EMPOWERING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE FOR FOOD SECURITY
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The UN General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the crucial role of women in agriculture. This aims to celebrate their contributions while addressing challenges like land ownership, credit access, and technology use. However, they face challenges such as limited land ownership, credit access, and climate-related vulnerabilities.
Importance of Women in Agriculture
- Women farmers produce nearly half of the global food supply and contribute 60–80% of food production in developing countries.
- Women make up 39% of agricultural labour in South Asia, including India.
- Around 80% of working women in India are engaged in agriculture, yet only 14% own land (National Family Health Survey reports it’s even lower at 8.3%).
- Lack of land ownership restricts their access to credit and technology, limiting productivity.
Challenges Faced by Women Farmers
- Property Rights: Low land ownership prevents them from securing loans and resources.
- Access to Technology: Women often lack access to mobile phones and internet-based advisories that could help them adapt to climate change.
- Financial Barriers: Microfinance options exist, but loans are usually too small for significant investments.
- Climate Change Impact: Increasing weather uncertainties make farming harder for women, adding to their domestic responsibilities.
Government Initiatives
- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana: Enhances skills and resources for women farmers.
- Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: Provides 50–80% subsidies on machinery for women farmers.
- National Food Security Mission: Allocates 30% of its budget for women farmers in various States and UTs.
Case Study: ENACT Project in Assam
- Implemented by the World Food Programme and the Government of Assam, with funding from Norway.
- Helps women farmers get climate-related advisories via mobile phones in 17 villages of Nagaon district.
- Introduces flood-resistant rice varieties and community-based seed production systems to build resilience.
- Partnerships with local agencies, universities, and self-help groups ensure technical support and better market links.
Steps Forward
- Policies should consider the specific needs of women farmers, backed by gender-sensitive data collection.
- Promote women-led agri-value chains, strengthen self-help groups, and improve financing options.
- Focus on technology access, diversified farming, and climate adaptation strategies.
Conclusion
The 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer offers a chance to champion women’s role in agriculture, food security, and sustainable growth by supporting their empowerment and resilience.
DELIMITATION: ELECTORS VS. POPULATION
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
Recently, experts and articles have debated whether to use population or the number of electors as the main criterion for allocating parliamentary constituencies. This issue is significant as the southern States fear losing seats due to their better population control compared to northern States.
Electors vs. Population
- Electors: Registered voters in a constituency.
- Population: Includes all residents, including minors and unregistered people.
- Issue: Population counts may include migrants and children who cannot vote, while elector data reflects actual voters.
One Person, One Vote, One Value
- The concept means every voter should have equal value.
- Aligning constituencies to the number of electors matches this principle better than using total population.
Electoral Imbalance
- Southern States initially had higher vote value per MP in 1951, but this changed over time.
- Differences in fertility rates and migration affect vote value.
- Data shows significant differences in vote value between constituencies, e.g., Idukki vs. Malkajgiri.
Migration and Registration Issues
- Many electors live outside their registered constituency or haven’t updated their voter registration.
- Census counts migrants who might not be voters in that area.
- Elector-based delimitation reduces these issues.
Southern States’ Representation
- Southern States hold 23.8% of Lok Sabha seats and 24.4% of Rajya Sabha seats, despite having only 22.45% of electors.
- Northern States have a lower share of seats compared to their elector share.
Rajya Sabha Disparity
- Tamil Nadu has more Rajya Sabha seats than Bihar and West Bengal, despite having fewer Lok Sabha seats.
- This indicates regional imbalances in representation.
Policy Recommendations
- Use Electors for Delimitation: More accurate and fair.
- Account for Geography and Minimum Representation: Ensure fair representation for smaller States and hilly/UT regions.
- Avoid Penalising Family Planning: Don’t reduce seats just because of successful population control.
- Improve Voter Registration: Ensure all eligible electors are registered.
DELIMITATION COMMISSION OF INDIA
Constitutional Articles
- Article 82: Empowers Parliament to enact a Delimitation Act after each Census.
- Article 170: Deals with the delimitation of constituencies for State Legislative Assemblies.
- Article 327 & 329: Empower Parliament to regulate elections and bar court interference in the delimitation process.
Composition
- A retired Supreme Court judge (Chairperson).
- The Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner nominated by the CEC.
- State Election Commissioners of the concerned states as ex-officio members.
Number of Times it Has Been Constituted
- Formed four times: in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.
- After the 2001 Census, the 2002 Delimitation Commission was constituted, and its work was completed in 2008.
Next Delimitation
- Next exercise is likely after the 2026 Census, as per the constitutional freeze on seat allocation until then (originally frozen till 2000, extended by the 84th and 87th Amendments till 2026).
- This is to ensure equitable population representation given demographic changes.
Conclusion
Aligning constituencies with electors upholds the democratic principle of equal vote value. This ensures fair representation, prevents penalising successful population control, and strengthens democracy.
HOW DRONES ARE CHANGING WARFARE
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Drones have become crucial tools in modern warfare, demonstrated in recent conflicts like Ukraine, and are also being integrated into India’s defense strategies. India’s recent use of drones in Operation Sindoor highlights their growing role in national security.
Changing Nature of Warfare
- Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are transforming how countries fight wars by offering new ways to strike and gather intelligence.
- They blur the line between military and commercial technology, making them accessible and adaptable.
- Drones serve as force multipliers, enhancing the impact of other weapons.
- They offer low-cost, versatile solutions compared to traditional aircraft.
- The Ukraine war has shown rapid innovation in drone use, with both sides adapting quickly.
Global Examples
- In the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (2020), Azerbaijan effectively used loitering munitions (like the Harop) to disable enemy air defenses.
- Ukraine has used drones creatively, including 3D-printed models, to target Russian forces.
- Myanmar rebels have used improvised drones against a stronger army.
