Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 20 May, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
20 May, 2025

National Affairs

1. Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI): Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Indian Governance

Context:

Evidence-based policy-making is promoted by the Indian government through policies like the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), 2012.

• Data.gov.in hosts vast datasets, but usage remains limited due to:
  • Complex formats
  • Poor data visualization tools
  • Overwhelming volume for lay users and local representatives
• Decision-making still often relies on intuition and experience rather than structured data.

Key Challenges in Grassroots Data Usage

• Data collected at gram panchayat, block, and district levels primarily serves higher administrative levels.
• Local officials and elected representatives have limited access to usable insights.
• Portals are designed for macro analysis, neglecting micro-level decision support.
• Lack of user-friendly presentation limits community awareness and engagement.

Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)

• Released in April 2025 by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• Covers 2.16 lakh+ gram panchayats, using:
  • 435 local indicators (331 mandatory, 104 optional)
  • 566 data points across 9 LSDG-aligned themes
  • Based on the National Indicator Framework (NIF)
• Provides GP-level outcome tracking, accessible to even sarpanches and ward members (with some support).
• About 11,000 GPs were excluded due to validation issues.

State Participation and Data Gaps

• 25 States/UTs submitted nearly complete validated data.
• Uttar Pradesh: Only 23,207 out of 57,702 GPs (40%) submitted data—raises concerns about data transparency and development tracking.

Significance and Application of PAI

• Outcome-focused analysis: e.g., ‘Healthy Panchayat’ scores allow targeted health interventions.
• Enables alignment of departmental efforts (rural development, education, health) with panchayat planning.
• Can optimize use of funds from:
  • CSR
  • PM’s Mineral Area Fund (via DMF)
  • MPLADS and MLALAD schemes

The Way Forward

• Need for trained data analysts at block/district level to generate periodic report cards.
• Recommend creating a similar Achievement Index for urban local bodies.
• Emphasize regular updates to the baseline PAI report to track improvement.

TH

2. e-Zero FIR Initiative

Context:

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has launched a new system to automatically convert cybercrime complaints involving ₹10 lakh or more into First Information Reports (FIRs).

• The initiative is called e-Zero FIR and is being piloted in Delhi.
• It applies to complaints registered via the 1930 helpline or the cybercrime.gov.in portal.

Objective and Impact

• Aims to speed up investigation and help victims recover lost funds more efficiently.
• Addresses delays and legal hurdles that victims typically face in lodging FIRs for large-scale financial frauds.
• The FIR registration process is automated, ensuring swift legal response and tracing of digital financial trails.

Key Authorities Involved

• Launched under the direction of Union Home Minister Amit Shah after a review of I4C’s functioning.
• Integrated systems:
  • National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (I4C)
  • Delhi Police’s e-FIR system
  • Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

Strategic Significance

• India is witnessing a sharp rise in digital financial frauds, and this initiative enhances the speed and traceability of enforcement responses.
• Reduces reliance on manual police station-level FIR filings, enabling centralized digital surveillance and legal redress.

Relevance for India

• A step forward in cybercrime governance and victim support.
• Boosts confidence in digital economy and online transactions.
• Helps build a real-time national database of cyber frauds for better predictive policing.

TH

3. LibTech India Report on MNREGA

Context:

While the scheme saw a rise in household registrations, actual delivery of promised employment has declined. This disconnect between enrolment and actual workdays points to deeper implementation challenges. The scheme’s legal guarantee of 100 days of employment is not translating into practice for the majority of beneficiaries.

