{"id":2583,"date":"2025-10-24T09:43:40","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T09:43:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=2583"},"modified":"2025-10-24T10:11:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T10:11:10","slug":"current-affairs-24th-october-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/10\/24\/current-affairs-24th-october-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 24th October 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong><u>1. Kerala to be first state free of extreme poverty<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>GS PAPER I :\u00a0 Indian society Poverty &amp; Development Issues.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT :<\/strong>Kerala will become the\u00a0first state in India officially declared free from extreme poverty\u00a0on November 1, 2025, marking a national milestone in poverty eradication efforts.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The achievement will be announced during Kerala\u2019s State Formation Day, receiving wide attention as a model for targeted social development.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Redefining Extreme Poverty<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Definition:\u00a0Living on less than $2.15\/day (World Bank 2017 PPP); updated to $3\/day (PPP 2021) for low-income contexts.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Nature:\u00a0Signifies absolute deprivation, not relative inequality; people lack access to food, shelter, health, education, sanitation.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Measurement:\u00a0Calculated using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES); India&#8217;s Multidimensional Poverty Index includes nutrition, housing, sanitation, education, services.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>India\u2019s Progress Against Extreme Poverty<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rapid Reduction:\u00a0India\u2019s rate fell from 27.1% (2011\u201312) to 5.3% (2022\u201323) per World Bank (2025), among the fastest global declines.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Population Impact:\u00a0Nearly 270 million lifted above the threshold; lowest poverty now seen in Kerala, Goa, Puducherry (NITI Aayog MPI).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Rural Transformation:\u00a0Steepest decline in rural areas, driven by MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana, NFSA, Ayushman Bharat, DBT expansion.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Kerala\u2019s Achievement: Programme Details<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Milestone:\u00a0Kerala achieves 0% extreme poverty after a four-year drive starting in 2021 under the LDF government.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Scale:\u00a0Of 64,006 families identified as extremely poor (using deprivation indicators), 59,277 families were uplifted with targeted support.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Interventions:\u00a03,913 homes built; land allotted to 1,338 families; \u20b92 lakh repairs for 5,651 homes; ration\/Aadhaar documentation for 21,263 individuals.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Methodology:\u00a0Micro-plan approach for each family; integrated state schemes, local bodies, and social audits with geo-tag verification.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Broader Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>SDG Alignment:\u00a0Kerala meets UN SDG 1 (\u201cNo Poverty\u201d) years ahead of the national deadline (2030).\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Inclusive Governance:\u00a0Success due to collaboration across political lines, strong local self-government, and last-mile welfare delivery.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Replicable Model:\u00a0Kerala\u2019s integrated, multi-sectoral approach sets an example for other states seeking rapid poverty reduction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><u>2. Tri -services to get syatems, platform for <\/u><\/strong><strong><u>\u20b9<\/u><\/strong><strong><u>79,000<\/u><\/strong> <strong>cr<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n<p>GS PAPER III-science and technology<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved \u20b979,000 crore procurements on October 23, 2025, marking a key step in India&#8217;s military modernization.Chaired by Rajnath Singh, it supports &#8216;Atmanirbhar Bharat&#8217; amid tensions with China and Pakistan.Enhances lethality, mobility, and surveillance, aligning with the 2025-26 defence budget focus on indigenous manufacturing.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Timely Context: Precedes the 2026 indigenization roadmap, with 75% under Buy (IDDM) for local production.<\/li>\n<li>Media Spotlight: Covered by UNI, Economic Times, and Zee Business for boosting operational readiness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Background<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India&#8217;s defence procurement evolved since the 2016 DPP overhaul, cutting import dependency from 70% (2014) to 60% (2025).<\/li>\n<li>DAC meetings address capability gaps post-2020 Galwan clash; this \u20b979,000 crore deal follows a \u20b91.05 lakh crore nod in July.<\/li>\n<li>Reflects accelerated spending within the \u20b96.2 lakh crore FY26 defence budget.<\/li>\n<li>Strategic Imperative: Focuses on two-front threats and Indo-Pacific dynamics with integrated theatre commands.<\/li>\n<li>Indigenization Drive: Bans 5,000+ import items; DRDO and firms like Tata, L&amp;T lead development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>What is the Acquisition of Defence Council (DAC)?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Apex body for capital defence procurements in India, established in 2001 under the MoD.<\/li>\n<li>Chaired by the Raksha Mantri, includes Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, and defence secretary.<\/li>\n<li>Primary Role: Grants Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for projects above \u20b9300 crore, prioritizing Buy (IDDM).<\/li>\n<li>Process: Reviews proposals from Integrated Project Management Teams; fast-tracks tenders within 6-12 months.<\/li>\n<li>Significance: Reduces delays from 5-7 years (pre-2016) to 2-3 years; cleared \u20b94 lakh crore since 2020.