August 2025

rchives (PRELIMS  Focus) Space Technology in Agriculture Category: AGRICULTURE Context:  Space technology is revolutionizing agriculture by enabling precision farming, improving yield estimation, optimizing resource use, and strengthening food security Key Applications: Precision Agriculture: Satellite imagery and remote sensing help monitor crop health, soil moisture, and nutrients in real-time, enabling targeted irrigation and fertilizer use for better yields and reduced waste. Weather and Climate Monitoring: Space-based data improves weather forecasting and helps farmers plan agricultural activities and adapt to climate change. Resource Management: Satellites assist in managing water resources, monitoring drought, mapping soil, and preventing land degradation and deforestation. Yield Estimation & Insurance: Programs like FASAL and KISAN use remote sensing for accurate yield forecasts, aiding insurance schemes and disaster planning. Pest & Disease Detection: Hyperspectral and multispectral data can detect early signs of pest infestation or disease, reducing crop loss and excessive chemical use. Livestock and Land Monitoring: Satellite integration supports sustainable grazing, animal tracking, and land-use planning. Research & Crop Improvement: Space-based plant experiments enhance knowledge of plant biology and aid in developing resilient, high-yield crop varieties. Digital Decision Support: Platforms like Krishi-DSS combine geospatial data and AI to guide farmers and policy decisions in real-time. Food Security & Sustainability: Space technology helps track global agricultural trends, anticipate shortages, and promote sustainable farming. India’s Initiatives: India has led the way with programs such as FASAL, CHAMAN, NADAMS, and the Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre to operationalize space-based agricultural services. Learning Corner: FASAL (Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land-based observations) Launched by: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Implemented by: Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) Objective: Pre-harvest crop production forecasting for major crops using remote sensing, weather data, and field observations. Significance: Helps in accurate planning of food grain procurement, supply chain management, and agricultural policy decisions. CHAMAN (Coordinated Horticulture Assessment and Management using Geo-informatics) Launched by: Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Implemented by: MNCFC in collaboration with ISRO and state horticulture departments Objective: Mapping and assessing horticulture crops using satellite data and GIS tools. Significance: Supports area estimation, crop condition monitoring, and planning for fruits and vegetables, aiding better management of horticulture sector. NADAMS (National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System) Developed by: ISRO and Department of Agriculture Objective: Real-time monitoring and assessment of drought using satellite-based indicators like vegetation index, rainfall, and soil moisture. Significance: Assists in drought declaration, contingency planning, and timely allocation of relief resources. Technology in Agriculture (Agri-Tech) Technology has revolutionized agriculture by enhancing productivity, sustainability, and profitability. It plays a crucial role across the entire agricultural value chain — from pre-sowing to post-harvest. Remote Sensing & GIS Used for crop monitoring, land use mapping, and precision farming. Programmes like FASAL and CHAMAN utilize satellite imagery for real-time assessments. Precision Farming Involves site-specific crop management using GPS, sensors, and data analytics. Helps in optimized use of inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and water. Internet of Things (IoT) & Smart Sensors IoT devices monitor soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and crop health. Enables real-time decision-making and automated irrigation systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning AI models predict weather, pest outbreaks, yield estimation, and market trends. Used in agri-advisory apps like Kisan Suvidha and AgriStack initiatives. Drones & Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) Employed for aerial spraying, crop surveillance, and damage assessment. Reduces human labor and enhances efficiency in large farms. Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Development of high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient crop varieties. Technologies like CRISPR gene editing and GM crops play a key role. Mobile Apps & Digital Platforms Apps like eNAM, PM-KISAN, AgriMarket help in market linkage, subsidies, and price discovery. Farmers receive weather alerts, crop advisory, and digital payments. Robotics & Automation Robots used for harvesting, weeding, and packaging in high-value crops. Reduces labor dependency and ensures uniform operations. Source: PIB BHASKAR Category: ECONOMICS Context: The BHASKAR (Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry) platform is a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to strengthen collaboration and innovation across India’s