What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Natural farming?
• What is National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)?
• Need for a mission on natural farming

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet approved the launch of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

The mission aims to promote natural farming practices across India in a focused, mission-mode approach.

What is Natural Farming?

• About
  • The Agriculture Ministry defines natural farming as a “chemical-free” farming system that only uses inputs produced using livestock and plant resources.
  • It is a system where the laws of nature are applied to agricultural practices.
  • This method works along with the natural biodiversity of each farmed area.
  • It encourages the complexity of living organisms, both plants, and animals that shape each particular ecosystem to thrive along with food plants.
• Natural Farming in India
  • There are many working models of natural farming all over the world, the zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) is the most popular model in India.
  • ZBNF was popularized by Subhash Palekar in India.

What is National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)?

• Background
  • NMNF builds on the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP), launched under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY).
  • The Centre also promoted natural farming in a five-kilometre belt along the Ganga River under the Namami Gange scheme in the financial year 2022-23.
  • In her Budget Speech (2024-25), Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a plan to initiate one crore farmers countrywide into natural farming in the next two years.
• About
  • The government launched the NMNF within 100 days of returning to power in 2024, with a target to initiate one crore farmers into natural farming over the next two years.
  • This initiative will include certification, branding, and the establishment of 10,000 bio-input resource centres, implemented via scientific institutions and gram panchayats.
• Mission Objectives
  • Promote sustainable agriculture through natural farming.
  • Create a robust infrastructure for training, certification, and branding of chemical-free produce.
  • Develop a large-scale adoption model through effective farmer support and community engagement.
• Coverage under natural farming
  • Current Coverage - 22 lakh hectares under natural farming; 34 lakh farmers engaged nationwide.
  • Breakdown of Coverage
    • 4 lakh hectares under the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP)
    • 88,000 hectares under Namami Gange
    • 17 lakh hectares under various state government initiatives.
  • Goals of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
    • Target Area Expansion: Add 7.5 lakh hectares under natural farming.
    • Cluster-Based Implementation: Establish 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats.
    • Farmer Outreach: Reach 1 crore farmers within two years.
• Support Infrastructure
  • Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs)
    • Set up 10,000 centres to provide ready-to-use natural farming inputs.
    • Priority to areas with existing natural farming practices, SRLM, PACS, and FPOs.
• Infrastructure and Implementation Plans
  • Model Demonstration Farms
    • Establish 2,000 farms at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmers’ fields.
    • Supported by experienced Farmer Master Trainers.
  • Farmer Training Programs
    • Train 18.75 lakh farmers in natural farming practices and input preparation (e.g., Jeevamrit, Beejamrit).
  • Community Engagement
    • Deploy 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs) for awareness, mobilization, and handholding.
  • Bio-Input Resources
    • Farmers will use livestock resources or procure inputs from Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs).
• Key Differences Between NMNF and Earlier Initiatives
  • Higher Budgetary Allocation: Total outlay: Rs. 2,481 crore (Central share: Rs. 1,584 crore; State share: Rs. 897 crore) until the 15th Finance Commission (2025-26).
  • Broader Target Group: Aims to benefit over 1 crore farmers.
• Focus on Ecosystem Development
  • Establishes scientifically supported standards for natural farming practices.
  • Simplifies certification for chemical-free produce.
  • Proposes a single national brand for natural produce.

Need for a mission on natural farming

• To promote natural farming practices
  • There was a growing need for promoting natural farming practices.
• Many districts with high fertilizer sale
  • 228 districts across 16 states have been identified with fertiliser usage above the national average of 138 kg/hectare in 2022-23.
  • These districts have been targeted in the NMNF.
  • Also, special focus will be given on districts where fertiliser use exceeds 200 kg/hectare.
  • It also includes a 5 km-wide area along the main stem of the Ganga River.
• Economic Benefits
  • Reduces input costs for farmers by minimizing dependency on externally purchased fertilisers and pesticides.
• Soil and Environmental Health
  • Improves soil health, fertility, and quality.
  • Increases soil carbon content, enhances biodiversity, and promotes microorganisms.
  • Builds resilience to climate risks such as waterlogging, floods, and droughts.
• Health and Nutrition
  • Reduces health risks associated with fertilisers and pesticides.
  • Provides nutritious food for farmers' families.
• Intergenerational Benefits
  • Ensures a healthy Mother Earth for future generations through sustainable farming.