About MGNREGA

• Full Name: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
• Launched: 2005
• Administered by: Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
• Purpose: Guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households for unskilled manual work; aims to enhance rural livelihood security and create durable rural assets.
• Key Features:
  • Demand-driven and legally enforceable right to work
  • Wage payment within 15 days, with compensation for delays
  • Emphasis on transparency via MIS, geo-tagging, and social audits

Key FY 2024–25 Findings (LibTech India Report)

Mismatch Between Registrations and Work Delivered

• Registrations: Rose from 13.80 crore (FY24) to 14.98 crore (FY25) → ↑8.6%
• Employment Delivery: ↓7.1%; only 7% of households received the full 100 days of employment
• Average Person-days: Dropped from 52.42 to 50.18 days/household → ↓4.3%
• Fund Utilization: ₹82,963 crore spent, exceeding the ₹86,000 crore budget → Utilization at 106%

State-Level Trends

• Decline in:
  • Odisha: −34.8%
  • Tamil Nadu: −25.1%
  • Rajasthan: −15.9%
• Increase in:
  • Maharashtra: +39.7%
  • Bihar: +13.3%

Wage Payment System Issues

Two-Stage Payment Process

1. Stage 1 (State): 8-day timeline for muster roll, measurement, wage list, and FTO generation.
2. Stage 2 (Centre): 7 days for wage credit after FTO from state.

Delay Compensation Formula

• 0.05% per day beyond 15 days from muster roll completion
• Actual Compensation Paid: Only 3.76% of eligible delayed payments were compensated

Major Challenges Identified

• Delayed Payments:
  • 71% of Stage 2 (central) payments were not made within the legal 15-day window
  • Delay Disparity: SC (80% on-time), ST (63%), Others (51%)
• Insufficient Budget:
  • ₹86,000 crore not enough for rising work demand
  • Overspending indicates mismatch between demand and allocation
• Caste-based Payment Segregation:
  • SC/ST workers prioritized; Others face longer delays → violates non-discriminatory wage rule
• Technical Failures in Payments:
  • Aadhaar-based payment system (APBS) often fails due to NPCI mapping errors
  • ₹4+ crore in failed wage transfers, especially in Chhattisgarh (11.4% rejection rate)

Recommendations / Way Forward

• Increase Budget Allocation:
  • Raise funds to ₹1.5–2 lakh crore to match growing demand
• Simplify Payment Mechanism:
  • Shift from Aadhaar-based payments to direct bank account transfers
• Ensure Automatic Compensation:
  • Enforce real-time systems to trigger automatic compensation for delays
• End Caste-Based Segregation:
  • Ensure uniform treatment of all workers in payment processing
• Strengthen Monitoring & Transparency:
  • Use real-time dashboards and grievance redressal mechanisms

TH

4. ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ (SMS)

Launch & Objective

• Launched by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the International Day for Women in Maritime (Mumbai).
• Aims to create a future-ready, gender-equitable maritime workforce.
• Aligned with Government of India’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals.

Key Features of SMS Policy

• Increased Women Participation: Target of 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030.
• Holistic Policy Approach:
  • Planning & Strategy
  • Training & Development
  • Research & Development
  • Governance & Compliance
  • Communications & Outreach
• Focus Areas:
  • Empowerment & Leadership
  • Inclusivity & Equal Opportunity
  • Safety & Well-being
  • Skill Development & Retention

Maritime Gender Inclusion Achievements (2014–2024)

• Registered women seafarers increased from 1,699 (2015) to 14,255 (2024) — a 739% surge.
• Women seafarers on ships rose from 341 (2014) to 2,557 (2024) — a 649% increase.
• Financial assistance recipients: From 45 (2014–15) to 732 (2024–25).
• Total of 2,989 women received assistance since 2014.

Vision & Alignment

• Supports Maritime India Vision 2030: Including the ‘Women in Seafarer’ programme.
• Reinforces India’s commitment to IMO’s gender inclusion goals and UN SDGs.
• Complements 2025 IMO theme: “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”.

5. Operation Olivia 2025

Overview

• Initiated by: Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
• Purpose: To protect Olive Ridley turtles during nesting season (November to May)
• Focus Area: Odisha coast, primarily Gahirmatha Beach and Rushikulya river mouth

2025 Milestone

• Record turtle nesting: Over 6.98 lakh Olive Ridley turtles nested at Rushikulya in February 2025
• Annual turtle arrival in Odisha: 8+ lakh turtles
• Marks the highest mass nesting at Rushikulya, crediting ICG’s intensive conservation efforts

Significance

• Olive Ridley turtles are listed under:
  • Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
  • IUCN Red List – Vulnerable category
• Operation Olivia aligns with India’s commitments to biodiversity protection and SDG-14 (Life Below Water)

Banking/Finance

1. RBI Issues Revised Draft Guidelines on RE Investment in AIFs

Context:

The RBI observed improved financial discipline among Regulated Entities (REs) regarding AIF investments after prior regulatory interventions. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had also introduced due diligence norms for AIF investors and investments. New draft guidelines aim to tighten exposure norms, enhance risk containment, and align with SEBI frameworks.

