Agriculture Output Report: Fruits Surge While Cereals Decline in India

Overview

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), through its National Statistics Office (NSO), has released the latest “Statistical Report on Value of Output from Agriculture and Allied Sectors (2011–12 to 2023–24)”. This comprehensive report tracks production values across crops, livestock, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture.

Key Trends and Findings

1. Shifting Agricultural Patterns

India’s agricultural landscape is witnessing a clear transition:

• Farmers are increasingly moving away from traditional staples (like cereals) toward high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, spices, and meat.
• This shift reflects changing food habits, consumer demand, and evolving dietary preferences.

2. Strong Growth in Agricultural Output

• Gross Value Added (GVA) of agriculture and allied sectors at current prices grew by 225%, rising from ₹1,502 thousand crore in 2011–12 to ₹4,878 thousand crore in 2023–24.
• Gross Value of Output (GVO) at constant (2011–12) prices increased by 54.6%, from ₹1,908 thousand crore to ₹2,949 thousand crore—signifying real growth.

3. High-Value Crops See Sharp Output Increases

Significant growth in the GVO of certain fruits and vegetables between 2011–12 and 2023–24:

• Strawberries:
• Constant prices: Up 40x to ₹55.4 crore
• Current prices: Up 80x to ₹103.27 crore
• Parwal (Parmal): Up 17x to ₹789 crore
• Pumpkin: Up 10x to ₹2,449 crore
• Pomegranate: GVO increased 4x to ₹9,231 crore
• Mushrooms: Rose 3.5x to ₹1,704 crore

4. Shifts in Output Composition

• Meat Production:
• Share in total agri GVO rose from 5% to 7.5%
• GVO increased by 131%
• Cereals:
• Share in GVO dropped from 17.6% to 14.5%
• Reflects declining emphasis on staple grains

5. Rise of Spices

• Improved processing techniques and rising demand boosted spice production.
• Dry ginger GVO alone surged 285% to ₹11,004 crore.

Consumption Trends and Income Effects

1. Changing Dietary Patterns

• Despite rising output, fruit consumption remains modest:
• Rural MPCE share: From 2.25% to 2.66%
• Urban MPCE share: Slight drop from 2.64% to 2.61%
• However, access to fruits has improved dramatically:
• Rural households consuming fruits: Rose from 63.8% (2011–12) to 90.3% (2022–23)
• Especially notable among poorest 20% income group

2. Decline in Cereal Consumption

• As incomes rise and diets diversify:
• Urban MPCE on cereals: Fell from 6.61% to 3.74%
• Rural MPCE on cereals: Dropped from 10.69% to 4.97%
• Mirrors the drop in cereals’ share in output

3. Engel’s Law in Action

• Consistent with Engel’s Law, the proportion of income spent on food declines as income grows:
• Rural MPCE on food: Down from 52.9% to 47.04%
• Urban MPCE on food: Dropped from 42.62% to 39.68%

Drivers Behind the Shift

• Technological advancements in cultivation and processing
• Changing consumer preferences for diverse and nutritious diets
• Government policies focusing on nutrition security and agri-export promotion
• Expanding market access for high-value agri-products

Conclusion

India’s agricultural sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Farmers are moving toward high-value crops and livestock in response to changing consumption patterns and income growth. While cereal production is declining in relative terms, output of fruits, vegetables, spices, and meat is rising sharply—indicating a more diversified and market-driven agricultural economy.

Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme: India’s Strategic Push for Jobs in Manufacturing

Introduction: A Bold Step Toward Employment-Centric Growth

On 1st July 2025, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, allocating ₹99,446 crore to drive job creation, especially in the manufacturing sector, and integrate first-time employees into the formal economy.

The ELI scheme is a central part of the ₹2 lakh crore employment and skilling package announced in the 2024–25 Union Budget, aiming to benefit over 4.1 crore youth through direct job incentives, skill development, and expanded social security.

Objectives and Rationale

The ELI Scheme addresses long-standing labour market challenges:

• Low formalisation of the workforce
• Stagnant job growth in the manufacturing sector
• Limited incentives for youth entering formal employment

By incentivizing both employers and first-time employees, the scheme is designed to make hiring more attractive and employment more sustainable.

