What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Rice Cultivation
• Rice Production in India
• India’s status as a rice exporter
• Export ban on Non-Basmati White Rice lifted

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian government lifted the ban on the export of Non-Basmati White Rice. However, it set a minimum export price (MEP) of $490 per tonne. 

Earlier, the government had removed the 20% export duty on Non-Basmati White Rice and reduced the export duty on three other rice categories: 'rice in the husk (paddy or rough)', 'husked (brown) rice', and 'parboiled rice' from 20% to 10%.

Rice Cultivation

• Crop Season
  • Rice is primarily grown during the Kharif season (June to November), which coincides with the monsoon. 
  • In some areas, it is also grown in the Rabi season (November to April), particularly in irrigated regions like Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
• Climatic Conditions
  • Rice thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with high humidity. It requires:
    • Temperature: An average temperature of 21°C to 37°C. The ideal temperature for germination is around 21°C, while the growing period requires temperatures above 25°C.
    • Rainfall: Rice needs plenty of water. It requires 150-300 cm of rainfall during the growing period, ideally distributed evenly throughout the season.
• Soil Conditions
  • Rice grows best in clayey or loamy soils that retain water. 
  • Alluvial soils in river basins and coastal areas are also ideal for rice cultivation. The soil should be deep, fertile, and capable of holding moisture.
• Water Requirements
  • Rice is a water-intensive crop, usually grown in flooded fields (paddy fields). Adequate irrigation is necessary in areas with insufficient rainfall.

Rice Production in India

• Area of cultivation for rice
  • In fiscal year 2024, India had an estimated 47.6 million hectares of land area for rice cultivation. 
  • India is the second-largest producer of rice globally, and the largest exporter. 
• Production
  • India's rice production in 2023-24 is estimated to be 1378.25 lakh metric tons (LMT), a 20.70 LMT increase from the previous year.
• State's share in rice production

• Rice is produced in the coastal strips on the eastern and western pockets of the country, the plains of Assam in the north-east, and the foothills of the Himalayas.

India’s status as a rice exporter

• Statistics
  • India is the second-largest rice producer and the largest exporter globally, contributing significantly to world rice trade. 
  • Along with China, India accounts for over half of the world's rice production. While China is the largest consumer, leaving little for export, India plays a dominant role in the export market. 
  • According to the USDA, India accounted for 33% (17 million tonnes) of the world’s total rice exports (53 million tonnes) in 2023. 
    • In 2022, before the Non-Basmati White Rice export ban, India contributed about 40% of the global rice exports (56 million tonnes).
• India’s export breakup
  • India’s rice exports are divided into two main categories: basmati and non-basmati rice. 
  • Basmati rice accounts for nearly one-third of India’s total rice exports, with 52.42 lakh tonnes exported in 2023-24. 
  • Non-basmati rice has six subcategories: rice in husk (seed quality and other), husked (brown) rice, parboiled rice, non-basmati white rice, and broken rice.
• Export destination
  • The primary destinations for Indian rice exports in 2023-24 are Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Benin, United Arab Emirates, Guinea, Senegal, Togo, and Yemen.
  • Saudi Arabia was the leading importer of Indian rice in terms of export value, mainly purchasing basmati rice varieties.
  • Non-basmati white rice went to Kenya, Mozambique, Cameroon, Vietnam, Malaysia, Togo, Madagascar, Cote D’ Ivoire, and Benin in the biggest quantities.
• India’s competitor
  • Two east Asian countries—Thailand and Vietnam—are the two main competitors of India in the global rice market. 
    • In 2023, the combined rice export of these two countries was almost equal to Indian exports. 
  • Besides, Pakistan, Cambodia and the United States are also in the list of rice exporters.
  • Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, European Union, Nigeria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia are the top rice importers.

