Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh died at the age of 92 on 26th December 2024 at AIIMS Delhi. To honour him, the central government has declared 7 days of national mourning.

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Major Reforms and Decisions

As Finance Minister (1991 – 1996)

LPG Reforms (Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization)

• Liberalization:
  • New Trade Policy: A new trade policy was introduced to boost exports by simplifying the licensing process and linking non-essential imports to exports.
  • Tradeable Exim scrips: Export subsidies were removed, and tradeable exim scrips were introduced for exporters based on the value of their exports.
  • Trade Monopoly: The provisions of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act were relaxed to facilitate business restructuring and mergers.
  • Abolition of License Raj:  Allow industries to operate without prior government approval in all but a few strategic sectors.
  • Financial Sector Reforms: Implemented financial sector reforms, such as reducing the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) and Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), to enhance the efficiency of the banking system.

• Privatization:
  • FDI: Automatic approval for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 51% was introduced, compared to the previous cap of 40%.
  • Public sector monopoly: Public sector monopoly was restricted to sectors critical for national security.
    • Initiated disinvestment of government stakes in public sector undertakings (PSUs) to improve efficiency.
• Globalization:
• • Open Economy: The focus was on integrating India’s economy with the global market and encouraging international trade and investment.
  • Rupee Devaluation: Massive devaluation of the rupee and new trade policies made Indian exports more competitive globally.
  • Reduce  Tariff Barriers: Trade liberalisation through reduced import tariffs and dismantling non-tariff barriers.

As Prime Minister (2004-2014)

• Continuation of FDI Policies: The government liberalized FDI norms further, allowing higher foreign equity in sectors like retail, aviation, and insurance.
  • Multi-brand retail received approval for 51% FDI, while single-brand retail was permitted up to 100%.
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs): His government enacted the SEZ Act (2005) to attract investment, promote exports, and create employment by establishing special industrial hubs with tax incentives.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The government promoted PPPs to modernize infrastructure and enhance industrial growth, particularly in highways, airports, and power projects.
• Manufacturing Sector Focus: Policies were aimed at revitalizing the manufacturing sector, including the National Manufacturing Policy (2011), which aimed to increase the sector’s share in GDP and create millions of jobs.
• Skill Development and Technology Upgradation: The government encouraged skill development initiatives and provided incentives for adopting advanced technology in industries to improve competitiveness.
• Indo-US Nuclear Deal (2008): The Indo-US Nuclear Deal in 2008 ended India’s nuclear isolation and allowed civilian nuclear energy cooperation with the United States.
• Global Financial Crisis 2008: Shielded India during the 2008 global financial crisis through prudent economic policies.

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Major Acts Passed

• Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005:
  • Enacted in June 2005, this act empowered citizens to access information under the control of public authorities.
  • Obligated public authorities to maintain records in a manner that facilitated access.
  • Provided mechanisms for appeals and exemptions for sensitive information.
• Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009:
  • Guaranteed free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14, significantly reducing dropout rates.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005:
  • Provided 100 days of guaranteed wage employment annually to rural households, reducing poverty and unemployment.
• Aadhar (Unique Identification):
  • Introduced to improve welfare delivery and financial inclusion by providing unique identity numbers to citizens.

Key Principles of Foreign Policy

• Economic Diplomacy:
  • Focused on leveraging economic growth to strengthen India’s global position.
  • Prioritized trade and investment partnerships to complement domestic economic reforms.
• Strategic Partnerships:
  • Emphasized building long-term strategic partnerships with major global powers like the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union.
  • Advocated for a multipolar world order where India played a significant role.
• Balancing Regional Relations:
  • Adopted a pragmatic approach in engaging with neighboring countries to maintain stability in South Asia.
  • Sought to address security concerns while promoting regional cooperation.