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Key Highlights of the 79,000 Crore Acquisition<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Covers 10 proposals under Buy (IDDM), enhancing tri-services capabilities; total value \u20b979,000 crore, delivery in 3-5 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>For the Indian Army &#8211; Systems Approved<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nag Missile System (NAMIS) &#8211; Tracked Variant: 293 units (\u20b91,480 crore) for anti-tank strikes (4-7 km range).<\/li>\n<li>Ground Based Mobile ELINT System (GEMS): 7 systems (\u20b92,000 crore) for real-time radar\/signal analysis.<\/li>\n<li>High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) with Cranes: 1,770 units (\u20b94,500 crore) for rapid troop deployment in high-altitude areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>For the Indian Navy &#8211; Systems Approved<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Landing Platform Docks (LPDs): 2 units (\u20b925,000 crore) with 30mm guns for amphibious assaults.<\/li>\n<li>Advanced Light Weight Torpedoes (ALWTs): 1,000 units (\u20b93,500 crore) for anti-submarine warfare.<\/li>\n<li>Electro-Optical Infrared Search-and-Track Systems: For midget submarines, enabling covert surveillance.<\/li>\n<li>Smart Ammunition: Upgrades 76mm guns for precision fire against drones\/ships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>For the Indian Air Force &#8211; Systems Approved<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Counter Laser Target Systems\/Designator Systems (CLRTS\/DS): 8 systems (\u20b92,500 crore) for precision strikes.<\/li>\n<li>Related Surveillance and Target Systems: Enhances engagement of enemy assets at standoff distances.<\/li>\n<li>Autonomous Take-Off and Landing Systems: For UAVs\/drones, improving operations in contested airspace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Strategic and Technological Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Marks a leap in integrated deterrence with DRDO-private sector collaboration for next-gen tech.<\/li>\n<li>Aligns with theaterisation goals for joint operations across services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Aspects and Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Lethality Enhancement<\/strong>: NAMIS\/ALWTs\/CLRTS offer 90% hit rate vs. 60% legacy, countering PLA\u2019s superiority.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mobility &amp; Logistics<\/strong>: LPDs\/HMVs enable rapid insertions (2,000 troops\/ship), cutting response time by 40%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Intelligence Gathering<\/strong>: GEMS\/EO-IR systems provide real-time EW dominance, boosting awareness by 50%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Indigenous Tech Leap<\/strong>: 100% IDDM ensures security; DRDO innovations drive \u20b921,000 crore exports in FY25.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jointness &amp; Interoperability<\/strong>: Supports CDS\u2019s theater commands, enhancing IOR presence against China\u2019s naval growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><u>3. The UN matters, as a symbol of possibility<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>GS Paper II:International Relations<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>UN commemorates 80th anniversary in 2025, focusing on reform and global challenges.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>UNGA80 debates highlight relevance, multilateralism, and leadership calls for change.\u200b\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Special events on October 24 mark Korean War anniversary and peacekeeping, renewing UN\u2019s security mandate.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India pushes for UNSC reforms, equity, and stronger Global South representation.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Background<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Founded after WWII, UN Charter signed by 51 nations in 1945 to uphold peace, rights, and development.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Evolved from confronting war to fostering cooperation globally.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Membership grew to 193; led 80+ peace agreements and advanced global norms.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>UN Evolution: War to Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1945-60s: Prevent wars, expand decolonization, broker key armistices.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>1970s-80s: Cold War vetoes stalled action, but health\/development progress made.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>1990s-2000s: New interventions, post-Soviet membership, Millennium Goals set.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>2010s-2025: Multipolar world challenges consensus; Paris Agreement, SDGs boost cooperation.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Changing Global Order: 1945 vs. 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n<table width=\"728\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Aspect<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>1945 Context<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>2025 Context<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Power Dynamics<\/td>\n<td>Bipolar, West-dominated<\/td>\n<td>Multipolar, Global South rising<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Membership<\/td>\n<td>51, mainly Western<\/td>\n<td>193, Africa\/Asia expanded<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Key Threats<\/td>\n<td>Interstate wars, nukes<\/td>\n<td>Climate, cyber, pandemics<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Institutions<\/td>\n<td>UN central with Bretton Woods<\/td>\n<td>Fragmented, many power centers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Equity Focus<\/td>\n<td>Decolonization nascent<\/td>\n<td>SDGs slow, calls for new finance mechanisms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Structural Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>UNSC composition frozen; no expansion since 1945, excluding major powers.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Veto power causes deadlock on Ukraine, Gaza, undermining global faith.