Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 29 May, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
29 May, 2025

International Affairs

1. Interpol Issues First-Ever Silver Notice (2025)

What is a Silver Notice?

• A new Interpol colour-coded alert introduced in January 2025.
• Designed specifically to track, identify, and recover criminally acquired assets (not individuals).
• Applicable in cases of fraud, corruption, money laundering, narcotics, and environmental crimes.

Why It Matters

• First Silver Notice issued globally was at the request of India.
• Linked to Shubham Shokeen, a former French Embassy official accused in a visa fraud and illicit asset laundering case.

How Silver Notices Work

• Requested by Interpol member countries (India via CBI – Central Bureau of Investigation).
• Reviewed by Interpol General Secretariat to ensure neutrality and prevent misuse.
• Shared with 195 Interpol member nations to enable:
  • Real-time asset tracing
  • Freezing, seizure, or confiscation under national laws
  • Cross-border cooperation on financial investigations

Key Features of the Silver Notice

• Asset-Focused Tool: Targets illicit wealth/assets, unlike Red Notice which targets fugitives.
• Transnational Scope: Enables global tracking of assets, aiding enforcement agencies.
• Supports Financial Crime Investigations: Effective in probing crypto frauds, shell companies, offshore accounts, real estate laundering.
• Promotes Legal Coordination: Provides legal framework for bilateral/multilateral asset recovery agreements.

Pilot Phase Protocols (Till Nov 2025)

• Each member country can issue up to 9 Silver Notices.
• India’s usage marks a milestone in global financial crime enforcement.

National Affairs

1. India’s Crypto Policy 2025

Context:

India is preparing to release a discussion paper in June 2025 outlining possible policy frameworks for regulating crypto assets. This move reflects a cautious shift in approach amid increasing global support for digital currencies, particularly influenced by recent developments in the United States.

Key Policy Developments

• Crypto Discussion Paper Under Finalization
  • The Government of India is likely to float the paper next month for public comments.
  • It will explore multiple regulatory options for virtual digital assets (VDAs).
• Global Benchmarking and References
  • The framework will draw from the IMF-FSB synthesis paper on crypto regulation.
  • It will study practices across major jurisdictions to formulate India-centric regulations.
• No Legal Status Yet
  • In Budget FY23, India introduced a 30% tax on crypto gains, while clarifying that this does not grant legal validity to crypto assets.
  • Crypto exchanges in India are required to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
• RBI’s Caution and CBDC Push
  • The Reserve Bank of India continues to flag concerns regarding crypto misuse in money laundering and terror financing.
  • RBI is promoting its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a regulated alternative.

India’s Strategic Approach

• Consultative and Gradual
  • The Centre aims for an in-depth consultative process with all stakeholders before finalizing its stance.
  • A senior government official stated, “No knee-jerk decision would be taken in view of the wide ramifications of this industry.”
• Global Trends Accelerating Policy Consideration
  • US President Donald Trump’s support for cryptocurrencies is seen as a major turning point.
  • Bharti Group Chairman Sunil Mittal emphasized the need for India to keep pace with the changing global scenario.

Geopolitical Context and Influence

• US Policy Reversal
  • The US, previously restrictive under President Biden, has pivoted towards pro-crypto legislation.
  • A strategic bitcoin reserve has been created.
  • Trump’s administration pardoned Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace.
  • US Vice President JD Vance urged the crypto industry to maintain pressure on Congress.
• Pakistan’s Entry
  • Pakistan announced the creation of its first state-backed bitcoin reserve, inviting global crypto investment.

2. IMD to Launch ‘Mausam GPT’

Context:

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will launch ‘Mausam GPT’, an AI-powered app providing localized weather forecasts via text and voice. The app will be available within six months and accessible on smartphones and basic feature phones, especially targeting small and marginal farmers.

Key Features of Mausam GPT

• Local Language Support: Forecasts delivered in regional languages.
• Text and Audio Outputs: For accessibility, especially in rural, semi-literate populations.
• Ultra-Simplified Interface:
  • Access via 2–3 button presses on basic phones
  • No need for internet access
• Location-Based Forecasts:
  • Uses telecom towers to auto-detect user location
  • Offers day-wise forecast, e.g., “Day 1 – no rain, Day 2 – no rain, Day 3 – light rain”

Benefits for Key User Groups

• Farmers (India has 145 million, with 86 million title-holding):
  • Accurate, hyperlocal weather to aid in crop-sowing decisions
  • Ensures timely and actionable information, unlike generic city forecasts
• Travellers:
  • Smartphone users can input location and travel date to receive forecasts
  • Also includes advisories on appropriate clothing and safety tips

Pilot and Development Status

• A prototype version called ‘Monsoon GPT’ has been developed and is being refined.
• The upgraded Mausam GPT will integrate AI models with telecom-based location services for rural compatibility.