Export ban on Non-Basmati White Rice lifted

• About the news
  • The Centre has lifted the ban on export of Non-Basmati White Rice. It has, however, imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of $490 per tonne.
• Reasons behind lifting the ban
  • Higher Sowing of Paddy
    • India has seen an increase in paddy sowing due to a good monsoon, with most of the crop being planted during the kharif season. 
    • By September 20, 2023, the paddy cultivation area reached 413.50 lakh hectares, a 2.2% increase over last year.
  • Record Rice Production
    • India’s total rice production for 2023-24 (kharif, rabi, and summer) is estimated at 137.82 million tonnes, a 1.5% increase compared to last year.
  • Declining Wholesale Prices, Stable Retail Inflation
    • On September 27, the wholesale price of rice was Rs 3,324.99 per quintal, down from Rs 3,597.09 a week ago and Rs 3,502.91 a month ago. 
    • However, retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index has remained in double digits for the past two years, peaking at 13.09% in July 2023. 
    • Inflation dropped to 9.52% in August after the government’s export ban.
  • Surplus Rice Stocks
    • As of September 1, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) held 323.11 lakh tonnes of rice in its Central pool. 
    • Including unmilled paddy, the total stock amounted to 423 lakh tonnes, well above the required buffer stock norms of 135.40 lakh tonnes for July and 102.50 lakh tonnes for October.
• Who will get benefitted?
  • The lifting of the ban will benefit traders, who previously paid a 20% duty, and is expected to improve export sentiment. 
  • Farmers growing premium varieties like Sona Masoori (mainly in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana) are likely to benefit, as they were impacted by the ban. 
  • However, for domestic consumers, already high retail prices may increase further.

Q.1. Why did India lift the export ban on Non-Basmati White Rice?

The ban was lifted due to increased paddy sowing, record rice production estimated at 137.82 million tonnes, declining wholesale prices, and surplus stocks in the Food Corporation of India.

Q.2. Who benefits from the lifting of the rice export ban?

Traders and farmers growing premium varieties like Sona Masoori will benefit, while domestic consumers may face higher retail prices as a result of the lifting.

Source: Export ban on Non-Basmati White Rice lifted: why, what is the likely impact | DGCI | The Hindu Businessline

 What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Cyber Slavery

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Telecommunications has informed a high-level inter-ministerial panel that it will disconnect 2.17 crore mobile connections obtained through forged documents or used in cybercrime, and block 2.26 lakh mobile handsets.

Cyber Slavery

• Background
  • Cyber scams and fraud are increasingly common in India, often involving spam calls where scammers pose as government officials to steal sensitive information like Aadhaar and ATM details. 
  • To avoid detection, these scammers now operate from foreign countries but use Indian mobile numbers to make their calls seem legitimate. 
  • This shift has given rise to a dangerous trend called 'cyber slavery,' where individuals are lured abroad under false job promises and forced to participate in cybercrime operations.
• About 
  • Cyber slavery refers to a modern form of exploitation where individuals are lured, often through deceptive job offers, and forced to engage in cybercrimes. 
  • Victims are usually promised lucrative jobs, such as data entry or tech roles, in foreign countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. 
  • Upon arrival, their passports and identification documents are confiscated, trapping them in a form of digital servitude.
  • These individuals are coerced into performing illegal online activities, such as cyber fraud, phishing, and scamming. 
  • They may be forced to create fake social media profiles or lure people into fraudulent investment schemes, like fake cryptocurrency platforms. 
  • Victims often work under harsh conditions, with no freedom of movement, and face threats or violence if they attempt to escape.
• Cause of worry
  • Cyber slavery is part of a broader pattern of human trafficking and is increasingly prevalent due to the rise of digital crimes. 
  • It highlights the intersection of human rights violations and online criminal networks, requiring international cooperation to combat.
• Indians trapped as cyber slaves
  • A report revealed that over 5,000 Indians were believed to be ensnared in Cambodia, allegedly held against their will and compelled to commit cyber fraud. 
  • Government estimates suggest that Indians had been defrauded of at least Rs 500 crore in the six months leading up to March of this year.
  • Analysis of data by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has observed an increase in the number of cybercrime incidents targeting India.
  • About 45% of them originate from the Southeast Asia region, mainly Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos PDR. 
• Inter-ministerial panel formed to address the issue
  • This incident prompted the Indian government to establish an inter-ministerial panel to address the issue and pinpoint the loopholes. 
  • The panel identified deficiencies in the banking, immigration, and telecom sectors.
  • It identified three loopholes that enable cyber scams originating from Southeast Asian countries. These are:
    • Involvement of the senior bank managers of two nationalised banks to open mule accounts; 
      • It was found that maximum accounts were allegedly opened with the connivance of senior bank managers/ staffers in several branches of State Bank of India and Punjab National Bank.
    • around 30,000 unreturned passengers travelling on visitor visa to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam from January 2022-May 2024; and 
    • misuse of bulk SIM cards.
• Steps taken by Indian government
  • The Union Ministry of Telecommunications has announced to: 
    • disconnect approximately 2.17 crore mobile connections obtained through forged documents or used in cybercrime and 
    • block 2.26 lakh mobile handsets. 
  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also directed telecom companies to block all incoming international spoofed calls that display Indian mobile numbers.
    • This has resulted in a 35% drop in such calls, with full implementation expected by December 31 of this year.
  • Additionally, the DoT is working to identify roaming phone numbers involved in scams in Southeast Asia. 
    • The DoT reported that over 6 lakh Indian SIM cards were roaming in Southeast Asia between April and June 2023. 
    • Over 1.4 lakh point of sale (PoS) agents across India were identified as being involved in selling SIM cards used in scam operations in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
  • Telecom service providers (TSPs) are required to submit weekly data on Indian mobile numbers utilizing roaming services in countries like Hong Kong, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, and Myanmar.

