Short notes on Current Affairs 10.12.2025

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Financial Assistance for Crop Failure under PMFBY

Strengthening Implementation & Transparency

  • Government is enhancing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) using technology and structured monitoring to ensure timely, transparent crop insurance claim settlement.

National Crop Insurance Portal (NCIP)

  • Serves as a single digital platform for all PMFBY operations.
  • Ensures data transparency, better coordination, and timely subsidy payments.
  • Supports online farmer enrollment and upload of individual insured farmers’ details.
  • Enables direct electronic transfer of claim amounts to farmers’ bank accounts.

DigiClaim Module (Operational since Kharif 2022)

  • Integrates NCIP with PFMS and insurance companies’ accounting systems.
  • Facilitates automated, transparent, and timely claim processing.

Technology Integration for Accurate Yield Assessment

  • Use of CCE-Agri App to capture and upload Crop Cutting Experiment (CCE) data.
  • Insurance companies allowed to witness CCEs to reduce disputes.
  • Land records integrated with NCIP for accuracy.
  • Adoption of advanced systems like:
    • YESTECH – Technology-based yield estimation.
    • WINDS – Weather data network for risk assessment.

Awareness & Outreach Efforts

  • Government supports awareness campaigns by States, insurance companies, banks, and CSCs.
  • Crop Insurance Week (Fasal Bima Saptah) initiated from Kharif 2021 for mass awareness.
  • Fasal Bima Pathshalas organized at village/GP level to educate farmers.

Meri Policy Mere Haath Initiative

  • Nationwide campaign for doorstep distribution of hard copies of crop insurance policy receipts.
  • Ensures farmers are aware of their coverage and policy details.

Government Use of AI in Agriculture

1. Objective of AI Adoption

  • Improve crop productivity, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods.
  • Address agricultural challenges such as climate change, pest infestation, and lack of timely information.

2. Key Government AI Initiatives

A. “Kisan e-Mitra” – AI Voice-based Chatbot
  • Helps farmers with queries on:
    • PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
    • PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
    • Kisan Credit Card
  • Supports 11 regional languages.
  • Expanding to other government schemes.
  • Handles 8,000+ daily farmer queries.
  • Has already answered 93 lakh+ queries.
  • Improves accessibility of government information and reduces dependency on physical centres.
B. National Pest Surveillance System (AI-ML Based)
  • Tackles pest-related crop loss, worsened by climate change.
  • Uses AI/ML to detect pests early through:
    • Image capture by extension workers and farmers
    • Automated pest identification
  • Currently:
    • Used by 10,000+ extension workers
    • Supports 66 crops and 432 pests
  • Enables timely pest-management interventions.
  • Also uses AI analytics with satellite imagery for:
    • Crop mapping
    • Crop–weather monitoring
C. AI-Based Local Monsoon Onset Forecast Pilot (For Kharif 2025)
  • Conducted with Development Innovation Lab – India.
  • Uses a blended AI model combining:
    • NeuralGCM
    • ECMWF Artificial Intelligence Forecasting System (AIFS)
    • 125 years of IMD rainfall data
  • Provides probabilistic local monsoon onset forecasts (critical for sowing decisions).
  • Messages sent via M-Kisan portal to:
    • 3.88 crore+ farmers
    • Across 13 states
    • In 5 regional languages
  • Farmer impact survey (MP & Bihar):
    • 31–52% farmers changed planting decisions
    • Adjusted sowing time, land preparation, crop choice, and input usage
  • Demonstrates high adoption and behavioral change, supporting climate-resilient farming.

3. Overall Analysis

  • The Government is mainstreaming AI in agriculture at multiple levels:
    • Information delivery (Kisan e-Mitra)
    • Risk mitigation (pest surveillance)
    • Climate-resilient decision-making (AI monsoon forecasts)
  • Interventions show:
    • High farmer engagement
    • Evidence-based adoption
    • Improved agricultural planning and reduced risk
  • AI deployment is clearly shifting from pilot projects to large-scale operational systems, benefiting millions of farmers.

