13 march 2025 Current Affairs

PM’s Visit to Mauritius

Syllabus:IR

The Prime Minister of India recently paid a state visit to Mauritius, marking his second visit since 2015. He was the Chief Guest at Mauritius’ National Day Celebrations on March 12.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): Agreements signed in areas such as civil service training, support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), blue economy development, combating financial crimes, and local currency settlement for trade.
INR-Based Credit Line: India extended an INR 487.6 crore line of credit for replacing water pipelines in Mauritius, the first-ever INR-denominated credit line.
White-Shipping Agreement: A maritime security agreement facilitating information exchange between India and Mauritius.
Award Conferred: The PM received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean, becoming the first Indian recipient of this prestigious award.
Vision MAHASAGAR: The PM introduced the Mutual And Holistic Advancement for Security And Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) vision, expanding upon the existing Vision SAGAR

About Mauritius

Location: A strategically positioned island nation in the western Indian Ocean near India.
Population: Approximately 2 million people, with 70% of Indian origin, strengthening historical and cultural ties.
Colonial History: Initially a French colony, later becoming a British possession before gaining independence.
National Day: Celebrated on March 12, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March anniversary.

India-Mauritius Bilateral Relations

Diplomatic and Economic Ties

Established Relations: India and Mauritius established diplomatic ties in 1948 and have since become key partners in the Asian and Indian Ocean regions.
Bilateral Trade (2022-2023):
- Indian Exports to Mauritius: USD 462.69 million
- Mauritian Exports to India: USD 91.50 million
- Total Trade Volume: USD 554.19 million
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA): Signed in 1982 to prevent double taxation for investors and businesses.
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA): India’s first trade agreement with an African nation, signed in 2021, promoting trade and investment.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Mauritius is the second-largest source of FDI into India for FY 2023-24, following Singapore.

Defence and Strategic Cooperation

Preferred Defence Partner: India supports Mauritius in acquiring defence platforms, capacity building, and conducting joint patrols in the Indian Ocean.
Key Defence Agreements:
- First Agreement: Transfer of a Dornier aircraft and Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) on lease.
- Second Agreement: A USD 100 million Line of Credit (LoC) for defence procurement.
Space Cooperation: An MoU signed in November 2023 for the development of a joint satellite, fostering collaboration in space research.

Historical Indian Migration to Mauritius

French Rule (1700s): Indians from Puducherry arrived as artisans and masons.
British Rule (1834–Early 1900s): Around half a million Indian indentured laborers were brought to Mauritius, many of whom settled permanently, shaping its culture and demographics.

Development Assistance

Infrastructure Projects: India has supported Mauritius in developing the Metro Express project, hospitals, and Agaléga Island infrastructure.
Humanitarian Aid: India extended cyclone relief assistance during Cyclone Chido (2023), reinforcing its role as a first responder in the region.

Strategic Significance of Mauritius for India

Maritime and Geopolitical Interests

Strategic Location: Mauritius’ position in the Indian Ocean is vital for India’s maritime security and trade routes.
Agaléga Island: Situated 1,100 km north of Mauritius, the island is strategically important for India’s naval operations.
- In 2024, India and Mauritius jointly inaugurated an airstrip and jetty projects to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Countering China’s Influence: Strengthening ties with Mauritius is crucial for India to counter China’s expanding footprint in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Geopolitical Competition: The Indian Ocean is witnessing increasing competition from China, Europe, the Gulf nations, Russia, Iran, and Turkey.

Economic and Cultural Importance:Cultural and Diaspora Ties: With 70% of the Mauritian population tracing Indian ancestry, strong cultural and familial bonds exist between both nations.

Blue Economy Partnership: Mauritius plays a critical role in India’s blue economy initiatives, particularly in fisheries, maritime resources, and offshore energy exploration.
Indian Ocean Cooperation: Mauritius is an active member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), promoting regional stability and economic integration.

Challenges in India-Mauritius Relations

Economic and Trade Concerns

Tax Treaty Misuse: The DTAA between India and Mauritius has faced criticism for facilitating money laundering and round-tripping of funds.
Trade Imbalance: Despite strong economic ties, Mauritius has significant trade deficits with India, necessitating trade diversification.

