informed the Supreme Court that it had written to state chief secretaries to follow the law laid down by the apex court in the Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India Case on the issue of internet shutdowns.

About

• India has collectively had more than 500 instances of Internet shutdowns.
• A total of 13 States and Union Territories imposed shutdowns in 2023, where seven of them disrupted Internet services five or more times.
• Shutdowns spanning over five days or more shot up from 15% of all shutdowns in 2022 to more than 41% in 2023.

Legal Provisions Relating to Internet Shutdown

• Grounds: Indian States and Union Territories can impose an internet shutdown only in case of a “public emergency” or in the interest of “public safety”, according to the Indian Telegraph Act. 
  • However, the law does not define what qualifies as an emergency or safety issue. 
• Till the year 2017, shutdowns were imposed largely under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). 
  • Section 144 of CrPC gave the police and the District Magistrate the powers in order to prevent unlawful gathering of people and also to direct any person to abstain from a certain activity. 
• However, in 2017 the law was amended and the Government promulgated the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rule 2017.
  • They include ensuring transparency, reviewing the shutdown after 48 hours, and giving citizens an opportunity to challenge the shutdown.

Arguments in Favour of Internet Shutdown by the Government

• National Security: The government suspends internet services as a temporary and targeted measure to prevent the spread of misinformation, coordinate unlawful activities, or address security threats.
• Temporary and Targeted Measures: The internet shutdowns are intended to be temporary and narrowly focused.
  • These measures are not meant to infringe on long-term access but rather to address specific and immediate concerns.
• Preventing Unrest and Violence: Suspending online communication helps prevent the organization of protests, riots, or other forms of civil unrest.
• Counteracting Fake News and Disinformation: During times of crisis or conflict, false information circulating online can exacerbate tensions and contribute to misinformation.

Arguments Against the Internet Shutdown by the Government

• Impact on Freedom of Expression: Internet shutdowns infringe upon the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. 
• Global Image and Investment: Frequent internet shutdowns impact India’s global image, raising concerns among investors and international partners. 
• Human Rights Concerns: Internet shutdowns raise human rights concerns, including the right to access information, freedom of speech, and the right to peaceful assembly. 
• Economic Disruptions: India has a rapidly growing digital economy, and internet shutdowns lead to significant economic losses. 
• Educational Challenges: With the increasing use of online platforms for education, internet shutdowns severely affect students’ access to learning resources, online classes, and communication with teachers. 
• Lack of Transparency: The government needs to provide clear justifications for such actions and communicate transparently about the duration and reasons for the shutdown.

Conclusion

• In a democracy, government is expected to provide a rationale for disrupting the internet services in a periodic manner. 
• Indiscriminate shutdowns have high social and economic costs and are often ineffective. 
• For better internet governance the Indian civil society needs to push for a transparent and accountable system.

NHRC Celebrates Human Rights Day

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context

• The President of India addressed the Human Rights Day celebration, organised by the National Human Rights Commission, in New Delhi.

What are Human Rights?

• Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that are inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender, religion, or any other status. 
• These rights are considered universal, inalienable, and indivisible, forming the foundation for human dignity, equality, and justice. 
• Human rights are different from the Civil rights that are created and defined by laws within a specific nation.
  • Civil rights are legal rights granted and protected by a government, and they may change over time as laws are amended or updated.

Significance of Human Rights

• Inherent Dignity: Human rights affirm the inherent dignity of every individual. 
• Equality and Non-Discrimination: They strive to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities and are treated with fairness and without prejudice.
• Protection from Abuse: Human rights provide a framework for holding governments, institutions, and individuals accountable for actions that violate these rights, promoting justice and accountability.
• Human Dignity in Crisis: In times of crisis, human rights provide a foundation for responding to emergencies in a way that upholds human dignity and prevents further harm.