Notable Foreign Policy Achievements

• US-India Relations:
  • US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008):
    • This landmark deal ended India’s nuclear isolation, allowing civilian nuclear trade while ensuring India’s non-proliferation commitments.
    • It enabled India to secure uranium supplies from countries like Canada and Australia, critical for its energy security.
  • Economic Collaboration:
    • Bilateral trade grew fivefold, from $20 billion in 2000 to over $132 billion in 2015.
    • Defense trade saw a boost, with India purchasing advanced systems like the C-130J Hercules aircraft.
• Improved Ties with China:
  • Engaged in economic cooperation despite boundary disputes.
  • Strengthened trade ties, with China becoming one of India’s largest trading partners during his tenure.
    • His efforts led to the establishment of mechanisms like the Strategic Economic Dialogue to address trade imbalances.
• Strengthening Indo-Russian Relations:
  • Reinforced defense ties, with over 70% of Indian military hardware sourced from Russia during this period.
  • Agreements for constructing nuclear power plants, such as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, highlighted the energy partnership.
• Regional Cooperation in South Asia:
  • Advocated for improved relations with Pakistan, including initiatives for confidence-building measures post-26/11 Mumbai attacks.
  • Strengthened India’s role in SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) to promote regional economic integration.
• India’s Role in Global Institutions:
  • Advocated for India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
  • Played a proactive role in forums like G20, BRICS, and IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa) to highlight India’s stance on global economic and geopolitical issues.
  • At the Copenhagen Climate Summit (2009), he highlighted India’s commitment to sustainable development while ensuring the protection of national interests.
• Engagement with Africa and Latin America:
  • Strengthened ties with African nations through initiatives like the India-Africa Forum Summit.
    • India hosted the India-Africa Forum Summit (2008), where India extended a $5 billion credit line to African nations for infrastructure development.
  • Enhanced trade and investment with Latin American countries, focusing on energy and natural resources.
• Look East Policy:
  • Strengthened relationships with ASEAN countries under the Look East Policy, promoting trade and security cooperation.
  • Played a key role in the creation of India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreements in goods and services.
  • India became a founding member of the East Asia Summit in 2005, signaling its deeper integration into the Asia-Pacific region.

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Effect of Reforms on the Indian Economy

• Growth Rate of National Income: The national income growth rate increased from 5% in 1990-91 to about 9.3% in 2007-08 and 8.2% in 2023-24.
• Composition of National Income: The share of agriculture declined, while the share of industry and the service sector increased.
  • In 1990-91, the manufacturing sector contributed 26% of GDP, which grew to 30% of Gross Value Added (GVA) by FY 2024.
  • The service sector’s contribution increased from 44% in 1991-92 to over 50% by FY 2024.
• Savings and Investments: Gross domestic savings increased from 23% in 1990-91 to 31% in 2015-16.
  • The rate of investment, measured as gross domestic capital formation, increased from 26% in 1990-91 to 31% in 2015-16 and 30.2% in FY 2023.
• Foreign Trade: The export sector became a significant contributor to national income and a major earner of foreign exchange.
• Foreign Exchange Reserves: The balance of payments improved significantly, leading to a rapid increase in foreign exchange reserves from $1.1 billion in June 1991 to an all-time high of $681.69 billion in August 2024.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): India allowed 100% FDI in most sectors except for a few such as lottery, chit funds, and atomic energy.
  • FDI inflow rose from $1.3 billion in 1990-91 to $70.97 billion in FY 2022-23.
  • Foreign institutional investors were permitted to invest in Indian capital markets subject to regulations.

Lessons Learned from Dr. Manmohan Singh

• Humility and Active Listening: Dr. Singh’s ability to listen, even to criticism, created space for meaningful exchanges and diverse perspectives.
• Integrity and Ethical Leadership: He maintained impeccable honesty throughout his career, never using his position for personal gain.
• Visionary Leadership with Pragmatism: He combined long-term vision with political pragmatism, initiating reforms while managing coalition politics.
  • As Finance Minister, he initiated the 1991 economic reforms. As Prime Minister, he introduced landmark legislation like the Right to Information Act and the National Food Security Act.
  • He laid the groundwork for the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which was later implemented by a subsequent government.
• Grace Under Criticism: He welcomed criticism as constructive feedback rather than hostility, often reflecting on it to improve governance.
  • Publicly acknowledged criticism at a 2012 panel discussion and used it to drive changes in the Finance Ministry.
• Curiosity and Collaborative Approach: Singh’s openness to learning and collaborating attracted the best minds to his team, fostering innovation and progress.
  • Worked with experts like Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Nandan Nilekani to implement transformative policies.
• Legacy of Humility: Singh refrained from self-promotion, believing history would judge his contributions.
  • Declined to write his memoirs, emphasizing service over personal glorification.

