Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021 Category: Polity and Governance Context: Recently, the Supreme Court struck down provisions of the Tribunal Reforms Act of 2021, a law designed to alter the tribunal system.                 About Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021: Objective: The Act was enacted to streamline the functioning of tribunals by dissolving certain appellate tribunals and transferring their functions to existing judicial bodies like the High Courts.   Associated SC Judgement: It was introduced in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Madras Bar Association vs. Union of India (2021), which struck down certain provisions of the Tribunal Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021.  Selection Committee for Central Tribunals: Chairperson: Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court judge nominated by the CJI (casting vote).  Two Secretaries nominated by the Central Government.  Sitting/outgoing Chairperson of the tribunal, or a retired Supreme Court judge, or a retired Chief Justice of a High Court.  Non-voting member: Secretary of the relevant Union Ministry.  Selection Committee for State Administrative Tribunals: Chairperson: Chief Justice of the respective High Court (casting vote).  Chief Secretary of the State Government.  Chairman of the State Public Service Commission.  Sitting/outgoing Chairperson of the Tribunal or a retired High Court Judge.  Tenure of members: The tenure for Chairperson and Members is 4 years, with a minimum age of 50 years. The maximum age limit is 67 years for tribunal members and 70 years for chairpersons, or completion of the 4-year tenure, whichever is earlier.  Members eligible for reappointment: Tribunal Chairpersons and Members are eligible for reappointment, with preference given to their past service.  Removal of Tribunal Members: Central government on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee can remove Chairperson or a Member. About SC Observations and Rulings: The Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran held that the 2021 Act was an attempt to “repackage” the very provisions earlier invalidated.  The Court noted that Parliament cannot circumvent judicial directions by re-enacting an unconstitutional provision in slightly modified form. The Court found the 2021 Act to be a “legislative override” that consciously defied earlier judgments relating to tribunal autonomy. The Supreme Court invalidated provisions that: Allowed the Centre to control tenure and age limits of tribunal members, Included government secretaries on the selection committee, Limited tenure to four years, undermining institutional stability, Granted excessive rule-making powers to the executive over tribunals. Source: The Hindu CE20 Cryogenic Engine Category: Science and Technology Context: ISRO has successfully demonstrated the bootstrap mode start test on the CE20 cryogenic engine which powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 rocket. About CE20 Cryogenic Engine: Development: It is a cryogenic rocket engine developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, a subsidiary of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Objective: It is used to power the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle and has been qualified to operate at a thrust level of 19 tonnes. This engine has also successfully powered the upper stage of six LVM3 missions so far. Uniqueness: It is the first Indian cryogenic engine to have a gas-generator cycle. The CE-20 uses a combination of LOX and LH2 propellants in a gas generator cycle.  Significance: It marks a significant step in ISRO’s indigenous engine development, showcasing its ability to overcome complex rocket propulsion challenges. Mechanism: During nominal operation, the engine ignition is initiated under tank head conditions, followed by the start of turbo pumps using a stored gas start-up system. Important for LVM3 flights: The test on the CE20 cryogenic engine, which was successfully conducted under vacuum conditions in the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri is an important development towards enhancing the restart capability and mission flexibility of future LVM3 flights. Qualified for important missions like Gaganyaan: The CE20 cryogenic engine, powering the LVM3 upper stage, is already qualified for operation at thrust levels ranging from 19 to 22 tonnes in flight with a single start, and also for the Gaganyaan missions. Essential for flexible multi-orbit missions: For future missions, multiple in-flight restarts of the CE20 engine will be needed for flexible multi-orbit missions. Exploring possibility of bootstrap mode start: With the current set-up, each restart demands an additional start-up gas bottle and associated systems. Hence, achieving bootstrap mode start, where the engine builds up to steady operation without external start-up assistance is essential. Source: The Hindu Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Category: International Organisations Context: The Gulf Cooperation Council has approved a landmark one-stop travel system designed to streamline movement across member states. About Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Establishment: It is a regional political and economic alliance established in 1981. Members: The member countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objective: It aims to foster economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation among its members. This cooperation is based on common Islamic values, tribal links, and mutual security and development goals. History: It was formed in response to escalating regional tensions, particularly the Iranian Revolution (1979) and the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Significance: GCC countries are located strategically along the Persian Gulf, linking Europe, Asia, and Africa through maritime routes. Further, the bloc controls around 30% of global oil reserves and is a major exporter of natural gas. Organizational Structure: Supreme council is the highest authority of the GCC, composed of the heads of the member states. Ministerial council is composed of foreign ministers or their representatives from member states. It proposes policies and implements decisions of the Supreme Council. About One-stop Travel System: It is part of the GCC’s ambitious push to eliminate redundant travel procedures and foster stronger cooperation between member states.  It will allow Gulf citizens to complete all travel procedures including immigration, customs and security checks at a single checkpoint. Source: News on AIR Adam Chini Rice Category: Miscellaneous Context: Farmers in Uttar Pradesh are seeing their dreams take flight with the revival as BHU researchers revive timeless rice variety ‘Adam Chini’ with innovation. About Adam Chini Rice: Nature: It is an aromatic black rice variety known for its pleasant aroma and superior cooking qualities. It received Geographical Indication (GI) in 2023. Growing areas: It is mainly grown in the Eastern Uttar Pradesh region including Chandauli, Varanasi and Vindhya region. GI tagged: It received Geographical Indication (GI) status on 22 February 2023 (valid till November 2030). The GI tag proposed by Ishani Agro Producer Company Ltd. and Human Welfare Association of Uttar Pradesh. Uniqueness: It is known for its sugar-crystal-like grains, drought tolerance, and disease resistance qualities. It has long maturity period (155 days) and low yields (20-23 quintals per hectare). Structure: It reaches height up to 165 cm and its grains are short-bold, scented with intermediate alkali digestion value. Presence of amylose: It has intermediate amylose content which helps rice to remain fluffy and remains soft on cooling. It is renowned for its excellence in flavour. Improved features by BHU: Reduced height (105 cm for mutant-14), Early maturity (120 days for mutant-19), Higher yields (30-35 quintals per hectare for mutants 14, 15, 19, and 20). Now it is more suitable for mass production while retaining its coveted fragrance. Source: The New Indian Express Exercise Ajeya Warrior 2025 Category: Defence and Security Context: The eighth edition of the India-UK Joint Military Exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior-25’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. About Exercise Ajeya Warrior: Nature: It is a bilateral military exercise conducted between India-UK. Commencement: It is held biennially since 2011, AJEYA WARRIOR has evolved into a flagship engagement between the Indian Army and the British Army. Objective: The objective of the exercise is to facilitate the exchange of best combat skills and experiences between the two armies and to enhance their ability to operate together in complex situations. Uniqueness: It is conducted under a United Nations mandate, specifically aligned with Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which deals with peacekeeping duties related to threats to peace, breaches of peace, and counter-terrorism scenarios. Significance: The exercise further reinforces shared values of professionalism, cooperation and commitment to regional stability and global peace. About Exercise Ajeya Warrior 2025: The Indian Army is being represented by troops of the Sikh Regiment. It includes joint mission planning at Brigade level, integrated tactical drills, simulation-based scenarios and company-level field training exercises replicating real-life counter-terror contingencies. The exercise also aims to share best practices, enhance tactical proficiency and develop coordinated responses for managing complex operations in challenging environments. Source: PIB (MAINS Focus) End of the Red Corridor: India’s Battle Against Left-Wing Extremism Turns a Corner (GS Paper III – Internal Security: Left-Wing Extremism, Security Forces, Governance & Development)   Context (Introduction) The killing of top Maoist commander Madvi Hidma in Andhra Pradesh marks a turning point in India’s two-decade struggle against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Improved policing, leadership targeting, and development efforts have sharply shrunk Maoist influence across the Red Corridor.   Main Arguments Shift from Maoist dominance to State control: In the early 2000s, PWG cadres held vast tribal-forest belts from Andhra Pradesh to Nepal — termed the “Compact Revolutionary Zone.” Maoists controlled interiors due to weak governance and favourable terrain. Political ambiguity enabled regrouping: States, especially Andhra Pradesh in 2004, alternated between police withdrawal and peace talks. Ceasefires allowed Maoists to consolidate, culminating in the 2004 PWG–MCC merger forming CPI (Maoist). Severe constraints on early security operations: Forces lacked anti-mine vehicles, fortified police stations, and helicopter support. Stints in Maoist zones were viewed as punishment postings. Intelligence suffered due to lack of local-language capacity. Escalation of Maoist violence (2006–2013): Attacks intensified: the Tadmetla ambush killed 76 CRPF personnel (2010) and the 2013 Jhiram Ghati attack wiped out Chhattisgarh’s Congress leadership. Affected districts reached 126 in 2013. Strategic overhaul since 2014: The Centre prioritised modernisation of forces, strengthened inter-State coordination, choked financing networks, targeted top leadership, and expanded welfare schemes. Affected districts reduced to 38 (2024) and now to just 11.   