Threats to Human Rights

• Cybercrimes: Increased instances of cyberbullying, online harassment, and identity theft that violate individual privacy and dignity.
• Mental Health Issues: The gig economy’s adverse effects on mental well-being due to job insecurity, lack of benefits, and the stress of unstable employment.
• Impact of Climate Change: Vulnerable populations face disproportionate risks from environmental degradation, including loss of livelihoods, displacement, and health crises.

Safeguards to Protect Human Rights 

UN  Human Rights Council:

• It is an inter-governmental body responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe.
• It was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006.

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):

• The World Conference on Human Rights took place in Vienna, Austria in 1993. It led to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
• It called for the establishment of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the post of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which was created in 1993.

Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI):

• GANHRI brings together and supports national human rights institutions (NHRIs) to promote and protect human rights.

Paris Principles:

• The Paris Principles set out six main criteria that NHRIs require to meet. These are:
  • Mandate and competence, 
  • Autonomy from Government, 
  • Independence guaranteed by a Statute or Constitution, 
  • Pluralism,
  • Adequate resources; and 
  • Adequate powers of investigation.
• These principles were adopted at the 1st international workshop on national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights held in Paris in 1991.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India

• It is a statutory body, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.
• It is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights, defined by the act as Rights Relating to Life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual guaranteed by the constitution or embodied in the international covenants and enforceable by courts in India.

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Improve Agriculture

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture; Applications of S&T in Everyday Life

Context

• Recently, the Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture

• Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the agricultural sector.
  • By combining traditional farming knowledge with cutting-edge AI technologies, India is poised to address the dynamic challenges of modern agriculture.
• Precision Agriculture (Enhancing Productivity and Efficiency): AI technologies, such as machine learning, drone applications, and remote sensing, are revolutionizing farming practices.
  • These innovations enable precise monitoring of crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, allowing farmers to make informed decisions.
  • These allow for targeted interventions, such as precise application of water and fertilizers.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI systems can recommend optimal planting times, crop rotations, and irrigation schedules.
  • It helps in conserving water, reducing chemical usage, and maintaining soil health. 
  • The concept of Hybrid Agricultural Intelligence (HAI), which combines farmers’ indigenous knowledge with AI, is particularly promising for smallholder farmers in India.
• Climate-Smart Agriculture: AI can predict weather patterns and provide early warnings for extreme weather events, enabling farmers to take preventive measures.
  • Additionally, AI-based systems can optimize resource use, such as water and fertilizers, to adapt to changing climatic conditions.
• Data-Driven Innovations: The use of AI and data analytics in agriculture can lead to more efficient farming practices and better decision-making.
  • For example, drones equipped with hyperspectral imaging can detect nutrient deficiencies and pest infestations early.

AI-Powered Solutions in Agriculture

• Kisan e-Mitra Chatbot: The government has introduced the ‘Kisan e-Mitra’ chatbot, an AI-powered tool designed to assist farmers with queries related to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
  • It supports multiple languages and is evolving to provide information on other government programs.
• National Pest Surveillance System: AI and Machine Learning (ML) are utilized in the National Pest Surveillance System to detect crop issues early.
  • It helps in timely interventions, reducing crop losses due to pests and diseases.
• IoT-Based Irrigation Systems: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed IoT-based irrigation systems tested in the field for selected crops.
  • These systems optimize water usage, ensuring efficient irrigation.
• Crop Health Monitoring: AI-based analytics, using field photographs and satellite data, assess crop health.
  • It monitors weather and soil moisture conditions, particularly for rice and wheat, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.

Key Concerns of Integration of AI Into Agriculture

• Challenges for Smallholders: Small landholdings in India pose a challenge for the adoption of AI technologies, which are often designed for larger farms.
  • Ensuring affordable and accessible AI tools for smallholder farmers is crucial.
• Technological Infrastructure and Costs: The high costs of AI technologies and the need for robust technological infrastructure are significant barriers.
  • There is a need for specialized skills to operate and maintain these technologies.