3. Government Plans to Upgrade Four Miniratna PSUs to Navratna Status

Context:

The Ministry of Finance is set to promote four Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) from Miniratna to Navratna status in the coming months. This move is part of the government’s strategy to enhance operational autonomy and boost global competitiveness of high-performing PSUs.

CPSEs Proposed for Navratna Status

1. Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) – Kochi, Kerala
2. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) – Goa
3. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) – Kolkata, West Bengal
4. MOIL Limited – Nagpur, Maharashtra

About the Navratna Scheme

• Launched: 1997 by the Government of India
• Objective: Identify and empower CPSEs with global potential.
• Benefits to Navratna CPSEs:
  • Greater financial and administrative autonomy
  • Authority for capital expenditure, strategic investments, and M&A
  • Flexibility in human resource management and forming joint ventures

4. Poverty in India: NSO Surveys and World Bank Confirm

Major Findings from NSO Surveys (2022–23, 2023–24) & World Bank

• Poverty Headcount Ratio:
  • Declined from 29.5% in 2011–12 to 4.9% in 2023–24, a 24.6 percentage point drop.
• Extreme Poverty (World Bank standard):
  • Share living below $2.15/day (PPP) fell from 16.2% to 2.3%.
  • At $3.65/day, poverty declined from 61.8% to 28.1%.
• GDP & Inflation Support:
  • GDP growth at 9.2% in 2023–24.
  • CPI inflation eased to 5.4%, aiding real consumption.

Updated Poverty Lines (Rangarajan Committee Adjusted for Inflation)

Year	Rural Poverty Line	Urban Poverty Line
2011–12	₹972	₹1,407
2022–23	₹1,837	₹2,603
2023–24	₹1,940	₹2,736

Consumption & Inequality Trends

• Gini Coefficient (consumption-based):
  • Fell from 0.310 (2011–12) to 0.253 (2023–24) – indicates reduced inequality.
• Poverty Distribution:
  • 50% of the poor live between 75%–100% of the poverty line, enabling precision in targeted welfare.

Rural vs Urban Impact

• Both rural and urban areas contributed equally to poverty reduction.
• Urban inequality fell faster, though urban welfare gaps remain.

Survey Improvements

• New methodology adopted in 2022–23 and 2023–24:
  • Inflation-indexed thresholds, improved sampling.
  • Sectoral insights covering consumption, housing, energy, etc.

Challenges to Sustaining Poverty Reduction

• Vulnerability to Shocks:
  • Many households remain near the poverty line, prone to climate, health, and economic shocks.
• Patchy Welfare Access:
  • Urban poor, gig workers, and migrants face gaps in PDS, health coverage.
• Food Inflation Pressure:
  • Food inflation rose to 7.5% in FY24 – disproportionately impacts poor households.
• Data Gaps:
  • Informal urban workers often underrepresented in consumption surveys.
• Regional Inequality:
  • Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha still lag behind national averages.

Way Forward: Policy Recommendations

• Targeted Support for Near-Poor:
  • Expand PM-GKAY, LPG DBTs, and direct cash transfers.
• Strengthen Rural Employment:
  • Boost NREGA with climate-resilient jobs.
• Urban Social Security:
  • Establish portable, unified safety nets for gig workers and migrants.
• Education & Nutrition Investment:
  • Close gaps via PM POSHAN, Saksham Anganwadi.
• Real-Time Poverty Tracking:
  • Launch annual, multi-dimensional poverty audits with updated household-level data.

5. WMO Decadal Climate Forecast 2025–2029

Context:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a new decadal climate forecast, warning that global temperatures between 2025 and 2029 are expected to remain at or above record levels, significantly increasing climate-related risks and development challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Global mean surface temperature expected to be 1.2°C to 1.9°C above pre-industrial levels (1850–1900).
• 80% chance that at least one year between 2025–2029 will surpass 2024’s record heat.
• 86% probability one year will exceed the 1.5°C global warming threshold.
• 70% likelihood the five-year average temperature (2025–2029) will be above 1.5°C, up from 47% in last year’s forecast.
• Short-term overshoot of the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target is increasingly probable, though the target refers to long-term averages.