Q.1. What is the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)?

The NMNF is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Union Cabinet to promote chemical-free farming across India. It focuses on natural farming practices, aiming to reach one crore farmers and expand natural farming to 7.5 lakh hectares by 2026.

Q.2. What are the benefits of natural farming under NMNF?

Natural farming reduces input costs for farmers, enhances soil fertility, builds climate resilience, and promotes biodiversity. It also provides nutritious, chemical-free food while ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.

News: All about the central government scheme to promote natural farming | NITI Aayog

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?
• Key Highlights of the UGC Initiative
• Benefits of the UGC Initiative
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• Undergraduate students in India will soon have the flexibility to complete their degrees earlier or extend them beyond the standard duration.
• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADPs) and Extended Degree Programmes (EDPs), aligning with the learner-centric objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The National Credit Framework (NCrF) enables learners with varying learning abilities to move through the curriculum at rates faster or slower than the standard duration of a programme by earning the required credits.

What is the National Credit Framework (NCrF)?

• About:
  • The NEP 2020 has introduced visionary reforms to dismantle the colonial legacy in India's education system.
  • Among its transformative initiatives is the National Credit Framework (NCrF), which promotes flexibility, skill integration, and multidisciplinary education to address India’s evolving societal and economic needs.
• Developed by:
  • School education (CBSE, NCERT and NIOS),
  • Higher education (UGC, AICTE),
  • Vocational education (NCVET and DGT),
  • Overall representation (Ministry of Education and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship).
• Key features:
  • Unified credit accumulation and transfer:
    • NCrF allows the seamless accumulation and transfer of credits across disciplines, including skill and vocational education.
    • It provides an enabling, non-regulatory framework for educational institutions.
  • Flexibility for students:
    • Credits can be earned through diverse activities, such as Classroom teaching and laboratory work; Research projects, sports, yoga, performing arts, and social work; Internships, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships.
    • This approach enables students to tailor their academic paths based on interests and career goals.
  • Alignment with modern needs:
    • NCrF addresses the skill mismatch by equipping students with competencies for emerging jobs and self-employment.
    • Encourages HEIs to adapt to economic and technological advancements.
• Impact on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):
  • Multidisciplinary education and research:
    • NEP 2020 advocates the establishment of multidisciplinary education and research universities (MERUs) as hubs for intellectual growth.

HEIs are encouraged to focus on both knowledge production and vocational training to meet diverse societal needs.

• Democratisation of education:
  • By promoting flexibility and skill integration, the NCrF ensures that higher education is accessible and inclusive.
  • Reduces elitism in higher education by balancing theoretical and practical learning.
• Vocational and skill training:
  • Vocational and skill training is placed on par with traditional academic pursuits.
  • Institutions can specialise in various roles, from fundamental research to skill development, fostering interconnected processes.

Key Highlights of the UGC Initiative:

• Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADPs):
  • Students with exceptional academic performance can graduate earlier by earning additional credits per semester.
  • A three-year programme can be completed in five semesters, and a four-year programme in six or seven semesters.
• Extended Degree Programmes (EDPs):
  • Students facing personal, financial, or academic challenges can extend their degree duration by up to two semesters.
  • Fewer credits per semester are required for extended timelines.
• Implementation framework:
  • Role of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):
    • HEIs will form committees to evaluate student eligibility for ADPs and EDPs based on credit-completion potential and performance in the first or second semester.
    • These committees will recommend adjustments in the number of courses and credits per semester.
    • HEIs will allocate up to 10% of their student intake for ADPs.
  • Guidelines by UGC: SOPs have been issued to standardise academic content, credit systems, assessments, and degree issuance for both programmes.

Benefits of the UGC Initiative:

• For students:
  • Supports those pursuing interdisciplinary or professional courses and students balancing education with other commitments.
  • Provides flexibility to tailor academic journeys based on individual needs and learning abilities.
• For institutions: Encourages a flexible and modern approach to higher education, aligning with global trends.
• Equivalence with standard degrees:
  • Degrees completed through ADPs or EDPs will be treated on par with those of standard duration for employment, academic, and recruitment purposes.
  • Government departments, private organisations, and recruiting agencies like UPSC and State Service Commissions will recognise these degrees equally.