Criticisms / Drawbacks/Limitations Treating LWE merely as a law-and-order problem: Early policies underestimated its ideological and armed revolutionary character, resulting in slow, inconsistent State responses. Ceasefire missteps and political signalling: Talks without verification mechanisms enabled Maoists to regroup, recruit, and rearm — reversing earlier operational gains. Weak grassroots policing infrastructure: Insufficient police stations, poor road networks, and scarce local recruitment limited State presence in remote tribal belts. Persistent governance vacuum in interiors: Slow progress in roads, schools, telecom, and welfare schemes allowed Maoists to position themselves as parallel authorities. Maoist adaptability to terrain and borders: Dense forests, tri-junction borders (AP–Chhattisgarh–Odisha), and tribal alienation provided operational and social cover for cadres.   Reforms and Way Forward Strengthen Local Policing & Intelligence Expand fortified police stations in interior tribal zones. Recruit local youth fluent in dialects for intelligence. Replicate Greyhounds and C-60–style specialised units nationally. Technology-driven Operations Scale use of drones, satellite mapping, helicopter mobility, and anti-landmine vehicles. Build integrated command systems across affected tri-junctions. Leadership Targeting & Financial Disruption Sustain operations removing top leaders and active dalams. Target extortion, illegal mining, and forest-produce revenue streams. Address Governance Deficits Accelerate Special Central Assistance for roads, telecom, health and education. Ensure fast compensation and grievance redressal in conflict-hit areas. Expand power supply, banking access, and digital services. Community-Centric Development & Rehabilitation Promote tribal welfare, forest rights implementation, and participatory planning. Strengthen surrender, rehabilitation, and livelihood programmes. Counter Maoist narratives through local influencers and SHG networks.   Conclusion Two decades after being termed India’s “single biggest internal security challenge,” Left-Wing Extremism is in visible retreat. The convergence of improved policing, targeted operations, and expanding development has fractured Maoist organisational capacity. Yet, sustaining gains requires deep governance penetration, empowered tribal communities, and continued vigilance to prevent resurgence.   Mains Question Left-Wing Extremism has seen a marked decline in recent years. Analyse the factors behind this trend and suggest measures to consolidate the gains achieved. (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Indian Express The Threat of Digital Tradecraft in Modern Terrorism (GS Paper III – Internal Security: Terrorism, Cybersecurity, Encrypted Communication, Counter-Radicalisation)   Context (Introduction) The Red Fort car blast in Delhi on November 10, which killed 15 people, has exposed a new frontier in terrorism where extremist cells combine encrypted digital tools, private servers, and spy-style communication to evade surveillance and coordinate attacks.   Main Arguments Use of high-privacy encrypted apps: Investigators found that the accused used Threema, an E2EE messaging app that requires no phone number and leaves minimal metadata. The module may have operated from a private Threema server, enabling isolated, untraceable communication. Adoption of digital “dead-drop” emails: The cell reportedly used shared email accounts in which drafts (not sent messages) were updated and deleted — a classic espionage method leaving no communication trail, bypassing phone or email logging systems. Sophisticated operational planning: The group conducted multiple reconnaissance missions using routine vehicles, stockpiled ammonium nitrate, and maintained disciplined communication gaps after arrests — reflecting a professional understanding of counter-surveillance. External ideological or operational linkages: Preliminary leads suggest possible ties with or inspiration from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The communication architecture — encrypted apps, dead-drop emails, minimal digital footprint — indicates high-level training and organisational backing. Alignment with global academic research: Scholarship repeatedly warns that extremist actors increasingly exploit E2EE platforms, VPNs, and decentralised networks, combining physical tradecraft with digital anonymity in ways that weaken traditional counter-terrorism tools.   