UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 18th September 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Defence & Security

Supreme Court sets aside criminal proceedings against 30 Army personnel in Nagaland operation

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

The Supreme Court has dismissed all legal actions concerning an FIR against 30 army personnel linked to a controversial operation in Nagaland that took place in 2021. The Court clarified that since Nagaland is governed by the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, any prosecution of armed forces members requires prior approval from the appropriate authority as stated in Section 6 of the Act. However, the Court also mentioned that this ruling does not hinder the Army from pursuing disciplinary measures against the personnel involved. The competent authority had previously refused to grant this sanction in an order dated February 28, 2023, which ultimately led to the closure of the case.

Background

• Incident occurred in December 2021 when Army para commandos were positioned to intercept militants.
• Location: Mon district of Nagaland, close to the Myanmar border.
• Commandos mistook coal mine workers for militants in the dim light.
• Resulted in the deaths of six villagers who were returning home.
• In response to the initial shooting, a local search party confronted the soldiers.
• This confrontation led to further violence that claimed seven additional civilian lives.
• Additionally, there was the death of a soldier during the incident.

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958

This Act was established to regulate the military's authority in areas deemed disturbed by the Indian government. Initially implemented in the Northeast, it later extended to Punjab. Under its provisions, armed forces are granted significant powers, including:

• Opening fire upon individuals if deemed necessary.
• Conducting searches and arrests without a warrant.
• Prosecution of armed forces personnel requires prior permission from the Central Government.

Background of the present case

The incident sparked widespread outrage in Nagaland and the broader Northeast region. In response, the state government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the event. Concurrently, the Army initiated its own inquiry into the matter.

Killing of 13 People in Nagaland

During the botched operation, the Army mistakenly targeted civilians, which led to a tragic chain of events:

• The Army commandos, misidentifying coal miners as militants, killed six villagers.
• A subsequent confrontation with a local search party resulted in the deaths of seven more civilians and one soldier.
• Another civilian was killed later during a mob attack on an Assam Rifles camp in Mon, an area largely inhabited by the Konyak tribe.

Aftermath of killing: Formation of enquiry commission

Following the public outcry, the SIT completed its investigation and filed a chargesheet in May 2022, indicting all 30 members of the 21 Para Special Forces team involved in the shooting.

Findings of SIT

The SIT's findings resulted in formal charges against the Army personnel involved. Given that these individuals were operating under AFSPA regulations, any prosecution required sanction from the Central Government.

Need for sanction to prosecute from the Centre

In accordance with AFSPA, the prosecution of military personnel requires authorization from the competent authority, which was not granted in this case.

Centre denied sanction to prosecute

In February 2023, the competent authority officially declined to grant permission for prosecution, leading to the Supreme Court's conclusion of the case.

Present case in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court addressed two petitions filed by the wives of two Army officers, who sought to quash the FIR lodged by the Nagaland Police against the army personnel, including their husbands. The petitions also contested the SIT's findings and recommendations.

[AFSPA]

About

• Controversial provisions of AFSPA
  • Section 3 – Grants the Centre the authority to declare any area a "Disturbed Area" without state consent.
  • Section 4 – Provides armed forces with powers to open fire, arrest without a warrant, and conduct searches without warrants.
  • Section 7 – Mandates prior permission from central or state authorities for prosecuting security force members.

GS2/International Relations

Exploding pagers in Lebanon

Source: BBC

Why in News?

In Lebanon, numerous individuals were injured following the simultaneous explosions of pagers utilized by Hezbollah, a militant organization. These blasts resulted in at least nine fatalities and approximately 2,800 injuries, many of which are severe. The origin of the explosions remains uncertain; however, they appear to have been executed with high sophistication. Hezbollah has attributed the attack to Israel, although Israeli officials have yet to respond to these claims.

Hezbollah Overview

• Hezbollah, which translates to "Party of God," is recognized as the most heavily armed non-state actor globally, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
• The organization is equipped with a wide array of weaponry, including rockets and missiles.
• Hezbollah opposes Israel and Western influence in the Middle East and has supported Syria's President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war.
• Since the mid-2000s, the group has become increasingly involved in Lebanese politics, securing seats in the national parliament.
• However, it faces rising protests due to deteriorating economic conditions in Lebanon.