Key Provisions of the Draft Directions

New Proposal on AIF Investments

• RBI proposes a cap on investments by Regulated Entities (REs) in Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs):
  • Individual RE cap: 10% of the AIF scheme’s corpus.
  • Collective RE cap: 15% of the total corpus of any AIF scheme.

Background and Context

• In December 2023, RBI banned REs from investing in AIFs that have exposures to existing or recent borrowers, following SEBI’s observations about:
  • Loan evergreening
  • Regulatory circumvention via AIF structures
• The restrictions led to capital call issues for AIFs.

Regulatory Response and Relaxation

• In March 2024, RBI eased provisioning norms for such investments.
• As per RBI’s May 2025 note, these measures improved financial discipline among REs.
• SEBI also mandated stricter due diligence to prevent regulatory arbitrage through AIFs.

Provisioning Requirement for Conflict Exposure

• If RE’s investment exceeds 5% of an AIF’s corpus and the AIF has downstream debt exposure to a debtor company of the RE:
  • The RE must make a 100% provision for the proportionate exposure.

Implications

• Risk Mitigation: Protects REs from indirect credit exposure to related parties.
• Enhanced Transparency: Promotes responsible allocation and discourages regulatory arbitrage via AIFs.
• Stronger Due Diligence: Encourages deeper risk assessment before investing in AIFs with related-party debt.
• Capital Adequacy Impact: 100% provisioning may affect capital planning for banks/NBFCs with significant AIF exposure.

TH & BS

2. SEBI Warns Mauritius-Based FPIs Over Non-Disclosure of Adani Shareholding Details

Background

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is probing 13 offshore investors in the Adani Group following Hindenburg Research’s 2023 allegations.
• Allegations involved use of tax havens and stock manipulation, which triggered a massive stock selloff.
• The Adani Group has denied any wrongdoing, and stock prices have largely recovered since.

Warning Issued to Mauritius-Based Funds

• SEBI has threatened action against two Mauritius-based foreign portfolio investors (FPIs):
  • Elara India Opportunities Fund
  • Vespera Fund
• Reason: Failure to disclose granular shareholder details despite repeated requests since 2023.

Nature of Violations and Concerns

• The two FPIs held concentrated stakes in Adani Group firms.
• They did not provide details of their beneficial owners or justify the non-disclosure.
• SEBI stated that this lack of transparency hinders its investigation into:
  • Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) compliance
  • Ownership concentration norms

Possible Consequences

• Penalties
• Cancellation of FPI licences
• Further regulatory tightening on foreign funds operating from tax-friendly jurisdictions

BS

3. Sebi Raises Anchor Investor Limits for Lower-Rated Bond Issues to Boost Market Appeal

Key Regulatory Changes by SEBI

• Anchor investor allocation limit increased based on bond credit rating:
  • Up to 50% allocation for bonds rated BBB and below.
  • 40% allocation for bonds rated between A+ and A-.
• Earlier, anchor allocation was capped at 30% regardless of rating.
• Mandatory disclosure of anchor investor participation in placement memorandums.
• Anchor investors must provide electronic confirmation of participation by T-1 day; unconfirmed amounts revert to base issue size.

Mandatory Use of Electronic Book Provider (EBP) Platform

• SEBI lowered the threshold for mandatory pricing of private placement issues on EBP from ₹50 crore to ₹20 crore and above.
• Expected to enhance transparency, reduce information asymmetry, and improve price discovery.

