State of Marginal Farmers in India 2025

• A new report titled State of Marginal Farmers in India 2025, released on Kisan Diwas (December 23) by the Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FEED), reveals that less than 25% of India’s marginal farmers are linked to agricultural cooperatives.

State of Marginal Farmers in India 2025

• The State of Marginal Farmers in India 2025 is an empirical assessment by FEED examining how agricultural cooperatives, especially Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), serve marginal farmers (landholding < 1 hectare).

Key trends

• Low cooperative inclusion: Less than 25% of marginal farmers are active cooperative members, despite marginal farmers constituting nearly 60–70% of India’s agricultural households, indicating deep structural exclusion.
• Regional disparities: Participation is particularly weak in Bihar, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh, reflecting uneven institutional reach and state capacity.
• Structural barriers: Complex membership rules, long distances to PACS, inadequate capitalisation and caste- and gender-based exclusion restrict marginal farmers’ access, pushing them towards informal credit markets.
• Digital divide: Digitisation remains limited — 77.8% of cooperatives in Tripura and 25% in Bihar reported no digital tool usage — with women and elderly farmers facing the greatest skill gaps.
• Gender leadership gap: While over 21 lakh women are cooperative members, only about 3,355 women serve as directors nationwide, highlighting symbolic inclusion without decision-making power.
• Positive outcomes where access exists: Among cooperative-linked marginal farmers, 45% reported income gains and nearly 49% improved livelihood security, underscoring the transformative potential of inclusive cooperatives.

100 Years of The Communist Party of India (CPI)

• The Communist Party of India (CPI) has completed 100 years since its founding, marking a century of organised Communist politics in India.

The Communist Party of India (CPI):

• The Communist Party of India (CPI) is one of India’s oldest political parties, rooted in Marxist ideology, committed to representing the interests of workers, peasants, and marginalised classes through both mass movements and parliamentary politics.
• Established in: December 26, 1925, at Kanpur (then Cawnpore)
• Founded through a national conference of Indian Communist groups active within India
• Note: An earlier émigré CPI was formed in Tashkent in 1920, a point of historical debate

Aim:

• Liberation of India from British imperialism (pre-1947).
• Socialisation of means of production and distribution.
• Creation of a socially just, egalitarian society free from exploitation.

Evolution:

• 1920s–30s: Influenced by the Russian Revolution (1917); faced repression through conspiracy cases (Kanpur, Meerut).
• 1930s–40s: Participation in trade unionism, peasant struggles, and United Fronts with socialist forces.
• 1940s: Led major agrarian movements like Tebhaga (Bengal) and Telangana.
• Post-Independence: Shifted largely to parliamentary democracy, forming elected governments in Kerala, West Bengal, and Tripura.
• 1964: Major ideological split leading to the formation of CPI (Marxist) amid debates over constitutionalism and the Sino-Soviet split.

Leaders associated

1. N. Roy: International Marxist theorist; linked to Comintern and Tashkent phase
2. A. Dange: Key organiser of Indian Communism; associated with Kanpur foundation
3. Muzaffar Ahmad: Pioneer of Communist movement in Bengal
4. C. Joshi: Early General Secretary; emphasised united front politics
5. K. Gopalan, E. M. S. Namboodiripad: Post-Independence parliamentary leaders

Key features

• Marxist ideological foundation: Class struggle, anti-imperialism, and social equality
• Mass-based politics: Strong links with trade unions (AITUC) and peasant movements
• Dual strategy: Combination of extra-parliamentary movements and electoral participation
• Internationalist influence: Inspired by global Communist movements, yet adapted to Indian conditions
• Federal presence: Regional strength varies, with influence concentrated in specific States

Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS)

• The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has set a record single-day mechanised track renewal of 1,033 track metres using Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS).

Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS):

• Plasser’s Quick Relaying System (PQRS) is a semi-mechanised track renewal technology used by Indian Railways to remove old track panels and replace them with new prefabricated rail panels efficiently within short traffic blocks.
• Developed by: Plasser & Theurer, an Austria-based global leader in railway track maintenance and construction machinery

Aim:

• To speed up track renewal while minimising traffic disruption.
• To enhance track safety, reliability, and maintenance efficiency.
• To reduce manual labour and lifecycle maintenance costs.

How it works?

• PQRS uses self-propelled portal cranes that move on an auxiliary track (3,400 mm gauge) aligned with the existing track.
• Old rail panels (rails + sleepers) are lifted and removed, and new prefabricated panels are placed using Track Laying Equipment (TLE).
• Retrieved old panels are directly transferred to BFRs (Bogie Flat Wagons), eliminating extra freight handling.

Key features

• Portal cranes: Self-loading, self-unloading cranes capable of lifting complete rail panels.
• High lifting capacity:

1. Older models: ~5 tonnes (9 m panels)
2. Newer models (PQRS-201): up to 9 tonnes, lifting 13 m PRC sleeper panels

• Integrated gripping system: Sleeper grippers and rail clamps securely hold panels during lifting and placement.
• Turntable mechanism: Enables cranes to be turned and placed on/off BFRs even in mid-sections.
• Compact and modular design: Reduces maintenance cost and improves operational flexibility.

