Current Affairs – January 04, 2025

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities} Savitribai Phule

• Context (IE): On January 3, 1831, Savitribai Phule was born in Naigaon, Maharashtra, into the Mali community. India’s first woman teacher and a social reformer, she was married at the age of 10 to Jyotirao Phule who educated her at home and later enrolled her in a teacher training institution in Pune.

Savitribai Phule’s Contributions to Society

• Pioneering Women’s Education: In 1848, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule established India’s first girls’ school in Pune, promoting education for girls, Shudras, and Dalits despite strong societal opposition.
• Social Welfare Efforts: Provided shelter and protection to widows and rape victims through the ‘Balyata Pratibandak Gruha’; Advocated for inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and the abolition of practices like child marriage, sati, and dowry.
• Breaking Caste Barriers: Promoted social equality through Satyashodhak Samaj, rejecting caste and religious barriers.
• Defied Societal Norms: Led her husband’s funeral procession and performed the last rites, challenging traditional gender roles.
• Relief Work During Crises: Actively contributed to relief efforts during the 1896 famine and the 1897 Bubonic plague, tragically contracting the plague while aiding others.
• Literary Contributions: Authored several important works, including her first poetry collection, Kavya Phule, Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (1892), and Matushri Savitribai Phulenchi Bhashane va Gaani.

Challenges Faced by Savitribai

• Resistance and Social Isolation: Savitribai faced strong opposition from figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and was socially ostracised, even disowned by her father-in-law.
• Physical Abuse and Exclusion: She endured physical attacks and social exclusion yet remained steadfast in her mission, viewing the challenges as signs of her righteous cause.

{GS2 – MoAFW – Initiatives} Agricultural Boost in 2025

• Context (IE): The Union Cabinet has approved significant funding for agricultural insurance and subsidies to enhance farmers’ support.

Overview of Initiatives

• Total Allocation: ₹69,515.71 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Additional Subsidy: ₹3,850 crore for DAP fertilisers.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme will continue until 2025-26.

Key Components

• Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT): Corpus of ₹824.77 crore to fund technological initiatives under crop insurance schemes, including YES-TECH & WINDS.
• Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH): Utilizes Remote Sensing Technology for yield estimation; Aims to phase out traditional Crop Cutting Experiments.
  • Implementation: Active in nine states- Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
  • Current Status: MP has adopted 100% technology-based yield estimation (2023-24).

Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS)

• Establishes Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) to increase the network density for hyper-local weather data by fivefold.
• Implementation Status: Currently active in Kerala, UP, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Assam, Odisha, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, with other states willing to adopt it.
• Timeline Adjustment: 2024-25 designated as the first year of implementation.

Benefits

• Enhanced Coverage: Improved risk management for farmers.
• Increased Transparency: Tech-driven processes reduce discrepancies in claim calculation & settlement.
• Support for Northeastern States: Central government shares 90% of premium subsidies.

Issues

• Voluntary Nature: Limits participation, particularly in Northeastern States with lower cropped areas.
• Flexibility in Fund Usage: Allowance for reallocation of unutilised funds to other development projects sets investment in agriculture on a backfoot.

Way Forward

• Focus on Technology: Continued emphasis on integrating technology in agricultural practices.
• Encouragement for Participation: Strategies to increase voluntary participation in insurance schemes, especially in underrepresented regions.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess and tailor the scheme to meet farmers’ needs.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Education} Drop in School Enrolment in India

• Context (TH | IE | ET): Recent UDISE+ data reveals a significant drop in school enrolment figures by over 1 crore students in 2023-24 compared to 2018-19, attributed to improved data accuracy.

Key Trends in Enrolment Data

• Overall Decline: Enrolment dropped from 26.02 crore in 2018-19 to 24.8 crore in 2023-24, a total decrease of 1.22 crore students.
• COVID-19 Impact: Temporary increases were followed by sharp declines post-pandemic, with a 6% drop compared to 2018-19.