Impact and Benefits

• Higher anchor investor limits aim to:
  • Help NBFCs and borrowers with credit rating below A attract anchor investors more easily.
  • Allow arrangers to take larger initial exposure and then sell down to yield-seeking investors.
  • Reduce cases of undersubscription in lower-rated bond issues.
• Increased disclosures on EBP platform to promote:
  • Greater investor participation.
  • More efficient pricing mechanisms.
  • Improved market transparency for smaller issuers.

TET

4. Anchor Investors in IPOs

Strategic Role in IPO Ecosystem

• Market Signalers: Anchor Investors act as market validators, signaling confidence in the issuing company. Their early commitment influences retail and institutional sentiment, often shaping the trajectory of the IPO.
• Price Discovery Agents: They contribute to a fair valuation by establishing the anchor price, which serves as a reference point for other categories of investors.

Regulatory Framework and Safeguards (As per SEBI)

• Minimum Investment: ₹10 crore per anchor investor ensures that only large, credible institutions participate.
• Lock-in Period: 30-day mandatory lock-in builds listing price stability and prevents speculative sell-offs.
• Allocation Cap: Maximum 60% of QIB quota can be reserved for anchors—balancing early price discovery with broader participation.
• Early Allotment: One-day prior allotment to anchor investors helps assess initial demand and refine pricing strategy.

Impact on IPO Dynamics

• Confidence Catalyst: Their entry boosts overall investor trust and often leads to oversubscription.
• Reduced Volatility: Lock-in period ensures a cushion against initial listing-day volatility.
• Subscription Momentum: Presence of well-known anchor institutions (e.g., mutual funds, insurers) attracts retail and NII interest, improving IPO traction.

Who Qualifies as an Anchor Investor

• Must be a Qualified Institutional Buyer (QIB).
• Common types: Mutual Funds, Banks, Insurance Companies, Pension Funds.
• These entities have the analytical capabilities and capital scale to assess IPOs thoroughly and participate meaningfully.

Distinction from Other Investor Categories

• QIBs: Institutional investors with regulatory privileges and a dedicated allocation in IPOs.
• NIIs (HNIs): High-value individuals without QIB privileges; invest large sums but get no anchor status.
• RIIs: Retail individuals investing small amounts; often influenced by anchor sentiment and institutional participation.

Key Benefits to the IPO Process

• Enhances Credibility: Institutional participation affirms the issuer’s fundamentals.
• Improves Price Discovery: Sets a rational benchmark for IPO pricing.
• Stimulates Demand: Drives early subscription momentum across investor segments.
• Stabilizes Listings: Their locked-in capital ensures smoother post-listing price movement.

Policy Implications

• SEBI’s structured framework for anchor investment has brought discipline and transparency to IPO pricing and marketing.
• The mechanism safeguards retail investors by anchoring valuations to institutional benchmarks rather than speculative demand.

5. NSDL Electronic Bidding Platform (NSDL-EBP)

Background & Regulatory Context

• The Electronic Book Mechanism (EBM) was introduced by SEBI circular dated April 21, 2016 to enhance transparency in debt securities issuance through private placement.
• This framework was revised and streamlined via SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/DDHS/CIR/P/2018/05 dated January 5, 2018, replacing the 2016 guidelines.
• The updated framework made electronic bidding mandatory for issuances of ₹200 crore and above (including green shoe option). However, optional use is permitted for smaller issues.

Purpose and Advantages of NSDL-EBP

• Transparency in Price Discovery: Enables fair and efficient price determination through a competitive bidding process.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: Reduces administrative delays and issuance costs by digitizing the private placement process.
• Wider Participation: Provides a standardized, accessible platform for a range of participants—issuers, arrangers, and institutional investors.

Registration and Participation

• Participants such as issuers, arrangers, and investors must register with NSDL and sign necessary agreements.
• Once registered, these entities can directly participate in the bidding process hosted on the NSDL-EBP platform.

Operational Features

• Pre-Issue Registration: Issuer must execute a formal agreement with NSDL.
• Bidding Process: Bids are placed electronically, leading to transparent allocation of securities based on competitive rates.
• Applicability: Mandatory for all private placements ≥ ₹200 crore; optional for amounts below ₹200 crore.

