Content
- 1. Nations must prepare to deal with stablecoins: FM
- 2. CAQM calls for action against officials on stubble burning
- 3. Indian diets heavy on carbs and sugar linked to surge in diabetes
- 4. Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and Aspirational Agriculture Districts
- 5. A red sunset on the horizon
- 6. How Jane Goodall revolutionised primatology with her methods, dedication
Nations must prepare to deal with stablecoins: FM
Why is it in News?
- Recent Development: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the strategic importance of engaging with stablecoins at the Kautilya Economic Conclave (Oct 2025).
- Context: Signals a potential shift in India’s approach to cryptocurrency regulation, amid global adoption trends and RBI’s CBDC initiatives.
Relevance
- GS 3 – Economy:
- Monetary policy implications of CBDCs vs private cryptocurrencies.
- Capital flows, taxation, and financial inclusion.
- Regulatory frameworks and fintech innovation.
- GS 2 – Governance & Policy:
- Role of Finance Ministry and RBI in formulating digital currency policy.
- Coordination with global standards and regulatory trends.
Cryptocurrency Landscape
- Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs): Private cryptocurrencies not legal tender in India but taxed under current law.
- Stablecoins: Cryptocurrencies pegged to underlying assets (currencies, precious metals) to maintain price stability.
- Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): Digital currency issued by the RBI, with legal tender status, and backed by central bank reserves.
Current Policy Context in India
- RBI: Advocates banning private cryptocurrencies, citing financial stability risks; simultaneously piloting the CBDC.
- Finance Ministry: Signals openness to engaging with stablecoins due to transformative potential in money flows and payments architecture.
- Taxation: VDA transactions are taxable, despite absence of formal regulatory framework.
- Global Trends: Stablecoins and digital currencies increasingly influence cross-border capital flows, monetary policy, and payment systems.
Significance of Stablecoins
- Monetary Innovation: Provide near-instantaneous payments, lower transaction costs, and potential for financial inclusion.
- Global Integration: Countries must adapt to remain connected to international financial systems.
- Risk Management: Properly regulated stablecoins can reduce volatility compared to other cryptocurrencies.
- Policy Implication: India faces a “binary choice” – either integrate stablecoins into the financial system with oversight or risk exclusion from evolving global financial architectures.
Risks and Concerns
- Financial Stability: Private cryptocurrencies can be highly volatile, posing systemic risks.
- Regulatory Gaps: Lack of a legal framework can facilitate fraud, money laundering, or speculative bubbles.
- Monetary Control: Unregulated cryptocurrencies could undermine RBI’s ability to conduct effective monetary policy.
- Geopolitical and Strategic Risks: Cross-border crypto flows could interact with sanctions, capital controls, and economic rivalries.
CAQM calls for action against officials on stubble burning
Why is it in News?
- Recent Directive: On 1 October 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued orders empowering District Collectors, District Magistrates, and Deputy Commissioners in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi to take strict action against officials negligent in enforcing anti-stubble burning measures.
- Context: Aligns with the Supreme Court urging a tougher stance to curb stubble burning, a major contributor to Delhi-NCR winter air pollution.
Relevance
- GS 2 (Governance & Environment Policy):
- Role of CAQM as a statutory body under the Commission for Air Quality Management Act, 2021.
- Coordination with state governments for enforcement and accountability mechanisms.
- GS 3 (Environment & Agriculture):
- Link between agricultural practices (paddy cultivation, stubble management) and air quality.
- Technologies for sustainable residue management (happy seeders, bio-decomposition, mechanized alternatives).
Issue Overview
- Seasonal Context: Paddy harvest in northern India (Sept–Nov) coincides with worsening winter air quality in Delhi-NCR.
- Cause: Farmers burn paddy stubble to clear fields quickly for the next crop → emits PM2.5, PM10, CO₂, and other pollutants.
- Impact: Contributes significantly to hazardous air pollution levels in Delhi-NCR, exacerbated by meteorological conditions (low wind speed, cold temperatures).
CAQM Measures
- Empowerment of Officials:
- District authorities can directly file complaints against negligent officers before judicial magistrates.
