IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Glyphosate: Herbicide, Environmental Risks & Regulatory Debate
Environment & Ecology + Agriculture
Why in News?
The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department is preparing FIRs over the alleged use of glyphosate to clear vegetation for pea cultivation on forest land in Mandi district. Officials have destroyed illegally cultivated crops and warned that glyphosate use may affect forest soil and nearby water sources.
What is Glyphosate?
- A broad-spectrum, systemic herbicide used primarily to control weeds.
- It inhibits the shikimate pathway, an important biochemical pathway in plants and some microorganisms.
- It is non-selective, meaning it can affect a wide range of plants.
- Glyphosate is associated with concerns regarding biodiversity, soil health, water contamination and human/animal exposure.
Regulation in India
- Pesticides are regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968 and related rules.
- A 2022 Central Government notification sought to prohibit glyphosate use by persons other than pest-control operators, citing risks to human and animal health. However, implementation/legal status has remained contested.
- Glyphosate’s approved use in India has traditionally been associated with weed control in tea plantations.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
The issue links agricultural inputs with biodiversity conservation and forest protection. UPSC may test the difference between herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, pesticide regulation under the Insecticides Act, and ecological impacts of indiscriminate chemical use. A key static–dynamic linkage is the conflict between agricultural expansion on forest land and ecological sustainability.
Source/Reference:
Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project: Harnessing Chenab’s Hydropower Potential
Indian Geography + Environment & Ecology + Economy
Why in News?
District authorities of Udhampur and Ramban recently reviewed the progress of the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project in Jammu & Kashmir. The project has also gained significance in the context of India’s renewed focus on utilising the waters of the western rivers.
Key Facts
- River: Chenab
- Location: Udhampur & Ramban districts, J&K
- Capacity: 1,856 MW
- Developer: NHPC
- Type: Run-of-the-river hydropower scheme
- Located between Baglihar (upstream) and Salal (downstream) projects.
- Features a 192.5-metre concrete gravity dam, reservoir exceeding 1,100 hectares, nine turbines and an underground power station.
- Expected annual generation: about 8,000 million units.
- It is projected to become J&K’s largest hydroelectric project.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Possible questions may test river–project–state matching, characteristics of run-of-the-river projects, and the distinction between western and eastern rivers under the IWT. The project also links current affairs with hydropower, renewable energy, water management and India’s transboundary river diplomacy.
Source/Reference:
Methamphetamine: Synthetic Psychostimulant & India’s Rising Narcotics Challenge
Environment & Ecology + Science & Technology + Internal Security
Why in News?
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently foiled an attempt to illegally export 56 kg of methamphetamine from India to Saudi Arabia. The drug was concealed by mixing it with maize in one of 351 bags at Nhava Sheva Port. Two persons were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
What is Methamphetamine?
- A synthetic, highly addictive central nervous system stimulant belonging to the amphetamine class.
- Also called meth, crystal, ice and chalk.
- Usually occurs as a white, crystalline substance and affects brain neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine.
- High/repeated doses can cause psychosis, seizures, cardiovascular complications and dependence.
Static–Dynamic Linkages
The issue connects drug trafficking with organised crime, border security and public health. Recent DRI operations have also detected methamphetamine trafficking through the Myanmar–Mizoram route, highlighting the significance of India’s Northeast in transnational narcotics networks.
UPSC Prelims Angle
Questions may test methamphetamine’s classification, its distinction from naturally occurring narcotic drugs, the NDPS Act, agencies involved in narcotics enforcement, and drug-trafficking routes through India’s Northeast.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2301288®=3&lang=1
National Medical Commission (NMC): Regulating Medical Education & Doctor Registration
Polity + Social Sector + Governance
Why in News?
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed introducing a Unique Identification (UID) number for doctors, aimed at creating a uniform digital identity for medical professionals and improving transparency in registration and verification. The proposal is significant for strengthening the digital governance of the medical profession.
What is NMC?
- Established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- It is a statutory regulatory body for medical education and the medical profession in India.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- The NMC consists of four autonomous boards:
- Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB)
- Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB)
- Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB)
- Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
Key Functions
- Regulates standards of medical education.
- Assesses medical institutions.
- Maintains the National Medical Register (NMR).
- Regulates professional ethics and registration of doctors.
- Promotes quality and accessibility of medical education.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
UPSC may ask about the legal status, composition and autonomous boards of NMC, or distinguish it from the erstwhile MCI. The proposed UID can be linked with digital governance, professional registration, identity verification and healthcare regulation.
Source/Reference:
Friends of MY Bharat: Connecting Global Indian Youth with Nation-Building
Polity & Governance + Social Issues + International Relations
Why in News?