Key Regional Climate Changes

• Arctic warming accelerating, with winter temperatures projected 2.4°C above 1991–2020 average, over 3.5 times faster than the global rate.
• Significant sea ice decline in the Barents, Bering, and Okhotsk seas, threatening biodiversity and indigenous communities.
• Precipitation shifts:
  • Wetter conditions forecasted for Sahel, Alaska, and Northern Europe.
  • Drier conditions expected in the Amazon Basin and parts of South Asia, increasing drought risks.
• South Asia may experience continued wet years, though precipitation will vary seasonally and regionally.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Consequences

• Extreme weather events (heatwaves, floods, droughts) will intensify with every fraction of warming, impacting both urban infrastructure and agricultural productivity.
• Glacial melting and sea-level rise pose escalating risks to coastal populations.
• Ocean warming and acidification will degrade marine ecosystems, threatening fisheries and global food security.
• Climate changes jeopardize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas of food security, water availability, and public health in vulnerable regions.

6. QCI (Quality Council of India)

What is QCI?

The Quality Council of India (QCI) is an autonomous national accreditation body dedicated to ensuring quality assurance in products, services, and processes across diverse sectors through independent third-party assessments.

Establishment and Governance

• Founded in 1996 based on recommendations from an EU Expert Mission and inter-ministerial consultations.
• Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, specifically the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• Headquarters located at the World Trade Centre (WTC), New Delhi.
• Functions under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, involving government and industry chambers like CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM.
• Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Governed by a 39-member Governing Council equally representing government, industry, and stakeholders.
• The Chairperson is nominated by the Prime Minister of India.

Objectives of QCI

• Promote and maintain quality standards across public and private sectors.
• Provide independent accreditation and third-party assessment services.
• Enhance quality of life and public service delivery by improving governance standards.
• Serve as the nodal agency for implementing National Quality Campaigns aligned with global benchmarks.

Key Functions of QCI

• Accreditation Services: Manages accreditation bodies like NABL (labs), NABH (healthcare), NABET (environment), and NBQP, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
• Third-party Assessments: Conducts independent evaluations of services, infrastructure, and government schemes.
• Policy Implementation Support: Facilitates quality initiatives under flagship programs like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Ayushman Bharat.
• Capacity Building: Trains auditors and quality professionals to enhance sectoral quality performance.
• Global Collaboration: Aligns India’s quality frameworks with international standards and WTO requirements, boosting India’s global competitiveness.

Banking/Finance

1. Source of Income for RBI

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported a 27% increase in net income for FY25, aided by higher global interest rates and significant gains from dollar sales. This enabled the RBI to transfer a record surplus of ₹2.69 lakh crore to the central government, helping bridge the fiscal deficit.

How Does RBI Earn Profits?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) earns revenue from various operations, even though profit-making is not its primary mandate. Its main function is to maintain monetary stability, but it generates income through several financial activities.

Foreign Currency Investments

• Source: Investment of India’s foreign exchange reserves
• Instruments: US Treasury bonds, Euro bonds, etc.
• Earnings: Interest income on foreign securities
• Purpose: Stabilize the rupee and ensure forex liquidity

Currency Trading / Forex Market Operations

• Mechanism:
  • Buys dollars during excess inflows (e.g., FPI inflows)
  • Sells dollars during rupee depreciation
• Profit Source:
  • Trading gains from forex transactions
  • Timing and pricing advantages in buying/selling currencies

Interest on Domestic Assets

• Government Bonds:
  • Holds large amounts of Indian G-Secs, earns coupon interest
• Lending to Banks (Repo Operations):
  • Lends short-term funds to banks at the Repo Rate
  • In FY 2023–24, the repo rate was ~6.5%, boosting interest income

Seigniorage (Currency Issuance Profit)

• Definition: Profit earned by issuing currency, i.e.,
  • Seigniorage = Face Value of Currency − Cost of Printing/Minting
• Example: If printing a ₹500 note costs ₹3, the profit is ₹497
• Significance: A direct income for the RBI and government, especially when currency demand is high
• Economic Role: Considered a non-tax revenue for the sovereign

Table: RBI’s Major Income Sources

Source	Description
Foreign Investments	Interest on forex reserves (USD, Euro, Pound assets)
Currency Market Operations	Trading gains from rupee-dollar stabilization
Government Securities	Interest income from Indian government bonds
Repo Lending to Banks	Earnings from repo rate under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)
Seigniorage	Profit from issuing currency (Face Value − Production Cost)

2. Insider Trading

Context:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred five former senior executives of IndusInd Bank, including ex-MD & CEO Sumant Kathpalia and former Deputy CEO Arun Khurana, for alleged insider trading violations. The market regulator also directed them to disgorge ₹19.78 crore, representing losses avoided by trading shares based on unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI).