DPIIT Working Paper on Generative AI & Copyright (Part 1)

1. Background

  • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has published Part 1 of a working paper examining the relationship between generative AI and copyright law.
  • The paper reflects recommendations from an eight-member committee formed on April 28, 2025 to:
    • Assess whether current copyright law is adequate for generative AI issues.
    • Recommend legal amendments if needed.

2. Assessment of Existing Approaches

The paper evaluates several existing global copyright solutions:

  • Blanket exemptions
  • Text and data mining (TDM) exceptions (with or without opt-out)
  • Voluntary licensing frameworks
  • Extended collective licensing

Conclusion:
None of these models are fully suitable for India, according to the Committee.

3. Rejection of Zero-Price License Model

  • The Committee rejects the idea of a “zero price licence” (allowing AI developers to use copyrighted works without compensation).
  • Reason: It would disincentivize human creativity and may lead to long-term decline in production of human-generated content.

4. Proposed Hybrid Licensing Model

The Committee recommends a new policy framework balancing rights of creators and needs of AI innovators:

Key Features:

  1. Blanket Licence for Training
    • AI developers may use any lawfully accessed content for training without individual negotiations.
  2. Royalties Only Upon Commercialisation
    • Payments are required only when AI tools are commercialised.
    • Royalty rates will be determined by a government-appointed committee.
    • Rates will remain subject to judicial review.
  3. Centralised Royalty Collection & Distribution
    • A single mechanism manages royalty administration.
    • Aims to reduce transaction costs, increase legal clarity, and ensure equitable access—helping both large and small AI developers.

Bharat 6G Mission & Alliance

1. Meeting Overview

  • Chaired by Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia to review Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) progress.
  • Attendees included:
    • Union Minister of State Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani
    • Secretary (Telecom) Dr. Neeraj Mittal
    • Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Sood
    • Officials from key Ministries, academia, R&D institutions, telecom service providers, and industry leaders.
  • Focus: India’s roadmap to emerge as a global 6G leader by 2030.

2. Government Vision & Priorities

  • Accelerate 6G innovation to position India as a global leader in communication technologies.
  • Emphasis on synergy among seven B6GA Working Groups.
  • Four key priorities for 6G Mission:
    1. Leapfrogging technologies to stay ahead.
    2. Examine the end-to-end value chain.
    3. Break down complex challenges into solvable components.
    4. Set measurable quarterly targets for each Working Group.
  • Focus on inclusive benefits, reaching urban and rural communities.

3. Technological and Strategic Highlights

  • Collaboration between industry, academia, and entrepreneurs to advance 6G IPR and standards.
  • Eight technical reports and whitepapers released covering:
    • Spectrum
    • AI-native networks
    • Green telecom
    • Emerging applications
    • RF sensing
  • Quantum communication highlighted as a practical frontier, with focus on its convergence with 6G and cybersecurity.
  • Contribution to ITU IMT-2030 (6G) framework, emphasizing “Ubiquitous Connectivity”.

4. 5G Innovation Ecosystem

  • Release of three booklets documenting 100 5G Use Case Labs:
    • “From Infrastructure to Innovation” – Lab evolution and impact.
    • “5G Lab Book – Experiments in 5G Core, NR & Use Cases” – Technical guidance.
    • “5G Hackathon Book” – Nationwide innovation challenge showcasing prototypes in agriculture, healthcare, industrial automation, disaster management, and security.
  • Gradation Awards conferred to top-performing labs for innovation, societal impact, and industry collaboration, including:
    • Punjab Engineering College – Agriculture, healthcare, security prototypes
    • Banasthali Vidyapith – Private 5G, AI, automation
    • IIT Roorkee (AMRIT) – 5G/6G R&D, AI-edge solutions, patents
    • Thapar University – Transport safety, accessibility, infrastructure innovations

5. Bharat 6G Alliance Expansion

  • Grown from 16 founding members to 84+ organisations, including startups, academia, R&D institutions, and industry leaders.
  • Focus areas of seven Working Groups:
    • Spectrum, devices/components, technologies, applications, sustainability, outreach, 6G use cases
  • International collaborations with global 6G alliances via MoUs and joint research initiatives.