Scope and Duration

• Applicable to jobs created between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027
• Target: 3.5 crore total jobs
• Composed of two parts:
• Part A: Incentives for first-time employees
• Part B: Incentives for employers generating new jobs

Part A: Supporting First-Time Employees

• Eligibility: Employees registering with EPFO for the first time; monthly salary up to ₹1 lakh
• Incentive Structure:
• One month’s EPF wage (capped at ₹15,000) in two instalments:
• After 6 months of continuous employment
• After 12 months, plus completion of a financial literacy programme
• A portion of the benefit will be held in a savings or deposit account to encourage long-term planning
• Projected Beneficiaries: 1.92 crore workers
• Objective: Support formal workforce entry and build financial resilience

Part B: Incentivizing Employers

• Eligibility: Employers creating and retaining new jobs for at least 6 months
• Incentives per New Employee per Month:
• ₹1,000 (Salary ≤ ₹10,000)
• ₹2,000 (₹10,001 – ₹20,000)
• ₹3,000 (₹20,001 – ₹1 lakh)
• Minimum Hiring Requirements:
• At least 2 new employees for firms with <50 workers
• At least 5 new employees for firms with ≥50 workers
• Incentive Duration:
• 2 years for most sectors
• Up to 4 years for manufacturing
• Projected Impact: Support the creation of 2.60 crore new jobs

Implementation & Disbursement Mechanism

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures transparency:
• Employees: Paid via Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS)
• Employers: Paid via PAN-linked business accounts
• Compliance and continuity are central:
• Incentives are conditional on retention, discouraging misuse
• Systems are in place for monitoring and verification

Wider Implications for Labour and Industry

Beyond financial incentives, the scheme aims to:

• Drive labour market formalisation through EPFO inclusion
• Promote financial literacy and inclusion
• Enable smoother entry for youth into formal employment
• Encourage resilient hiring practices post-pandemic

Reception and Criticism

• Industry Response: Largely positive; seen as a “milestone” by firms like EY India for supporting inclusive job growth.
• Trade Union Concerns: Groups like CITU argue the scheme may benefit employers disproportionately without strong accountability or worker protections.

Conclusion

The ELI Scheme marks a significant policy shift toward incentive-driven, outcome-focused employment generation. By balancing employer participation with worker protection and skilling, the scheme is positioned to create a more formal, inclusive, and future-ready workforce, especially in manufacturing—a critical pillar for India’s economic transformation into Viksit Bharat.

Factors Behind the Monsoon’s Early Nationwide Arrival in 2025

Overview

The southwest monsoon covered all of India by June 29, a full nine days ahead of the typical July 8 date. This marks only the tenth instance since 1960 that the monsoon has achieved full national coverage in June.

Timeline & Regional Patterns

Early Onset in Kerala

• The monsoon began in Kerala on May 24, eight days earlier than normal.
• This early onset was linked to an active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) phase in mid-May, setting the stage for faster progress across the country.

Monsoon Progress by Region

• South, East, and Northeast India: Saw early arrival of the monsoon.
• Northwest India: Experienced near-normal timing.
• Central India: Faced slight delays.

Key Drivers of the Monsoon''s Early and Rapid Advancement

1. Increased Low-Pressure Systems

• Five low-pressure systems formed in June.
• These systems act as moisture attractors, pulling in rain-bearing winds and accelerating inland monsoon movement.

2. Active Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)

• MJO is a moving weather system near the equator that enhances convection and rainfall.
• An active MJO boosts monsoon by:
• Increasing cloud cover
• Enhancing moisture availability
• Supporting stronger and more widespread rainfall
• MJO remained active throughout June, helping push rains northward rapidly.

3. Favorable Position of the Monsoon Trough

• The monsoon trough, a key low-pressure zone from northwest India to the Bay of Bengal, was consistently south of its normal position.
• This southern shift allowed:
• Stronger moisture inflow from oceans
• Intensified rainfall across central and northern India
• Faster spread of the monsoon across regions

4. Neutral ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation)

• ENSO was in a neutral phase, with average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific.
• This allowed normal monsoon behavior, without the suppressing effect of El Niño or the excess rainfall from La Niña.

5. Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)

• IOD conditions also remained neutral, meaning:
• No major sea temperature contrast between eastern and western Indian Ocean
• Minimal direct impact on the monsoon
• Allowed other favorable systems (like MJO and low-pressure zones) to dominate rainfall patterns

Conclusion

The 2025 monsoon has stood out for its early onset, swift progress, and weather variability, including sudden pauses and localized extreme events. While early arrival has benefited some regions, the remainder of the season will determine whether these patterns stabilize or intensify, especially in the context of climate variability.

Outcome-Driven Data for Empowering Governance: A Path to Viksit Bharat

Introduction: Reimagining Public Service Delivery

As India aspires to become a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), effective governance must evolve beyond rigid bureaucratic systems to become citizen-centric, transparent, and outcome-focused.
This transformation relies on the intelligent use of data—not merely for oversight, but as a tool for continuous improvement, local responsiveness, and empowering frontline workers.

Currently, while India generates vast amounts of data in sectors like health, education, nutrition, and livelihoods, much of it is used to track inputs (e.g., supplies or enrolments) rather than actual outcomes (e.g., learning levels or treatment success).
The need is clear: shift from data collection fatigue to insightful action that delivers meaningful impact.

India’s Data Ecosystem: Rich but Fragmented

India’s governance data systems include:

• Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+)
• Health Management Information System (HMIS)
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
• National Sample Survey (NSS)

Despite their depth, these datasets are:

• Often infrequent, too broad, or disconnected from real-time local needs
• Heavily skewed toward input metrics, leaving actual impact areas under-measured
• Used in a top-down manner, with frontline staff feeding data upward without feedback or local utility

The 4As Framework: Making Data Actionable

To transform monitoring into a driver of change, a 4As framework is proposed:

1. Ascertain
   Identify the critical outcomes that matter most for each sector (e.g., child literacy, health recovery rates).
2. Assess
   Embed simple, low-burden assessments regularly to track these outcomes.
3. Assist
   Use data to support, not penalize, field workers through mentoring, coaching, and timely feedback.
4. Adapt
   Continuously refine strategies based on ground-level feedback, performance trends, and citizen input.

This approach shifts the focus from volume to value—enabling real-time learning and course correction.

State-Level Innovations: Leading the Way

Several states are pioneering outcome-oriented data practices, demonstrating scalable models:

Uttar Pradesh – NIPUN Bharat Mission

• Started with a clear question: What should a child learn by each grade?
• Introduced weekly learning goals (Lakshyas), integrated into teacher training and monitoring systems
• Reused existing structures for seamless implementation, avoiding bureaucracy-heavy additions

Andhra Pradesh – Real-Time Dashboards + Mentorship

• Piloted real-time dashboards linked with field mentoring and school visits
• Resulted in a 20% improvement in foundational learning within one year

Telangana – Human Development and Livelihood Survey (HDLS)

• Tracks annual citizen outcomes to guide dynamic budgeting and policy tweaks
• Departments like rural development use self-reporting and feedback loops to promote accountability without blame

Odisha – Data for Problem-Solving

• Conducts quarterly block-level teacher meetings
• Focuses not on reporting alone, but on collaborative problem-solving using school-level data

Building Institutional Capacity: Role of Data Analytics Units (DAUs)

To make data use systemic rather than episodic, the creation of Data Analytics Units (DAUs) within planning departments is recommended. These units would:

• Integrate data from multiple sources—program records, citizen feedback, field assessments
• Deliver real-time, actionable insights for policymakers
• Transform departments from data collectors into data-driven changemakers

By embedding analytics at the core of governance, departments can track impact, adapt strategies, and improve service delivery in a continuous loop.

Conclusion: Toward a Data-Empowered Viksit Bharat

India’s path to becoming a developed nation depends not just on generating data—but on using it meaningfully to drive change.
Outcome-driven monitoring systems, supported by real-time analytics and frontline engagement, are critical to building a governance framework that is agile, accountable, and aligned with citizens’ needs.

With state innovations showing the way and national systems aligning toward outcomes, India has the opportunity to lead the world in data-empowered public governance.

National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025: Harnessing the Power of Sports for Holistic Development

Introduction

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, replacing the earlier NSP of 2001. This updated policy envisions "Harnessing the Power of Sports for the Nation''s Holistic Development" and aligns with India’s growing ambitions in sports, fitness, and inclusive development.