startup landscape. Key Features: Centralized Networking: Connects startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and policymakers on a single platform, enabling seamless collaboration across sectors and regions. Personalized BHASKAR ID: Users receive a unique ID linked to verified, complete profiles—enhancing credibility, searchability, and secure interaction. Multi-Stakeholder Access: Open to diverse roles including entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and support organizations, ensuring inclusivity. Enhanced Discoverability: Advanced search tools help users find partners, funding opportunities, programs, and schemes quickly and efficiently. Resource Hub: Offers centralized access to startup-related resources, events, and knowledge-sharing tools, eliminating system fragmentation. Digital & On-Ground Engagement: Facilitates both online collaboration and physical events to build relationships and market presence. Large-Scale Reach: With around 200,000 startups registered as of August 2025, BHASKAR is among the largest startup registries in the country. Conclusion: BHASKAR acts as a secure, inclusive, and scalable digital backbone for India’s startup ecosystem, accelerating innovation, connectivity, and growth. Learning Corner: Initiatives to Develop Startup Ecosystem in India India has emerged as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. To encourage innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurship, the government and associated bodies have launched several initiatives: Startup India Initiative (2016) Launched by: Government of India Objective: Promote entrepreneurship, simplify regulatory processes, and provide funding support. Key features: Tax exemption for 3 years Self-certification for compliance Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) with ₹10,000 crore corpus Startup India Hub for single-window support Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) Launched by: NITI Aayog Components: Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL): Foster creativity among school students Atal Incubation Centres (AIC): Support early-stage startups with infrastructure and mentoring ARISE: Promote innovation in MSMEs and public systems Support for International Patent Protection in Electronics & IT (SIP-EIT) Provides financial support to startups and MSMEs for filing international patents. Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (2021) Objective: Provide seed funding (grants and convertible debentures) up to ₹20 lakh to early-stage startups for proof of concept and product development. Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) Managed by SIDBI, the fund invests in SEBI-registered Venture Capital funds which in turn invest in startups. State-level Startup Policies States like Karnataka, Gujarat,

rchives (PRELIMS  Focus) Tenth Schedule Category: POLITY Context:  The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Telangana Assembly Speaker for delaying the decision on disqualification petitions. A Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai stated that anti-defection cases must be resolved within three months to uphold the dignity of the Speaker’s office and prevent political defection from going unpunished. The Court noted that such proceedings often die a “natural death” due to intentional delays by Speakers, making a mockery of the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law). It criticized the Telangana Speaker for issuing notices only after the matter was brought to the Supreme Court in January 2025, despite a seven-month delay. Chief Justice Gavai emphasized that no constitutional immunity protects the Speaker from judicial review when acting under the Tenth Schedule, and questioned whether the Speaker acted in an expeditious manner as expected by Parliament. Learning Corner: 52nd Amendment Act and Anti-Defection Law: 52nd Amendment Act, 1985: Added the Tenth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. Aimed at curbing political defections by legislators. Enacted during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure as Prime Minister. Came into effect on 1 March 1985. Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule): Provides for disqualification of legislators (MPs/MLAs) on grounds of: Voluntarily giving up membership of their party. Voting/abstaining against party directives (whip) without permission. Exceptions: Merger provision: If 2/3rd members of a party merge with another, disqualification does not apply. Decision Authority: The Speaker/Chairman of the House decides disqualification petitions. Source: THE HINDU Linguistic reorganization of states Category: POLITY Context: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi criticized the linguistic reorganization of states, claiming it created “second-class citizens” by dividing people based on language. Key Highlights: Historical Background: Before 1956, India’s states were categorized as Part A, B, C, and D, based on colonial legacy and integration history. Linguistic and administrative demands led to calls for restructuring post-Independence. Reorganization of 1956: The States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) was