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Budget shortfalls delay key missions; only 60% of dues paid on time.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Bureaucratic inertia and agency overlap reduce agility for crises.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>India\u2019s Perspective &amp; Role<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India leads G4 bid for expanded UNSC with more permanent seats, equity.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Advocates \u201cmulti-alignment,\u201d reform, and stronger South-South ties.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Largest troop contributor, funds UNRWA, leads climate\/SDG efforts.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The UN\u2019s Continuing Relevance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Humanitarian: $50B+ aid delivered yearly; Sudan famine, Ukraine refugees aided.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Peacekeeping: 70+ missions since 1948, 70,000 troops in 2025 stabilize crises.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Norms: SDGs, NPT, AI ethics, reinforce rights and standards.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Convening Power: Global platform for dialogue, conflict resolution.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>The Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>UNSC reform: Expand permanent seats, limit veto power, consensus by 2030.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>GA powers: More binding roles, digital voting piloted for efficiency.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Finance: Diversify funding, target $5B liquidity buffer, incentivize dues.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Modernize: AI analytics, agency streamlining for responsive governance.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Empower Global South: Ring-fence seats, link reform to climate finance commitments.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s leadership: Drive hybrid forums, tech-inclusive diplomacy, reform summits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><u>4. Should India take global leadership on climate change?<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>GS paper III: Enviro &amp; Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Pollution &amp; Degradation, Eia<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT: <\/strong>COP30 (UN Climate Summit) is approaching in November 2025, with India seen as a stabilizing force as Western climate leadership wane.\u200b<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s consistent climate policy, major renewable achievements, and ability to form alliances draw global attention ahead of COP30.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Focus at COP30 is shifting from new pledges to implementation and finance for climate adaptation, where India is advocating practical, grounded action.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Global Context and India\u2019s Position<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Developed nations are less active in climate leadership, citing economic and energy challenges.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India maintains cross-party policy continuity and avoids divisive climate politics.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India forms new partnerships with Europe, Brazil, and the Global South on technology, forests, and climate action.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>COP30 agenda emphasizes executing existing commitments over new targets.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Financing and Implementation Gaps<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Global climate finance needs reach $1.3 trillion a year by 2035, but funding remains insufficient.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Effective implementation depends on finance, technology access, and building capacity in developing countries.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India promotes blended finance (public, private, philanthropic) for adaptation sectors like agriculture and water.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Project pipelines at national\/state levels are needed to attract and utilize investment efficiently.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>India\u2019s Achievements and Strategic Strengths<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s power sector emissions have plateaued as renewables expand.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Non-fossil fuels now make up about 50% of installed capacity, ahead of Paris targets.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Decoupling: Energy demand growth is less tied to emissions due to efficiency and structural change.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Major businesses are investing in green hydrogen, solar, and renewables for future growth.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Adaptation and Dual-Benefit Projects<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Integrated programs like PM-KUSUM use solar power in agriculture, reducing diesel dependence and risks.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Projects combine adaptation (resilience) with mitigation (emissions reduction) for long-term benefits.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Innovations: Solar-powered storage, electric buses, national schemes to lower costs and increase climate resilience.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>NDCs and Adaptation Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India commits to 50% non-fossil power by 2030, aligned with Paris Agreement.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Plans to link green hydrogen and industrial decarbonization to future climate pledges.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>States may maintain adaptation \u201cwish lists\u201d under national carbon market mechanisms.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s strategy focuses on high-impact carbon credits (e.g., solar + storage) over single-stream projects.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Should India Lead the Global Climate Agenda?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s low per capita emissions, robust climate policy, and expertise provide credibility for global leadership.