- Accountability extends to nodal officers, supervisory officers, and Station House Officers.
- Goal: Strengthen enforcement and deterrence against stubble burning.
- Strict Vigil: District administrations and state governments mandated to maintain constant monitoring.
Current Status
- Punjab: 95 stubble-burning incidents recorded this season (Sept 15–Nov 30), down from 179 last year → lowest in six years (IARI data).
- Other States: Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan also contribute to Delhi-NCR air pollution during peak burning months.
- Trend: The reduction indicates progress in awareness, mechanization (happy seeders, rotavators), and enforcement.
Environmental & Health Implications
- Air Pollution: PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations spike, creating hazardous air quality days.
- Health Impact: Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, increased mortality risk during winter months.
- Climate Impact: Burning releases greenhouse gases → contributes to climate change.
- Soil Degradation: Loss of nutrients (N, P, K) from topsoil due to burning.
Indian diets heavy on carbs and sugar linked to surge in diabetes
Why is it in News?
- Recent Study: Published in Nature Medicine on 30 September 2025, based on the ICMR-INDIAB survey.
- Key Finding: High carbohydrate and sugar intake in Indian diets is significantly linked to rising type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- National Significance: Impacts public health, healthcare planning, and nutrition policy, highlighting dietary risk factors across 36 states/UTs.
Relevance
- GS 2 (Governance & Health Policy):
- National Nutrition Policy, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, CVDs, and Stroke.
- Implementation of dietary guidelines and food-based public health programs.
- GS 3 (Health & Economy):
- Impact of poor diet on non-communicable diseases and economic productivity.
- Role of lifestyle and nutrition in healthcare expenditure.
Study Highlights
- Survey Sample: 121,077 adults (urban and rural) across India; detailed dietary data for every fifth participant.
- Carbohydrate Intake: 62% of total daily calories on average from carbs.
- Sugar Intake: Exceeds recommended <5% daily energy in 21 states/UTs.
- Protein Intake: Suboptimal at 12% of daily energy, mostly plant-based; animal/dairy proteins very low (2% and 1%).
- Fat Intake: Average within guidelines (<30% energy), but saturated fat exceeded recommended <7% in most states.
Detailed Findings
- Carb Source Risk:
- Refined cereals → 13% higher diabetes risk.
- Milled whole grains → 9% higher risk.
- Added sugars → 14% higher risk.
- Regional Consistency: Risks consistent across north, south, east, west, central, and north-east India.
- Substitution Analysis: Replacing 5% of daily carbs with plant or dairy proteins reduces diabetes risk; substituting with red meat protein or fats does not.
Implications for Public Health & Policy
- Rising Burden of Type 2 Diabetes: India faces an escalating metabolic health crisis due to carb-heavy diets.
- Dietary Guidelines: Need to promote:
- Reduction in refined carbohydrate intake.
- Increased consumption of high-quality proteins (plant/dairy).
- Balanced fat intake with healthy fats (MUFA, omega-3).
- Nutrition Interventions: Policy focus on:
- Awareness campaigns on balanced diets.
- School and workplace nutrition programs.
- Incentives for consumption of pulses, legumes, dairy.
- Long-term Strategy: Preventive approach to reduce healthcare burden from diabetes, obesity, and associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and Aspirational Agriculture Districts
Why is it in News?
- Recent Development: The Government of India announced 100 Aspirational Agriculture Districts under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY).
- Significance: Uttar Pradesh tops the list with the most districts (12), indicating priority focus on improving agricultural productivity and rural development in lagging regions.
- Objective: Targeted development of agricultural infrastructure and practices to boost output, income, and sustainability.
Relevance
- GS 2 – Governance:
- Implementation of flagship schemes; convergence of multiple government programs.
- Role of central and state authorities in district-level monitoring.
- GS 3 – Economy & Agriculture:
- Enhancing crop productivity, rural livelihoods, and income.
- Infrastructure development in agriculture (storage, irrigation, post-harvest).
Basics – PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
- Launched: Designed along the lines of the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP).