Background

India’s first National Sports Policy was introduced in 1984. The 2025 policy builds on past frameworks with a broader and more integrated approach.

Core Pillars of NSP 2025 (Khelo Bharat Niti)

1.     Excellence on the Global Stage

• Strengthening the sports ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels
• Improving the capacity and governance of National Sports Federations
• Enhancing coaching, infrastructure, and high-performance systems

2.     Economic Development through Sports

• Promoting sports tourism, startups, and entrepreneurship
• Generating employment and business opportunities in the sports sector

3.     Social Development and Inclusion

• Ensuring access to sports for women, marginalised communities, and persons with disabilities
• Using sports as a tool for empowerment and social integration

4.     Sports as a People’s Movement

• Promoting mass participation and a fitness culture
• Expanding universal access to public sports facilities
• Building awareness and enthusiasm for sports across communities

5.     Integration with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

• Embedding sports into school curricula
• Providing specialised training for physical education instructors
• Encouraging holistic development through academic-sports synergy

Strategic Framework for Implementation

1.     Governance and Regulation

• Establishing a strong legal and regulatory structure
• Ensuring transparency, professionalism, and accountability in sports administration

2.     Private Sector Engagement

• Promoting Public-Private Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility in sports
• Leveraging private funding and innovation for infrastructure and athlete development

3.     Technology and Monitoring

• Using AI, data analytics, and digital platforms for talent scouting and performance tracking
• Setting up a National Monitoring Framework to evaluate outcomes

4.     Institutional Ecosystem

Constitutional Status

• Sports is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution

Ministry and Structure

• Governed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), which includes the Department of Youth Affairs and the Department of Sports

Key Institutions and Initiatives

• Sports Authority of India (SAI), established in 1984 under the Societies Act, 1860
• Major schemes include:
• Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), launched in 2014
• Khelo India Programme, launched in 2017
• Fit India Movement, launched in 2019

Conclusion

The National Sports Policy 2025 presents a forward-looking and comprehensive approach to make sports a catalyst for national development. It seeks to not only develop world-class athletes but also drive economic growth, social inclusion, and a healthier, more active society.

One Big Beautiful Bill: Trump’s Controversial Tax and Spending Package

Overview

The U.S. Senate has narrowly advanced former President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”—a 940-page legislative package that proposes extensive tax reforms, major spending changes, and a significant debt ceiling hike. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the bill could add $3.3 trillion to the federal debt over the next decade.

Key Components of the Bill

Tax Reforms

• Extends the 2017 Trump-era tax cuts, primarily benefiting high-income earners
• Eliminates federal taxes on tips and overtime pay
• Raises the cap on SALT (State and Local Tax) deductions, benefiting residents of high-tax states

Spending Changes

• Cuts to social programs including significant reductions in Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance)
• Introduces stricter work requirements for beneficiaries of health and food aid
• Increases funding for defense ($158 billion) and border security ($170 billion)

Debt Ceiling

• Proposes a $5 trillion increase to the federal debt limit to prevent a potential government default

Potential Impacts

Rising Federal Deficit

• Estimated to add $3.3 trillion to the national debt over 10 years

Reduced Access to Social Services

• Stricter eligibility requirements could limit access to healthcare and nutrition support for low-income individuals

Political Controversy

• Democrats and moderates criticize the bill for offering tax breaks to the wealthy and making deep cuts to welfare
• Republican supporters argue the bill promotes economic growth, national security, and fiscal discipline

Conclusion

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a sweeping and controversial fiscal proposal. It combines extended tax cuts, major social spending reductions, and increased funding for defense and border control. While proponents view it as a transformative economic agenda, critics warn it could deepen inequality and significantly increase the federal deficit.

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA)

Recent Update

CARA has clarified that digitally certified adoption orders sent via email are legally valid and sufficient. Adoptive parents do not need hard copies of the orders, as per existing rules.

About CARA

• Statutory Body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India
• Originally established in 1990 as an autonomous body
• Became a statutory body under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act 2015)
• Functions as the nodal agency for adoption of Indian children, overseeing in-country and inter-country adoptions

International Role

• Acts as India’s Central Authority under the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption (1993)
• India ratified the Hague Convention in 2003

Legal Frameworks Governing Adoption in India

Children in India can be adopted under:

• Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956
• Guardians and Wards Act, 1890
• Juvenile Justice Act, 2000 / 2015

The JJ Act, 2015 mandates registration of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and their linkage with CARA.