• State-wise Reductions: Bihar (-35.65 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (-28.26 lakh), and Maharashtra (-18.55 lakh) saw the highest enrolment losses.
• Gender Gap: Boys’ enrolment dropped by 4.87% & girls’ by 4.48% between 2018-19 & 2023-24.

Causes of Decline in Enrolment

• COVID-19 Disruptions: Pandemic-induced interruptions and financial hardships have increased dropout rates and reduced school enrolment significantly.
• Improved Accuracy: Introduction of Aadhaar-linked IDs in UDISE+ reduced duplicate & ghost entries.
• Data Cleanup Efforts: Removal of double-counted students (in both government and private schools).
• Enhanced Monitoring Systems: Shift to student-specific data collection improved enrolment tracking but revealed lower actual numbers.
• Regional Disparities: Bihar, UP and Maharashtra show significant enrolment declines due to unequal access and systemic issues.
• Inflated Historical Data: Past enrolment data may have overestimated figures due to a lack of stringent verification.

Implications of Enrolment Decline

• Accurate Targeting of Beneficiaries: Improved targeting for schemes like Samagra Shiksha, PM POSHAN, and National Scholarships, enabling cost savings for the government.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Enrolment Strategies: Use community programs and gender-sensitive measures to reduce dropout rates and bridge enrolment gaps.
• State Accountability: Conduct regular audits and monitoring for accurate data reporting at all levels.
• Leverage Technology: Expand UDISE+ for better student progress tracking and data transparency.
• Policy Reforms: Provide scholarships and cash transfers to address financial barriers and invest in digital infrastructure to mitigate disruptions.

{GS3 – Agri – Sustainability} Regenerative Agriculture

• Context (IE): Regenerative farming can address soil degradation and food security in India, enhancing productivity and climate resilience.

About Regenerative Agriculture

• The World Economic Forum defines regenerative agriculture as: “An approach to farming that uses soil conservation as the entry point to regenerate and contribute to multiple provisioning, regulating, and supporting services, with the objective that this will enhance not only the environment but also the social and economic dimensions of sustainable food production.”
• It focuses on natural inputs, minimal tillage, mulching, multi-cropping, and diverse native varieties to improve soil health, reduce irrigation frequency, conserve energy, and decrease reliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides, thereby lowering input costs.

Source: universalinstitutions.com

Types of Regenerative Agriculture

• No-Till and Pasture Cropping: This method minimizes soil disturbance by using specialised drillers for planting while leaving grasses for livestock grazing. It prevents soil erosion & preserves soil structure.
• Annual Organic Cropping: Organic methods are used for crop cultivation without synthetic chemicals. Though more labor-intensive & costly, it is gaining popularity as awareness of sustainable farming grows.
• Compost Tea and Compost: Compost tea enriches the soil with beneficial microorganisms, increasing organic matter in the topsoil, essential for soil regeneration and plant health.
• Biochar and Terra Preta: Biochar, a form of black carbon, enhances soil fertility and microbial diversity, improving soil retention and carbon sequestration by up to 70 times.
• Perennial Cropping: Perennial crops, which don’t need replanting every year, reduce soil disturbance, conserve water, and prevent soil erosion through deep-rooted plants.
• Ecological Aquaculture: This practice integrates healthy aquatic ecosystems with farming by nurturing aquatic life with organic matter & trees, promoting biodiversity & supporting sustainable food chain.