Security and Strategic Challenges

Maritime Security: As a key player in the Indo-Pacific strategy, Mauritius’ security concerns align with India’s, yet evolving regional dynamics present new challenges.
Growing Chinese Influence:
- In 2021, China signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Mauritius, helping China expand its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa.
- This could erode India’s strategic influence in Mauritius.

Way Forward

Enhanced Defence Cooperation: Strengthening joint training, counterterrorism initiatives, and maritime security collaborations to safeguard regional stability.
Economic Diversification: Expanding trade relations beyond traditional areas and exploring emerging sectors for bilateral growth.
People-to-People Ties: Promoting cultural exchanges, educational scholarships, and diaspora engagement to reinforce deep-rooted historical bonds.
Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership: Leveraging Mauritius’ expertise in ocean resources management to drive mutual economic growth.

India and Mauritius share a unique, time-tested partnership, and their evolving cooperation will play a crucial role in shaping regional security, economic integration, and strategic alliances in the Indian Ocean region.

Consider the following statements regarding India-Mauritius relations:

Mauritius is the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India.
India and Mauritius have signed a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), which is India’s first trade agreement with an African nation.
India has leased the Agaléga Islands from Mauritius for setting up a strategic naval base.
The White-Shipping Agreement between India and Mauritius facilitates free trade between the two nations without tariff barriers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: (c) 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect – While Mauritius has historically been a major source of FDI into India, Singapore overtook Mauritius as the largest FDI contributor in recent years (FY 2023-24). Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Statement 2 is correct – India and Mauritius signed CECPA in 2021, which is indeed India’s first-ever trade agreement with an African nation. This statement is correct.

Statement 3 is incorrect – India has not leased the Agaléga Islands, but developed infrastructure projects there, including an airstrip and a jetty, to enhance maritime security. There is no official declaration of a naval base. This statement is incorrect.

Statement 4 is incorrect – The White-Shipping Agreement is not about free trade. It is a technical agreement that allows exchange of maritime security data between India and Mauritius to monitor ship movements and counter threats like piracy and smuggling. This statement is incorrect.Thus, only statement 2 is correct, making (c) 2 only the right answer.

Starlink Satellite Internet

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy, S&T

What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet is a wireless broadband technology that provides internet connectivity using satellites orbiting the Earth. Unlike fiber-optic cables or mobile networks that rely on terrestrial infrastructure, satellite internet transmits data via space-based satellites to user terminals on Earth.

Types of Satellite Internet Systems:

Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Satellites:
- Positioned at 35,786 km altitude, appearing stationary relative to Earth.
Provide wide coverage but suffer from high latency, making them unsuitable for real-time applications (e.g., VSAT services).
Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites:
Operate at 500–2,000 km altitude, offering low-latency, high-speed internet.
Examples include SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.

About Starlink:

Starlink is SpaceX’s LEO satellite-based broadband service, consisting of over 7,000 operational satellites in orbit.
It provides global high-speed internet with reduced latency, especially beneficial for remote and underserved regions.

Potential Benefits of Satellite Internet in India

1. Bridging the Digital Divide

Expands broadband access to remote and rural areas where conventional internet services are limited.
Strengthens India’s Digital India initiative by facilitating e-learning, telemedicine, and e-governance.

2. Disaster-Resilient Communication: Satellite internet functions independently of ground-based infrastructure, making it reliable during natural disasters.

Case Study: During the Turkey-Syria earthquake (2023), Starlink provided emergency connectivity to aid workers.

3. Strengthening Defence & Strategic Communication

Provides secure, high-speed communication in strategic locations like Ladakh, Northeast, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Example: Starlink played a vital role in Ukraine’s defense strategy, ensuring uninterrupted communication during conflict.

4. Increased Competition & Economic Growth

Acts as an alternative to traditional ISPs, fostering competition and reducing broadband costs.
Enhances digital connectivity for rural entrepreneurs, businesses, and startups, boosting economic activity in non-urban regions.

5. Enabling Advanced Technologies

Facilitates AI-driven smart agriculture, remote healthcare services, and IoT-based industrial automation.

Challenges & Concerns

1. Environmental Impact

Re-entry of Starlink satellites releases aluminium oxide particles, which may contribute to ozone layer depletion and atmospheric pollution.