Key Functions of CARA

1.     Regulatory & Monitoring Functions

• Monitor and regulate the in-country adoption process
• Supervise inter-country adoptions
• Maintain a centralised database of children and prospective adoptive parents (via the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System – CARINGS)

2.     Inter-country Adoption

• Receive and process applications from NRIs, OCIs, and foreign nationals
• Issue No Objection Certificates (NOC) for intercountry adoptions
• Issue Conformity Certificates under Article 23 of the Hague Convention
• Coordinate with Indian diplomatic missions and immigration authorities regarding intercountry adoptions

3.     Capacity Building & Advocacy

• Provide training and guidance to:
• State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs)
• District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)
• Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs)
• Organise workshops, consultations, and seminars
• Promote awareness and advocacy for adoption and non-institutional child care

4.     Standards & Research

• Establish uniform standards and indicators for adoption agencies
• Conduct research, documentation, and publication on adoption-related issues
• Maintain a confidential database of adopted children and adoptive parents

5.     International Coordination

• Enter into bilateral agreements with foreign Central Authorities under the Hague Convention
• Authorize Foreign Adoption Agencies (AFAAs) to process applications for intercountry adoption of Indian children

6.     Support Services

• Establish counselling centres at central and state levels to assist adoptive families
• Support SARAs in setting up district-level counselling services

Associated Bodies Monitored by CARA

• State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs)
• Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs)
• Authorised Foreign Adoption Agencies (AFAAs)
• Child Welfare Committees (CWCs)
• District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)

Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

The Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, has approved the RDI Scheme with a corpus of Rs. One lakh crore to boost private sector investment in research, development, and innovation.

Purpose:
To provide long-term, low or zero-interest financing/refinancing to address funding challenges in the private sector, encouraging innovation, technology adoption, and competitiveness, especially in sunrise and strategic sectors.

Key Objectives:

• Scale up RDI in sunrise and strategic domains linked to economic security and self-reliance.
• Finance high-level Technology Readiness Level (TRL) projects.
• Support acquisition of critical and strategically important technologies.
• Facilitate the establishment of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds.

Funding Mechanism:

• Two-tiered system:
• A Special Purpose Fund (SPF) within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will hold the corpus.
• SPF funds will be allocated as long-term concessional loans or equity (especially for startups) to second-level fund managers who then finance R&D projects.
• Contribution to Deep-Tech or other Funds of Funds is included.

Governance and Execution:

• ANRF’s Governing Board, chaired by the Prime Minister, provides strategic direction.
• ANRF’s Executive Council approves guidelines, recommends fund managers, and identifies sunrise sector projects.
• An Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS), led by the Cabinet Secretary, oversees approvals, reviews performance, and manages scheme modifications.
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is the nodal department for implementation.

RailOne App

• Recently launched by the Union Railway Minister in New Delhi.
• Purpose: A super app serving as a one-stop platform for all railway-related queries and passenger services.
• Developer:
  Created by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), a Railways PSU.
• Integration: Combines services previously spread across multiple apps like IRCTC Rail Connect, UTSonMobile, Rail Madad, NTES, and Food on Track into a single user-friendly platform.
• Reserved tickets are still issued via IRCTC, with RailOne authorised by IRCTC similar to other commercial partners.

Key Features of RailOne

• Ticket Booking: Book both reserved and unreserved tickets easily using the “Plan My Journey” tool, supporting multiple classes and quotas.
• My Bookings: Access full booking history with filters by duration and ticket type.
• Live Train Tracking & PNR Updates:  Receive real-time updates on train status, platforms, and delays.
• Coach Position Finder: Locate your coach position on the platform for easier boarding.
• Food Ordering: Order meals from partner vendors directly to your seat.
• Rail Madad Integration: Lodge complaints or share feedback with Indian Railways and track resolution status.
• Refund Management: Initiate and monitor refunds for canceled or missed trains through a simple interface.
• Multilingual Support: App available in multiple Indian languages for regional accessibility.
• Single Sign-On: Log in using IRCTC or UTS credentials—no need to remember multiple passwords.
• Secure Payments: Use Indian Railways’ digital wallet (R-Wallet) with biometric or mPIN authentication for secure transactions.

