News in Shorts: 20 February 2025

Bhoo Kanoon

Context: The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a new land law, known as ‘Bhoo Kanoon’.  

About Bhoo Kanoon

• These laws are aimed at regulating the purchase and sale of agricultural, horticultural, and residential lands by non-residents of Uttarakhand in the 11 hill districts.
• Significance of ‘Bhoo Kanoon’
  • Ensures land conservation and prevents unregulated sales to outsiders.
  • Strengthens cultural and regional identity of the hill districts.
  • Helps in preserving the ecological balance of the region.
  • Supports local communities by protecting their access to land resources.
• New Restrictions Under ‘Bhoo Kanoon’
  • Blanket Ban on Agricultural Land Purchase
    • Non-residents are now prohibited from purchasing agricultural land in 11 hill districts:
    • Dehradun, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Nainital, Pithoragarh, Champawat, Almora, and Bageshwar.
    • The ban aims to prevent large-scale land acquisitions and safeguard local land resources.
• Exceptions for Certain Districts
• • Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts are exempt from the agricultural land purchase ban.
  • The law allows land purchases in these districts under specific conditions.

Green Budget

Context: Deputy CM presented Rajasthan’s ₹5.37 lakh crore budget for 2025-26, emphasizing Bijli, Sadak, Paani (electricity, roads, water), health, and agriculture. 

The budget includes the state’s first “Green Budget” and aims to create 2.75 lakh jobs (1.25 lakh government, 1.5 lakh private).

What is the Green budget?

• A Green Budget refers to the incorporation of environmental and climate-related aspects into government budgeting. 
• It ensures that public funds are allocated in a way that promotes sustainability and addresses climate challenges.
• Key Features of a Green Budget
  • Environmental Impact Assessment : Examines how policy decisions affect the environment.
  • Green Budget Tagging : Tracks government spending on eco-friendly initiatives.
  • Carbon Assessments: Analyzes how public expenditure influences carbon emissions.
• Paris Collaborative on Green Budgeting
  • It is an initiative of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
    • Launched at:  The One Planet Summit in Paris on December 12, 2017.
  • Objective: It tracks government expenditure on environmental projects. 
    • It promotes transparency in reporting as to how budgets contribute to green policies and support sustainability and emission reduction.

Second Food Systems Summit

Context: The Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake is set to occur on July 28-30, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

About United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake

• The United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake is a significant event aimed at transforming global food systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Significance of Food System Transformation
    • The 2021 UN Food Systems Summit outlined a new global approach to food systems, integrating efforts to:
      • End poverty and hunger.
      • Reduce inequality.
      • Address climate change and biodiversity loss.
• As a major player in global food systems, India is actively involved in discussions and initiatives aimed at transforming food systems to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Stakeholders conduct an assessment of initiatives and commitments.
  • Emphasis is given on tracking commitments and their impact.

About Second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake

• Co-host: Italy, in collaboration with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and other UN agencies.
  • Previous Stocktake occurred in 2023. 
• Objectives of the Second Stocktake
  • Investment Mobilization: Aims to attract funding and resources to support food system transformation.
  • Progress Review: A report will be released, documenting progress made since the 2023 Stocktake.
  • Strengthening National Food System Pathways: Countries will review their food system strategies to align them with SDG targets.