Q.1. What is cyber slavery?

Cyber slavery involves luring individuals with false job promises abroad, where they are forced to engage in illegal online activities. Victims often have their documents confiscated and work under harsh conditions, coerced into cybercrime operations.

Q.2. What actions is the Indian government taking against cyber slavery?

The government will disconnect 2.17 crore mobile connections linked to cybercrime, block 2.26 lakh handsets, and direct telecom companies to block spoofed international calls to combat cyber slavery and related scams.

Source: Amid reports of ‘cyber slavery’, telecom ministry to disconnect 2.17 crore mobile connections | India TV | Business Standard

Gandhi Jayanti, observed annually on October 2, celebrates the birth of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, affectionately known as Mahatma Gandhi or the Father of the Nation. Gandhi Jayanti 2024 marks his 155th birth anniversary, a momentous occasion not just for India but across the world.

This day serves as a reminder of Gandhi's enduring legacy, particularly his commitment to non-violence, truth, and social justice—values that remain highly relevant today amidst rising global conflict and violence.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding Gandhi's life and philosophy is essential, as his role in India's freedom struggle and his contributions to shaping modern India are key components of the exam. Dive deeper into Mahatma Gandhi's life and impact this Gandhi Jayanti 2024.

Mahatma Gandhi Birth Anniversary 2024

Gandhi Jayanti 2024, observed on October 2, will honor Mahatma Gandhi's pivotal role in leading India to independence from British rule. His non-violent resistance, known as Satyagraha, united people from diverse backgrounds, making him a central figure in the freedom movement.

Mahatma Gandhi's 155th birth anniversary in 2024 also coincides with the International Day of Non-Violence, reflecting his enduring global impact. The day will be marked by prayer meetings, commemorations at Raj Ghat in New Delhi, and discussions on the relevance of Gandhian values in today’s world.

Gandhi Jayanti 2024: Biography of Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi's evolution from a lawyer in London to a leader of a global non-violence movement is a testament to the transformative power of political thought and action. His life stands as a remarkable example of how a single individual can shape the course of history and continue to inspire future generations.

Gandhi’s Formative Years: Early Life and Education

Mohandas Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat, into a Hindu Modh Baniya family. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as the Diwan of Porbandar, while his mother, Putlibai, was a devoutly religious woman, whose spiritual discipline deeply influenced young Gandhi.

Raised in a strict yet nurturing environment, Gandhi grew up with strong values of honesty and simplicity. At the age of 13, he married Kasturbai. In 1888, he left for London to study law at the Inner Temple, one of the four prestigious law schools. While initially uneasy with Western customs, Gandhi gradually adapted, and his time in England exposed him to diverse intellectual and ethical ideas that profoundly shaped his philosophy and approach to life.

Gandhi’s Time in London 

Despite his initial challenges with adjusting to Western life, Gandhi's time in London offered him valuable insights into European socio-political structures. He delved into the works of philosophers such as Tolstoy and John Ruskin, whose ideas on nonviolence and simplicity profoundly resonated with him.

Ruskin’s Unto This Last was especially impactful, shaping Gandhi’s vision of Sarvodaya—the welfare of all. These intellectual influences became the foundation of his philosophy of Satyagraha, which emphasized the power of truth and nonviolent resistance in the fight for justice.