6. Key Government Support

  • ₹1-lakh-crore RDI Fund approved under Department of Science & Technology (DST) via ANRF.
  • Boosts research in:
    • AI-native networks
    • Semiconductors
    • Photonics
    • Sensing
    • Cybersecurity
    • Satellite–terrestrial integration
  • Aim: Strengthen India’s frontier R&D for 6G.

7. Apex Council & Feedback

  • Members provided constructive suggestions to refine:
    • Standards
    • Testbeds
    • Ecosystem development
    • Actionable strategies for next phase

8. About Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA)

  • Multi-stakeholder platform uniting academia, industry, startups, and public institutions.
  • Mission: Build a world-class 6G ecosystem in India focusing on R&D, innovation, and standardisation.
  • Plays a pivotal role in achieving India’s vision of global leadership in next-generation communication technologies.

‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’

Launch of the Vision

  • The Government of India created the Ministry of Cooperation and announced the vision “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” to strengthen India’s cooperative movement.
  • Aim: reform, modernize and expand cooperatives to bring prosperity through collective effort.

1. Expansion of Cooperative Network

  • Under the vision of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’, the Ministry of Cooperation is expanding cooperative institutions across India.
  • A national plan is underway to establish new multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCS), and Fishery Cooperative Societies (FCS) in all panchayats and villages within five years.
  • As of 15 November 2025:
    • 30,083 new PACS/DCS/FCS registered.
    • 15,793 Dairy and Fisheries cooperatives strengthened.

2. Capacity-Building and Technical Support

  • Training provided by:
    • National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT)
    • National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
  • NCCT conducted 153 training programmes, training 6,817 PACS personnel.
  • Under the PACS Computerisation Project, capacity-building includes:
    • ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) training
    • Webinars, helplines, multilingual user manuals
    • Support for modules like accounting, procurement, credit, and distribution
  • National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) supports dairy cooperatives in training, animal health, breeding, feed/fodder, cold-chain and digital tools.
  • National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) supports fisheries cooperatives through training, cage culture, biofloc, infrastructure grants, wetland management.
    • Under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
      • Formation of 6,000 new FCS (2024–29) with ₹3 lakh support each
      • 1,225 FCS already funded across 34 States/UTs

3. Digital Transformation of PACS

  • All functional PACS are being brought under a common national ERP-based software.
  • ERP system ensures:
    • Common Accounting System (CAS)
    • Management Information System (MIS)
    • Real-time data capture and transparency
    • Faster loan disbursal, lower transaction costs
    • Seamless accounting with District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) and State Cooperative Banks (StCBs)
  • The ERP contains 22 modules, including:
    • Membership, Loans, Thrift Deposit, Savings, Term Deposit, Pigmy Deposit, Lockers
    • Merchandise, Warehousing, Procurement, Public Distribution System (PDS)
    • Investments, Borrowings, Assets, Financial Accounting System (FAS)
    • Audits, Governance, Report Builder, Statistics
    • Business Development Planning (BDP), Common Service Centre (CSC), Legacy Documents
  • NABARD and the system integrator provide ERP training and operational support.

4. Digital Ecosystem Beyond PACS

  • Digital systems expanded to:
    • Agricultural and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs)
    • Central Registrar’s Office for Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS)
    • Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) offices in all States/UTs
  • Establishment of Sahakar Sarathi, a Shared Service Entity (SSE) approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), supporting modern audit and financial management in rural cooperative banks.
  • Cooperative banks integrated under the RBI Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (IOS) for improved grievance redressal.
  • The Cooperative Ranking Framework (launched 24 January 2025) evaluates cooperatives on digital, audit, operational and financial parameters.