Formation of Hezbollah

• Hezbollah emerged during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), a conflict partially triggered by the influx of Palestinian refugees following Israel's establishment in 1948, which led to Israeli invasions of southern Lebanon in 1978 and 1982.
• The group's formation was influenced by Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, and it has received significant funding and support from Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Understanding Pagers

• A pager, also known as a beeper, is a small portable device designed to receive and sometimes send brief messages or alerts.
• Pagers operate by receiving messages transmitted via radio frequencies from a base station or central dispatch.
• Messages can be numeric (only numbers) or alphanumeric (includes letters and numbers), displayed for the user.
• Two-way pagers enable users to send and receive messages, akin to early text messaging systems.

How Pagers Work

• Pagers are designed to operate on specific radio frequencies, allowing them to receive messages over these channels.
• The effective range of a pager is determined by the frequency band utilized and the coverage area of the paging network.

Historical Significance

• Pagers were predominantly used in the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in professions that demanded reliable communication, such as healthcare and emergency services.
• They are advantageous in areas with poor cellular coverage since they do not depend on cellular networks.

Types of Pagers

• Numeric Pagers: These display only numbers, typically used for sending phone numbers or simple alerts.
• Alphanumeric Pagers: These can display both letters and numbers, allowing for more detailed messages.

Advantages of Pagers

• Pagers are well-suited for quick alerts and dependable communication, especially in remote locations where cellular signals may be weak.
• The devices are user-friendly, straightforward to operate, and generally less susceptible to technical failures.
• One-way pagers are typically untraceable as they do not transmit signals back to the base station that sent the initial signal.

Reasons for Decline

• The advent of mobile phones and their comprehensive features has led to a significant decline in pager usage.
• Mobile phones provide advanced communication capabilities, including voice calls, text messaging, and internet access.

Details of the Incident

• A series of simultaneous pager detonations across Lebanon resulted in nine deaths and around 3,000 injuries.
• Hezbollah has utilized pagers for years to enhance the security of their communications.
• According to Hezbollah's statement, pagers used by individuals affiliated with the group's institutions began to explode under mysterious circumstances.

Responsibility for the Attack

• The explosions occurred shortly after Israeli leaders indicated they were contemplating intensifying their military actions against Hezbollah.
• Hezbollah has accused Israel of orchestrating the incident, but Israel has yet to make a statement regarding these allegations.
• Escalating Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
• On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah initiated exchanges of fire with Israel, a day after Hamas launched attacks in southern Israel, escalating the Israel-Gaza conflict.
• As an ally of Hamas, Hezbollah claims its actions are in solidarity with Palestinians facing Israeli attacks in Gaza.
• This conflict has engaged Iran-backed militants throughout the region, with Hezbollah being the most potent member of the "Axis of Resistance."
• While linked to Gaza, the Israel-Hezbollah conflict has unique dynamics, with both parties having engaged in multiple wars, the last major confrontation occurring in 2006.
• Israel perceives Hezbollah as a significant threat, particularly due to its expanding arsenal and influence in Syria.

Supply Chain Infiltration Speculation

• Initial speculation suggested that the pager explosions were a result of a hack causing battery overheating, but this theory was quickly debunked based on footage of the blasts.
• Cybersecurity specialists characterized the event as potentially one of the largest physical supply chain attacks in history.
• Following Hezbollah's warnings to avoid mobile phones due to fears of Israeli interference, the group switched to pagers.
• A recent batch of pagers was delivered, and experts suspect potential infiltration of the supply chain, possibly including military-grade explosives within the devices.
• Experts theorized that the pagers might have been armed via an electronic signal, like an alphanumeric message.
• A Hezbollah official indicated that the devices were designed to beep for several seconds before detonating, although the exact mechanism behind the explosions is still unknown.

GS3/Economy

Relative Economic Performance of Indian States

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has recently published a working paper titled 'Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24'. This comprehensive analysis covers a significant timeframe, illustrating how different Indian states have responded to changes in both national and regional policies over the years.

What may be Inferred from the States' Relative Economic Performance?

• The EAC-PM is a non-constitutional, independent body that provides economic advice to the Government of India.
• Initially constituted after India’s independence, it was revived in 2017, with Bibek Debroy currently serving as the chairman.
• The council plays a crucial role in identifying and advising on key economic challenges faced by the country.
• It offers guidance on various economic issues, including inflation, microfinance, and industrial output.