The South African Chapter: A Fight Against Racism

After completing his legal studies, Gandhi traveled to South Africa in 1893 to handle a legal case for Dada Abdullah Jhave. It was here that he first confronted institutionalized racism, a pivotal moment in his life. One defining incident occurred when he was forcibly removed from a train in Pietermaritzburg for refusing to vacate a "whites-only" compartment.

This act of discrimination ignited his determination to fight for justice and the dignity of the oppressed. His first major nonviolent resistance aimed to secure rights for Indian immigrants facing oppressive labor conditions and discriminatory laws. In response, he founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894, launched Indian Opinion in 1903, and established the Phoenix Settlement in 1904.

South Africa became the proving ground for Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, laying the groundwork for the larger movements he would later lead against British colonialism in India.

Return to India: Leading the Freedom Struggle

In 1915, Gandhi returned to India, bringing with him the principles of nonviolent civil disobedience he had developed in South Africa. He soon became deeply involved in the country's struggle for independence, championing the rights of the poorest and most marginalized communities. Gandhi's efforts centered on addressing their grievances and shedding light on the injustices of oppressive taxation and exploitative British policies.

The Quit India Movement: The Final Struggle for Freedom

In 1942, Gandhi initiated the Quit India Movement, calling for an immediate end to British rule. This became the final major chapter in India's fight for independence. Gandhi's call for mass civil disobedience, encapsulated in the slogan "Do or Die," sparked widespread protests, strikes, and demonstrations across the nation.

Though the movement was suppressed, it significantly weakened British authority and amplified the demand for freedom. By 1947, these efforts culminated in India's independence, cementing Gandhi's legacy of unity and resistance.

Gandhi earned several honorary titles, such as "Mahatma," meaning "Great Soul," bestowed by Rabindranath Tagore, and "Father of the Nation," a tribute from Subhash Chandra Bose, underscoring the deep respect for his leadership.

The Final Years and Legacy of Gandhi

As India approached independence, tensions between Hindus and Muslims escalated, culminating in the partition of India in 1947. Deeply troubled by the ensuing communal violence, Gandhi traveled extensively to advocate for peace and reconciliation.

Tragically, on January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a shocking event that reverberated throughout the nation and the world. His death represented a significant loss for India and for those who embraced his vision of nonviolence and communal harmony.

Despite this, Gandhi's legacy as a champion of nonviolence and civil rights endures, continuing to inspire global movements for justice and equality. Influential leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela drew upon his principles to further their own causes.

Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s Ideas in Present Times

Gandhi Jayanti 2024 serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles in today’s world. His teachings on non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), self-reliance (Swadeshi), and sustainable living continue to inspire us as we confront modern challenges.

Non-violence: In an age marked by global conflicts, terrorism, and political unrest, Gandhi’s advocacy for resolving disputes without violence remains a vital lesson for today’s leaders.

Truth and Integrity: Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to truth is especially crucial now, as misinformation and fake news proliferate.

Swadeshi and Self-reliance: The Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative highlights the renewed significance of Gandhi’s emphasis on Swadeshi. His belief in local production and self-sufficiency resonates with contemporary economic strategies.

Sustainable Living: Amid growing environmental concerns and climate change, Gandhi’s promotion of simple living and responsible resource use offers valuable solutions.
 

Also Check About: Mahatma Gandhi's Movements

International Day of Non-Violence 2024

Since 2007, October 2 has been recognized worldwide as the International Day of Non-Violence, a designation established by the United Nations. This day aims to "disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness."

In 2024, the significance of this day is heightened amidst escalating global tensions, wars, and civil unrest in various regions. Events and discussions held around the world will concentrate on peace-building initiatives, conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of dialogue in place of warfare.

Gandhi Jayanti 2024 FAQs

Q1. Which is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2024?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary in 2024 is celebrated on October 2, marking his 155th birthday.

Q2. Is 2nd October a compulsory holiday in India?
Ans. Yes, October 2nd is a compulsory holiday in India, observed as Gandhi Jayanti.

Q3. How many days are there between Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti 2024?
Ans. There are 48 days between Independence Day (August 15) and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) in 2024.

Q4. What are some of Mahatma Gandhi’s notable contributions to India’s freedom struggle?
Ans. Gandhi's notable contributions include the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Salt March, and the Quit India Movement. 