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat), has introduced ‘Friends of MY Bharat’, a digital initiative announced at the BRICS Youth Summit 2026 in Gandhinagar. It seeks to engage Indian-origin youth living outside India in India’s youth-led development and nation-building activities.
Key Features
- Enables Indian-origin students, young professionals and other youth abroad to register as a Friend of MY Bharat.
- Provides information on volunteering opportunities in:
- Education
- Environment
- Health awareness
- Disaster relief
- Cultural preservation
- Allows youth clubs/associations abroad to share their activities and areas of engagement.
- A ‘Know Your India’ section provides curated information on India’s culture, heritage, history, tourism, travel and prominent leaders.
- Aims to channel the skills, ideas and experiences of global Indian youth towards India’s development.
MY Bharat – Prelims Facts
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) was launched on 31 October 2023 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It is a national youth platform focused on Seva, Kartavya and Jan Bhagidari, providing opportunities for experiential learning, volunteering, leadership, mentorship and civic participation.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Possible MCQs may test the nodal ministry, launch year, objectives and target beneficiaries of MY Bharat and distinguish it from conventional diaspora engagement mechanisms. The initiative creates a static–dynamic linkage between youth participation, diaspora diplomacy, soft power and participatory governance.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2301334®=48&lang=2
(MAINS Focus)
Climate Resilience Starts with the Health Workforce
GS II – Health / GS III – Environment
Climate Adaptation, Health Systems Strengthening, and Workforce Development
Introduction
Floods in Kerala and Assam highlight the need for climate-resilient health systems beyond immediate relief. While initiatives like the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health have improved preparedness, climate-health training remains fragmented. India should institutionalise climate-health competencies across medical education, workforce training and career pathways to prevent disasters from becoming prolonged public health crises.
The Role of the Health Workforce in Climate Adaptation
Beyond Infrastructure
- Climate Adaptation: Often discussed in terms of resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness.
- Essential but Insufficient: These investments are not sufficient without a prepared health workforce.
- Frontline Role: Health workers deliver adaptation within communities, health facilities, and public health programmes.
Public Health Functions
- Existing Competencies: Disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, risk communication, outbreak investigation, community engagement.
- Changing Context: Health workers must now anticipate climate-sensitive disease patterns, respond to more frequent extreme weather events, protect vulnerable populations, and coordinate across sectors.
Surge Capacity and Sustainability
- Workforce Shortage: Huge shortage of health workers across cadres in India.
- Sustainability Question: Can capacities be sustained across all states, districts, and levels—or do they depend on individual programmes, committed personnel, and emergency mobilisation?
Current Gaps: Fragmented and Project-Based
Fragmented Workforce Development
- Climate-Health Training: Largely confined to donor- or project-supported initiatives.
- Not Institutionalised: Yet to translate into health workforce policies, education systems, or career pathways.
Competency Frameworks
- Global Interest: Growing interest in defining competencies for climate-health.
- Context Gap: Many frameworks are designed for well-resourced health systems; assume robust climate information systems and institutional capacity not always present in India.
Governance and Financing
- Inconsistent: Climate-health governance across South and Southeast Asia remains fragmented.
- Sustainability: Isolated programmes address immediate gaps but do not build long-term capacity.
India’s Progress and Next Steps
Current Initiatives
- National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health: Establishes frameworks.
- State Heat Action Plans: Region/city-specific plans.
- Surveillance and Emergency Preparedness: Strengthened systems.
- Kerala’s Response: Illustrates how health departments are incorporating public health measures into disaster response.
The Next Phase: Institutionalising Competencies
- Whole Workforce Lifecycle: Integrate climate-health competencies into:
- Pre-service education
- Continuing professional development
- Supportive supervision
- Workforce planning
- Performance management
- Cadre-Specific: Reflect distinct roles of community health workers, clinicians, public health professionals, managers, and policymakers.
Enabling Factors
- Sustained Governance: Policy and institutional mechanisms.
- Financing: Dedicated budgets for training and capacity building.
- Translation to Practice: Ensure knowledge is applied routinely, not just during emergencies.
Weaknesses and Gaps
- Fragmented Training: Project-based; not institutionalised.
- Workforce Shortage: Surge capacity constrained by overall health worker deficit.
- Competency Framework: Lack of context-specific, cadre-specific frameworks.
- Sustainability: Reliance on individual commitment and emergency mobilisation.
Way Forward
- Integrate into Education: Climate-health competencies in medical, nursing, and public health curricula.
- Career Pathways: Recognise climate-health skills in promotions and specialisations.
- Strengthen Surge Capacity: Address overall health worker shortage.
- Financing: Dedicated, sustained funding for training and system strengthening.
- Governance: Institutional mechanisms to sustain capacities across states and districts.