- Administered by: Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; operational guidelines issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
- Coverage: 100 districts across 25 states and UTs; chosen based on crop productivity, crop intensity, and access to credit.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Adoption of modern farming techniques and high-yielding crops.
- Crop Diversification & Sustainability: Promote multi-cropping, integrated pest management, organic farming.
- Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Develop storage facilities at block and panchayat levels.
- Irrigation Improvement: Strengthen micro-irrigation, water efficiency, and resource management.
- Credit Facilitation: Enable access to short-term and long-term agricultural credit for farmers.
Selection Criteria
- Three Key Parameters:
- Low Productivity: Districts with below-average agricultural productivity.
- Moderate Crop Intensity: Areas where cropping intensity can be improved.
- Below-Average Credit Access: Ensuring farmers can access formal finance for agricultural investment.
- Regional Spread: Districts selected from diverse states including UP, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana, Bihar, and others.
Implementation Mechanism
- Central Nodal Officers (CNOs): Appointed to monitor district-level implementation.
- Convergence Approach: 36 schemes from 11 departments to be integrated at the district level.
- Expected Work Value: ₹24,000 crore annually, indicating significant investment in agricultural development.
- Departmental Involvement: Primarily Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with state governments coordinating local efforts.
Strategic Significance
- Agricultural Development: Focus on lagging districts ensures balanced regional growth.
- Income & Employment: Increased productivity and post-harvest support can improve farmer incomes and create rural jobs.
- Sustainability: Encourages adoption of climate-resilient and efficient farming practices.
- Credit & Market Linkages: Better access to institutional credit reduces dependence on informal lenders; aligns with crop insurance and MSP mechanisms.
- Policy Integration: Synergies with National Food Security, MSP framework, irrigation schemes, and rural development initiatives.
A red sunset on the horizon
Understanding the Maoist/Naxal Insurgency
- Definition: Maoist insurgency, also known as the Naxalite movement, is a left-wing extremist insurgency inspired by Mao Zedong’s ideology, advocating armed struggle against the state to overthrow perceived exploitation.
- Origin: Began in 1967 in Naxalbari, West Bengal, primarily involving marginalized tribal and peasant communities.
- Ideology:
- Opposes feudalism, landlordism, and state exploitation.
- Seeks land redistribution and social justice for marginalized communities.
- Uses guerrilla warfare as the main tactic.
- Geography: Historically affected central and eastern India, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal.
Relevance
- GS 3 – Internal Security
- Role of central and state authorities in counter-insurgency operations.
- Policy coordination between Ministry of Home Affairs, state police, and paramilitary forces.
Historical Evolution
- 1960s–1970s: Naxalbari uprising (1967) marked the start. Movement spread to Andhra Pradesh and other states via peasant unrest.
- 1970s–1980s: Spread intensified in Telangana, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
- 1990s–2000s: Peak violence; creation of People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) as armed wing.
- 2004–2010s: Fissures in Maoist factions; government crackdowns intensified.
- 2020s: Insurgency largely weakened; government’s combined security and development approach reduced Maoist influence.
Current Status (2025)
- Casualties & Surrenders:
- 270 Maoists killed.
- 680 arrested.
- 1,225 surrendered to authorities.
- Geographical Spread: Reduced from 180 districts to 38 districts.
- Leadership Crisis:
- Top leaders divided on whether to continue armed struggle or surrender.
- Recruitment challenges among tribal communities; ideology not resonating with new generation.
- Government Strategy:
- Security: Combined operations by Central and State forces.
- Developmental: Welfare schemes, free education, and tribal benefits to prevent recruitment.
- Surrender Packages: Incentives for militants to join mainstream society.
Reasons for Decline
- Security Operations:
- Targeted strikes on leaders and cadres.
- Confiscation of arms, ammunition, and hideouts.
- Ideological Dilution:
- Maoist ideology failing to attract younger tribal members.
- Social media, mobile access, and government schemes offering alternatives.
- Leadership Issues:
- Internal divisions; some leaders advocating peace.
- Old leaders aging and suffering from health issues.
Broader Implications
- Internal Security: Significant reduction in violent incidents improves law and order in affected regions.