Need of Regenerative Agriculture

• Restoring Soil Health: Over 33% of global soil is degraded, including 96.4 million hectares in India affected by overuse of fertilisers, deforestation, and unsustainable irrigation (NRSC). Regenerative practices restore nutrients and improve soil structure for long-term productivity.
• Enhancing Food Security: Current trends suggest that there may not be enough arable soil to feed the global population within the next 50 years. Regenerative agriculture ensures sustainable food production by maintaining soil health and resilience.
• Improving Water Efficiency: Practices like cover cropping and no-till farming enhance soil’s water retention capacity, reducing irrigation needs by 20–30% & making agriculture more resilient to droughts.
• Mitigating Climate Change: Agriculture accounts for 25% of global GHG emissions. Regenerative methods sequester up to 1.85 gigatons of CO₂ per year, which is critical in combating climate change.
• Preventing Soil Erosion: Intensive farming causes severe soil erosion, with topsoil loss ranging from 50% to 90% in many regions. Regenerative agriculture builds soil aggregation and reduces erosion, preserving soil for future generations.
• Boosting Biodiversity: Regenerative practices enhance microbial diversity, support pollinators, and create habitats for various species by reducing chemical inputs and fostering natural ecosystems.
• Reducing Economic Costs: By adopting regenerative techniques, farmers can save up to 20–40% on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improving profitability while promoting sustainability.

Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture

• Enhancing Soil Fertility: Practices increase organic matter by 3–5%, improving soil structure and water retention. Cover cropping replenishes nutrients and prevents erosion.
• Building Climate Resilience: Healthy soils sequester 1.85 gigatons of CO₂ annually and retain 20–30% more water, improving crop resilience to droughts and floods.
• Conserving Biodiversity: Agroforestry and crop diversification boost 30% more biodiversity, supporting pollinators and beneficial insects. For example, Brazilian agroforestry enhances species richness.
• Reducing Input Costs: Reduces reliance on fertilisers and pesticides by 40–60%, saving $60 per acre. U.S. farmers report cost savings through organic methods.
• Improving Food Security: Healthier soils yield 20–40% higher yields. In India, regenerative farming boosted rice yields by 30% on degraded lands.
• Revitalizing Rural Economies: Creates jobs in composting, agroforestry, and sustainable farming. In Kenya, farmers earn 25% more for organic produce.

Challenges in Adopting Regenerative Agriculture in India

• Lack of Awareness: Many farmers are unaware of regenerative practices, with conventional farming methods promoted by agrochemical companies being more prevalent.
• Initial Transition Costs: Transitioning to regenerative farming requires investments in training, equipment, and organic inputs, which small and marginal farmers, who make up 86% of India’s agricultural workforce, may find difficult to afford.
• Policy Gaps: India lacks a clear policy to support regenerative farming, with subsidies and incentives focused on chemical fertilisers and monoculture farming, limiting the shift toward sustainable practices.
• Knowledge and Research Deficit: There is limited research on regenerative farming tailored to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones, coupled with a lack of extension services to train farmers.
• Short-term versus Long-term Gains: Regenerative farming takes time to show visible results, and farmers focused on short-term financial gains may be reluctant to adopt these long-term practices.
• Market and Certification Challenges: Farmers struggle to access markets for organic produce due to high certification costs and limited consumer awareness of regenerative farming benefits.

Way Forward for Regenerative Agriculture in India

• Harmonizing with Nature: To address India’s undernourishment crisis (224.5 million), agriculture must work with nature, as highlighted by the UN’s 2022 report. Regenerative farming can be key in shift.
• Chemical-Free Farming: Emphasising natural inputs, crop rotation, and diversification can reduce reliance on chemicals. Global efforts and local initiatives are driving this shift, making it crucial for India.
• Global and Local Integration: Regenerative practices are already thriving in states like Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Andhra Pradesh. This sets a strong foundation for broader adoption across India.
• Research and Policy Support: Focused research and policies like the National Project on Organic Farming will help scale regenerative farming and drive sustainable agricultural practices.

{GS3 – Envi – Species} Wildlife Tranquilisation and Conservation Efforts

• Context (IE): The successful tranquilisation of tigress Zeenat & her translocation to Odisha’s Simlipal Tiger Reserve from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra highlight the complexities of wildlife sedation & conservation.

Need for Wildlife Tranquilisation

• Conservation Translocations: Moving species to safer habitats to ensure survival.
• Population Management: Balancing predator-prey dynamics and preventing human-wildlife conflict.
• Medical Treatment & Research: Ensures safe handling of animals for veterinary care & scientific studies.