Ghana

• The Prime Minister will undertake a multi-nation tour from July 2 to July 9, visiting Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia to strengthen bilateral ties and global partnerships.
• Location: West Africa, bordered by Côte d''Ivoire (west), Burkina Faso (north), and Togo (east).
• Geography:
• Lies along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Notable mountains: Mount Afadjato, Mount Djebobo, Mount Torogbani (near Togo border).
• Major uplands: Kwahu Plateau and Gambaga Scarp.
• Lake Volta, created by Akosombo Dam, is one of the largest artificial lakes globally.
• The Volta River basin dominates drainage, including Black Volta, White Volta, and Oti rivers.
• Economy: Gold, cocoa, and oil form the backbone of the economy, fueling recent economic growth.
• Capital: Accra.

Thailand (Capital: Bangkok)

• Recent Political Update:
• Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended the Prime Minister over ethics violation.
• Political Geography:
• Land borders: Myanmar (north), Laos (north and east), Cambodia (east), Malaysia (south).
• Maritime borders: Gulf of Thailand (Vietnam) and Andaman Sea (Indonesia, India).
• Geographical Features:
• Central Thailand known as "the rice bowl of Asia."
• India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) highway connects Moreh (India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar.
• Mekong River forms border between Laos and Thailand.
• ‘Golden Triangle’ (renamed ‘Death Triangle’ by India): confluence of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
• Largest global producer of natural rubber.
• Kra Isthmus (Southern Thailand) is a potential alternative route to Malacca Straits.

Terbium

• Recent Development:
• IISc scientists developed a glowing paper sensor using Terbium to detect liver cancer biomarker β-glucuronidase.
• About Terbium:
• Rare-earth metal in the lanthanide series.
• Soft, silvery metal.
• Extracted from minerals like monazite, bastnaesite, and euxenite.
• Applications:
• Used in solid-state devices, low-energy light bulbs, mercury lamps, medical X-ray safety, and lasers.

INS Udaygiri

• Recently delivered Yard 12652 (Udaygiri) to the Indian Navy by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL).
• Second ship among seven Project 17A (P-17A) frigates constructed at MDSL (Mumbai) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (Kolkata).
• Follows the earlier Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates.
• Modern successor to the previous INS Udaygiri (steam ship decommissioned in 2007 after 31 years).
• Designed for multi-mission operations in ‘Blue Water’ environments against conventional and non-conventional maritime threats.
• Key Features:
• Hull 4.54% larger than P17 class.
• Advanced weapons and sensor suites with enhanced stealth features.
• Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system with diesel engines and gas turbines driving controllable pitch propellers.
• Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
• Armaments:
• Supersonic surface-to-surface missiles.
• Medium-range surface-to-air missiles.
• 76 mm main gun.
• 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in rapid-fire weapon systems.
• Indigenous OEMs supply major weapons and sensors.
• Significance: Project promotes self-reliance, economic development, employment generation, and MSME growth.

Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC)

• Recent Incident:
  A lethal accident at the pharma unit of Sigachi Industries in Hyderabad, which manufactures MCC, caused 36 fatalities.
• About MCC:
• Free-flowing powdery substance extracted from refined wood pulp.
• Chemically purified, partially depolymerized cellulose with formula (C6H10O5)n.
• Inert, not digested or absorbed in the body.
• Natural, fiber-rich, nontoxic, and chewable.
• Derived mainly from wood, where cellulose chains form a crystalline layered structure linked by strong hydrogen bonds.
• Exhibits plastic deformation under compression, enhancing interparticle bonding, making it an excellent binder.
• Applications:
• Used as texturizer, extender, emulsifier, and binder in pharmaceuticals.
• Acts as a bulking agent in food production.
• Crucial in manufacturing vitamin supplements and tablets.
• Adds weight to drugs, ensuring active ingredients function effectively and meet weight specifications.