Significance

• Faster renewals: Allows renewal of longer track lengths in shorter traffic blocks.
• Improved safety: Ensures uniform track geometry and reduces human error.

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)

• The Union Health Minister reviewed the progress of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) and announced that the 10th edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026 will be launched in January 2026.

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC):

• The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) is an autonomous national body responsible for publishing the Indian Pharmacopoeia, the official book of standards for drugs in India, ensuring their identity, purity, strength, quality, and safety under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Established in:

• Operational since 1 January 2009
• Constituted as an autonomous institution fully funded by the Government of India
• Under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
• Headquarters: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Aim:

• To promote public and animal health by setting authoritative, scientifically robust drug standards
• To support Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat through self-reliant pharmaceutical regulation and global harmonisation

Key functions

• Publication and revision of Indian Pharmacopoeia: Regular revision of drug monographs covering APIs, excipients, dosage forms, medical devices, and herbal drugs.
• National Formulary of India (NFI): Publishes NFI to guide rational prescribing practices for healthcare professionals.
• Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI): Acts as the National Coordination Centre, monitoring adverse drug reactions to ensure patient safety.
• IP Reference Substances: Preparation, certification, and distribution of IP Reference Standards for quality testing.
• Global harmonisation: Collaborates with international pharmacopoeias such as USP, BP, Ph. Eur., JP, ChP, and WHO-IP.
• Capacity building & training: Conducts training, research, and awareness programmes on pharmacopoeial and regulatory standards.

Significance

• Ensures uniform quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines across India.
• Recognition of IP in 19 countries strengthens India’s regulatory standing.
• Supports India’s leadership in global pharmaceutical supply chains.

The Blue Line

• A UNIFIL peacekeeper was injured by gunfire near the Blue Line in southern Lebanon, allegedly following fire from Israeli Defence Forces positions.

The Blue Line:

• The Blue Line is a United Nations-identified withdrawal line, not an international border, used to verify Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon as mandated by UN Security Council resolutions.

Located in:

• Along southern Lebanon, adjoining northern Israel
• Extends for about 120 kilometres from the Mediterranean coast to the tri-border area near the Golan Heights
• Neighbouring nations: Lebanon, Israel, and Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (bordering Syria)

Origin of the Blue Line:

• Established in 2000 by the United Nations
• Created to confirm Israel’s compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 425 (1978) after its withdrawal from Lebanon
• Reinforced under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) following the Israel–Hezbollah conflict

Key features

• Unofficial boundary: Serves as a line of withdrawal, not a legally recognised international border.
• UN monitoring: Patrolled by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to prevent escalation.
• Weapons-free buffer: Resolution 1701 calls for a zone free of armed groups between the Blue Line and the Litani River (except Lebanese armed forces and UNIFIL).
• Frequent flashpoint: Subject to violations, construction disputes, and cross-border firing, making it one of the most sensitive frontiers in West Asia.

Anopheles stephensi

• India’s push to eliminate malaria by 2030 faces a new challenge with the rapid spread of the invasive urban mosquito Anopheles stephensi, especially in cities like Delhi.

Anopheles stephensi:

• Anopheles stephensi is a malaria-transmitting mosquito species capable of spreading both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, now recognised globally as an invasive vector threatening malaria elimination efforts.

Origin:

• Native to South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula
• Recently detected in multiple African countries, indicating rapid transcontinental spread

Habitat:

• Thrives in urban and peri-urban environments.
• Breeds in artificial water containers such as overhead tanks, tyres, construction sites, and water storage vessels.
• Unlike traditional malaria vectors, it adapts easily to high-density cities.

Key features

• Urban adaptability: Efficiently survives in man-made habitats.
• Efficient vector: Transmits both major human malaria parasites.
• Container breeder: Similar breeding behaviour to dengue mosquitoes, complicating control strategies.
• Resilient spread: Capable of establishing itself rapidly in new regions.

Implications

• Threat to malaria elimination goals: Undermines India’s target of zero indigenous cases by 2027 and elimination by 2030.
• Urban malaria resurgence: Shifts malaria from rural/tribal zones to metropolitan settings.
• Control challenges: Requires city-specific surveillance, vector control, and inter-sectoral coordination.

Somaliland

• Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent sovereign state, triggering sharp opposition from Somalia, the African Union, and key regional powers.

What is Somaliland?

• Somaliland is a self-declared independent state in the Horn of Africa that separated unilaterally from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the Somali central government.
• Though it has its own government, currency, security forces, and institutions, it lacked international recognition until Israel’s announcement in 2025.

Located in:

• Horn of Africa, along the Gulf of Aden
• Corresponds largely to the territory of former British Somaliland
• Bordering nations: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia (including Puntland), and Gulf of Aden.