2. Astronomical Interference:

Large satellite constellations emit bright reflections, disrupting ground-based telescopes and space research.
Example: Astronomers have raised concerns that Starlink’s satellites create light pollution, obstructing deep-space observations.

3. Regulatory & Security Challenges

Starlink requires government approvals under India’s SATCOM (Satellite Communication) policy before deployment.
Data sovereignty concerns arise as Starlink is a foreign-owned entity, raising security risks.

4. Affordability & Accessibility

Starlink’s high service costs may limit accessibility for economically weaker sections, making mass adoption a challenge.

With reference to satellite-based internet services, consider the following statements:

Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites provide lower latency compared to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites due to their higher altitude.
Starlink, a satellite internet service by SpaceX, operates using a constellation of LEO satellites.
Satellite internet can function independently of terrestrial infrastructure, making it highly effective during natural disasters.
The deployment of satellite broadband services in India does not require regulatory approvals under existing SATCOM policies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(A) 1 and 4 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1, 2, and 3 only
(D) 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer & Explanation:

Correct Answer: (B) 2 and 3 only

Statement 1 is Incorrect – Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites are positioned at 35,786 km above Earth, leading to higher latency (250–600 ms) compared to LEO satellites (which operate at 500–2,000 km altitude with latencies as low as 20–40 ms).

Statement 2 is Correct – Starlink is a LEO-based satellite broadband service developed by SpaceX, operating thousands of small satellites to provide high-speed internet.

Statement 3 is Correct – Satellite internet does not rely on ground-based infrastructure (e.g., fiber-optic cables, cell towers), making it a reliable communication method during disasters (e.g., Turkey-Syria Earthquake, 2023).

Statement 4 is Incorrect – The rollout of satellite broadband services in India requires regulatory approvals under India’s Satellite Communication (SATCOM) policy and licensing from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

World Air Quality Report 2024

Syllabus: GS3/ Environmental Pollution

Key Findings of the Report

India ranks as the fifth most polluted country globally, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 50.6 μg/m³, which is 10 times higher than the WHO’s annual guideline of 5 μg/m³.
In 2023, India was the third most polluted country.
Delhi remains the most polluted capital city, recording an average PM2.5 level of 91.8 μg/m³, making it the world’s worst capital in terms of air quality.
Among the 20 most polluted cities worldwide, 13 are in India, with Byrnihat (Assam-Meghalaya border) being the worst affected.
3% of countries (126 out of 138) exceeded WHO’s PM2.5 annual safety limits.
Only 17% of global cities met WHO’s air pollution standards.
5 concentrations declined in Southeast Asian countries, but transboundary haze and El Niño effects remain significant air pollution challenges.
Understanding Air Pollution & Its Impact

What is Air Pollution?

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances such as particulate matter (PM), toxic gases, and chemical compounds are released into the atmosphere, degrading air quality and harming living beings.

Major Air Pollutants

Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5): Fine particles from industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and construction dust.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂): Emitted from vehicles and industries, contributes to acid rain and respiratory diseases.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): A byproduct of burning fossil fuels, causes lung irritation and acid rain.
Ozone (O₃): A major urban smog component, damages lung function.
Carbon Monoxide (CO): Produced by incomplete combustion, leads to oxygen deprivation in the bloodstream.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) & Lead: Harmful industrial emissions affecting neurological and respiratory health.

Concerns Associated with Air Pollution

Health Implications
Increased cases of respiratory diseases, lung infections, and cardiovascular disorders.
Children, elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions are most vulnerable.

Environmental Damage

Contributes to climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil & water contamination.
Leads to crop damage and reduced agricultural productivity.

Economic & Social Costs

Increased healthcare expenses due to pollution-related diseases.
Economic losses due to workforce inefficiency and reduced productivity.

Government Initiatives to Combat Air Pollution in India

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) – 2019

Aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2024 in targeted cities.
Focuses on air quality monitoring, stricter emission regulations, and public awareness campaigns.

Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) Emission Standards – 2020

Stricter vehicle fuel norms to cut vehicular pollution.
Introduction of low-sulfur fuels and advanced emission control technologies.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Provides subsidized LPG connections to reduce dependence on biomass and firewood, preventing indoor pollution.

FAME Scheme (Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles)

Promotes electric and hybrid vehicles to cut vehicular emissions.
Encourages investment in EV charging infrastructure and subsidies for EV adoption.