GOSAT-GW Satellite

• Recently launched by Japan from the Tanegashima Space Centre.
• Full form: Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle.
• Developed and launched by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
• Carries two instruments:
• Total Anthropogenic and Natural emissions mapping SpectrOmeter-3 (TANSO-3)
• Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 3 (AMSR3)
• Launched using an H-2A rocket.
• Orbits in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 666 km with a repeat cycle of three days.
• Objectives:
• Monitor global mean atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
• Verify national anthropogenic GHG emissions inventories.
• Detect GHG emissions from large sources like megacities and power plants.

Operation Melon

• The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Kochi unit busted “India’s most prolific darknet drug syndicate” named Ketamelon in an operation called Operation MELON.
• Recovered Items:
• LSD blots
• Ketamine
• Cryptocurrency
• About the Drugs:
• LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide): A potent hallucinogen affecting perception, mood, and thought.
• Ketamine: Not an opioid, but an NMDA receptor antagonist, blocking certain brain neurotransmitters.
• Officials also found TAILS OS, an operating system used to access darknet markets securely and anonymously.

About Darknet

• The darknet is a hidden part of the internet accessible only through special protocols that ensure user anonymity and security.
• It is not indexed by standard search engines and requires tools like Tor (The Onion Router) to access.
• Tor is free software that anonymizes communication by routing data through multiple servers (onion routing), hiding the user’s IP address.
• Darknet vs. Dark Web vs. Deep Web:
• Darknet: The networks themselves that provide hidden, secure access.
• Dark Web: The content hosted on darknet networks.
• Deep Web: All content not indexed by search engines but accessible through normal browsers if the URL is known.
• The darknet also includes friend-to-friend (F2F) networks for secure communication among trusted users.
• While darknet tech helps users bypass censorship and maintain privacy, it is often linked to illegal activities like illicit trade.

Bond Yield and Bonds Explained

What is a Bond?

• A bond is a loan made by an investor to a borrower for a fixed period in exchange for regular interest payments.
• The period from bond issuance to repayment is called the term to maturity.
• Borrowers use bond proceeds for projects like expansion, debt refinancing, or welfare activities.

What is Bond Yield?

• Bond yield is the annual return an investor expects from holding the bond until maturity.
• It depends partly on coupon payments, which are periodic interest payments to bondholders.
• At maturity, bondholders receive the face value of the bond.
• Bonds can be bought or sold at:
• Par value (face value)
• Discount (less than face value)
• Premium (more than face value)
• The market price of the bond affects the bond yield.

Bond Yield Formula:

Bond Yield = Coupon Amount/Price

Bond Yield vs. Bond Price:

• Bond prices and yields move in opposite directions in the secondary market.
• Bonds pay fixed interest over their term, but market interest rates fluctuate.
• When market interest rates fall:
• New bonds offer lower interest payments.
• Existing bonds with higher coupons become more valuable, so their price increases.
• Higher bond price results in a lower yield than the coupon rate.
• When market interest rates rise:
• New bonds pay more interest.
• Existing bonds’ prices fall to match lower coupon rates.
• Lower bond price results in a higher yield than the coupon rate.

Current Context:

• Bank of Baroda Research expects yields on India’s benchmark 10-year bonds to stay soft in July, implying relatively lower bond yields.

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)

Context:

• SECI has successfully executed over 60 GW of Power Sale Agreements (PSAs) for solar, wind, and hybrid energy projects.

About SECI

• What is SECI?
• A Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Acts as the nodal agency for implementing India’s renewable energy initiatives.
• Established: 2011, initially to implement the National Solar Mission (NSM).
• Aim:
• Initially focused solely on solar energy.
• Scope expanded to cover the entire renewable energy spectrum.
• Soon to be renamed Renewable Energy Corporation of India (RECI).

Functions and Roles

• Power Sale Agreements (PSAs): Provides long-term power purchase guarantees to developers, boosting investor confidence in renewable energy projects.
• Implementing Government Schemes: Manages schemes like Viability Gap Funding (VGF), solar parks, rooftop solar, solar canals, and defence & border projects.
• Innovative Models: Develops hybrid renewable energy solutions such as solar-wind combos, Round-the-Clock (RTC) power, and Firm & Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) projects.
• Project Development: Acts as a turnkey developer for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), expanding renewable energy reach across sectors.
• Power Trading: Holds a power trading license to sell solar power from implemented schemes.
• Mission-Driven: Aims to democratize clean energy access, enhance grid reliability, and promote a low-carbon economy through scalable renewable energy models.