What is Insider Trading?

Definition:

Insider trading refers to buying or selling securities of a publicly listed company by individuals who possess Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI).

Types of Insiders:

• Employees or directors of the company
• Immediate relatives of connected persons
• Officials at stock exchanges or clearing houses
• Trustees, AMC board members, or officials in mutual fund companies
• Executives in holding or associate companies

Legal vs Illegal Insider Trading

Legal Insider Trading	Illegal Insider Trading
Occurs when insiders trade without using any UPSI	Occurs when trades are based on UPSI
Must be disclosed to the stock exchange	Hidden and unfair, violates SEBI norms
Common among employees owning shares	Examples include trading before earnings or M&A announcements

Example:
An employee sells company stock after retirement, based on a pre-planned timeline — Legal.
If they sell after receiving UPSI about a major acquisition — Illegal.

SEBI’s Regulation Against Insider Trading

Key Regulations:

• SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992
  Updated in 2015 and later in 2019 to strengthen compliance.

Objectives:

• Promote fairness and transparency in the securities market
• Prevent information asymmetry
• Ensure equal access to market-relevant information

Prohibited Activities:

• Dealing in shares while in possession of UPSI
• Communicating UPSI to outsiders (except legal requirements)

Examples of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI)

• Declaration of dividends
• Quarterly or annual financial results
• Buyback of securities or issuance of new shares
• Mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers
• Major strategic business changes

Section 11(2)(e) of Companies Act, 1956

This section prohibits insider trading with an aim to:

• Prevent market manipulation
• Promote a level playing field for investors
• Safeguard investor interest and confidence

2019 Update to SEBI Regulations

• Companies must implement a code of conduct for handling UPSI
• Establish mechanisms to prevent and detect information leaks
• Ensure compliance and accountability at all organizational levels

Penalties for Insider Trading

• Monetary fines by SEBI
• Imprisonment (up to 10 years)
• Debarment from accessing capital markets
• Loss of reputation and professional standing

Regulatory Significance

• The action signals SEBI’s strict enforcement of insider trading norms and zero tolerance for misuse of sensitive financial information by senior corporate officers.
• Reinforces the importance of transparent trading plans and compliance with UPSI disclosure norms under SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations.

BS

3. FM Sitharaman Urges PSU Insurers to Innovate for Emerging Risks

Context:

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while chairing a review meeting with Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) in New Delhi, instructed insurers to develop innovative products, strengthen underwriting practices, and embrace digital transformation to enhance customer satisfaction and financial resilience.

Key Highlights

• Innovation and Risk Alignment
  • Directed PSGICs to design products tailored to emerging risks, such as cyber fraud and new-age consumer needs.
  • Emphasis on diversifying the insurance portfolio in response to evolving risk profiles.
• Underwriting and Profitability
  • Advised alignment of combined ratios with global benchmarks to ensure long-term profitability and financial stability.
  • Stressed the need for portfolio optimization and robust underwriting discipline.
• Customer Experience and Digitization
  • PSGICs were instructed to:
    • Promptly address customer grievances
    • Enhance social media engagement
    • Ensure seamless integration with the Account Aggregator system
    • Implement end-to-end digital Know Your Customer (KYC) processes
• Partnerships and Outreach
  • Encouraged strategic collaborations with intermediaries, fintechs, and insurtech firms.
  • Aim is to broaden service access, expand market reach, and deepen insurance penetration across diverse demographics.

BS

4. Kotak811 Launches New Campaign Targeting India’s Digital Banking Generation

Context:

Kotak Mahindra Bank has launched a new campaign to promote Kotak811, its flagship digital banking platform. The campaign aiming to resonate with India’s digital-first generation through bold, engaging communication.

Key Features of Kotak811

• Instant digital account onboarding in under 5 minutes.
• Seamless UPI transactions for fast and secure payments.
• Smart investment tools to help users manage and grow their finances.
• Cashback rewards on transactions.
• Backed by Kotak Mahindra Bank’s trust and credibility.

Strategic Context and Market Opportunity

• India has over 1 billion mobile connections, with a growing base of tech-savvy users demanding fast, secure, and intuitive financial services.
• Consumers expect speed, simplicity, security, and a feature-rich experience from banking platforms.
• Kotak811 is positioned as a full-service mobile bank, aiming to capture India’s expanding digital banking market.