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Conclusion

Manmohan Singh’s leadership transformed India into a global economic power and redefined governance by balancing welfare and market reforms. He is credited as the architect of modern India’s economic policies and for navigating India through challenging times like the 1991 economic crisis and the 2008 financial meltdown.

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Researchers from Patna’s Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre have identified significant arsenic contamination in staple foods and groundwater across 11 districts in Bihar.

About Arsenic

• Arsenic  is a highly toxic metalloid which is naturally present in the environment and in the earth crust and groundwater of a number of countries.
• Application of Arsenic: Industrial applications of arsenic are found in, Wood preservatives, Pesticides, Herbicides, Pigments, Electronics and Metal alloys.
• Sources of Arsenic Pollution:
  • Contamination of ground  water through geological processes such as sedimentation, and Capillary action.
  • Contaminated food, such as rice, wheat, and potatoes through irrigation with Contaminated water.
  • Industrial pollution such Coal ash, Tanning Industry  discharge , Smoking and 
  • Certain occupations, such as mining and smelting
• Concerns: Arsenic is a known carcinogen associated with skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver cancer. 
  • Its dermatological, developmental, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, immunological, and endocrine effects are also evident.
• Permissible Limit: World Health Organisation’s provisional guideline value for arsenic in drinking water is 0.01 mg/l (10 μg/l) and permissible limit of arsenic in India in absence of an alternative source is  0.05 mg/l (50 μg/l).

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Key Findings of the study

• Groundwater Contamination: Arsenic levels in groundwater samples ranged from permissible limits to 550.7 µg/L, far exceeding the WHO limit of 10 µg/L in several cases.
  • Contaminated groundwater is widely used for irrigation, contributing to arsenic uptake in crops.
• Soil and Sedimentation: Sediments in the Gangetic plains, due to river morphology changes over the past 50 years, are primary arsenic sources.
  • Soil contamination is exacerbated by repeated use of arsenic-rich irrigation water, increasing retention and biomagnification.
• Staple Foods:
  • Rice: 14% of samples exceeded the FAO limit (highest recorded: 821 µg/kg).
  • Wheat: 63% of samples exceeded limits (highest recorded: 775 µg/kg).
  • Potatoes: 3% of samples exceeded limits (highest recorded: 1,450 µg/kg).
• Human Exposure:
  • Consumption of contaminated rice, wheat, and potatoes has led to elevated arsenic levels in human blood.
  • Biomagnification has been identified as a key route of arsenic accumulation.
    • This means that the concentration of arsenic increases as you move up the food chain from plants to animals.
    • It means that people who eat fish and rice may be exposed to higher levels of arsenic than those who do not.
• Infants and Lactating Mothers: 55% of lactating mothers in exposed regions had arsenic levels in breast milk above WHO limits.
• • 65% of infants tested had elevated urinary arsenic levels, with only half expelled from their bodies; the rest accumulated in organs like the brain, liver, and kidneys.
• Chronic Health Risks: Long-term exposure is linked to organ damage, cognitive development issues in children, and potential chronic diseases like diabetes.

Way Forward

• Immediate Actions: Medical interventions for affected populations, particularly infants and children.
  • Regular testing of groundwater, soil, and food products for arsenic.
• Policy and Awareness: Awareness campaigns to educate rural communities about arsenic risks.
  • Introduction of safer agricultural practices and exploration of alternative water sources for irrigation.
• Research and Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of arsenic levels in the ecosystem to assess contamination trends and effectiveness of interventions.

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The Central Licensing Authority (CLA) has recently specified six countries, United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the European Union, under Rule 101 of the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules (NDCTR), 2019. 

Benefits for Patients and the Industry

• Accelerated Drug Availability: Faster approvals for life-saving drugs for rare diseases and pandemic situations. Reduced waiting periods for patients with critical conditions.

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• Enhanced Industry Response: Simplified regulatory pathways for new drug launches. Better preparedness to respond to public health emergencies.
• Patient Advocacy Perspectives: Advocacy groups see fast-track approvals as a significant step forward. The move addresses challenges in accessing treatments for rare diseases.