Conclusion
Climate resilience depends on a skilled and climate-ready health workforce. India must move beyond fragmented, project-based training and integrate climate-health competencies into medical education, training and career progression. With climate emergencies increasing, investing in the health workforce is essential for building resilient health systems.
Practice Question
- Building climate-resilient health systems requires institutionalising climate-health competencies across the workforce lifecycle, moving beyond fragmented, project-based training. Critically examine the challenges and solutions for preparing India’s health workforce for climate change. (250 words, 15 marks)
Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA): Ensuring Remunerative Prices for Farmers
GS III – Agriculture / GS II – Governance
Minimum Support Price, Price Support Mechanisms, and Farmer Welfare
Introduction
Launched in 2018, PM-AASHA is the government’s flagship scheme to ensure remunerative prices for farmers while maintaining consumer price stability. With a ₹7,200 crore allocation for 2026–27, it supports procurement of pulses, oilseeds and copra through agencies like NAFED and NCCF. Digital initiatives such as Aadhaar authentication, e-NAM, e-Samriddhi and e-Samyukti have enhanced transparency and procurement efficiency.
Key Components of PM-AASHA
Price Support Scheme (PSS)
- Objective: Procurement of crops at MSP when market prices fall below MSP during harvest.
- Coverage: Pulses, oilseeds, and copra.
- Agencies: NAFED and NCCF carry out procurement at state government request.
- Eligibility: Pre-registered farmers with valid land records to ensure direct benefit without intermediaries.
- Procurement Limit: Up to 25% of State/UT production (additional up to 25% of national production approved by Committee of Secretaries). For Tur, Urad, and Masur, procurement is permitted up to 100% of State production to boost domestic output and reduce imports.
Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)
- Objective: Protects consumers from price volatility by maintaining buffer stocks of essential commodities like pulses, onions, and potatoes.
- Mechanism: Procured during harvest, released in lean seasons to control price spikes.
- Status: Now merged with PM-AASHA but managed by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
- Objective: Direct payment of price difference between MSP and actual market price (up to 15% of MSP value) to farmers’ bank accounts.
- Coverage: Mainly oilseeds.
- Benefit: No physical procurement required; promotes market-based selling while ensuring MSP protection.
Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)
- Objective: Procure perishable agricultural and horticultural commodities (tomatoes, onions, potatoes) not covered under MSP.
- Trigger: Activates when market prices drop by at least 10% over the previous normal season’s rates.
- Implementation: Cost-sharing between Centre and State governments; operated by Central Nodal Agencies like NAFED and NCCF.
Digital and Institutional Reforms
Technology Integration
- Aadhaar-Enabled Authentication: Farmer biometric through PoS machine or facial authentication mandatory for procurement since 2025-26 season.
- e-NAM, e-Samriddhi, e-Samyukti: Platforms for transparency and efficiency in procurement.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): MSP payments made directly into farmers’ bank accounts.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
- Support: Interest subvention of 3% per annum on loans up to ₹2 crore; credit guarantee coverage under CGTMSE.
- Progress: Loans amounting to ₹84,681 crore sanctioned for 1,00,000+ projects as of 13 March 2026.
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
- Objective: Encourage domestic production and ensure remunerative prices.
- Mechanism: Procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masur as much as offered by pre-registered farmers through Central Nodal Agencies till 2030-31.
Implementation and Impact
Procurement Operations
- Rabi 2026 Season: Large-scale procurement of gram, mustard, and lentil approved under PSS in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
- Crops Covered: Notified oilseeds (groundnut, soybean, sunflower, sesamum, rapeseed/mustard, safflower), pulses (arhar, moong, urad, gram, masur), and copra.
- MIS Coverage: Perishable commodities (tomato, onion, potato); includes reimbursement for transportation and storage costs from producing to consuming states.
Market Impact
- Price Stabilisation: When market prices fall below MSP, PSS ensures farmers get remunerative prices during peak arrival periods, preventing distress sales.
- Consumer Protection: PSF and MIS help control price spikes and ensure affordability.
- Farmers’ Choice: Farmers are free to sell produce anywhere if they get better prices than MSP.
Conclusion
PM-AASHA provides a comprehensive framework to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and price stability for consumers through PSS, PDPS, PSF and MIS. Digital reforms such as Aadhaar authentication, e-NAM and e-Samriddhi have improved transparency and efficiency. With a ₹7,200 crore allocation for 2026–27, the scheme strengthens MSP implementation and helps reduce distress sales while balancing farmer and consumer interests.
Practice Question
- The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) is a comprehensive framework that ensures remunerative prices to farmers while maintaining price stability for consumers. Critically examine. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2301814®=3&lang=1