Conclusion: By enabling students to accelerate or extend their academic timelines, the initiative empowers them to navigate their educational goals more effectively while maintaining academic equivalence and credibility.

Q.1. What is the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET):

The NCVET was established by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in 2018, as a regulatory body, by subsuming the functions and responsibilities of erstwhile National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) and National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT).

Q.2. How will the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 transform India's education system?

The NEP 2020 lays emphasis on four key areas of reforms viz. curricular changes to build strong foundational skills, improving quality of learning across all levels of education, shift in the ways of assessment and, finally, need for systemic transformation.

News:  UGC approves guidelines on flexible-duration degrees f undergraduate students

What’s in today’s article?

• Background
• Key Allegations by ANI
• How Does Wikipedia Function?
• Legal & Structural Implications
• Wider Implications
• Conclusion

Background

• Earlier in 2024, Indian news agency Asian News International (ANI) filed a defamation suit against the Wikimedia Foundation and three Wikipedia administrators.
• ANI alleged that defamatory statements on its Wikipedia page tarnished its reputation.
• The Delhi High Court directed Wikimedia to disclose the details of these administrators, marking a significant moment in the case.

Key Allegations by ANI

• Defamatory Statements: ANI claimed that its Wikipedia page included statements accusing it of:
  • Acting as a propaganda tool for the central government.
  • Distributing content from fake news websites.
  • Misreporting events.
• Editing Issues:
  • Attempts by ANI-associated editors to amend these claims were reversed or modified by independent editors.
  • The page was later placed under ‘extended confirmed protection’, restricting further edits by ANI-affiliated editors.
• Legal Accusations:
  • ANI argued that Wikimedia violated safe-harbour provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
  • It demanded that Wikimedia and its administrators be held liable for hosting and publishing defamatory content.

How Does Wikipedia Function?

• Wikipedia is a community-driven platform, with content created and edited by volunteers. Key features of its structure include:
• Editorial Process:
  • Anyone can edit articles, provided edits are backed by reliable and verifiable sources.
  • Original research is prohibited, and any unpublished arguments or analyses are removed.
  • Editing histories of pages are transparent and accessible via the "view history" tab.
• Protection Measures:
  • Pages on controversial topics can be placed under ‘extended confirmed protection’ or ‘full protection’ to maintain neutrality.
  • Extended protection limits edits to experienced users, while full protection restricts editing to administrators.
• Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Administrators: Selected by community elections based on reputation. Wikimedia is not involved in their selection.
  • Wikimedia’s Role: Limited to providing the technical infrastructure for the platform and supporting editors.

Legal & Structural Implications

• Safe-Harbour Status:
  • The safe-harbour provision protects intermediaries like Wikimedia from liability for content posted by users.
  • ANI’s lawsuit challenges this status, potentially making Wikimedia accountable for the content on Wikipedia.
• Impact on Wikipedia:
  • Loss of Anonymity: If editor details are disclosed, it could deter volunteers from contributing, fearing retaliation.
  • Global Precedents: Countries like China, Russia, and Pakistan have censored Wikipedia, and similar actions in India could damage its democratic reputation.
• Initial Directives:
  • The Delhi High Court initially directed Wikimedia to provide administrator details in a sealed cover.
• Potential Blocking:
  • If Wikipedia fails to comply, the court has hinted at the possibility of blocking the platform in India.

Wider Implications

• Impact on Democracy:
  • Wikipedia’s open and democratic structure supports free knowledge sharing. Judicial or legislative interference could undermine this ethos.
  • India’s handling of this case will reflect its stance on balancing freedom of speech with accountability.
• Comparison with Other Nations:
  • Countries like China and Russia have taken restrictive actions against Wikipedia, leading to censorship. India risks aligning with these precedents.

Conclusion

• This defamation case raises critical questions about intermediary liability, freedom of expression, and the functioning of community-driven platforms like Wikipedia.
• While ANI seeks accountability, the broader implications for Wikipedia's operations and India’s democratic values remain significant.
• A balanced approach will be crucial to uphold both accountability and the open nature of platforms like Wikipedia.