Green Initiatives for Sustainable Habitat (GRIHA)

Promotes eco-friendly construction and energy-efficient buildings.
Encourages use of solar power, rainwater harvesting, and green architecture.

Waste Management & Cleanliness Programs

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan focuses on urban cleanliness and solid waste management.
Stricter regulations on plastic waste reduction and clean disposal practices.

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Regulates air pollution control measures in the Delhi-NCR region.
Ensures better coordination and enforcement of environmental laws.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

Emergency pollution control measures based on air quality levels.
Includes odd-even vehicle schemes, construction bans, and strict emission regulations in Delhi-NCR.

Promotion of Public Transport & Green Mobility

Expansion of metro networks, electric buses, and carpooling initiatives.
Encouragement of non-motorized transport like cycling & pedestrian-friendly zones.

Way Forward

Strengthen nationwide air quality monitoring and enforce stricter emissions control.
Promote green energy solutions such as solar and wind power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Enhance industrial pollution regulations and implement carbon pricing mechanisms.
Encourage community participation through awareness campaigns and eco-friendly initiatives.

India’s battle against air pollution demands a multi-sectoral approach involving policy reforms, technological advancements, and active citizen participation to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment.

Regarding the World Air Quality Report 2024, consider the following statements:

India is ranked as the third most polluted country
Byrnihat, a town on the Assam-Meghalaya border, is the most polluted city in India.
Delhi is the second most polluted capital city in the world in terms of PM2.5 concentration.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer:(b)
Explanation: India is the fifth most polluted country (not third). Delhi remains the most polluted capital city, not the second.

Chagos Archipelago

Syllabus : GS 1/ Places In News

About Chagos Archipelago

The Chagos Archipelago is a group of 58 islands located approximately 500 km south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
The islands remained uninhabited until the late 18th century, when the French brought laborers from Africa and India to work on newly established coconut plantations.
In 1814, France ceded the islands to Britain as part of a colonial agreement.

British Control and Mauritius’ Claim

In 1965, the United Kingdom established the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), with the Chagos Islands as a central part.
Chagos was historically administered as part of Mauritius, another British colony, but when Mauritius gained independence in 1968, the Chagos Islands remained under British control.
Mauritius asserts sovereignty over Chagos, citing its historical ties predating British colonial rule.

Strategic Importance

- The largest atoll, Diego Garcia, is home to a major U.S. military base, making the region geopolitically significant.

Consider the following statements regarding the Chagos Archipelago:

The Chagos Archipelago consists of 58 islands located approximately 500 km south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
The islands were uninhabited until the late 18th century, when the British brought laborers from Africa and India.
In 1814, the Chagos Islands were ceded to Britain by France as part of a colonial agreement.
Diego Garcia, the largest atoll in the Chagos Archipelago, hosts a French naval base.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Chagos Archipelago is a group of 58 islands located 500 km south of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The French, not the British, brought laborers from Africa and India to work on coconut plantations.
Statement 3 is correct: France ceded the Chagos Islands to Britain in 1814.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Diego Garcia hosts a S. military base, not a French naval base.

Parvatmala Pariyojana

Syllabus: GS3/ Infrastructure

Cabinet Approves Ropeway Projects in Uttarakhand Under Parvatmala Pariyojana

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved two major ropeway projects in Uttarakhand under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana.

About Parvatmala Pariyojana

Announced in the Union Budget 2022 under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
Implemented by National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Aims to develop 250+ ropeway projects covering 1,200 km within five years.

Significance of Ropeway Projects:

Enhances Connectivity – Overcomes transport challenges in remote and hilly areas.
Boosts Tourism & Economy – Facilitates pilgrimage and adventure tourism, stimulating local economic growth.
Efficient & Direct Transport – Provides a direct aerial route, bypassing difficult terrains.
Eco-Friendly – Requires minimal deforestation and land degradation, ensuring sustainable development.

Consider the following statements regarding the Parvatmala Pariyojana:

It was launched in the Union Budget 2022 under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
It is implemented by the National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
The project aims to develop 500+ ropeway projects covering 2,500 km within five years.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Parvatmala Pariyojana was announced in the Union Budget 2022 under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode to improve connectivity in hilly and remote areas through ropeway projects.
Statement 2 is correct: The implementation of this project is being carried out by National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), which operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Statement 3 is incorrect: The project aims to develop 250+ ropeway projects covering approximately 1,200 km within five years, not 500+ projects covering 2,500 km. Therefore, this statement is factually incorrect.

Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Launched: Kharif 2016 season
Voluntary: For States/UTs and farmers
Objective: Affordable, comprehensive, and technology-driven crop insurance

Key Features

Affordable Premiums:

2% for Kharif food & oilseed crops
5% for Rabi food & oilseed crops
5% for annual commercial & horticultural crops
Government subsidizes remaining premium

Comprehensive Coverage:

Covers natural disasters (droughts, floods), pest attacks, disease outbreaks
Covers post-harvest losses due to hailstorms, landslides

Timely Compensation:

Claims processed within two months of harvest

Technology-Driven Implementation:

Uses satellite imaging, drones, mobile apps for precise crop loss estimation

Post-Harvest Loss Coverage:

Covers losses for up to 14 days for crops stored in cut & spread condition

Did You Know?

Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) was introduced alongside PMFBY

Key Difference:

PMFBY: Compensates based on actual crop losses

RWBCIS: Provides payouts based on predefined weather parameters (rainfall, temperature, humidity)

Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

The scheme was launched in the Kharif 2016 season and is mandatory for all States and farmers.
The government provides a subsidy on the premium amount to ensure affordability for farmers.
PMFBY covers post-harvest losses for up to 30 days for crops stored in a “cut and spread” condition.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: PMFBY was launched in Kharif 2016, but it is voluntary for both States/UTs and farmers since the 2020 revamp.
Statement 2 is correct: The government subsidizes the remaining premium after the farmers pay their share.
Statement 3 is incorrect: PMFBY provides post-harvest loss coverage for up to 14 days, not 30 days.

Wheat and Sugar Crop Outlook for 2025

The agricultural sector in 2025 presents a complex scenario for key rabi crops, Particularly wheat and sugar.
While wheat production appears stable, uncertainties persist regarding final yields.
In contrast, sugar output faces significant challenges, potentially impacting food inflation.

Wheat Production Status

Wheat remains a crucial rabi crop in India. As of early 2025, government wheat stocks stand at approximately 140 lakh tonnes, a significant rise from last year’s 75 lakh tonnes.
The opening stocks for the upcoming procurement season are expected to be higher, providing a buffer against supply shortages.
The government is limiting open market sales to stabilize prices and prevent speculative hoarding.

Procurement and Price Trends

Current wheat prices in Delhi: ₹2,950 – ₹3,000 per quintal, higher than the previous year.
Government intervention: Stocking limits have been imposed on traders and retailers to curb hoarding.
Harvest timeline: The new crop is expected between March and April 2025, with potential price adjustments based on production levels.

Weather Conditions and Yield Outlook

Weather remains a critical factor in determining wheat yields. Reports suggest favorable conditions in central India, with an anticipated 15-20% increase in yields compared to last year.
The crucial grain-filling stage depends on stable temperatures, ideally remaining below 35°C.
Favorable weather could help boost production and ease inflationary concerns.

Sugar Production Challenges

Unlike wheat, sugar production is witnessing a downturn. Initial estimates projected a gross production of 333 lakh tonnes, but recent assessments have revised the figure downward.
As of February 2025, net sugar production stands at 220 lakh tonnes, a decline from the previous year’s levels.

Factors Contributing to Declining Sugar Output

Suboptimal rainfall in key sugar-producing states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka has affected sugarcane availability.
Pest infestations and crop diseases have further reduced yields.
The production decline could lead to a demand-supply imbalance, especially during the festive season.

Sugar Price Trends and Government Response

Ex-factory sugar prices:
Uttar Pradesh: ₹40.10 – ₹41.10 per kg
Maharashtra: ₹38 – ₹38.70 per kg
Rising prices pose inflationary risks, prompting potential government interventions such as stock limits or import facilitation to stabilize supply.
As the season progresses, weather patterns, market trends, and policy interventions will play a crucial role in shaping the final production and pricing landscape for both wheat and sugar.