Strategic and Policy Significance

• Strengthens Corporate Bond Market: By promoting electronic, regulated price discovery, it supports SEBI’s broader agenda of deepening India’s debt capital markets.
• Institutional Confidence: Enhances trust and reduces opacity in private placement deals, especially for large institutional investors.
• Compliance-Friendly: Aligns with SEBI’s focus on governance, audit trails, and systemic transparency in fundraising mechanisms.

Policy Implication for Issuers

• Issuers planning large-scale debt funding through private placement must adopt digital bidding, shifting away from traditional negotiated placements.
• They are encouraged to engage with the platform even for smaller issuances to gain procedural efficiencies.

6. Sebi Revises Audit Committee and Internal Audit Norms for Market Infrastructure Institutions

Revised Audit Committee Composition

• Audit committee must exclude any executive director, including managing director.
• Ensures independent and objective evaluation of management decisions and financial controls.

Rights and Participation

• Auditors and Key Management Personnel (KMP) have the right to be heard during audit committee meetings, particularly when auditor reports are discussed.
• However, auditors and KMPs do not have voting rights in audit committee meetings.
• KMPs can attend meetings with chair’s permission, but without voting rights.

Audit Committee Functions

• Responsible for:
  • Approval of related-party transactions.
  • Scrutiny of financial statements.
  • Evaluation of internal financial controls.
  • Assessment of risk management systems.

Internal Audit Requirements

• MIIs must conduct internal audits at least once annually.
• Internal audit must be conducted by an independent audit firm.
• The internal auditor must report exclusively to the audit committee, ensuring independence from management.

Objective

• These norms aim to enhance corporate governance, strengthen financial transparency, and reinforce risk management at MIIs.

TET

7. Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) in India

What are MIIs?

• Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) refer to core institutions that support the structure and operation of the securities and capital market in India.
• As defined by the Bimal Jalan Committee (2010), MIIs include:
  • Stock Exchanges
  • Depositories
  • Clearing Corporations

These are considered critical financial infrastructure akin to roads or power grids for the economy, ensuring efficient capital allocation and financial stability.

Purpose and Economic Significance

• Capital Allocation: MIIs enable smooth flow of capital from savers to businesses, facilitating investment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
• Optimal Resource Utilization: They ensure financial resources are channeled efficiently across sectors.
• Systemic Backbone: They form the nucleus of India’s capital market architecture and help maintain trust and order in financial markets.

Why Are MIIs Systemically Important?

• Scale and Reach:
  • Rapid increase in market capitalization, number of investor accounts, and capital raised via MIIs shows their growing systemic relevance.
• Potential for Contagion:
  • A failure in any MII (like an exchange or clearing house) could lead to wider financial instability, both within and beyond the securities market.
• Regulatory Oversight Needed:
  • Given their systemic importance, SEBI mandates high standards of corporate governance, independence, and robust risk management.

Key MIIs in India

a) Stock Exchanges (SEBI Recognized):

• National Stock Exchange (NSE)
• Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
• Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
• Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI), and others

b) Depositories:

• National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)
• Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL)
  These maintain electronic records of securities ownership and facilitate seamless transfer and settlement.

c) Clearing Corporations:

• These validate trades and ensure settlement between parties. Examples:
  • MCX Clearing Corporation
  • NSCCL (NSE Clearing Ltd.)
  • Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd. (ICCL)

National Stock Exchange (NSE)

• Established in 1992, NSE pioneered automated electronic trading in India.
• Hosts the NIFTY 50, tracking performance of the most liquid and largest 50 listed companies.
• NSE’s robust infrastructure has made it one of the world’s top equity markets by trading volume.

Governance Imperatives

• SEBI ensures that MIIs adhere to:
  • High transparency
  • Independent Boards
  • Stringent compliance norms
• Failure in governance can compromise the entire market’s integrity, hence strict oversight is maintained.

8. TCS-Khan Bank Alliance

Context:

• Partnership Renewal: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has extended its 25-year collaboration with Khan Bank, one of Mongolia’s largest commercial banks.
• Objective: Deployment of TCS BaNCS Global Banking Platform (GBP) to overhaul the bank’s legacy core banking system and accelerate digital transformation.