Q1. What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials and credit card numbers. It occurs when an attacker, masquerading as a trusted entity, dupes a victim into opening an email, instant message, or text message.

Q2. What does OTT Platform mean?

OTT (over-the-top) is a means of providing television and film content over the internet at the request and to suit the requirements of the individual consumer. The term itself stands for “over-the-top”, which implies that a content provider is going over the top of existing internet services.

News: Wikipedia and ANI’s defamation suit

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What are Wildfires?
• Global and Local Impact of Landscape Fire Pollution

Why in News?

According to a study published in The Lancet journal, over 90 per cent of the global deaths per year linked to air pollution from landscape fires were in low and middle-income countries, including India.

The study covers all kinds of fires in any natural of cultural landscapes like fires in forests, grasslands, vegetated areas or wildfires.

What are Wildfires?

• About
  • Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly in natural or cultural landscapes, such as forests, grasslands, or agricultural areas.
  • They are a significant environmental and public health concern, releasing smoke and pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5) that can travel long distances, impacting air quality and human health.
• Causes of Wildfires
  • Natural Causes: Lightning strikes; Volcanic eruptions; Droughts or prolonged dry seasons, making vegetation highly flammable.
  • Human-Induced Causes: Agricultural burning; Discarded cigarettes and campfires; Arson or accidental ignitions; Poor Forest management practices.
  • Climate Change Influence: Increased temperatures and reduced precipitation exacerbate the frequency and severity of wildfires.
• Types of Wildfires
  • Ground Fires
    • Burn organic matter in the soil, such as peat or decaying vegetation, beneath the surface. Example: Peat fires in Indonesia.
    • Characteristics: Typically smolder rather than flame; Spread slowly but are difficult to detect and extinguish; Produce significant smoke and carbon emissions.
  • Surface Fires
    • Burn vegetation on or just above the ground, such as grass, leaves, and low shrubs. Example: Fires in savannas or grasslands
    • Characteristics: Most common type of wildfire; Can be low-intensity or high-intensity, depending on fuel and weather conditions; Spread relatively quickly but are easier to control.
  • Crown Fires
    • Burn the canopy of trees in forested areas, often fueled by surface fires. Example: Wildfires in coniferous forests, such as those in Canada or the western United States.
    • Characteristics: Extremely intense and fast-spreading; Hard to control due to their height and ability to leap from tree to tree; Occur in dense forests with abundant dry fuel.
  • Ladder Fires
    • Begin as surface fires and climb vegetation (shrubs, small trees) to reach the canopy, transitioning into crown fires. Example: Fires in mixed forests with dense undergrowth.
    • Characteristics: Act as a "ladder" for flames to ascend; Facilitate the spread of more destructive crown fires.
  • Spot Fires
    • Occur when embers or burning debris are carried by wind to ignite new fires away from the main blaze. Example: Fires in windy conditions near large wildfires.
    • Characteristics: Often create unpredictable fire behavior; Can rapidly spread the wildfire across large areas.

Global and Local Impact of Landscape Fire Pollution

• Key Findings from the Study
  • Global Mortality: More than 1.53 million deaths annually are attributed to pollution from landscape fires, including forest fires, agricultural burns, and wildfires.
  • India's Burden: Approximately 1.2 lakh deaths annually in India (2000-2019) were linked to such fires, amounting to 25.54 lakh deaths over 20 years.
  • Primary Health Risks: Cardiovascular (450,000 deaths/year) and respiratory diseases (220,000 deaths/year) are major contributors.
• Geographic and Socio-Economic Disparities
  • Low-Income Countries: Deaths due to respiratory illnesses caused by fires are four times higher in low-income nations compared to high-income nations.
  • Top-Affected Nations: China, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
• Role of PM2.5 and Climate Change
  • Airborne Risks: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone from fires travel hundreds of kilometers, affecting large populations.
  • Climate Feedback Loop: Increased wildfires due to global warming contribute to long-term climate impacts and disrupt ecosystems.
• Preventive Measures and Observations in India
  • Forest Fires in Maharashtra: Fire incidents often start from agricultural burns, spreading to forests. Awareness programs and fire watchers are deployed as preventive steps.
  • Local Emissions: Large-scale fires release smoke containing black carbon and fine particles, adversely impacting health, air quality, and climate.
• Outlook and Recommendations
  • Increasing Risk: The frequency and severity of wildfires are expected to rise due to climate change, escalating the global health burden.
  • Call for Action: Stronger preventive measures, improved air quality management, and international collaboration are needed to mitigate the growing health and climate impacts of fire pollution.