Historical Evolution of Wildlife Tranquilisation

• Early Techniques: Use of traps, pitfalls, and lassoing before the development of tranquilisation.
• First Innovations (1920s): Barnett Harris developed early “mercy bullets” using curare.
• Breakthrough in 1956: Colin Murdoch’s invention of disposable syringes and tranquiliser guns.
• Drug Development (1960s): M99 for large mammals; shift from neuromuscular blockers to sedatives.
  • M99 (Etorphine): Strong opioid for large mammals; widely used in wildlife immobilisation.
  • Xylazine + Ketamine: Combined to ensure sedation and extended immobility.
  • Telazol (Tiletamine + Zolazepam): Emerging as a safer alternative due to reduced misuse risks.

Challenges in Wildlife Tranquilisation

• Environmental Barriers: Dense vegetation obstructs visibility and dart trajectory.
• Accurate Dosage: Requires significant experience; errors can cause fatalities or ineffective sedation.
• Animal Behaviour: Animals under stress are harder to track and sedate.
• Drug Regulations: Restricted availability of certain sedatives due to misuse risks (eg- Xylazine as “Tranq”).
• Logistics: Involves coordinated efforts across state boundaries & extensive on-ground tracking.

Tiger Conservation in India

• Keystone Species: Tigers contributes to ecological balance by regulating prey populations.
• Project Tiger (1973): Launched to reverse the decline in tiger numbers; managed by the NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority).
• M-STrIPES: Mobile-based monitoring tool enhancing protection and patrolling in reserves.
• Global Tiger Forum (GTF): International body focused on tiger conservation efforts.
• TX2 Goal: Global initiative aimed at doubling wild tiger populations by 2022.

Way Forward

• Enhanced Drug Access: Ensure regulated but accessible supplies of critical sedatives like Telazol.
• Technological Integration: Use drones, thermal imaging, and advanced tracking tools to improve precision in locating animals.
• Skill Development: Train more forest dept personnel in tracking, dose estimation & sedation techniques.
• Habitat Preservation: Maintain and expand protected areas like Simlipal and TATR to prevent human-wildlife conflict.

Also, refer to Tiger.

{GS3 – IE – Inflation} Ramesh Chand Panel

• Context (MINT): The government formed an expert panel headed by NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand to develop a road map for switching to the Producer Price Index (PPI).

• It will also oversee the revision of the Wholesale Price Index’s base year to 2022-23 from 2011-12 to make the measure of factory-gate inflation more accurate. The panel will also suggest the commodity basket of WPI and PPI for the new base 2022-23, considering structural changes in the economy.
• Separately, government efforts are underway to revise the base year for GDP estimation from 2011-12 to 2022-23. The last such revision was in 2015 when the base year was updated from 2004-05.
• Until the PPI stabilises, both WPI and PPI will run concurrently.

Why the shift?

• PPI differs from WPI because it measures the average price change producers receive and excludes indirect taxes. PPI also removes multiple counting biases inherent in WPI.
• WPI covers goods, not services, while a comprehensive PPI can track services.
• Using PPI would provide better determinants of the movement in the national income deflator.
• All major economies, including the US, China, Japan, Germany, France, and other G-20 countries, use PPI to measure the average price changes domestic producers receive for their output.

{GS3 – IE – Institutions} Tobacco Board

• Context (PIB): The Tobacco Board of India has focused on ensuring the growth and sustainability of the tobacco industry, with significant achievements in exports and farmer income.
• Tobacco exports surged to Rs.12,005.89 crore in 2023-24, reflecting a significant growth in volume & foreign exchange contribution. The 2023-24 FCV tobacco season saw record production in Andhra Pradesh, with the highest-ever price realisation benefiting farmers & significantly boosting their earnings.

Tobacco Board

• Statutory body established under the Tobacco Board Act 1975, operational since 1st January 1976.
• Aims to promote the development of India’s tobacco industry, primarily in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Ensures fair pricing, regulation, and sustainable practices for tobacco cultivation and marketing.