5. National Cooperative Database (NCD) & Digital Financial Inclusion

  • National Cooperative Database (NCD) houses data on 8.4 lakh cooperatives.
  • Standard Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable real-time integration of State RCS portals with NCD, ensuring accurate reporting.
  • Micro-ATMs deployed through Dairy and Fisheries Bank Mitra Cooperative Societies for transparent doorstep banking.
  • Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS) integrated into PACS functioning as Bank Mitras, facilitating:
    • Secure digital transactions
    • Doorstep banking
    • Traceable and transparent payment systems

6. Key Policy and Regulatory Reforms

  • Major policy initiatives include:
    • Model Bye-laws for PACS
    • National Cooperative Policy 2025
    • Amendments to the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act
  • Reforms aim to:
    • Make cooperatives multipurpose
    • Improve transparency and governance
    • Ensure inclusive membership, especially for women and SC/ST members

7. Banking and Credit Support for Cooperatives

  • Cooperative banks—Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), StCBs, DCCBs—benefit from:
    • Regulatory relaxations
    • Branch expansion permissions
    • Higher operational and lending limits
    • Participation in Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) for collateral-free lending
  • These measures significantly increase credit availability for rural and agricultural cooperatives.

8. Financial Incentives and Tax Relief

  • Tax benefits include:
    • Surcharge reduced from 12% to 7% (income ₹1–10 crore)
    • Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) reduced from 18.5% to 15%
    • 15% tax rate for new manufacturing cooperatives (established before 31 March 2024)
  • For PACS and Primary Cooperative Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (PCARDBs), operational cash limits raised from ₹20,000 to ₹2 lakh per member.

9. Infrastructure and Capital Support

  • ₹2,925.39 crore allocated for PACS computerisation.
  • Under Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) Scheme:
    • Margin money requirement: 20% → 10%
    • Subsidy rate: 25% → 33.33%
    • Extra subsidy for internal roads and weighbridges
  • Financial assistance provided:
    • ₹190 crore to Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
    • ₹98 crore to Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs)
  • Cabinet-approved ₹2,000 crore grant to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) enabling it to leverage ₹20,000 crore for long-term and working-capital loans.

10. Support to Sugar Cooperatives

  • A dedicated ₹10,000 crore loan scheme launched through NCDC for:
    • Ethanol plants
    • Cogeneration units
    • Working capital
  • Interest subvention: 6% per annum or 50% of actual interest for five years.
  • Additional tax and GST reliefs include:
    • Allowing pre-2016–17 payments to farmers as expenditure (benefit > ₹46,000 crore)
    • No additional tax on cane payments up to Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) / State Advised Price (SAP) from April 2016
    • Goods and Services Tax (GST) on molasses reduced from 28% to 5%

Overall Impact

  • Strengthened cooperative institutions across agriculture, dairy, fisheries, banking, and rural development.
  • Rapid digital transformation enabling transparency, efficiency, and real-time governance.
  • Substantial financial incentives improving the viability and competitiveness of cooperatives.
  • Strong boost to inclusive rural livelihoods through expanded services and technology-enabled access.

Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

1. Key Event

  • Deepavali, one of India’s most widely celebrated living traditions, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • The announcement occurred during the 20th Session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee, held at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
  • The event was attended by:
    • Union Minister of Culture: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
    • Secretary, Ministry of Culture: Shri Vivek Aggarwal
    • Senior Ministry officials, delegates from 194 Member States, international experts, and UNESCO representatives.

2. Significance of the Inscription

  • Marks a moment of pride for India and global communities practicing Deepavali.
  • Recognizes the timeless spirit of the festival and its universal message:
    • “Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya” – the transition from darkness to light, symbolizing hope, renewal, and harmony.
  • Highlights the living, people-centric nature of the festival, supported by millions:
    • Artisans (potters, rangoli artists, decor makers)
    • Farmers and sweet-makers
    • Priests and households preserving age-old customs

3. Global and Diaspora Role

  • Celebrated widely across: Southeast Asia, Africa, the Gulf, Europe, and the Caribbean.
  • Indian diaspora helps transmit the festival’s message and build cultural bridges internationally.

4. Responsibilities and Implications

  • UNESCO inscription emphasizes safeguarding and transmitting Deepavali heritage to future generations.
  • Citizens are urged to uphold inclusivity, unity, and community participation reflected in Deepavali.