- Developmental Impact: Areas once inaccessible to government schemes are now open for welfare, education, and economic development.
- Political & Social Stability: Weakening of Maoist influence allows normal democratic processes to function in tribal regions.
Why is this in the News?
- Government Statement & Results: Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted progress in reducing Maoist influence, signaling success of combined strategy.
- Policy Implications:
- Reinforces India’s counter-insurgency model: “security + development + rehabilitation.”
- Shows potential blueprint for handling other insurgencies.
- Current Affairs Relevance:
- Ongoing surrenders and arrests indicate the insurgency is at a turning point.
- Focus on the remaining 38 districts to consolidate peace.
- Highlights Maoists’ diminishing operational capacity and recruitment potential.
Key Takeaways
- Maoist insurgency has reduced significantly in India but is not completely eradicated.
- Security operations alone are insufficient; welfare schemes and peace incentives are crucial.
- Aging leadership, ideological fatigue, and developmental outreach have weakened the movement.
- Remaining hotspots require focused counter-insurgency operations combined with tribal welfare.
How Jane Goodall revolutionised primatology with her methods, dedication
Who was Jane Goodall
- Born in London, 1934; died aged 91 in 2025.
- World-renowned primatologist and ethologist, known for studying chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
- Became a global icon for pioneering long-term wildlife research at Gombe National Park, Tanzania.
- Famous for deep understanding of chimpanzees’ social behavior and evolutionary connection to humans.
Relevance:
- GS 3 – Science & Technology / Environment / Biodiversity
- Contribution to understanding animal behavior and ethology.
- Insights on species conservation and human-animal ecological interdependence.
- Role of long-term field research in biodiversity studies and wildlife management.
Early Life and Inspiration
- Fascinated by animals and nature from a young age; mother Margaret Myfanwe Joseph encouraged her interest.
- Worked as a waitress to fund travel to Africa for wildlife study.
- Met Louis Leakey, the paleoanthropologist, who became her mentor and facilitated her chimpanzee research in Tanzania.
- Arrived in Gombe in 1960, initially accompanied by her mother for safety.
Pioneering Research in Primatology
- Initiated the longest-running study of any animal species, observing chimpanzees over six decades.
- Key discoveries in chimpanzee behavior:
- Tool-making and tool-using capabilities—previously thought to be uniquely human.
- Hunting strategies and organized meat-eating among chimpanzees.
- Complex social hierarchies, family bonds, emotional expression, and learning patterns.
- Methodological innovation:
- Named individual chimpanzees instead of numbering them → humanized subjects, enabling richer behavioral insights.
- Conducted fieldwork in natural habitats, not just in zoos or labs—redefining the approach to studying wildlife.
Scientific and Societal Impact
- Redefined human-animal boundaries: Demonstrated humans are part of, not separate from, the animal kingdom.
- Challenged gender norms in science; as a young woman working in the wild during the 1960s–70s, she defied stereotypes.
- Contributed to ethology and primatology by showing that non-human animals exhibit intelligence, culture, and emotion.
- Helped reshape the definition of tools and intelligence in evolutionary studies.
Conservation and Advocacy
- Founded Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 for the protection of chimpanzees and great apes.
- Advocated for:
- Wildlife preservation and environmental conservation.
- Raising awareness about humans’ dependence on nature for psychological and ecological well-being.
- Continued traveling and educating globally even into her late 80s, promoting deep behavioral insights and conservation practices.
Revolutionary Methods and Dedication
- Lived among chimpanzees for decades to gain trust and detailed observational data.
- Approach combined patient observation, empathy, and scientific rigor, breaking conventional scientific norms.
- Her work bridged scientific research, advocacy, and public education, influencing generations of biologists, conservationists, and policymakers.
Interesting Facts
- She was the first to observe chimpanzees using tools, which prompted Louis Leakey to remark: “We must redefine man or accept chimpanzees as humans.”
- Humanized her subjects, giving them names like David Greybeard, Flo, Figan to track family histories and social interactions.
- Her studies remain the gold standard in field primatology and ethology.