Government Initiatives

• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): It aims to enhance water use efficiency through micro-irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation.
  • This initiative not only conserves water but also reduces fertilizer usage and labor costs, ultimately increasing farmers’ incomes.
  • Under the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), the government provides financial assistance of 55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers for installing drip and sprinkler systems.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): It includes AI-driven support systems that help farmers having small landholdings and limited access to technology.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) for crop yield estimation and risk management.
• ‘Saagu Baagu’ of Telangana: It aims to scale AI-based agritech services to benefit thousands of farmers.

FACTS IN NEWS

Chakravarti Rajagopalachari

Syllabus: GS1/Personality in News

Context

• Parliamentaries have paid floral tribute to the Chakravarti Rajagopalachari on his Birth Anniversary.

About

• He was often referred to as Rajaji, was a prominent Indian leader, independence activist, and statesman. He was born on December 10, 1878.
• Freedom Struggle: He participated in agitations against the Rowlett Act, the Non-Cooperation movement, the Vaikom Satyagraha, and the Civil Disobedience Movement. 
• Political Leadership: He was the last Governor-General of India. After Independence, he was appointed as the Governor of West Bengal.
  • After the death of Sardar Patel in 1950, Shri Rajagopalachari was appointed as the Minister of Home Affairs in the Government of India. 
• Literary Contributions: His most popular works include a retelling of the Mahabharata and Ramayana in English, and Ramayana – Chakravarti Thirumagan in Tamil.
• Bharat Ratna: In recognition of his commendable service to the nation, Shri C. Rajagopalachari was awarded ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1954.
  • He was the first to receive the highest civilian award.

Subramania Bharati

Syllabus: GS1/ Modern History, Person in News

Context

• PM Modi paid homage to poet and writer Subramania Bharati on his birth anniversary on December 11.

About Subramania Bharati

• C. Subramania Bharati, known as Mahakavi Bharati (Great Poet), was born in 1882, in Ettayapuram, Tamil Nadu. 
• He was a visionary poet, journalist, freedom fighter, and social reformer.

A Poet and Nationalist

• Bharati knew 32 languages, including three foreign languages.
• His famous poems include Kannan Pattu, Nilavum Vanminum Katrum, Panchali Sabatam, and Kuyil Pattu. 
• In 1908, he published Swadesa Geethangal, a collection of 16 patriotic poems.
• He considered Sister Nivedita as his Guru and the personification of Bharat Mata.

Bharati as a Journalist

• He began his journalistic career as a sub-editor at Swadesamitran in 1904.
• In 1906, he launched “India” the Tamil newspaper, advocating Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. 
• He edited journals like Vijaya to propagate revolutionary ideas.

Bharati as a Social Reformer

• He opposed the caste system, supported temple entry for Dalits, and championed women’s rights, education, and widow remarriage. 
• He condemned child marriage and dowry, promoting gender equality.

India Skills Report 2025

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• According to the recent “India Skills Report 2025,” nearly 55% of Indian graduates are projected to be globally employable by 2025, an increase from 51.2% in 2024.

About

• The report was prepared by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in collaboration with Wheebox and the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

Key Findings

• Overall Employability: Management graduates lead with an employability rate of 78%, followed by engineering (71.5%), MCA (71%), and science graduates (58%).
• Regional Insights: Key states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi are emerging as talent hubs, with cities such as Pune, Bengaluru, and Mumbai providing a skilled workforce. 
• Gender Disparity: The men’s employability is expected to rise to 53.5% in 2025 from 51.8% in 2024, while women’s employability is projected to decline from 50.9% to 47.5%. 

New RBI Governor Appointed

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister, has approved IAS officer Sanjay Malhotra’s appointment as the next governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
  • He will succeed Shaktikanta Das, whose second three-year term concludes on December 10.

About: RBI Governor

• Appointment: The governor is appointed under the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. 
• Term: The Governor shall hold office for such term not exceeding five years as the Central Government may fix when appointing them, and shall be eligible for re-appointment.
• Qualification: The RBI Act, of 1934 does not mention any specific qualification for the governor and people with different educational backgrounds were selected to head the institution. 
• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): It is headed by the RBI governor, and is entrusted with the task of fixing the benchmark policy interest rate (repo rate) to contain inflation within the specified target level.