Why This Is Significant

• Digital Core Modernization: Upgrading the core banking platform is critical for:
  • Reducing operational inefficiencies
  • Integrating siloed systems (like CIF, trade finance, treasury)
  • Enabling scalable and real-time banking
• Customer Reach: Khan Bank serves 82% of Mongolia’s population, making this transformation vital for national-level financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

Key Capabilities Introduced via TCS BaNCS

• Comprehensive Module Integration:
  • Customer Information File (CIF)
  • Trade Finance and Treasury
  • International Payments
  • Retail Lending & Deposits
• Treasury Modernization: A consolidated platform for treasury management to support various asset classes, with features like:
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Risk exposure analysis
  • Advanced analytics-based reporting

BS

9. RBI Approves Emirates NBD’s Transition to Wholly Owned Subsidiary in India

Key Announcement

• RBI has granted in-principle approval to Emirates NBD to convert its Indian branches into a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS).
• Existing Branches: Mumbai, Gurugram, and Chennai.

About the WOS Framework

• Introduced by: RBI in 2013.
• Purpose: To localise foreign bank operations in India and ensure better regulatory oversight.
• Requirements:
  • Minimum capital: ₹500 crore
  • Basel III compliance from inception
  • Must follow stringent governance, localisation, and prudential norms

Significance for Emirates NBD

• Gains operational autonomy, ability to expand branch network, and access local market resources.
• Ensures closer supervision by RBI under Indian banking regulations.
• Will facilitate deeper engagement in Indian sectors like:
  • Petrochemicals
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Information Technology
  • Financial Services

Bank Profile: Emirates NBD

• Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
• Global Assets: $272 billion (as of March 2025)
• Customer Base: 9 million+
• Known for supporting cross-border trade and corporate finance between India and the Gulf region.

WOS in India: Current Landscape

• Operational WOS Banks:
  • DBS Bank (Singapore)
  • SBM Bank (Mauritius)
• FirstRand Bank (South Africa): Had WOS plans but exited Indian banking in 2021.

Agriculture

1. Uttar Pradesh Attracts ₹6,772 Cr Investment in Ethanol Sector

Ethanol Production and Investment Highlights

• UP is India’s leading ethanol producer with over 1.50 billion litres produced in FY2023-24 from 102 active distilleries.
• Fresh private sector investment of ₹6,772 crore has been committed to build additional ethanol capacity of 1.06 billion litres.

Ethanol and Clean Energy Goals

• Ethanol is blended with petrol to reduce fossil fuel dependence and carbon emissions.
• The Government of India targets 20% ethanol blending by 2025.
• CM Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to accelerate blending efforts in line with national clean energy goals.

Economic Impact of Sugarcane and Ethanol

• 5 million rural households in UP cultivate sugarcane.
• Annual cane payments to farmers exceed ₹34,000 crore from 122 sugar mills.
• UP’s sugarcane economy, including ethanol, sugar, jaggery, and chemicals, is valued at ₹50,000+ crore.

2. India’s Emerging ‘Rent-a-Bee’ Pollination Economy

Key Highlights:

• Bee Population Decline:
  • India has seen a 20% decline in bee population; some regions like Odisha face up to 80% loss.
  • Causes: Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, parasites, and reduced nectar/pollen availability.
  • Consequences: Poor fruiting, reduced crop yields, food insecurity, and loss of plant biodiversity.
• Pollinator Rental (‘Rent-a-Bee’) Concept:
  • Farmers are hiring bees for pollination to compensate for declining wild pollinators.
  • Nitin Kumar Singh, a scientist-turned-apiarist from Barabanki (UP), leads this movement with 600+ bee boxes.
  • His bees support orchards from Muzaffarpur (litchi) to Kinnaur (apples) and Nagpur (oranges).
• How It Works:
  • Bee boxes (Newton hives) are placed in fields; bees forage from sunrise to sunset, returning to the same hive.
  • Cost: Rs 2,500 per box/month; ~10–20 boxes needed per 15,000 sq ft.
  • High demand from apple and orange growers and seed production companies.
  • Italian-origin species Apis mellifera ligustica commonly used.
• Environmental Sustainability:
  • No pesticides, mobile towers, or high-tension wires near Nitin’s Barabanki apiary.
  • Singh’s goal is environmental restoration, not just profits.
  • Bee pollination can boost yields by 20–35% and ensure higher seed quality.
• Challenges:
  • Low awareness among general farmers.
  • Business sustainability issues due to logistics, seasonality, and market size.
  • Currently limited to advanced farmers or seed firms who understand the benefits of bee-assisted pollination.