Key Functions of Tobacco Board

• Regulates production, curing, grading & marketing of Virginia tobacco (Flue-Cured Virginia and Burley).
• Issues licenses for growers, manufacturers, exporters, and dealers.
• Collaborates with research institutes to improve crop varieties and farming practices.
• Engages in market promotion, price stabilisation, and quality control.

India’s Tobacco Production and Trade

• India is the second-largest producer & exporter of tobacco, following China & Brazil respectively.
• India contributes 10% of global tobacco acreage and 9% of total production.
• Tobacco grown on 0.45 million hectares (0.27% of India’s net cultivated area), producing 750 million kg annually. India produces 300 million kg of FCV and 450 million kg of non-FCV varieties.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Garmin Devices

• Context (LM): The use of Garmin devices equipped with satellite communication, which are banned in India, has landed two foreign nationals in trouble under Indian law.

• Garmin devices are advanced electronics featuring GPS navigation, monitoring fitness metrics, and global satellite communication.
• Popular Garmin Devices
  • Garmin inReach: Equipped with satellite communication for global connectivity.
  • Garmin Edge 540: GPS-enabled bike computer for cycling metrics.
  • Garmin Forerunner & Venu Series: Popular for fitness and smart tracking.

Why Garmin Devices Are Popular

• Versatile Applications: Useful for activities like hiking, trekking, cycling and even aviation.
• Athlete-Friendly: Preferred by athletes for reliable performance.
• Global Coverage: Satellite connectivity ensures connectivity in remote areas without cellular networks.

Issues with Garmin Devices

• National Security Risk: Garmin inReach allows unmonitored communication.
• Regulation of Satellite Communication: Devices operating on global satellite networks (eg- Iridium network) require prior approval or registration in India.
• Ban on Specific Models: Garmin devices with satellite communication features, like inReach and Edge 540, are prohibited without authorisation.
• Awareness Gap: Buyers often remain unaware of regulatory requirements, risking legal consequences.

Framework Regulating Garmin Devices in India

• Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933: Prohibits possession of wireless telegraphy apparatus without a government-issued license.
• Embassy Advisories: Travellers are warned against carrying satellite communication devices without prior approval, risking seizure and prosecution.

Way Forward

• Strict Awareness Campaigns: Enhance public and traveller awareness about satellite device restrictions.
• Streamlined Permissions: Simplify the process for obtaining necessary approvals to ensure usability.
• Enhanced Monitoring: Strengthen enforcement of laws to prevent unauthorized use.

{Prelims – Bio – Diseases} Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

• Context (TH): Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory illness with symptoms like the flu and COVID-19, is spreading in China.

Source: TH

• HMPV is a virus that causes mild infections like a common cold. It was first identified in 2001 and is related to viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles, and mumps.
• HMPV can cause infections in the nose, throat, and lungs. It is more common in winter and early spring.
• Children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are more at risk.
• Transmission: Spreads through direct contact with someone who has it or from contaminated surfaces.
• Signs and Symptoms: Cough, Runny or blocked nose, Sore throat, Fever, and Wheezing, which usually appear three to six days after exposure.
• Most people get better on their own with home care. However, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

Risk Groups

• People younger than 5 years, especially premature infants, and those older than 65 are more at risk.
• People with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV, cancer, or autoimmune disorders, or because of medications that suppress their immune system, are more vulnerable.
• People with asthma or COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are also at higher risk.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Recent Discoveries of Stellaria Genus

• Context (TH): A new plant species, Stellaria bengalensis, has been identified in West Bengal. Earlier, Stellaria mcclintockiae (species of same genus) was discovered in the Nelliyampathy Hills of Kerala.

About Stellaria bengalensis

• It is an annual herb of the genus Stellaria, belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family.
• Discovered at altitudes of 2,245-2,450 meters in the Sangser forest, Kalimpong, on muddy slopes.
• Characterized by white flowers, absence of bracts, and short petals included within the sepals.

Source: TH

• Produces sharp, pointed seeds. India hosts around 22 species of Stellaria, mostly in Himalayan region.