Criticisms / Drawbacks/Limitations Limitations of traditional surveillance: Phone tapping, metadata analysis, and email intercepts become ineffective when extremists use private servers, VPNs, and apps with zero metadata retention. Regulatory gaps on self-hosted platforms: Banning Threema (under IT Act Sec 69A) has limited impact because terror modules use VPNs and offshore hosting. Law enforcement lacks a framework to monitor private encrypted servers. Inadequate cyber-forensics capability: Many agencies still rely on device seizure rather than advanced memory forensics, server-side analysis, or encrypted-network mapping. Failure to detect radicalisation in professional spaces: The involvement of medical professionals from a university shows that radicalisation can occur among highly educated individuals, where existing monitoring or awareness systems are weak. Risks of transnational networks: If external handlers are confirmed, India faces challenges in securing cross-border cooperation, especially where encrypted infrastructure is located abroad.   Reforms and Way Forward Build specialised digital-forensics and cyber-intelligence units Expand teams skilled in decrypting memory dumps, analysing E2EE misuse, and tracking private servers. Train personnel in dark-web monitoring, digital dead-drop detection, and server-level forensics. Strengthen NIA and State ATS cyber labs with modern tools. Regulate self-hosted encrypted infrastructure Create frameworks requiring private communication servers to maintain minimal lawful-access compliance. Establish judicially supervised protocols for cooperation with providers of encrypted apps. Track VPN exit nodes and anonymisation networks linked to terror activity. Modernise legal frameworks for digital terrorism Amend counter-terrorism laws to recognise encrypted dead-drops, decentralised communication, and private servers. Mandate detection of high-risk shared accounts or draft-only mailboxes in investigations. Strengthen admissibility standards for cyber-forensic evidence. Strengthen institutional and community vigilance Equip universities, hospitals, and professional bodies with counter-radicalisation resources. Launch targeted awareness programmes for high-skill sectors vulnerable to ideological recruitment. Build early-warning mechanisms through counselling cells, faculty training, and student support networks. Deepen international cooperation Engage foreign governments, cybersecurity entities, and encrypted-app host countries through tech diplomacy. Enhance intelligence sharing on E2EE misuse, server hosting, funding routes, and cross-border handlers. Partner with global cyber-forensics centres for training and joint operations.   Conclusion The Red Fort blast demonstrates that modern terrorism is increasingly digital, decentralised, and encrypted. As extremist cells adopt sophisticated tradecraft across physical and virtual domains, India must expand cyber-forensics, regulate private encrypted infrastructure, strengthen institutional vigilance, and collaborate globally. Counter-terrorism now requires not only boots on the ground, but also capability in code, servers, and encrypted networks.   Mains Question The Red Fort blast highlights how encrypted communication and digital tradecraft are reshaping terrorism. Examine how such technologies complicate counter-terrorism efforts and suggest reforms to strengthen India’s digital security architecture.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu

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Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) PM-KISAN Category: Government Schemes Context: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) West Bengal president said that over ₹10,500 crore has been disbursed to the State’s farmers under the PM-KISAN scheme. About PM-KISAN: Launch: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a Central-Sector scheme (100% funded by Government of India) and it was launched in December 2018. Objective: It aims to provide financial assistance to all land-holding farmer families across India. Under the scheme, eligible farmer families receive income support of Rs 6,000 annually, distributed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 each. Nodal ministry: The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is the implementing agency.  The DA&FW works with the Department of Agriculture of all the states and union territories to implement the scheme. Eligibility: All landholding farmers’ families, which have cultivable land holding in their names are eligible to get benefit under the scheme. For the purposes of this scheme, a farmer “family” consists of the husband, wife, and any minor children. Identification of beneficiaries: The responsibility to identify eligible farmer families rests with State Governments and Union Territory (UT) administrations, following the scheme’s guidelines. Use of DBT: The scheme ensures that funds are directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts to promote transparency and reduce delays. The government has also linked Kisan Credit Card with PM-KISAN to streamline farmers’ access to formal credit, reduce documentation, and make loan processing faster. Exclusion: The PM-KISAN scheme excludes beneficiaries with higher economic status, making them ineligible for benefits. These exclusions are as follows: All institutional landholders.  Families where any member holds, or has held, constitutional posts.  Former and present Ministers (Central or State), Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha), State Legislative Assemblies/Councils, as well as former/present Mayors of Municipal Corporations and Chairpersons of District Panchayats.  All serving or retired officers and employees of Central/State Government Ministries, Departments, and field units, including Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) and autonomous institutions under government and regular employees of local bodies.   