Significance of the 60 GW PSA Milestone

• Capital Infusion: Guarantees secure offtake, encouraging large-scale private and public investments in renewable energy.
• Market Expansion: Boosts renewable energy adoption among states by offering customized power solutions tailored to regional needs.
• Navratna Status (2024): SECI can independently invest up to ₹1,000 crore, enabling faster development of green infrastructure without requiring central approval.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - 50 Years

• Origins:
• Conceived in 1963 at the IUCN meeting.
• Entered into force in 1975 as the first global agreement of its kind.
• Aim:
• Voluntary international agreement to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
• Controls trade through a licensing system covering import, export, and re-export.
• Secretariat:
• Administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) based in Geneva.
• IUCN provides scientific and technical support.
• Parties:
• 185 parties (countries or regional economic organizations).
• India ratified in 1976.
• CITES is legally binding but implemented through national laws.
• Conference of Parties (CoP):
• Highest decision-making body of CITES.
• CoP3 was held in New Delhi in 1981.
• CITES Trade Database:
• Managed by UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC).
• Key Initiatives:
• Protects over 40,900 species (6,610 animals and 34,310 plants).
• MIKE Programme (Monitoring Illegal Killing of Elephants), established at CoP10 in 1997.
• International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), 2010.
• CITES Tree Species Project, 2024.

Backdoor Layoffs

Context:

• Google has introduced a Voluntary Exit Programme (VEP) and new hybrid work mandates, triggering discussions about ‘backdoor layoffs’ amid tech industry workforce restructuring.

What are Backdoor Layoffs?

• Definition:
  Indirect methods companies use to reduce staff without formal termination notices, often to avoid regulatory scrutiny and negative publicity.

How Do Backdoor Layoffs Work?

• Voluntary Exit Programmes (VEP):
• Employees are offered severance packages to voluntarily resign.
• Helps companies reduce headcount without officially laying off employees.
• Example: Google’s VEP for Core Systems and Marketing teams.
• Enforcing Unfavourable Work Conditions:
• Forcing remote workers to adopt hybrid work schedules can lead to voluntary resignations.
• Reduces staff without formal layoffs.
• Strategic Role Dissolution:
• Certain teams or roles (e.g., Knowledge, AR, Voice Assistant) are dissolved, indirectly prompting employees to leave.

Key Characteristics of Backdoor Layoffs

• Disguised Downsizing:
• Avoids public backlash and compliance with laws like the WARN Act in the U.S.
• Legally Safer:
• Less risk of lawsuits since employees technically resign rather than being fired.
• Reduces Severance Burden:
• Saves companies from paying large severance packages typically required in involuntary layoffs.
• Preceded by Policy Changes:
• Often introduced alongside new policies (e.g., return-to-office mandates) that encourage employees to quit.

Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPNs)

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released guidelines for setting up Captive Non-Public Networks (CNPNs) and introduced a new module on the Saral Sanchar portal to assist in identifying CNPN frequency bands.

What are CNPNs?
CNPNs are terrestrial wireless telecom networks created for exclusive use within a specific geographic area. Unlike public mobile networks run by telecom operators and open to the general population, CNPNs are managed by private organizations and are not available for public use. They are not intended for commercial telecom services.

Importance of CNPNs:
They cater to the specific, tailor-made needs of enterprises by providing full control over their data, security, and network management.

Tags:

• CNPNs
• Saral Sanchar

Certificate of Deposits (CDs)

Public sector banks have significantly increased their issuance of Certificates of Deposit (CDs), rising from 6% in 2022 to 69% in 2024.

What is a Certificate of Deposit?
A CD is a negotiable money market instrument issued in electronic form, representing funds deposited with a bank or eligible financial institution for a fixed period. CDs are sold at a price lower than their face value.

Issuers:
Scheduled commercial banks (except Regional Rural Banks and Local Area Banks) and selected All-India Financial Institutions authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) can issue CDs to raise short-term funds.

Recipients:
CDs can be bought by individuals, corporations, companies (including banks), trusts, funds, associations, and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), although NRIs can only invest on a non-repatriable basis.

Regulatory Framework:
The issuance and regulation of CDs fall under the jurisdiction of the RBI.