Q5. What lessons can we learn from Gandhi’s life today?
Ans. Gandhi’s life teaches us the importance of non-violence, truth, self-reliance, and sustainable living.

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)?
• Manufacturing Sector in India
• Highlights of the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23

Why in News?

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently released the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23.

What is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)?

• About:
  • ASI is the principal source of industrial statistics and data for organised manufacturing in India and is conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the MoSPI.
  • It has been conducted since 1959 under the Collection of Statistics Act 1953. Presently, the survey is being conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act 2008 as amended in 2017 and Rules framed there under in 2011.
• Objective: The Survey is designed to obtain comprehensive and detailed data -
  • Estimating the contribution of the registered manufacturing sector as a whole to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Country and also by type of industry,
  • Systematic studying the structure of the industries by type of industry,
  • Studying various factors influencing the industries for formulation of industrial policies.
• The survey covers:
  • Factories registered under the Factories Act 1948. It relates to factories employing 10 or more workers using power and those employing 20 or more workers without using power.
    • For states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Goa, data is collected for factories employing 20 or more workers with power and factories having 40 or more workers without power.
  • Bidi and cigar manufacturing establishments under the Bidi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act 1966, and
  • All electricity undertakings engaged in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, not registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
• Significance: The survey results give valuable input to the planners and policy makers in objectively evaluating the industrial scenario of the economy.

Manufacturing Sector in India:

• Manufacturing is emerging as an integral pillar in the country’s economic growth, thanks to the performance of key sectors like automotive, engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and consumer durables.
• With 17% of the nation’s GDP and over 27.3 million workers, the manufacturing sector plays a significant role in the Indian economy.
• India is gradually progressing on the road to Industry 4.0 through the Government of India’s initiatives like -
  • The National Manufacturing Policy which aims to increase the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25% by 2025 and
  • The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing which was launched in 2022 to develop the core manufacturing sector at par with global manufacturing standards.

Highlights of the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for 2022-23:

• Main drivers of the manufacturing growth in 2022-23:
  • These were industries related to basic metal, coke & refined petroleum products, food products, chemical and chemical products and motor vehicles.
  • These industries (taken together) contributed about 58% of the total output of the sector and showed output growth of 24.5% and gross value added (GVA) growth of 2.6% in comparison to 2021-22.
• Number of factories: The total number of factories increased from 2.49 lakh in 2021-22 to 2.53 lakh in 2022-23.
• Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF): GFCF, a proxy for capital investment, grew by over 77% to Rs 5.85 lakh crore in 2022-23 from Rs 3.3 lakh crore in 2021-22.
• Number of employees in the formal sector:
  • Employees include all workers and persons receiving wages and holding clerical or supervisory or managerial positions, etc.
  • Workers include all persons employed directly or through any agency and includes both paid and unpaid workers engaged in any manufacturing process, etc.
  • The total number of employees in manufacturing industries increased by 7.5% to 1.84 crore in 2022-23 from 1.72 crore in 2021-22.
  • This is the highest rate of increase in employment in manufacturing industries in the last 12 years.
  • The highest employment was recorded in factories producing food products, followed by textiles, basic metals, wearing apparel and motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers.
• The average emoluments: These also improved in 2022-23, with average emoluments per person rising by 6.3% in 2022-23 as against the previous year.
• Performance of the states:
  • In terms of GVA, Maharashtra ranked first in 2022-23 followed by Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and UP. These top five states together contributed over 54% of the total manufacturing GVA of the country in 2022-23.
  • In terms of employment, the top five states were Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP and Karnataka in ASI 2022-23, contributing about 55% of total manufacturing employment in 2022-23.
• Key takeaways:
  • The ASI suggests that the impact of the Covid pandemic has been “wiped out”.
  • For example, the estimated number of persons engaged in the manufacturing industries in 2022-23 is higher than the pre-pandemic level of 2018-19 by over 22.14 lakh.
  • The growth is better in sectors where there is a PLI scheme.

Q.1. What is the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)?

NSSO is an organisation in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and is the largest organisation in India that conducts regular socio-economic surveys.

Q.2. What is the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing?

The PLI scheme is a program in India that offers incentives to companies to invest in and expand their manufacturing capabilities. The scheme is part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat ('Self-Reliant India') program.

Source: Annual survey of industries shows growth in manufacturing sector | IE | BS