Indicators Used to Capture Relative Economic Performance of States:

• The paper emphasizes two main indicators for assessing the performance of states:
  • Share in India’s GDP: This is calculated by dividing a state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) by the total GSDP of all states, helping to gauge its relative economic significance.
  • Relative Per Capita Income: This indicator compares a state’s per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) to the all-India per capita Net National Product, highlighting disparities in income levels. It’s important to note that this measure does not account for remittances, which are significant in states like Kerala, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.

Regional Analysis of Relative Economic Performance of States:

• Southern States: Prior to 1991, the southern states did not show exceptional economic performance. However, following the economic liberalization in 1991, states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu have emerged as leading economic performers, collectively contributing around 30% of India's GDP by 2023-24.
• Post-1991, the per capita income of these states has surpassed the national average, with Telangana’s relative per capita income reaching an impressive 193.6% of the national average.
• Western States: Maharashtra has consistently held the highest share of India's GDP for most of this period. Gujarat's economic share has seen a significant increase since 2000-01, growing from 6.4% to 8.1% by 2022-23. Both states have maintained per capita incomes above the national average since the 1960s, with Gujarat's per capita income at 160.7% of the national average in 2023-24.
• Northern States: In the northern region, Delhi and Haryana have demonstrated notable economic growth, while Punjab's economy has declined since 1991. By 2023-24, Haryana surpassed Punjab in GDP share and reached a relative per capita income of 176.8% compared to Punjab's 106.7%.
• Eastern States: West Bengal's share of national GDP has drastically decreased from 10.5% in 1960-61 to only 5.6% in 2023-24. Its per capita income has also fallen below the national average, illustrating significant economic challenges.
• Central States: Uttar Pradesh, once a major economic hub in the 1960s with a 14.4% GDP share, saw its share drop to 8.4% by 2023-24. However, Madhya Pradesh has shown improvement, with its relative per capita income increasing from 60.1% in 2010-11 to 77.4% in 2023-24.
• North-Eastern States: Sikkim has seen remarkable growth, with its per capita income soaring from below the national average in 1980-81 to 320% by 2023-24. In contrast, Assam's relative per capita income has declined to 73.7%.
• Overall, the western and southern regions are outperforming others, while eastern states like Bihar still face significant challenges, requiring accelerated growth to improve their standings.
• The disparities between Haryana and Punjab raise questions about the long-term impacts of Punjab's agricultural focus, potentially leading to a 'Dutch disease' effect that hindered industrial growth.

GS2/Polity

What Powers will the new Jammu and Kashmir Assembly have?

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

The first phase of polling for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 18, 2024. This election is particularly notable as it is the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which significantly transformed the political and constitutional landscape of the region. The new Assembly will function as a Union Territory (UT) rather than as a state, leading to major changes in governance.

Constitutional Changes Post-2019:

• In August 2019, the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked, splitting it into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, which will have a legislature, and Ladakh, which will not.
• This change was enacted through the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which modified the First Schedule of the Constitution to reflect this new status and established a new governance framework under Article 239, which pertains to Union Territories.

Governance Structure of Jammu and Kashmir:

• The governance model for the new Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is distinct, resembling that of other Union Territories such as Delhi and Puducherry, but with important differences.
• According to Article 239A, Jammu and Kashmir will have a Legislative Assembly akin to that of Puducherry, although the legislative powers will be more limited compared to those of a full state.

Powers of the Legislative Assembly:

• The Act specifies the legislative powers granted to the Assembly:
  • Section 32 states that the Assembly can enact laws on matters in the State List, with the exception of critical areas like public order and police.
  • The Assembly can also legislate on subjects within the Concurrent List, provided these laws do not conflict with central legislation.
  • Section 36 imposes an important stipulation regarding financial legislation, requiring that any Bill concerning financial obligations be recommended by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) prior to its introduction in the Assembly.

Comparison with Delhi's Governance Model:

• The governance structure of Jammu and Kashmir can be compared to that of Delhi, which is also a Union Territory with a legislative assembly.
• However, the powers of the Delhi government are limited, particularly in areas such as land, public order, and police, which remain under the direct control of the LG.
• Disputes between the Delhi government and the LG have often resulted in legal conflicts, especially regarding control over services (the bureaucracy).
• In Jammu and Kashmir, the LG retains control over public order, police, and anti-corruption matters, and is empowered to exercise discretion in areas outside the Legislative Assembly's jurisdiction, giving the LG significant influence over governance.