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Strategic leadership enables influence over new finance flows and technology frameworks at COP30.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s operational experience and welfare\/renewable schemes add to its global standing.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Leadership must balance ambition with equitable development and energy access for all.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>India\u2019s climate leadership is practical, focused on equity and implementation, not just symbolic.<\/li>\n<li>With strong governance, scalable models, and rising private investment, India is positioned to anchor effective global climate action\u2014bridging the gap between commitments and real outcomes at COP30.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><u>5. Great Green Wall project<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>General Studies Paper III \u2013 Environment and Ecology<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: Andhra<\/strong> Pradesh has launched the\u00a0Great Green Wall project\u00a0to transform its entire Bay of Bengal coastline into a natural bio-shield against cyclones, sea-level rise, and environmental degradation. Inspired by Africa\u2019s Great Green Wall initiative, this project aims to bolster climate resilience, uplift coastal communities, and set a benchmark for sustainable development.\u200b<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Overview of the Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2584 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-24-151238.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"303\" height=\"272\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Flagship Climate Project<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Flagship Initiative:\u00a0Part of the state\u2019s Coastal Green Mission; aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and India\u2019s National Coastal Mission.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Main Goal:\u00a0Protect the 1,034 km Bay of Bengal coastline from cyclones, tsunamis, and rising sea levels through afforestation and sustainable ecosystem management.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Inspired By:\u00a0Africa\u2019s Great Green Wall, but adapted for India&#8217;s eastern coastline.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Key Objectives and Targets<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Green Cover Goals:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Raise state green cover from 30% in 2025 to 37% by 2029, and up to 50% by 2047.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Scope:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Green belt to run from Tirupati to Srikakulam, covering the full length (1,034 km) of the Andhra coast.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Belt will be up to 5 km wide inland, with a variable width of 50\u2013200 metres.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Core Features<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Species Chosen:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Plantation includes mangroves, casuarina, palmyra, bamboo, and other shelterbelt trees suited to coastal conditions.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Inauguration:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Officially launched at Surya Lanka Beach, Bapatla district, on 11 September 2025.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Community and Stakeholder Involvement<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stakeholder Participation:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Self-Help Groups, eco-clubs, MGNREGS workers, fishermen, and local communities play a major role in planting, maintenance, and monitoring.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Integration:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Green buffers will be developed around ports, SEZs, industrial corridors, and aquaculture, offering livelihoods alongside protection.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Funding and Support<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Financial Backing:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Supported by CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund), MISHTI, Green Credit Programme, MGNREGS, CSR funds, and District Mineral Funds.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why It Matters for UPSC and Society<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Disaster Resilience:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Reduces impact of cyclones, storm surges, and shoreline erosion that threaten over 3 million people on the Andhra coast.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Environmental &amp; Economic Benefits:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Restores biodiversity, stabilizes coastal habitats, and encourages sustainable fisheries and eco-tourism.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Coastal Protection Model:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Serves as an innovative example for other coastal states facing similar climate vulnerabilities.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Community Empowerment:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Leverages local knowledge, generates green jobs, and supports inclusive development.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>SDG and National Strategies:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Advances India\u2019s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals and national climate adaptation strategies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><u>6. Stubble burning<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>General Studies Paper III: Environment and Ecology<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>Punjab\u2019s stubble burning issue is under focus due to reports indicating a sharp drop in visible farm fires in 2024, while concerns persist about whether the actual area burned and associated emissions have truly reduced. The government claims success in curbing incidents, but advanced monitoring and ground realities reveal contradictions and limitations in satellite-based data.