Professionals such as Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with professional bodies. Source: The Hindu BrahMos Missile Category: Defence and Security Context: Indonesian Defence Minister is scheduled to visit India in the last week of November for follow-up to the major defence agreement involving the BrahMos missile. About BrahMos Missile: Nomenclature: It is named after the Brahmaputra River of India and the Moskva River of Russia. Development: BrahMos has been jointly developed by DRDO, India, and NPOM, Russia (with India owning 50.5% of the JV and Russia owning the remaining 49.5%). Range: An Indo-Russian joint venture, the BrahMos missile has a range of 290 km. Uniqueness: It is the world’s fastest cruise missile with a top speed of Mach 2.8 (about three times the speed of sound).  Two-stage missile: It is a two-stage (solid propellant engine in the first stage and liquid ramjet in the second) missile.  Multiplatform missile: It is a multiplatform missile which can be launched with great accuracy from land, air and sea having multi-capability capabilities and can operate during day and night despite bad weather.  Based on fire and forget principle: It operates on the “fire and forget” principle i.e. it does not require guidance after launch. First launch: On June 12, 2001, the first successful launch of BrahMos occurred. The missile was launched from a land-based launcher at the Interim Test Range off the coast of Chandipur in Orissa. About BrahMos-NG (Next Generation): BrahMos-NG promises to become one of the most potent weapon systems in the future, carrying forward the excellent lineage of the existing world-class BrahMos. Its range is 290 km and it has a speed of 3.5 Mach. It has a smaller radar cross-section (RCS) than the previous missile, making it more difficult for air defence systems to detect and engage the target. Because of its small size, this missile can be launched from submarine torpedo rooms. Source: The Hindu Vrindavani Vastra Category: History and Culture Context: Assam Chief Minister left for London on Saturday to initiate the process of bringing back the revered Vrindavani Vastra from the British Museum. About Vrindavani Vastra: Nature: It is a 400-year-old traditional textile from Assam, woven with the theme of Krishna’s various exploits. Prominent themes: The childhood stories of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan, his divine pastimes, and various events are woven with thread on this cloth. Building technique: It was made of woven silk using the complex ‘lampas’ technique. This technique requires two weavers working simultaneously. The designs were woven with a large variety of colored threads, like red, white, black, yellow, green, etc. History: It was created under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardeva, at the request of Koch king Nara Narayan, who ruled over parts of modern-day Assam and West Bengal. Notably, Nara Nararan had sheltered Sankardeva after the Vaishnav saint was targeted by the Ahom kingdom on the instigation of Brahmin priests in the state. Significance: The textile serves as a testament to Assamese weaving, incorporating elements from various artistic traditions, and travelled from Assam to Tibet before being acquired by the British Museum in 1904. Associated with Vaishnavism: A masterpiece of sacred art, the Vrindavani Vastra is a central part of Assamese Vaishnavism. Source: The Hindu Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) Category: Science and Technology Context: Ethiopia has reported its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus disease with laboratory tests confirming nine cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. About Marburg Virus Disease (MVD): Nomenclature: It was first identified in 1967 in the German city of Marburg. And it was named after an outbreak linked to laboratory workers exposed to infected green monkeys imported from Uganda. Geographical spread: Most outbreaks have occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Angola, Ghana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Nature: MVD is a severe and often fatal hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, with high case fatality rates and no approved treatments currently available.  Symptoms: MVD starts with high fever, severe headache, and malaise. As it progresses, it can cause severe bleeding, shock, and multi-organ failure, with death occurring 8-9 days post-symptom onset.  Transmission: It is transmitted from fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) to humans, and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.  Diagnosis: Diagnosis is confirmed through tests like RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), and virus isolation, which require maximum biohazard containment.  Fatality rate: The average case fatality rate is approximately 50%, varying from 24% to 88% depending on the virus strain and case management. Treatment: Presently, no approved vaccine or antiviral treatments exist to treat it. Supportive care, such as rehydration and symptom management, improves survival. Control: Key control measures include community engagement, safe burials, contact tracing, and infection control in healthcare settings. Source: DD News Maram Naga Tribe Category: Society Context: Under the Prime Minister’s Jan Man Scheme, the Centre has sanctioned a Rs 9 crore development program for the Maram Naga tribe of Manipur. About Maram Naga Tribe: Location: The Maram Naga tribe belongs to the Naga ethnic group, inhabiting the Northeastern part of India as well as the Western part of Myanmar. The Maram habitat falls under the Senapati district of Manipur.  