Role of the Lieutenant Governor:

• The Lieutenant Governor in Jammu and Kashmir holds considerable authority, as outlined in Section 53 of the 2019 Act.
• The LG can independently act on matters that surpass the legislative powers of the Assembly, including overseeing the All India Services and the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
• Additionally, the LG's decisions are not easily contestable in court, enhancing the office’s power within the region.
• Leading up to the elections, administrative changes have further broadened the LG's powers, such as the ability to appoint the Advocate General and law officers and to engage in decisions related to prosecution and sanctions.

Conclusion:

The upcoming elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly signify a new chapter in the region's governance, characterized by a fundamentally altered political and constitutional framework following the changes made in 2019. The region will now operate as a Union Territory with a limited legislative assembly, similar to Delhi and Puducherry, but with enhanced oversight through the powers of the LG. The implications of these changes for governance and the balance of power between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir will be crucial to observe as the region navigates its new political and administrative context.

GS2/Governance

Impact of Emergency Provisions on Centre-State Relations

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The recent violence in Manipur has reignited debate on Centre-State relations and the use of emergency provisions.

 About Federal Setup in India

• India operates as a federation with governments at both the Centre and the States.
• The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the distribution of powers between the Union and States.
• State governments are responsible for maintaining law and order within their territories.

Emergency Provisions in the Constitution

• Emergency provisions are included in Part XVIII of the Constitution.
• Articles 355 and 356 focus on the functioning of state governments during emergencies.
• Article 355 requires the Centre to protect every State from external threats and internal unrest.
• This Article also mandates that the Centre ensures every State government operates according to the Constitution.
• Article 356 allows for the imposition of the President's rule if a State's government fails to function as per constitutional guidelines.

Comparison with Other Countries

• In countries like the U.S. and Australia, the federal government also protects states, but they lack provisions to dissolve state governments.

B.R. Ambedkar's View

• B.R. Ambedkar stated that Article 355 ensures any intervention by the Centre under Article 356 is lawful and justified.
• This provision aims to prevent arbitrary use of Article 356, ensuring a check on federal power and maintaining the federal structure.

Issues and Concerns

• Initially, it was hoped that Articles 355 and 356 would seldom be activated and remain unused.
• However, Article 356 has been misused multiple times to dismiss elected state governments, often for reasons like electoral defeats or law and order issues.
• This misuse undermines the principles of the Constitution and federalism.

Judicial Rulings

• The Supreme Court's S.R. Bommai case (1994) limited the misuse of Article 356.
• It ruled that Article 356 should only apply during constitutional breakdowns, not for regular law and order problems, and is subject to judicial review.
• The interpretation of Article 355 has evolved through various Supreme Court decisions.
• Initially, in State of Rajasthan Vs Union of India (1977), Article 355 was seen narrowly as merely justifying Article 356.
• In later cases such as Naga People's Movement (1998), Sarbananda Sonowal (2005), and H.S. Jain (1997), the Supreme Court broadened Article 355's interpretation.
• This allowed the Union to take necessary actions to protect states and ensure they follow constitutional governance.

Recommendations by Commissions

• The Sarkaria Commission (1987), the National Commission (2002), and the Punchhi Commission (2010) have all emphasized that Article 355 requires the Union to protect states and permits necessary actions to fulfill this duty.
• These commissions also stressed that Article 356, which enforces President's rule, should be a last resort only in extreme situations.

Conclusion

• The emergency provisions are crucial for upholding constitutional order and have a significant impact on the relationship between the Centre and States.
• These provisions require a careful balance between central authority and state independence, guided by fairness and constitutional integrity.
• As India evolves, it is vital to use these provisions judiciously within the framework of federal principles to maintain the democratic structure of the nation.

GS3/Science and Technology

Lancet Alert on Antibiotics Misuse

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

According to a Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) published in Lancet, over 39 crore deaths by antibiotic-resistant infections are estimated to occur worldwide by 2050.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance?

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) happens when germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time, making medicines less effective. This makes it harder to treat infections and increases the risk of spreading diseases, serious illness, and even death.
• Antibiotic resistance is becoming a major challenge in treating infectious diseases, organ transplants, cancer treatments, and major surgeries.