Campaign Objective

• Reposition Kotak811 as a frictionless, user-first digital bank for young, mobile-first Indians.
• Align with the evolving expectations of the next generation of banking consumers through a vibrant, tech-driven brand presence.

5. SEBI Approves JioBlackRock to Launch Mutual Fund Operations in India

Context:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted regulatory approval to JioBlackRock Asset Management Pvt Ltd to begin operations as an investment manager for mutual funds in India. This marks the formal entry of a major new player into India’s mutual fund landscape.

About JioBlackRock

• A 50:50 joint venture between:
  • Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) – part of the Reliance Group
  • BlackRock Inc – the world’s largest asset manager
• Aimed at leveraging global asset management expertise with local financial scale and reach.

Strategic Objectives

• Offer innovative, technology-driven investment products for:
  • Retail mutual fund investors
  • Institutional investors
• Leverage BlackRock’s data-driven investing capabilities to differentiate in a competitive market.
• Expand financial inclusion by increasing mutual fund participation across India.

Significance for India’s Mutual Fund Industry

• Enhances competition and innovation in the asset management space.
• Encourages greater retail investor participation in capital markets.
• Aligns with broader efforts to deepen India’s financial markets and investment ecosystem.

6. Display of Only Verified Bank Account Holder Names on UPI Apps

Context:

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has mandated that all Unified Payments Interface (UPI) applications must display only the verified bank account holder’s name from June 30, 2025. Custom or user-defined names will no longer be allowed on UPI platforms.

Applicability

• The rule is binding on all UPI apps including:
  • PhonePe
  • Google Pay
  • Paytm
  • BHIM
  • And other NPCI-authorized UPI apps.

Objective of the Mandate

• To reduce digital payment frauds by:
  • Eliminating fake or misleading display names that scammers use to deceive users.
  • Ensuring only bank-verified names appear on the recipient side of a transaction.

Rationale Behind the Move

• Fraudsters previously used fake aliases or misleading names in payment apps to trick users.
• This update aims to:
  • Enhance trust in UPI transactions.
  • Prevent accidental or fraudulent payments to incorrect recipients.
  • Improve transaction transparency and security for millions of digital users in India.

Economy

1. Maharashtra Leads FDI Equity Inflows in FY25

Context:

According to data released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Maharashtra has retained its top position in FDI equity inflows during FY25, while Gujarat dropped two positions to the fourth rank. Karnataka, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu moved up one rank each, reflecting changes in foreign investor preferences and state-level economic dynamics.

Top 5 States by FDI Equity Inflow in FY25

Rank	State	FY24 Rank	FDI Inflow (FY24, $ bn)	FDI Inflow (FY25, $ bn)	YoY % Change
1	Maharashtra	1	15.1	19.6	+29.8%
2	Karnataka	3	6.57	6.62	+0.76%
3	Delhi	4	6.5	6.1	−6.15%
4	Gujarat	2	7.3	5.7	−21.92%
5	Tamil Nadu	6	2.4	3.7	+54.17%

Key Trends and Insights

• Maharashtra continues to dominate with $19.6 billion in FDI equity inflow, showing the highest absolute and percentage growth.
• Gujarat witnessed a 21.9% decline, falling to fourth position.
• Karnataka overtook Gujarat to become the second-largest FDI recipient, with stable inflows and marginal growth.
• Tamil Nadu saw the highest YoY growth in percentage terms (+54.1%), signaling growing investor interest in the southern state.
• Delhi experienced a moderate decline of 6.1%, though it moved up to the third position.
• Despite a 96% drop in net FDI inflows to just $0.35 billion, gross FDI inflows grew 14% to $81 billion, reflecting strong reinvested earnings and equity inflows.

Long-Term Cumulative FDI (Oct 2019 to Mar 2025)
(Selected States, in $ million)

• Maharashtra: $61,310.0
• Haryana: $57,649.98
• Goa: $44,912.44
• Gujarat: $37,807.30
• Rajasthan: $14,619.34
• Andhra Pradesh: $12,877.13
• Uttar Pradesh: $10,768.04
• Karnataka: $1,375.19 (appears understated; cross-verification needed)
• Tamil Nadu: $1,121.27

Implications

• States like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have positioned themselves as FDI-friendly through infrastructure development, ease-of-doing-business reforms, and sector-specific policies.
• The fall in net FDI inflows warrants closer examination of capital repatriation, disinvestment trends, and M&A activities.
• Gujarat’s drop reflects the need for policy recalibration to retain its competitive edge in industrial investments.