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Background: What is Stubble Burning?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Definition:\u00a0Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residue (mainly paddy stubble) after harvest, usually to quickly clear fields for the next sowing season.<\/li>\n<li>Practice:\u00a0Common in Punjab and northern India post-paddy harvest, mainly due to the short window before winter wheat sowing.<\/li>\n<li>Environmental Impact:\u00a0Major contributor to severe air pollution, especially in Delhi-NCR during winter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Current Scenario (2024\u20132025)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Paddy harvesting in Punjab slowed due to heavy floods, reducing stubble burning incidents.<\/li>\n<li>Official fire counts in 2024 are reportedly down 70% compared to 2023.<\/li>\n<li>Despite fewer fire counts, experts caution that actual burnt area and emissions may remain high due to under-detection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Government Claim vs. Contradictory Reality<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Government Claims<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Significant decline in paddy stubble fire incidents (from ~36,663 in 2023 to ~10,909 in 2024).<\/li>\n<li>Attributed to stricter policing, subsidized machinery, and awareness campaigns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Contradictory Realities<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Experts argue the total burnt land remains substantial; some fires are undetected.<\/li>\n<li>Advanced estimates (satellite and optical techniques) indicate scorched area and emissions may not have fallen as much as claimed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Why Discrepancy in Data?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Table: Satellite-Based Limitations<\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 281px;\" width=\"918\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Limitation<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Explanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Infrequent Satellite Passes<\/td>\n<td>Satellites like MODIS\/VIIRS capture data only a few times a day, missing short\/intense fires.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cloud\/Haze Interference<\/td>\n<td>Weather blocks thermal signal, leading to missed fire detections.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fragmented\/Short-Duration Fires<\/td>\n<td>Many Punjab fires are low-intensity, spread, and brief\u2014hard to detect in short satellite windows.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Landholding Pattern<\/td>\n<td>Small farm plots mean scattered burn patches, more likely to be missed.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Advanced Satellite Techniques<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Thermal Sensors:\u00a0Detect heat from fires but may miss small or brief burns.<\/li>\n<li>Optical Sensors (e.g., Sentinel-2):\u00a0Capture post-fire scars, providing a better estimate of total area burnt.<\/li>\n<li>Integrated Approaches:\u00a0Combine thermal and optical data, validated by ground surveys, for accuracy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Burnt Area and Emission Interpretation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lower visible fire count does NOT guarantee lower overall emissions.<\/li>\n<li>Intensity, frequency, and size of burns impact particulate and gaseous releases.<\/li>\n<li>Many undocumented burns are low-emission but widespread.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why Farmers Still Burn Stubble?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Table: Major Reasons for Stubble Burning<\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 257px;\" width=\"920\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Reason<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"499\"><strong>Explanation<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Short Sowing Window<\/td>\n<td width=\"499\">Narrow gap between paddy harvest and wheat planting.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cost of Alternatives<\/td>\n<td width=\"499\">Solutions like Happy Seeder, decomposer microbes, or straw balers are costly\/less accessible.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Speed and Simplicity<\/td>\n<td width=\"499\">Burning is quick, easy, and clears fields efficiently.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Labour and Machinery Issues<\/td>\n<td width=\"499\">Shortage of labour\/machinery during the harvest peak season.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Government Measures to Reduce Stubble Burning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Table: Key Government Interventions<\/strong><\/p>\n<table width=\"718\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Measure<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"500\"><strong>Details<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Machinery Subsidies<\/td>\n<td width=\"500\">Providing Happy Seeder, Straw Management Machines on subsidy.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Enforcement Actions<\/td>\n<td width=\"500\">Fines and penalties for illegal stubble burning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Awareness Campaigns<\/td>\n<td width=\"500\">Educational drives on pollution and health effects.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Alternative Uses<\/td>\n<td width=\"500\">Promotion of paddy straw for bioenergy, composting, packing etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Crop Diversification<\/td>\n<td width=\"500\">Incentivizing pulses\/oilseeds to reduce rice-wheat cycle dependency.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>Way Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Integrate Satellite and Ground Data:\u00a0Improve monitoring by combining remote sensing with ground validation for accurate assessment.<\/li>\n<li>Support Alternative Solutions:\u00a0Scale up affordable access to machinery, decomposers, and alternative uses for stubble.<\/li>\n<li>Extend Sowing Window:\u00a0Policy support for crop diversification and flexible sowing timelines.<\/li>\n<li>Sustained Community Engagement:\u00a0Continuous farmer training and incentives for sustainable practices.