TOI

3. Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (2025)

Launch & Duration

• Launched by: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development
• Campaign Duration: May 29 to June 12, 2025
• Objective: Strengthen India’s agricultural foundation for achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047

Primary Objectives

• Ensure national food security for 1.45 billion people
• Improve nutritional outcomes and farmer incomes
• Promote resource conservation for sustainability

Six-Point Strategy of the Agriculture Ministry

1. Increase agricultural production
2. Reduce production costs
3. Ensure fair prices for produce
4. Compensate losses due to natural disasters
5. Promote crop diversification, value addition & food processing
6. Encourage natural and organic farming

Key Features

• Interactive Model: Farmers can share challenges, ask questions, report local issues (e.g., pest attacks)
• Collaboration between 16,000+ agricultural scientists & 731 KVKs
• Annual Rollout: Before Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons
• Aims to transform scientific research into practical guidance at grassroots level

4. AI in Agriculture

Introduction

• Traditional farming has relied on human observation and instinct.
• Now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enabling smarter, data-informed decisions—reshaping agriculture for better sustainability, productivity, and profitability.

Real-World Applications of AI in Farming

1. Precision Irrigation

• AI analyzes soil moisture, weather data, and crop needs to optimize irrigation.
• Results: Water savings of 20–30%, improved crop health, and reduced costs.

2. Pest and Disease Detection

• AI systems use image recognition and pattern analysis to identify early signs of disease and pests.
• Reduces dependency on blanket pesticide application.

3. Smart Equipment

• AI-powered tractors and sprayers create soil maps, apply fertilizers selectively.
• Example: Minnesota farmer saved $32/acre by targeted herbicide use.

4. AI-Driven Crop Planning

• AI forecasts based on price trends, market conditions, and climate data help determine:
  • What to plant
  • When to harvest or sell
• Results in higher market returns and better timing.

Challenges in AI Adoption

1. Connectivity Gaps

• ⅓ of rural areas lack reliable internet
• Workaround: Private farm networks (cost-intensive)

2. Outdated Equipment

• Older machines lack digital compatibility
• Retrofitting costs: $5,000–12,000 per machine

3. Talent Shortage

• Lack of experts combining agriculture and AI
• Growing collaboration between tech and agri universities is bridging the gap

4. Data Ownership & Ethics

• Unclear rules on who owns farm data
• Solution: Transparent contracts, farmer-led data cooperatives

BL

Facts To Remember

1. GS1 to Introduce Next-Generation QR Codes from 2027 for Enhanced Transparency

The initiative aims to improve product transparency, traceability, and consumer protection. GS1, a global standards organization, plans to launch next-generation QR codes starting in 2027.

2. Scottie Scheffler Clinches Third Major Title with PGA Championship Victory

He won by a margin of five strokes over Americans Harris English, Davis Riley, and Bryson DeChambeau. Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1 golfer, won his third Major title by capturing the 2025 PGA Championship.

• The tournament was held at Quail Hollow.
• Scheffler finished at 11-under 273, shooting a level-par 71 in the final round.

3. Rajasthan Launches Crackdown on Fake Fertilisers and Hoarding Ahead of Kharif Season

Campaign Launch and Duration

• Objective: To curb the sale of fake or substandard fertilisers, and hoarding of seeds and fertilisers before the Kharif sowing season.
• Launched by: Rajasthan Agriculture Department on May 15, 2025