Agriculture

1. CCEA Approves Revised MSP for 14 Kharif Crops

What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

• MSP is the minimum guaranteed price set by the government to protect farmers from distress sales and ensure income stability, even if market prices fall.
• Recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• Introduced in 1966–67 during the Green Revolution, initially for wheat and paddy.

MSP Calculation Formula

• Based on A2+FL method:
  • A2 = Paid-out costs (labour, seeds, irrigation, etc.)
  • FL = Imputed value of family labour
• Government mandates a minimum 50% margin over the production cost to ensure farmer profitability.
• Since Budget 2018–19, MSP is fixed at 5 times the cost of production (A2+FL) to guarantee fair returns.

Crops Covered Under MSP

• Kharif Crops:
  • Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Maize
  • Pulses: Tur (Arhar), Moong, Urad
  • Oilseeds: Groundnut, Sunflower, Soyabean, Sesamum, Niger-seed
  • Commercial: Cotton
• Rabi Crops: Wheat, Barley, Gram, Lentil (Masur), Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower
• Commercial Crops: Copra, Jute, Toria, De-husked Coconut

Key Features and Objectives of MSP

• Biannual Announcement: Declared before Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to guide farmers’ crop choices.
• Farmer Protection: Shields farmers from price fluctuations and prevents exploitation during harvest.
• Crop Diversification: Higher MSPs for pulses and oilseeds promote a shift away from water-intensive cereals.
• Nutritional Security: Encourages cultivation of millets and Shree Anna crops for healthier diets and climate resilience.

BS

2. Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola: Key Highlights (May 2025)

Context:

PDKV received central government approval for the release of three new crop varieties, enhancing regional agricultural productivity:

• AKAW 5100 (Wheat)
  • Traits: Rust-resistant, drought-tolerant, high-yielding
  • Uses: Suitable for bread and chapati
  • Released for: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
• CSV 65 (Yellow Sorghum)
  • Bio-fortified with 23.2 ppm Zinc & 30.8 ppm Iron
  • Suitable for kharif season
• Super Jaki (AKG 1402 Chickpea)
  • High-yielding variety for rainfed regions
  • Early maturing and suited for timely sowing

Extension of Existing Crop Varieties to New States

Three previously released varieties are now approved for wider cultivation:

• PDKV Amba (Soybean)
  • Now approved for: Gujarat
  • Traits: Early maturing (94–96 days), high-yielding, disease-resistant
• PDKV Purva (Soybean)
  • Now approved for: Assam, Meghalaya, and Northeast India
  • Traits: High yield (22–25 q/ha), suitable for diverse agro-climatic conditions
• TAG 73 (Groundnut)
  • Now approved for: Gujarat
  • Traits: High oil content, good yield potential

Pre-Kharif Farmers’ Fair 2025

Held by the Directorate of Extension Education, PDKV:

• Key Proposal:
  • MLA Randhir Savarkar proposed creation of a Millet Board within Maharashtra’s agri universities
  • Aim: Boost millet cultivation and marketing
• PDKV’s Strategy:
  • Emphasis on integrated farming, intercropping, and organic techniques
  • Focus on blending traditional knowledge with new technologies
• Participation & Impact:
  • 1,400+ farmers attended
  • ₹1.7 crore worth of seeds and inputs sold
  • Technical guidance provided on pest management, weather patterns, and cropping systems

Facts To Remember

1. Kerala govt. planning law to allow culling of wild boars

The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday examined the legal prospects of introducing a Bill in the next session of the Assembly to sanction well-regulated and scientific culling of wild animals, primarily feral boars, which endanger human life, menace human habitations, and destroy farmlands in the State.

2. PM says govt addresses various agriculture-related issues, including fair prices for farmers’ produce 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of developing the country’s agriculture sector as a key step toward making India a developed nation. In a video message on his social media account at the launch of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in Odisha.

3. Asian Athletics Championships: India clinches Six medals with three Gold today

In athletics, India’s Jyothi Yarraji and Avinash Sable delivered standout performances to win gold in their respective events at the 26th Asian Athletics Championships at GUMI, South Korea.

4. First batch of 17 female cadets graduated from National Defence Academy

In a landmark moment in the country’s military history, the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune, held the Passing Out Parade of its 148th course this morning at the iconic Khetarpal Ground, marked by the commissioning of the first-ever batch of women cadets into the Indian Armed Forces.