Race: They are considered to be a part of the Tibeto-Burman family of the Mongoloid race. The Marams are surrounded by other Naga tribes in all directions. Language: Linguistically, they belong to the sub-family of the Sino-Tibetan family. The people speak the Maram language. There are some variations in the way the dialect is spoken, corresponding with geographical location. Script: They use Roman script in writing their language. Occupation: Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. Shifting cultivation is the main cultivation practiced by them. They are also involved in wet cultivation. Hunting is the secondary occupation of Maram tribes. Religious beliefs: Maram tribes are the worshippers of supernatural benevolent and malevolent beings.  Festivals: The two major festivals of the Marams are Punghi (celebrated in July) and Kanghi (in December). The tribe also celebrates a unique festival called Mangkang around April every year, dedicated to the women folks. Source: Northeast Now (MAINS Focus) Time to Sort Out India’s Cereal Mess (GS Paper III – Agriculture, Food Security, MSP, PDS Reforms)   Context (Introduction) India faces a paradox: record paddy procurement and overflowing rice stocks far above buffer norms, even as the country spends heavily on importing pulses and edible oils. The Tamil Nadu procurement controversy reflects deeper structural flaws in India’s cereal-centric policy regime.   Main Arguments  Excess procurement and rising stocks: Rice stocks in the central pool on Oct 1, 2025 stood at 356.1 lakh tonnes, over 3.5 times the required norm (102.5 lakh tonnes). Annual rice procurement remains high at 525–547 lakh tonnes, while PDS offtake remains lower (392–427 lakh tonnes). MSP-driven skew towards paddy: Farmers increasingly shift to paddy due to minimum assured returns, as seen in Tamil Nadu’s kuruvai season expansion by 2 lakh acres. This creates procurement pressure and disincentivises diversification. Import dependence despite domestic capacity: India imports ₹1.2 lakh crore of edible oils and ₹30,000 crore of pulses, even though it is the world’s largest pulses producer (252.4 lakh tonnes, 2024–25). Oilseed production has stagnated around 400 lakh tonnes only once since 2014. Mismatch between procurement and consumption: While rice is over-procured, wheat shows the opposite trend: PDS utilisation exceeded procurement in two of the last three years. This highlights lack of dynamic, crop-wise planning. High fiscal cost with systemic leakages: The food subsidy bill remains around ₹2 lakh crore annually, yet leakage continues. An ICRIER study reported ~28% loss of rice and wheat during distribution — highlighting inefficiencies in PDS and procurement.   Criticisms / Drawbacks  Unsustainable cereal-heavy procurement: Over-dependence on rice procurement crowds out essential nutritional crops, contradicting the broader goals of food security and nutrition security. Disincentivisation of crop rotation and diversification: Paddy dominance erodes soil health, depletes groundwater, and discourages pulses/oilseeds that are crucial for dietary diversity. Ineffective MSP operations for pulses and oilseeds: Despite high production, procurement of notified pulses has fallen substantially over the last two years, signalling weak support systems unlike for paddy/wheat. Structural inefficiencies in FCI and State corporations: Time overruns, potential corruption, and poor coordination—as seen in TNCSC—reflect broader weaknesses in centralised procurement, storage, and transport systems. Weak institutional mechanisms for market integration: FPOs remain nascent, and farmers lack secure linkages with processors (e.g., blackgram growers and papad makers). Fragmented value chains worsen farmer uncertainty.   Suggested Reforms  Incentivise Crop Diversification Conduct area-specific demand–supply market studies to guide farmers. Provide financial support, crop-specific advisories, and risk mitigation tools. Replicate models from Punjab-Haryana diversification pilots and Telangana’s oilseed push. Rationalise Procurement Policies Introduce flexible procurement ceilings based on nutritional needs and buffer norms. Revisit MSP coverage to include more pulses and oilseeds under assured procurement. Permit unrestricted rice exports, avoiding ad hoc bans that depress farmer incomes. Strengthen Farmer–Market Linkages Encourage FPO–processor partnerships; e.g., blackgram growers–papad units. Promote contract farming frameworks with safeguards to reduce intermediaries. Expand FPO capacity in procurement (e.g., West Bengal’s successful use of FPOs in paddy procurement). Reform PDS and Reduce Leakages Digitise end-to-end supply chains (e-NAM–PDS linkage, GPS tracking). Expand portability under One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC). Adopt community monitoring and SHG-led distribution in vulnerable districts. Boost Oilseed and Pulse Productivity Expand area under NFSM-Oilseeds & Pulses, promote HYVs and water-saving technologies. Invest in R&D: India has stagnant yields (around 1 tonne/ha for oilseeds). Incentivise private sector in processing and storage for value addition.   