Discuss how rising temperatures across India reflect the changing dynamics of climate variability and its implications for the country’s water and food security.

Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes Q1. Discuss how rising temperatures across India reflect the changing dynamics of climate variability and its implications for the country’s water and food security. (10M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: The …

“In a water-stressed economy, biofuel expansion without social-cost assessment is policy myopia”. Evaluate this observation. Analyse the competing objectives of food security, farmer income, and emission reduction in India’s ethanol roadmap. Suggest corrective measures.

Topic: Infrastructure: Energy Q5. “In a water-stressed economy, biofuel expansion without social-cost assessment is policy myopia”. Evaluate this observation. Analyse the competing objectives of food security, farmer income, and emission reduction in India’s ethanol roadmap. Suggest corrective measures. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: NIE Why the question: Amid the E20 rollout and concerns over …

National Pulses Mission

Source:  PIB Context: The Union Cabinet approved the National Pulses Mission (2025–31) with an outlay of ₹11,440 crore to boost pulse production and reduce import dependency. About National Pulses Mission: What it is? A six-year central programme (2025–31) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Designed to achieve Aatmanirbharta in pulses, ensuring food and …

Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India

Syllabus: Poverty & Hunger/Social Justice Source:  TH Context: The 2024 NSS Household Consumption Survey revealed that nearly 50% of rural India and 20% of urban India cannot afford two thalis a day, despite low poverty levels. Experts propose restructuring PDS to equalise primary food consumption, especially pulses. About Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India: What …

“Food security is not only about production but also about consumption choices”. Analyse this statement. Examine how dietary shifts can alter land use patterns.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. “Food security is not only about production but also about consumption choices”. Analyse this statement. Examine how dietary shifts can alter land use patterns. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question Global studies like the University of Liège (2025) show …

“Agricultural self-reliance is as much about knowledge systems as it is about productivity”. Analyse how blending traditional wisdom with modern technology can strengthen food security.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. “Agricultural self-reliance is as much about knowledge systems as it is about productivity”. Analyse how blending traditional wisdom with modern technology can strengthen food security. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question In the context of India’s agricultural self-reliance where …

ICAR – Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Source:  NIE Context: The 97th Foundation Day of ICAR was celebrated in New Delhi, where Union Agriculture Minister addressed scientists and farmers. About ICAR – Indian Council of Agricultural Research: What is ICAR? The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous apex body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, responsible for …

What are the major barriers preventing rural youth from taking up agriculture? Assess the consequences of this for global food systems. Suggest policy measures to make agriculture more attractive and viable for youth.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment Q5. What are the major barriers preventing rural youth from taking up agriculture? Assess the consequences of this for global food systems. Suggest policy measures to make agriculture more attractive and viable for youth. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: …

Examine the role of adaptive farming measures in mitigating the impact of climate change on staple crop yields. What are the limitations of such approaches, and how can India’s agricultural policy evolve?

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. Examine the role of adaptive farming measures in mitigating the impact of climate change on staple crop yields. What are the limitations of such approaches, and how can India’s agricultural policy evolve? (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: TH Why the question: For …

Analyse how India’s ethanol blending programme is altering cropping patterns. Examine the consequences for small and marginal farmers.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. Analyse how India’s ethanol blending programme is altering cropping patterns. Examine the consequences for small and marginal farmers. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: India’s ethanol blending programme has rapidly expanded in recent years, triggering significant changes in cropping …

“India’s rising import bill in pulses and edible oils reflects a deeper crisis in crop diversification and farm income sustainability”. Evaluate the underlying structural factors contributing to this crisis. Discuss the major policy deficiencies that have aggravated the situation. Suggest sustainable solutions.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q5. “India’s rising import bill in pulses and edible oils reflects a deeper crisis in crop diversification and farm income sustainability”. Evaluate the underlying structural factors contributing to this crisis. Discuss the major policy deficiencies that have aggravated the situation. Suggest sustainable solutions. (15 …

Why is dependence on a few major crops problematic for global agricultural systems? Analyse the role of policy and market forces in driving this trend.

Topic: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country Q6. Why is dependence on a few major crops problematic for global agricultural systems? Analyse the role of policy and market forces in driving this trend. (10 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: The FAO’s 2025 report highlights a concerning global …

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Source:  DTE Context: The 20th meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) has commenced in Rome, where global leaders will discuss strategies for conserving plant and forest genetic resources and release two major global reports. About Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA): What it is: A permanent …

Green Revolution

Syllabus: Agriculture Source:  DTE  Context: The term ‘Green Revolution’, coined 57 years ago, transformed global agriculture and secured India’s food self-sufficiency. What is the Green Revolution? A scientific and policy-driven agricultural movement launched in the 1960s to increase food production through High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, mechanization, and chemical inputs. Coined by: William S. Gaud in …

UPSC Editorial Analysis: Demand for Legalising MSP

General Studies-3; Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security;    Introduction The renewed farmers’ agitation at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana, has reignited the debate on the necessity of a legal guarantee for Minimum …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 November 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Source:  IE Context: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was launched at the G20 Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s presidency. It aims to address the urgent global challenges of hunger and poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disparities, conflicts, and climate change. About Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: Launch: …