5. Cultural and Social Significance

  • Deepavali embodies principles of:
    • Unity
    • Renewal
    • Social cohesion
  • Practices associated with the festival include:
    • Lighting of diyas (lamps)
    • Rangoli making
    • Traditional crafts and rituals
    • Community gatherings
    • Intergenerational knowledge transmission

6. Nomination Process

  • Prepared by the Ministry of Culture through the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
  • Based on extensive nationwide consultations involving:
    • Practitioners and artisans
    • Agrarian communities
    • Diaspora groups
    • Persons with special needs and transgender communities
    • Cultural organizations and tradition bearers
  • The nomination highlighted:
    • Inclusive character of Deepavali
    • Community-led continuity
    • Wide ecosystem of livelihoods (potters, sweet-makers, florists, craftspeople)

7. UNESCO Recognition and Global Impact

  • Deepavali acknowledged as a living heritage that:
    • Strengthens social bonds
    • Supports traditional craftsmanship
    • Reinforces values of generosity and well-being
    • Contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
      • Livelihood enhancement
      • Gender equality
      • Cultural education
      • Community welfare
  • Enhances global awareness of India’s intangible cultural heritage and supports community-based tradition preservation.

Maitri-II Research Station in Antarctica

Project Overview

  • India plans to replace the existing Maitri Research Station in Antarctica with a newly designed Maitri-II.
  • The new station aims to become a state-of-the-art, year-round Antarctic research hub.

Funding and Approvals

  • The Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved ₹29.2 crore for pre-investment activities.
  • This funding covers architectural design and the Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Scientific Objectives and Capabilities

  • Maitri-II is designed to significantly enhance India’s multidisciplinary scientific research in Antarctica.
  • Key research areas include:
    • Biology and microbial studies
    • Earth sciences
    • Glaciology
    • Atmospheric sciences
    • Climate studies
    • Long-term environmental and climate monitoring

Key Features of the Upgraded Station

  • Modern, fully equipped laboratories for advanced scientific work.
  • Ice-core storage and processing systems enabling high-precision paleoclimate research.
  • Dedicated biological and microbial research suite for cutting-edge life-science studies.
  • Expanded atmospheric observation facilities to improve climate and weather research.
  • Enhanced logistics infrastructure ensuring uninterrupted, year-round scientific operations.

Expected Impact

  • Will greatly expand the scope, accuracy, and continuity of India’s polar science.
  • Expected to increase India’s international relevance in Antarctic research.
  • Will enable India to produce and contribute high-quality data and advanced findings to global polar science networks for decades.

Timeline

  • Estimated project duration: 7 years.
  • Target for Maitri-II to become fully operational: by 2032.

Deep Ocean Resources

Exploration in the Central Indian Ocean Basin

  • India is conducting seabed exploration in a 75,000 sq. km area allocated by the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
  • The entire area has been uniformly sampled at 12.5 km intervals to assess:
    • Abundance of polymetallic nodules
    • Metal grades within those nodules
  • Additional activities include:
    • Baseline environmental data collection
    • Development of deep-sea mining technologies
    • Development of metallurgical processes for extracting metals

Resource Estimates

  • Total estimated polymetallic nodules: 366 million metric tons (MMT) (dry weight).
  • Average metal composition:
    • Cobalt: 0.14%
    • Nickel: 1.14%
    • Copper: 1.09%
    • Manganese: 25.2%
  • These metals are critical for:
    • Battery technologies
    • Renewable energy systems
    • High-strength alloys

Technological Developments Under Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)

  • The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is leading deep-sea mining system development.
  • Purpose: Sustainable harvesting of polymetallic nodules from depths up to 5500 m.
  • Key achievements:
    • 2021: Successfully completed mobility and system-powering trials of the mining machine at 5270 m depth in the Central Indian Ocean.

MATSYA 6000: Human Submersible

  • NIOT has designed MATSYA 6000, a deep-sea human-rated submersible capable of descending to 6000 m.
  • February 2025: First successful demonstration of integrated system functionality with three people onboard, conducted in calm waters.

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