Risks of Waiving Local Trials

• Patient Safety and Genetic Diversity: India’s diverse genetic makeup necessitates local trials to assess drug safety and efficacy. Waiving trials risks unanticipated adverse effects due to genetic variability.
  • Countries like Japan and China mandate local testing or foreign data analysis for ethnic sensitivity, highlighting its importance.
• Gene and Cellular Therapies: Long-term risks of therapies like CAR-T (which manipulate immune cells) are not fully understood. Local trials are crucial to account for genetic responses unique to India.
• Impact on Research and Development (R&D): The waiver could weaken incentives for localized research.India’s pharmaceutical innovation and research infrastructure, including contract research organizations (CROs), may face reduced investments.
• Advantages for Multinational Corporations (MNCs): MNCs may benefit disproportionately, with faster market entry and fewer regulatory hurdles.
• Concerns from Patient Groups: Despite the benefits, patient groups worry about limited access to costly drugs that were earlier available through clinical trials. Inadequate safety validation for new therapies, particularly those with significant advancements.

Regulatory Assurances

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has clarified that:

• Waivers will apply only to drugs approved and marketed in the specified countries.
• No major unexpected serious adverse events must have been reported in these countries for the waiver to be granted.

Conclusion

The local clinical trial waiver represents a critical regulatory shift in India’s drug approval framework. While it promises faster access to essential medications, it necessitates a balanced approach to address safety concerns, promote localized research, and ensure equitable patient benefits

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China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra, near the Indian border.

China’s Project Overview

• The dam is to be constructed on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which is the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra River.
• Region: The proposed dam site is situated in Tibet, near a massive gorge in the Himalayan region where the Brahmaputra takes a U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh in India and subsequently into Bangladesh.
• Surpasses China’s Three Gorges Dam: The project will surpass China’s Three Gorges Dam, which is currently the largest hydropower project in the world.
• Earlier Projects on the Brahmaputra in China
  • In 2015, China operationalized its first hydropower project at Zangmu in Tibet.
  • Three additional dams Dagu, Jiexu, and Jiacha are under development on the upper and middle reaches of the river.

Concerns for India

• The project raises concerns regarding China’s capacity to control the flow of water into India and Bangladesh.
• The size and scale of the project could enable China to release large quantities of water, potentially flooding border areas during times of hostility.

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India’s Initiatives to Counter such Projects

• India is building a dam on the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh to counterbalance China’s infrastructure projects.
• To address cross-border river management, India and China share data through the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), established in 2006.
• Under ELM, China provides hydrological information to India on the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers during flood seasons.

About Brahmaputra

• The Brahmaputra originates as the Siang or Dihang River from the Chemayungdung glacier in the Kailash range near Mansarovar Lake.
• It enters India in the west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh.

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• The river is perennial and forms a gorge near Namcha Barwa.It is known as Siang and Dihang in its upper reaches in India.
• After being joined by the Dibang and Lohit rivers, it is called the Brahmaputra.
• The Brahmaputra flows across the Tibetan Plateau, carving the deepest canyon on Earth with a vertical difference of 25,154 feet before reaching India.
• The dam is planned in one of the rainiest parts of mainland China, ensuring abundant water flow.
• States Through Which Brahmaputra Flows: The Brahmaputra flows through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, West Bengal, and Sikkim in India.
• Tributaries and Confluence: In Bangladesh, the River Teesta joins the Brahmaputra, known there as Jumna, as a right-bank tributary.
  • The Jumna further merges with the Padma, which subsequently joins the Meghna River.
  • The Meghna flows into the Bay of Bengal.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) reports environmental samples and cases of wild poliovirus (WPV) and vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV).

Recent findings on Polio

• Polio Detected in Europe: Routine wastewater surveillance has detected the presence of poliovirus in five European countries, Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom, since September 2024.
• Confirmed Polio Case in Gaza: A 10-month-old child in Gaza was confirmed to have polio, highlighting the ongoing local risks associated with the disease.
• Africa: Cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) have been reported in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, and Nigeria.
• Asia: Pakistan has reported cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) and circulating VDPV2.
• Ongoing Vigilance and Immunization Efforts: The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the importance of robust disease surveillance and widespread vaccination campaigns.
  • Despite national immunization coverage rates of 85–95%, subnational gaps in immunity remain, requiring focused and targeted interventions.