Key Highlights of the Report

• In India, deaths from bacterial AMR are linked to six major superbugs: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• From 1990 to 2021, more than 1 million people died globally each year because of AMR.
• During this time, deaths from AMR in children under five decreased by 50%, while deaths in people over 70 increased by more than 80%.
• In 2019, there were 686,908 deaths in India linked to these superbugs, with 214,461 deaths directly caused by them.
• Also in 2019, 290,000 deaths from sepsis in India were directly linked to AMR.
• Sepsis occurs when the immune system reacts dangerously to a bacterial infection, which can lead to organ failure without treatment.

Causes of Antimicrobial Resistance

• Overuse and Misuse of Antibiotics: The excessive and wrong use of antibiotics in humans and animals is a big factor in AMR.
• A survey by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in 2023 found that 71.9% of patients in hospitals were prescribed antibiotics on average.
• Inadequate Dosage and Duration: Not taking antibiotics in the right amount or for the right time can allow bacteria to survive and become resistant.
• Self-Medication: Taking antibiotics without a doctor's advice leads to misuse.
• Antibiotic Use in Food Animals: Using antibiotics to promote growth in livestock is common, contributing to AMR in the food chain.
• Poor Sanitation: Many untreated sewage is dumped into water bodies, causing contamination with antibiotic residues and resistant germs.

Global Efforts Against Antimicrobial Resistance

• Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (GAP): Countries agreed to a framework during the 2015 World Health Assembly to develop and implement national action plans.
• World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW): A global campaign aimed at raising awareness about AMR.
• Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS): Launched by WHO in 2015 to gather knowledge and inform strategies globally.
• Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP): A collaboration between WHO and other organizations to promote research and development for new antibiotics.
• Country Initiatives: A $1 billion AMR Action Fund was created in 2020 to support new antibiotic development; the U.K. is testing a subscription model for new antimicrobials.
• Peru is focusing on patient education to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
• Australia is reforming regulations to change prescriber behavior and increase the use of point-of-care diagnostics.
• Denmark has implemented reforms to reduce antibiotic use in livestock, leading to fewer resistant microbes.

Measures Taken Against Antimicrobial Resistance in India

• National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR): Focuses on a One Health approach and involves various stakeholders.
• AMR Surveillance Network: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) set up a network to track drug-resistant infections.
• India’s Red Line Campaign: Calls for prescription-only antibiotics to be marked with a red line to discourage over-the-counter sales.
• National Antibiotic Consumption Network (NAC-NET): Collects data on antibiotic use in health facilities and shares it with the NCDC.
• Operation AMRITH: Launched by the Kerala Drug Control Department to prevent the overuse of antibiotics in the state.

GS3/Environment and Ecology

Project Cheetah Audit Flags Concerns

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

A report by the Accountant General of Madhya Pradesh has flagged concerns over the management of Project Cheetah in Kuno National Park, highlighting a “lack of coordination” between central and state government departments.

Project Cheetah

• Project Cheetah is India's initiative to relocate cheetahs.
• The aim of the project is to introduce 50 cheetahs into various National Parks over the span of five years.
• The Indian government officially declared the cheetah extinct in 1952.
• So far, 20 adult African cheetahs have been brought to India and relocated to Kuno National Park.
• This relocation marks the first instance globally of a large carnivore being moved from one continent to another.
• The initial group of eight cheetahs arrived from Namibia in September 2022, followed by another group of 12 from South Africa in February 2023.
• Since their arrival in India, eight adult cheetahs (three females and five males) have unfortunately died.
• There have been seventeen cubs born in India, with 12 surviving, bringing the total number of cheetahs, including cubs, in Kuno to 24.

Concerns Raised in Report

• The audit pointed out that there was no information about cheetah reintroduction in the work plan and management plan.
• There are no documents showing where the cheetah reintroduction work started or how it was carried out.
• From 2021-22 to January 2024, Rs 44.14 crore was spent on Project Cheetah, which was not in line with the approved management plan.
• More than Rs 90 lakh in labor costs was flagged as unjustified, as machines were used instead of manual labor, leading to higher expenses and reduced job opportunities for local workers.
• The audit found that ground staff and the Kuno Wildlife Division were not included in the site selection or in the cheetah reintroduction study, raising concerns about planning and coordination.
• According to the approved management plan, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary was selected as a second home for Asiatic lions (besides Gir forest in Gujarat).
• However, no attempts have been made to reintroduce Asiatic lions to the area.
• The report indicated that the former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Kuno was sent to South Africa and Namibia for cheetah management training but was transferred shortly after, making his expertise unavailable.
• The audit deemed this spending pointless, as the Action Plan requires trained staff to stay at conservation sites for at least five years.