Historical origin:

• 1888: Became a British protectorate (British Somaliland)
• 1960: Gained independence and voluntarily merged with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic
• 1991: Following civil war and the overthrow of Siad Barre, Somaliland declared independence, citing the failure of the 1960 union
• 2001: Referendum endorsed independence with over 97% support

Present status:

• Functions as a de facto state with relative peace and stability compared to Somalia.
• Not recognised by the UN, AU, or most countries; Somalia considers it an integral part of its territory.
• Maintains working political institutions, holds elections, issues its own currency (Somaliland shilling), and controls internal security.
• Israel’s recognition (2025) marks the first formal bilateral recognition, potentially encouraging others but also risking regional instability.

Diversion of Forest Land for Non-Forestry Use

• Supreme Court of India reaffirmed that forest land cannot be used for non-forestry purposes without prior central government approval.
• The Court held that state government leases for agriculture on forest land without central approval are illegal.

Framework of Forest Land Use for Non-Forestry Purposes

• Governing Law: Use of forest land for non-forestry purposes is regulated by the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.
• Non-Forestry Use: Non-forestry purposes include clearing forest land for cultivation or any use other than re-afforestation.
• Central Approval: State governments cannot permit non-forestry use of forest land without prior approval of the Central Government.
• Advisory Review: The Forest Advisory Committee examines diversion proposals and advises approval or rejection based on environmental impacts.
• Processing Authority: Diversion proposals are processed and approved through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Delegated Powers: State governments may divert forest land below one hectare for specified public utility projects.
• Appeal Right: Any aggrieved person may appeal decisions on non-forestry use of forest land before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
• A party dissatisfied with the NGT order may appeal to the Supreme Court within 90 days.

Compensatory Obligations

• NPV Payment: User agencies must pay Net Present Value (NPV) based on forest quality and density of diverted land.
• Compensatory Afforestation: Plantation is required on equivalent non-forest land or on double degraded forest land.
• Fund Authority: Compensatory afforestation funds are administered by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).

Key Exemptions

• Amendment Scope: The 2023 amendment removes mandatory central approval for specified categories of forest land diversion.
• Border Projects: Strategic linear projects within 100 km of international borders, LOC or the LAC.
• Security Works: Up to 10 hectares of forest land for security infrastructure.
• LWE Utilities: Public utility projects up to 5 hectares in Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas
• Permitted Activities: Government-owned zoos, safaris, and eco-tourism facilities are excluded from “non-forestry purposes.”

Governance Foundations for the Agentic AI Age

• The rapid rise of agentic AI systems has necessitated a fundamental shift in their governance, accountability, and risk management.

About Agentic AI

• Agentic AI refers to autonomous, goal-directed systems capable of planning, reasoning, and executing multi-step tasks independently with minimal human oversight.
• It operates on a continuous cycle of observe (gathering data), plan (reasoning via LLMs), act (executing via tools), and reflect (learning from outcomes).
• Governance Challenge: Agentic AI requires supervision of intent and behaviour to prevent autonomous drift, where AI actions diverge from human intent.

Agentic AI Governance Frameworks

• Traceability & Liability: Design integrated guardrails like immutable event logging linked to Agent IDs to ensure end-to-end auditability and legal accountability.
• Data Controls: Least-privilege access and strict data-currency rules to prevent misuse and decisions based on obsolete information.
• Intent Oversight: Fast real-time monitoring of agent intent to evaluate internal decision logic rather than outputs to maintain alignment with human objectives.
• Context Awareness: Qualitative factors recognition, like socio-economic and cultural nuance within the agent for financial decision-making.
• Unified Accountability: Clear responsibility distribution across people, processes, and technology to eliminate blame gaps during failures.
• Bias Safeguards: Mechanisms to prevent reward hacking (unethical shortcuts to meet a goal) and bias amplification across multi-step autonomous loops.
• Human-in-the-Loop: Mandatory non-negotiable human approval thresholds for high-stakes decisions involving rights, safety, or major financial outlays.
• Risk-Based Regulation: A tiered regulatory approach where low-risk agents follow voluntary frameworks and high-risk systems comply with binding laws (EU AI Act).
• Institutional Stewardship: Conversion of broad ethical principles into precise, enforceable technical benchmarks by National AI Safety Institutes.

Existing AI Governance Frameworks

• EU AI Act: Categorises AI systems by risk, mandating transparent identification and effective human oversight for high-risk autonomous systems.
• India’s Guidelines: Anchored in the ‘Seven Sutras’, the AI Governance Guidelines (2025) promote a techno-legal model where trust is engineered into system architecture.
• NIST RMF: The AI Risk Management Framework serves as a widely adopted voluntary standard for identifying and mitigating algorithmic bias and system failures.
• CLEAR Standard: Provides a specialised evaluation framework assessing agent performance across Cost, Latency, Efficacy, Assurance, and Reliability.