Conclusion  India’s cereal policy, designed six decades ago to address scarcity, is misaligned with today’s nutritional, environmental, and fiscal realities. Rebalancing procurement towards pulses and oilseeds, empowering FPOs, enabling freer markets, and modernising PDS can transform this paradox into an opportunity—ensuring both food security and farmer security in a sustainable manner.   Mains Question  India’s foodgrain procurement system has created a cereal-heavy imbalance. Analyse the structural reasons for this paradox and suggest necessary reforms.(250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu Proposed Amendments to the PPV&FRA Act: Farmers’ Concerns and Policy Implications (GS Paper III – Agriculture: IPR, Seeds, Farmer Rights, Biotechnology)   Context (Introduction) The Centre plans to amend the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (2001) after two decades. A committee led by R.S. Paroda has begun consultations to align the law with new technologies, seed-sector changes, and farmers’ rights concerns.   Main Arguments Updating definitions in line with new technologies: Stakeholders are discussing expanding the definition of ‘variety’ to include “combination of genotypes”—bringing it closer to the draft Seeds Bill, 2019. This recognises modern breeding techniques and evolving seed types. Wider inclusion of planting materials: Proposed expansion of the definition of “seed” to include seedlings, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes, roots, tissue culture plantlets, synthetic seeds and all vegetatively propagated materials—ensuring comprehensive legal coverage. Clarifying status of breeders and institutions: The law may define “institution” more explicitly to include both public and private entities, bringing clarity for registration, rights, and liability within the seed sector. Strengthening DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, Stability) testing norms: Discussions focus on adding trait-based parameters into DUS guidelines and questioning current testing processes to ensure rigorous and transparent evaluation of new varieties. Defining “abusive acts”: Proposed amendments seek to criminalise actions such as producing, selling, or exporting a variety with the same or identical denomination as an already registered variety—preventing market confusion and bio-piracy.   Key Concerns of Farmers’ Groups Protection of community-developed seeds: Farmer unions like Samyukt Kisan Morcha argue that all community-developed and traditional varieties should be mandatorily registered as community property to prevent future private monopolisation. Misuse of DUS tests for private benefit: Farmers fear that flawed or manipulated testing could allow private firms to register community varieties. The alleged improper DUS testing of njavara (a traditional South Indian paddy) has heightened distrust. IPR model incompatible with traditional seed practices: Analysts argue that small farmers treat seeds as shared, biocultural material, not as products of exclusive ownership. Expanding IPR without safeguards risks undermining age-old seed exchange systems. Pressure to align domestic law with UPOV standards: Activists note international pressure to harmonise Indian law with UPOV (International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants)—which grants stronger breeders’ rights and weaker farmers’ privileges compared to India’s current Act. Lack of clear compensation rules: Although the original Act mandated compensation for failure of IP-protected seeds, Rules do not detail compensation criteria, leaving farmers unprotected when seeds fail to perform.   Reforms and Way Forward  Strengthen registration of traditional varieties Create a mandatory community registry for all local and traditional seeds. Ensure DUS exemptions or simplified protocols for farmers’ varieties, similar to global “farmer-led seed systems.” Transparent and independent DUS testing Publish full DUS protocols, results, and test locations. Establish third-party oversight to prevent manipulation. Adopt trait-based DUS parameters to reflect modern breeding. Farmer-friendly IPR safeguards Maintain India’s strong farmers’ rights to save, reuse, share, exchange seed—a global model distinct from UPOV. Implement open-source seed licences for publicly funded varieties. Ensure accountability of breeders Frame Rules for compensation, covering crop loss, non-performance, and defective planting material. Introduce time-bound redressal mechanisms through Seed Consumers’ Courts or district-level authorities. Capacity building and awareness Provide farmer organisations with legal and technical training on IPR and seed rights. Bring small farmers into the system through local-language advisories and local seed committees.   Conclusion  Two decades after its enactment, India’s plant variety law faces the dual challenge of recognising scientific advances while safeguarding the seed sovereignty of millions of small farmers. Balanced reforms—strengthening community rights, improving testing integrity, and ensuring accountability—can modernise the Act without compromising India’s unique pro-farmer framework.   Mains Question  Why is the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act being amended? Discuss the major proposed changes and examine the concerns raised by farmers’ groups (250 words, 15 marks) Source: The Hindu