GS 3/Agriculture

Smart Precision Horticulture Programme

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Agriculture is planning a Smart Precision Horticulture Programme under the existing Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme.

About Precision Farming

• The government has established 22 Precision Farming Development Centres (PFDCs) across the nation to experiment with new technologies and adapt them to local needs.
• This initiative will cover 15,000 acres over five years from 2024-25 to 2028-29, benefiting around 60,000 farmers.
• The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), started in 2020, supports funding for projects related to smart and precision agriculture.
• Under the AIF, loans with a 3% interest subsidy are available for both individual farmers and farmer groups, such as Farmer Producer Organizations, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

What is Precision Farming?

• Precision farming (PF) is a method of managing farms that uses technology to provide crops and soil with exactly what they need for the best health and productivity.
• Instead of using the same inputs across an entire field, it focuses on applying them based on specific areas to maximize benefits and reduce waste.
• Over recent decades, many technologies for PF have been developed, which can be categorized as 'soft' and 'hard'.
• Soft precision agriculture relies on visual observation and personal experience for crop and soil management decisions, rather than scientific analysis.
• Hard precision agriculture employs modern technologies including GPS, remote sensing, and variable rate technology.

Precision Farming in India

• In India, precision farming has mainly improved nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) and water-use efficiency (WUE).
• However, PF has not yet become a standard practice in most farming systems in the country.
• Advancements in technology and increased interest from scientific organizations are bringing new ideas and adapting technology for various farm types and economic situations.

Use of Technology in Agriculture

• This includes the integration of advanced digital technologies in farming, such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, unmanned aerial systems, sensors, and communication networks.
• These innovations aim to increase profits and improve the efficiency of irrigation and other resources.

Role of Technology in Agriculture in India

• Assessing Soil Health: Technologies like soil sensors and aerial surveys will help farmers evaluate the health of their crops and soil at various production stages.
• Improving Crop Yield: Tools such as AI/Machine Learning (AI/ML) can provide real-time insights to boost crop yield, manage pests, assist in soil assessment, and reduce farmers' workloads.
• Blockchain Technology: This will provide secure, tamper-proof data regarding farms, inventory, quick transactions, and tracking of food products.

Significance of Precision Farming

• Enhances agricultural productivity while lowering production costs.
• Prevents soil degradation.
• Reduces the use of chemicals in crop production.
• Promotes effective use of water resources.
• Improves the socio-economic status of farmers.
• Minimizes environmental and ecological impacts.
• Increases worker safety.

Challenges in Implementation

• Limited Digital Infrastructure: Many rural areas lack reliable internet and electricity, making it hard for farmers to adopt digital technologies.
• Digital Divide: There is a significant gap in digital access between urban and rural regions in India.
• Cost of Technology: Many digital farming solutions require large investments, which are often beyond the reach of small-scale farmers.
• Fragmented Agriculture Sector: India's agriculture is diverse and consists largely of smallholder farmers, making it challenging to create unified digital solutions.
• Capacity Building: Training farmers to use digital tools and understand the data produced is a significant challenge.

Government Initiatives

• India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture (IDEA): A framework to create a federated database for farmers, enabling innovative, tech-driven agricultural solutions.
• National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A): Provides funding for projects that involve modern technologies like AI, ML, robotics, drones, data analytics, and blockchain.
• National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): An electronic trading platform that connects agricultural markets across India, offering digital services to farmers and traders.
• PM KISAN Scheme: Provides direct cash transfers to eligible farmers through a simple registration process.
• Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (AGMARKNET): Supports agricultural marketing infrastructure and offers services through its portal.
• Mobile Apps by ICAR: Over 100 mobile apps have been developed to provide farmers with information on various agricultural topics.
• Soil Health Card Scheme: Aims to evaluate soil nutrients and give tailored advice for nutrient management.
• Promotion of Precision Farming: Initiatives like PMKSY promote techniques like drip irrigation to enhance fertilizer use efficiency.