World Solar Report 2024

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

Context

• The World Solar Report 2024 was released by the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Key findings

• Rise in Solar Capacity: From 1.22 GW in 2000, the world’s solar capacity has surged to 1,419 GW in 2023, charting a CAGR of about 36%.

• Solar capacity represents three-quarters of all renewable capacity additions globally in 2023.
• Employment: Solar PV sector employed 7.1 million people globally in 2023.

New Solar Technologies

• Quantum Dot Solar Cells: It achieved a record efficiency of 18.1%, enhancing energy capture and enabling atmospheric water harvesting.
• Solar Paver Blocks and BIPV: Integration of solar technology into infrastructure, including transparent solar panels for light transmission and visibility.
• Solar-Powered Phyto-Mining uses plants to extract valuable metals sustainably, powered by solar energy.

Global Market Share

• China: It dominates with 43% of global installed solar capacity.
• Other Major Players: U.S. (10%), Japan, Germany, and India (5-6% each).
• Emerging markets like Brazil, Australia, and Spain each contribute 2%.

UN Champions of the Earth Award 2024

Syllabus: GS3/Environment / Miscellaneous

Context

• The United Nations recognised ecologist Madhav Gadgil with the annual Champions of the Earth award for his seminal work in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.

About the Award 

• It was launched in 2005 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• The award recognizes outstanding figures from the public and private sector as well as civil society, whose actions have brought about a positive impact and a transformation on the environment.
• The award is presented in five categories – Lifetime Achievement, Policy Leadership, Action and Inspiration, Entrepreneurial Vision and Science & Innovation.
  • Madhav Gadgil has been honoured in the “lifetime achievement” category.
• Past Indian recipients: Narendra Modi (2018), Cochin International Airport (2018) and Afroz Shah (2016).

PM-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and Krishonnati Yojana Schemes

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture

Context

• The funds are disbursed to the State Governments under PM-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY) schemes.

PM-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) 

• It was initiated in 2007 as an umbrella scheme for ensuring holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors. 
• The scheme incentivizes States to increase public investment in Agriculture & allied sectors. 
• The PM-RKVY comprises of the following schemes:
  • Soil Health Management
  • Rainfed Area Development 
  • Agro Forestry
  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
  • Agricultural Mechanization including Crop Residue Management
  • Per Drop More Crop
  • Crop Diversification Programme
  • RKVY DPR component
  • Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups

Krishonnati Yojana (KY)

• ‘Green Revolution– Krishonnati Yojana’ is an Umbrella Scheme comprising both Central Sector as well as Centrally Sponsored Schemes/Missions. 
• This Umbrella Scheme has the following twelve Schemes/Missions:
  • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH);
  • National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP);
  • National Food Security Mission (NFSM);
  • National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA);
  • Sub-Mission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE);
  • Sub-Mission on Seeds & Planting Material (SMSP);
  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM);
  • Sub-Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine (SMPPQ);
  • Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Census, Economics and Statistics;
  • Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation;
  • Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing (ISAM);
  • National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A).

The rationalisation of Various Schemes has been undertaken to:

• To avoid duplication, ensure convergence and provide flexibility to States.
• Focus on emergent challenges of Agriculture – Nutrition security, Sustainability, Climate resilience, value chain development & private sector participation.
• State governments will be able to draw a comprehensive strategic plan suiting their requirements for the agriculture sector.
• Annual Action Plan (AAP) of States can be approved in one go rather than approving individual scheme-wise AAPs.

PM POSHAN Scheme

Context

• The ‘Material Cost’ has been enhanced Under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme.

About

• Launched: Earlier known as Mid Day Meal programme, it was launched in 1995.
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme under which one hot cooked meal is served to 11.70 crore students studying in Balvatika and classes I to VIII, in Government and Government-aided schools. 
• Aim: Providing nutritional support and enhancing school participation of students.
• Material Cost: It is provided for procurement of ingredients required for cooking the meals.