Q.1. What are the main health risks caused by wildfire pollution?

Wildfire pollution primarily causes cardiovascular diseases (450,000 deaths annually) and respiratory illnesses (220,000 deaths annually). Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke travels long distances, severely affecting air quality and public health, especially in low-income countries.

Q.2. How can wildfire risks be mitigated?

Wildfire risks can be mitigated through preventive measures like fire awareness programs, controlled agricultural burns, improved forest management, and international collaboration. Strengthening air quality management systems and addressing climate change are essential to reduce wildfire frequency and severity.

News: New study: more than 1.5 million die each year from wild/bush fire pollution | Business Standard

PM Svanidhi Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on June 01,2024, to provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors to resume their livelihoods that have been adversely affected due to COVID-19 lockdown. The scheme is implemented by the Small Industries Development Bank of India( SIDBI).

PM Svanidhi Scheme Objectives

Following are the objectives of PM Svanidhi Scheme: 

1. To provide vendors with affordable working capital loans to be able to overcome COVID-19 losses. 
2. To ensure regular loan repayments by provisions like cashback, higher loans etc. 
3. To promote digital transactions by rewarding the vendors who opt for digital payments for loans. 

PM Svanidhi Scheme Features

PM SVANidhi Scheme has the following features- 

1. It is a micro-credit facility that provides street vendors with a collateral-free loan of Rs 10,000 with low rates of interest (below 12%) for a period of one year, aiding the vendors in getting back on their feet financially.
2. The duration of the scheme initially was until March 2022. It has been extended till December 2024, with a focus on enhanced collateral-free affordable loan corpus, increased adoption of digital transactions and holistic socio-economic development of the Street Vendors and their families. 
3. Vendors who opted for digital loan payment options to be rewarded with cashback incentives. 
4. For early repayment of loans vendors were to be provided with 7% subsidy. 
5. No collateral security has to be paid to access the loan. 

PM Svanidhi Loan Eligibility Criteria 

To apply for PM SVANidhi Loan one must fulfil the following eligibility criteria: 

• All vendors who have been vending from or before (March 24, 2020) and with a certificate of vending can avail the loan.
• As per the Street Vendors Act 2014, the Town Vending Committees (which comprises the local authorities and vendors from an area) issue a certificate of vending after a survey has been conducted of all the vendors.

PM SVANidhi Scheme Benefits

• Vendors can avail of a working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000, which is repayable in monthly instalments in the tenure of one year.
• On timely/ early repayment of the loan, an interest subsidy @ 7% per annum will be credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer on a quarterly basis.
• there will be no penalty on early repayment of the loan.
• The scheme promotes digital transactions through cash back incentives up to an amount of Rs. 100 per month.
• The vendors can avail the facility of escalation of the credit limit on timely/ early repayment of loan.

PM SVANidhi FAQs

Q1. What is the PM SVANidhi scheme?

Ans. PM SVANidhi scheme provides affordable loans to street vendors to support their businesses post-COVID-19.

Q2. What is the SVANidhi Yojana for UPSC?

Ans. SVANidhi Yojana aims to offer collateral-free loans to street vendors, relevant for UPSC under schemes promoting financial inclusion.

Q3. When was PM SVANidhi started?

Ans. PM SVANidhi was launched on June 1, 2020.

Q4. Which Ministry administers the PM SVANidhi scheme?

Ans. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs administers the PM SVANidhi scheme.

Q5. What is the objective of PM SVANidhi?

Ans. The objective of PM SVANidhi is to empower street vendors by providing working capital loans and promoting digital transactions.

Q6. Who is the target of PM SVANidhi Yojana?

Ans. The target beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi Yojana are street vendors engaged in urban and peri-urban areas.

Q7. What is the importance of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana scheme?

Ans. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is important for promoting financial inclusion by providing access to banking services and financial literacy.