formed in 1953 following widespread protests (notably Potti Sriramulu’s fast for Andhra). The SRC report (1955) emphasized language but also recommended balanced reorganization for national unity. The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 reorganized India into 14 states and 6 union territories. Learning Corner: Background: India Post-Independence (1950) After the Constitution came into effect in 1950, Indian territory was categorized into: Part A States: Former British provinces (e.g., Bombay, Madras) Part B States: Former princely states (e.g., Hyderabad, Mysore) Part C States: Chief Commissioner’s provinces (e.g., Delhi, Himachal Pradesh) Part D State: Andaman & Nicobar Islands This structure was temporary and inefficient, prompting demands for reorganization, especially on linguistic lines. Major Movements and the First Linguistic State (1953) Demand for linguistic states gained momentum, especially among Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Kannada speakers. The death of Potti Sriramulu after a hunger strike led to the formation of Andhra State (1953) from the Telugu-speaking areas of Madras. Key Committees on Reorganization Committee Year Members Key Recommendations Dhar Commission 1948 S.K. Dhar (Chairman) Opposed reorganization solely on linguistic lines; favored administrative convenience. JVP Committee 1949 Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Pattabhi Sitaramayya Rejected linguistic states initially; favored national unity over linguistic aspirations. States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) 1953 Fazl Ali (Chairman), K.M. Panikkar, H.N. Kunzru Recommended reorganization primarily on linguistic lines, with a focus on administrative viability and national integration. States Reorganisation Act, 1956 Based on SRC recommendations: Abolished the A/B/C/D classification. Created 14 states and 6 Union Territories. Realigned boundaries largely on linguistic basis. Subsequent State Formations and Changes Year Reorganization 1960 Bombay split into Maharashtra (Marathi) and Gujarat (Gujarati). 1966 Punjab reorganized to form Haryana (Hindi), with Chandigarh as UT. 1971-72 Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya became full-fledged states. 1987 Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram became states. 2000 Creation of Chhattisgarh (from MP), Uttarakhand (from UP), Jharkhand (from Bihar). 2014 Telangana formed as India’s 29th state, bifurcated from Andhra Pradesh. Source:  THE INDIAN EXPRESS Grant in aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Category: GEOGRAPHY Context : The Union Cabinet, has approved a Central Sector Scheme titled “Grant in aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)”. Key Highlights: Objective: To help NCDC raise up to ₹20,000 crore from the open market to finance cooperatives. Usage: Funds will support loans for new cooperative projects, expansion of existing units, and working capital needs. Beneficiaries: Around 2.9 crore members from 13,288 cooperative societies across sectors like dairy, fisheries, sugar, textile, food processing, storage, and women-led cooperatives. Model: NCDC, with a 99.8% loan recovery rate and zero NPAs, will use the grant to enhance institutional financing for the cooperative sector. Learning Corner: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Established: 1963, by an Act of Parliament: National Cooperative Development Corporation Act, 1962. Objective: To plan, promote, and finance programs for the production, processing, marketing, storage, export, and import of agricultural produce, foodstuffs, industrial goods, and livestock based on cooperative principles. Key Functions: Provides financial assistance to cooperatives for: Agro-processing and marketing projects Storage and cold chain facilities Dairy, poultry, fishery, and livestock development Rural sanitation, healthcare, and infrastructure projects Promotes integrated cooperative development projects in rural areas. Facilitates capacity building and skill development of cooperative members. Organizational Structure: Headquartered in New Delhi with 18 regional and state directorates. Operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India. Key Initiatives: Sahakar Mitra: Internship programme for young professionals in the cooperative sector. Yuva Sahakar Scheme: Promotes startup ventures in cooperatives for youth. NCDC Ayushman Sahakar: Provides financial assistance for healthcare infrastructure in the cooperative sector. Source:  PIB Project 17A Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Context The Indian Navy received INS Himgiri, an advanced stealth frigate and the third ship under Project 17A, on 31 July 2025 at GRSE, Kolkata Key Highlights: Project 17A Overview: Seven Nilgiri-class frigates are being built—four by MDL (Mumbai) and three by GRSE (Kolkata). Project cost is approximately ₹45,000 crore. Himgiri is GRSE’s first in the series and the third overall. Design & Capabilities: Length: 149 meters; Displacement: 6,670 tons. Developed by the Warship Design Bureau with 75% indigenous content. Features stealth design to minimize radar, acoustic, infrared, and magnetic signatures. Successor to the earlier