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About Poliomyelitis (Polio)

• Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting children under five years of age.
• Transmission: It spreads mainly through person-to-person contact via the faecal-oral route or, less commonly, through contaminated water or food.
  • Recent research suggests respiratory transmission plays a significant role.
  • Shedding of poliovirus in the throat supports the theory of respiratory transmission, akin to other contagious childhood diseases like measles and pertussis.
• Impact: The virus multiplies in the intestine and can invade the nervous system, causing paralysis.
• Wild Poliovirus Strain Status Worldwide
  • Type 1: Remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan as of 2022.
  • Type 2: Declared eradicated in 1999.
  • Type 3: Declared eradicated in 2020.
• India achieved a polio-free status in 2014 by WHO , with the last reported wild poliovirus case in 2011.

Vaccine-Derived Polio

• Vaccine Composition: The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) contains a weakened form of the poliovirus, which induces an immune response.
• Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (cVDPV): In under-immunized populations, the excreted vaccine virus can circulate, undergo genetic changes, and revert to a form capable of causing paralysis.
• Prevention: To stop the transmission of cVDPV, WHO recommends conducting multiple rounds of high-quality immunization campaigns.

Characteristics of Polio Vaccines

Efforts to Eradicate Polio

Global Initiatives

• The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) aims to eradicate all wild, vaccine-related, and Sabin polioviruses to ensure no child suffers from paralytic poliomyelitis again.
• The GPEI’s four pillars include routine immunization, supplementary immunization, surveillance, and targeted mop-up campaigns.

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India’s Approach

• Annual Polio Campaigns: National Immunization Days (NID) and Sub-National Immunization Days (SNID) are conducted annually to maintain high immunity levels and ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
• Surveillance and Border Vaccination: Vaccination efforts continue at international borders to reduce the risk of polio re-importation from endemic regions.
• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Introduced in 2015, IPV offers additional protection against polio, particularly against type 2 poliovirus.
• Mission Indradhanush: Launched in 2014, this initiative aims to achieve 90% immunization coverage, focusing on hard-to-reach areas with low vaccination rates.
• Additional Dose of Polio Vaccine:  An additional dose of polio vaccine is now being administered alongside the oral and injectable polio doses that are part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).This third dose, introduced to provide enhanced protection against polio, will be given when a child turns nine months old.

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India, with its diverse fisheries resources, provides livelihood opportunities to approximately three crore fishers and fish farmers

With a significant 83% increase in national fish production since 2013-14, reaching a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23, robust last-mile fisheries and aquaculture extension services are essential to sustain and amplify this growth.

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Current Status of Fisheries in India

• India ranks as the 3rd largest fish-producing and 2nd largest aquaculture-producing nation globally.
• It is the 4th largest seafood exporter, contributing 8% to global fish production.
• The fisheries and aquaculture sector constitutes 1.24% of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and 7.28% of agricultural GVA, serving as a critical source of sustenance, nutrition, income, and livelihoods for millions.
• About 75% of fish production comes from inland fisheries, underscoring their significance.

Government Measures to Support Fisheries:

Blue Revolution in India

• The Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) WAS launched during the 7th Five Year Plan (1985–1990) to promote fish farming.
• During the 8th Five Year Plan (1992–1997), the Intensive Marine Fisheries Program was introduced, encouraging collaborations with multinational corporations (MNCs).Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• Launched in 2020, this scheme aims to double fisheries exports to ₹1 lakh crore.
• It envisions transforming India into a global hub for fish and aquatic products through policy, marketing, and infrastructure support.
• Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs) under PMMSY act as one-stop centers providing fisheries extension services, sustainable aquaculture training, and conservation management support to tackle climate challenges.

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Institutions for Fisheries in India 

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Fund (FIDF): This fund supports infrastructure projects in the fisheries sector and attracts private investments for fisheries infrastructure development.
• Nodal Loaning Entities (NLE): NABARD, NCDC, and Scheduled Banks manage these loans.
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA): Established in 1972 under the Marine Products Export Development Authority Act, MPEDA coordinates fishery production and allied activities across India.
• Rural Infrastructure Development Fund: NABARD offers loans under this fund to develop fisheries-related infrastructure, including fishing harbors, jetties, and riverine fisheries.
• Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu: The first multipurpose seaweed park in India, developed on a hub-and-spoke model, aims to enhance the production of quality seaweed-based products.
• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fish Farmers: The KCC facility has been extended to the fisheries sector to meet working capital requirements.
• • Fish farmers can avail interest subvention on KCC limits up to ₹2 lakh for fisheries and animal husbandry activities.