<\/li>\n<li>Emission Assessment:\u00a0Track and regulate based on total emissions (intensity, type of fuel, duration) alongside fire counts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><u>7. WTO hails India\u2019s AEO scheme for bringing more small businesses into global trade<\/u><\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Context: <\/strong>The World Trade Organization (WTO) has commended India\u2019s\u00a0Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme\u00a0for significantly expanding the participation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in global trade and making customs compliance more accessible and efficient.\u200b<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>AEO India Scheme: Key Elements<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Programme Overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nature:\u00a0Voluntary certification scheme, started by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in 2011 to promote efficient and secure cross-border trade.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Purpose:\u00a0Recognizes and accredits trusted traders who maintain high levels of customs compliance and supply chain security, rewarding them with expedited customs processing and other facilitation measures.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Evolution and Alignment<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pilot and Expansion:\u00a0The scheme began in 2011, merged with the Accredited Client Programme (ACP) in 2016, and was aligned with the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards for international best practices.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>WCO Harmony:\u00a0The program is fully harmonized with WCO\u2019s global standards, ensuring mutual recognition and facilitating international trade.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Certification Tiers<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Levels of Accreditation:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>AEO-T1:\u00a0Entry-level benefits<\/li>\n<li>AEO-T2:\u00a0Higher trust, more benefits<\/li>\n<li>AEO-T3:\u00a0Maximum trade facilitation<\/li>\n<li>AEO-LO:\u00a0For accredited logistics operators<br \/>\nEach level brings enhanced benefits for greater compliance, solvency, and security standards.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Main Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Facilitation Benefits:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Faster customs clearances<\/li>\n<li>Deferred payment of duties<\/li>\n<li>Direct port delivery and entry<\/li>\n<li>Fewer inspections<\/li>\n<li>Priority in dispute resolution<\/li>\n<li>Dedicated client managers<\/li>\n<li>Relaxed bank guarantee requirements and easier documentation, especially for MSMEs\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>About the WCO AEO Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Foundation and Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Initiation:\u00a0Established by the World Customs Organization through its SAFE Framework (2005) to promote secure global trade chains.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Core Aim:\u00a0Ensures trusted operators\u2014businesses meeting stringent security and compliance standards\u2014are provided simplified and expedited customs processes.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Pillars of the Framework<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Customs-to-Customs:\u00a0International cooperation to streamline border processes.<\/li>\n<li>Customs-to-Business:\u00a0Partnership with private sector through AEO certification.<\/li>\n<li>Customs-to-Other Agencies:\u00a0Coordination for holistic trade facilitation and security.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Global Spread and Mutual Recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Adoption:\u00a0More than 90 countries have operational AEO programmes, many with mutual recognition arrangements that extend benefits for exporters\/importers internationally.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s Role:\u00a0India\u2019s model is regarded as one of the most comprehensive among developing economies, and Indian customs authorities have signed MRAs to ensure smooth cross-border procedures and greater global integration.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Kerala to be first state free of extreme poverty GS PAPER I :\u00a0 Indian society Poverty &amp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2603,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2583","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-current-affairs"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42.jpg",2048,2048,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42-300x300.jpg",300,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42-768x768.jpg",640,640,true],"large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42-1024x1024.jpg",640,640,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42-1536x1536.jpg",1536,1536,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42.jpg",2048,2048,false],"morenews-large":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42-825x575.jpg",825,575,true],"morenews-medium":["https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/generated-image-42-590x410.jpg",590,410,true]},"author_info":{"display_name":"Nithin DTPoperator","author_link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/author\/nithindtp\/"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/category\/daily-current-affairs\/\" rel=\"category tag\">DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS<\/a>","tag_info":"DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS","comment_count":"0","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2583","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2583"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2583\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2602,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2583\/revisions\/2602"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2603"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2583"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2583"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2583"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}