Consider the following statements regarding wheat production in India for 2025:

The government’s wheat stock in early 2025 is significantly lower than in the previous year.
The new wheat crop is expected to arrive between March and April 2025.
The government has imposed stocking limits on traders and retailers to curb hoarding and stabilize prices.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect – The government’s wheat stock in early 2025 is 140 lakh tonnes, which is higher than the previous year’s 75 lakh tonnes.
Statement 2 is correct – The wheat harvest is expected between March and April 2025.
Statement 3 is correct – The government has imposed stocking limits on traders and retailers to prevent hoarding and stabilize prices.

Soil Fertility Mapping

Syllabus: GS 3/Economy

In News

Soil fertility maps have been developed for 351 villages across 34 districts in Maharashtra, enhancing precision in fertilizer application and soil management.

What is Soil Fertility Mapping?

Soil fertility maps provide location-specific data, enabling optimal fertilizer use to prevent overuse or deficiency.
Soil & Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) generates digital soil fertility maps using geospatial techniques and Soil Health Card (SHC) data.
These maps help farmers apply fertilizers and soil amendments efficiently, reducing wastage and enhancing economic benefits.

Technological Integration in Soil Mapping

Geospatial techniques, including remote sensing and AI-based tools, are used in soil fertility mapping.
GPS-based geo-coding assigns a unique QR code to each soil sample, ensuring seamless tracking and analysis in soil testing laboratories.

Challenges in Implementation

Logistical, technical, and infrastructure limitations in remote and hilly regions hinder effective soil testing.
Village-Level Soil Testing Labs and mini-labs are being set up to address these challenges and improve accessibility.

Importance of Soil Fertility Mapping

Identifies soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies.
Facilitates balanced fertilizer application, enhancing soil health and agricultural productivity.

Key Government Initiatives

Soil Health & Fertility Scheme

Promotes Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) by combining:
- Chemical fertilizers
- Organic manures

Bio-fertilizers

Aims to enhance soil health and agricultural productivity.

Soil Health Card (SHC)

Provides soil nutrient status (categorized as low, medium, or high).
Recommends nutrient application strategies to improve soil health.
Parameters tested include:
- pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon
- Macronutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur
- Micronutrients: Zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and boron
Farmers can download their SHC by entering their registered mobile number.
The Soil Health & Fertility Scheme is implemented across all States and UTs in India.

With reference to Soil Fertility Mapping, consider the following statements:

The Soil & Land Use Survey of India (SLUSI) is responsible for generating digital soil fertility maps using satellite imaging and AI-based techniques.
The process of soil fertility mapping involves assigning a unique QR code to each soil sample for precise tracking and analysis.
Soil fertility maps primarily focus on macronutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, and do not include micronutrients such as Zinc and Boron.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: SLUSI generates digital soil fertility maps using geospatial techniques, including remote sensing and AI-based tools.
Statement 2 is correct: Each soil sample is assigned a unique QR code, which is retained during analysis in soil testing labs.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Soil fertility mapping includes both macronutrients and micronutrients, such as Zinc, Iron, Copper, Manganese, and Boron, making it a comprehensive assessment tool.

Parvatmala Pariyojana

Syllabus: GS3/ Infrastructure

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved two significant ropeway projects in Uttarakhand under the National Ropeways Development Programme – Parvatmala Pariyojana.

About Parvatmala Pariyojana

Launched in the Union Budget 2022 under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
Implemented by the National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Aims to develop over 250 ropeway projects, covering 1,200 km within five years.

Significance of Ropeways

Enhanced Connectivity: Facilitates transportation in remote and hilly regions, improving accessibility.
Tourism & Economic Growth: Promotes tourism and generates employment opportunities.
Efficient Transport: Offers a direct aerial route, reducing travel time and overcoming difficult terrains.
Eco-Friendly Approach: Minimizes deforestation and land degradation, making it a sustainable infrastructure solution.

Consider the following statements regarding the Parvatmala Pariyojana:

It was announced in the Union Budget 2022 under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mode.
The programme is implemented by the National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
It aims to develop over 500 ropeway projects covering 2,500 km within five years.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Parvatmala Pariyojana was announced in the Union Budget 2022, but it follows the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, not the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mode.
Statement 2 is correct: The programme is implemented by NHLML, which is a subsidiary of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under MoRTH.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The actual target is to develop 250+ ropeway projects covering 1,200 km in five years, not 500 projects covering 2,500 km.