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A three-member team from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) will inspect the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and the Angel Valley and Pamba Valley settlements in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

• The inspection is part of a request from the State government to exclude human settlements from these protected areas.
• Residents have sought this exclusion due to the constraints wildlife laws impose on their daily lives.

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About Periyar Tiger Reserve

• Location : The reserve is located in the Western Ghats of Kerala and derives its name from the Periyar River, which originates deep within the reserve.
• Tribal Communities: The reserve is home to tribal communities, including the Mannans and the Palians, who have a deep cultural and historical connection to the area.
• Vegetation: The forest comprises tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous vegetation, supporting diverse wildlife.
• Fauna: The reserve is known for species like elephants, wild pigs, sambar, gaur, mouse deer, barking deer (dole), Indian wild dog, and tigers.
  • It also provides a habitat for the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, a species endemic to the Western Ghats.
• Primates: Rare primates in the reserve include the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Gee’s golden langur, common langur, and bonnet macaque.

Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

• Location: The sanctuary, also known as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is situated on the northern bank of the Periyar River.
• It was notified in 1983 based on a recommendation by the renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, who recognized its biodiversity and ecological significance

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Regulation of Activities in Different Protected Areas of India

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Inauguration Of M-PACS

Context: Recently,10,000 newly established  Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) was inaugurated along with Dairy and Fisheries Cooperative Societies, in New Delhi.

About Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)

• PACS is an association of borrowers and non-borrowers living in a particular area.
• It serves as the grassroots-level unit in the cooperative credit structure.
• Funds are sourced from members’ share capital, deposits, and loans from central cooperative banks.
• PACS acts as a link between borrowers in villages and higher financial institutions like the central cooperative bank, state cooperative bank, and RBI.
• Historical Background: The first PACS was established in 1904.
• Regulation of PACS
  • State Government: Regulates administrative aspects under the Cooperative Societies Act.
  • RBI: Oversees financial regulation under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and Banking Laws (Cooperative Societies) Act, 1965.
  • NABARD: Functions as the nodal refinancing agency for PACS and other cooperative banks.

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Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)

Context: Recently, the Union Minister of Cooperation chaired a review meeting of Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) in New Delhi.

About Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)

• The Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) is a multi-state cooperative society.
• promoted by:  IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NCDC.
• Established by: The Ministry of Cooperation under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. 
• Objective: To enhance India’s agricultural productivity by focusing on the production, preservation, and promotion of high-quality seeds.
• Importance of BBSSL
  • Reduces dependence on imported seeds by boosting domestic seed production.
  • Enhances agricultural output, contributing to “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
  • Strengthens the rural economy by empowering farmers and cooperatives.

Lesotho (Places in News)

Context: India sent a humanitarian aid consignment to Lesotho including 1000 metric tonnes of rice.

About Lesotho

• It is formally known as the Kingdom of Lesotho.
  • Formerly known as Basutoland.
• It is in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres of the Earth.
• It is a Landlocked country in Southern Africa, surrounded by South Africa.
• Capital:  Maseru 
• Nickname: “The Mountain Kingdom” or “The Kingdom in the Sky”.

Other important points  

• Highest Peak : Thabana Ntlenyana
• • It is part of the Maluti and Drakensberg mountain ranges
• Major River : The Senqu River, also known as the Orange River in South Africa
  • It originates in the highlands of the Drakensberg Mountains and flows through the country before joining the Orange River in south Africa.

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Rooppur nuclear power project

Context: There is a dispute going on between Rosatom and the Bangladesh Anti-Graft Commission over the Rooppur nuclear power project. 

About Rooppur nuclear power project

• It  is Bangladesh’s first nuclear power plant located on the bank of the river Padma.
• It is being supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• The Rooppur project is the first collaboration under an Indo-Russian agreement for nuclear projects in third countries.
• Role of India
  • Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL): It  is the lead agency representing India in the project.
  • Indirect Involvement: Since India is not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), it cannot directly construct nuclear reactors.
  • Civil Nuclear Agreements : India has signed civil nuclear cooperation agreements with 14 countries, including:
    • Major Nations: USA, France, Russia, and Canada.
    • Regional Partners: Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan.
    • Other Key Countries: Argentina, Australia, South Korea, Japan, UK, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic.

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