India’s Approach
- India’s Operation Sindoor demonstrated the use of UAVs alongside standoff weapons, adding a layer of strategy against Pakistan.
- India’s defense against Pakistani drones has relied on multilayered sensors and indigenous counter-drone systems.
- India must focus on mass production, redundancy, and rapid replacement of drones in wartime.
Drone Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures
- Drones can be countered by electronic warfare, air defenses, and jamming.
- Advanced features like AI, low-altitude flying, and frequency hopping help drones evade detection.
- Massed drone attacks can overwhelm air defenses, as seen in Russia’s use of Shahed drones.
Military-Commercial Overlap
- Commercial drones are easy to adapt into weapons, challenging traditional defense systems.
- 3D printing allows rapid manufacturing of drone parts, even in conflict zones.
- This technology can also be misused by terrorists or non-state actors, highlighting the need for strong counter-drone measures in civilian areas.
India’s Challenges and Way Forward
- China’s advanced drone capabilities and exports to Pakistan present a serious challenge to India.
- India must strengthen its defense industry to mass-produce affordable drones and loitering munitions.
- Supporting local industries and ensuring steady demand are essential for building production capacity.
WARFARE DRONES BY INDIA
- Harop & Heron: Used in recent operations; provide precision strikes using AI-based targeting and loitering (suicide) capabilities.
- Nagastra-1: Indigenous kamikaze drone; lightweight (8-9 kg), 30-40 km range; good for precision strikes and surveillance.
- Loitering Munitions: Drones that can hover over targets and strike when needed.
ANTI-DRONE WARFARE SYSTEMS
- DRDO D4 System: Uses radar, cameras, and RF sensors to detect drones. Can jam or destroy drones using lasers.
- Laser Weapons: 2 kW lasers operational for short-range threats; 30 kW systems under development to target bigger drones and even aircraft.
- Bhargavastra: Vehicle-mounted missile system to shoot down drone swarms; already tested successfully.
- JAU System: Portable device that jams enemy drone communications and navigation.
Indrajaal Dome: AI-powered system for 360° detection and neutralization of multiple drones.
Conclusion
Drones have reshaped modern warfare, offering both opportunities and challenges for India. Investing in technology, mass production, and countermeasures is key to staying prepared for future conflicts.
SUSTAINABLE NICKEL EXTRACTION
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
A recent study published in Nature has shown a new, more sustainable way to extract nickel from low-grade ores using hydrogen plasma, potentially cutting down carbon emissions significantly. This method is important because nickel demand is rising due to its role in electric vehicles (EVs) and other green technologies.
Issues with Current Nickel Production
- Current methods are energy-intensive and use carbon-based reduction, producing large amounts of carbon dioxide.
- Extracting just one tonne of nickel creates over 20 tonnes of CO₂, contributing to climate change.
The New Method: Hydrogen Plasma Reduction
- Researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Germany developed this new technique.
- Instead of using carbon, hydrogen is used as the reducing agent, and an electric arc furnace supplies the heat.
- Hydrogen turns into plasma — an extremely reactive state — which quickly removes oxygen from nickel ore.
- The byproduct is water, not CO₂, making the process much cleaner.
- The method works faster and is about 18% more energy-efficient.
- Direct carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by up to 84%.
Focus on Laterite Ores
- The study focused on laterite ores, which are common in tropical areas like India.
- Laterite ores are usually harder to process with traditional methods.
- India has nickel-rich laterite deposits in Odisha’s Sukinda region that are often overlooked because they have low-grade nickel.
- This new method can unlock the potential of these lesser-used resources.
Benefits for India
- India’s growing industrial base and climate goals align well with this new method.
- Using hydrogen plasma can reduce reliance on imported high-grade ores.
- It can help India move towards its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Challenges Ahead
- Scaling up this technology to industrial levels will need big investments in equipment and renewable energy.
- Technical challenges like ensuring continuous oxygen at the reaction site and studying reaction kinetics remain.
- Despite these hurdles, the process holds promise for a greener, more sustainable nickel industry.
NICKEL
Nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal, found primarily in two types of ores: sulphide ores (e.g., pentlandite) and laterite ores (nickeliferous limonite and garnierite).
- It is mainly used in stainless steel, batteries for electric vehicles, and other green technologies.
Nickel Production in India
- India’s domestic nickel production is very limited and mainly comes as a by-product of chromite mining (notably from Odisha’s Sukinda region).
- Nickeliferous limonite (low-grade nickel) is found in laterite deposits in Sukinda, but is largely untapped due to technological challenges.
India’s Dependence
- India heavily depends on nickel imports to meet its industrial needs, especially for stainless steel and battery production.
This dependence makes India vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
Conclusion
As demand for nickel in green technologies grows, India and the world must adopt cleaner methods like hydrogen plasma reduction to meet sustainability targets.
FOREIGN INVESTORS PREFER MAHARASHTRA OVER DELHI
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Delhi’s share in India’s FDI has decreased from 32% (2015-16) to 12% (2024-25). Maharashtra’s share has increased from 24% to 39% over the same period, reflecting a major shift in investor preferences.
Key Trends
- Over the last decade (2015-25), Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gujarat have consistently attracted the highest foreign investments in India.
- Maharashtra’s FDI share grew significantly, becoming the top investment destination in 2024-25 with 39% share ($19.6 billion).
- Delhi’s FDI share declined from 32% ($12.7 billion) in 2015-16 to 12% ($6 billion) in 2024-25.
Factors Driving Shift to Maharashtra
- Predictable Returns: Investors prefer states with stable policy frameworks and reliable returns.
- Robust Infrastructure: Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, offers advanced financial services, industrial corridors, and better connectivity.
- Economic Ecosystem: Mature financial and tech hubs in Mumbai and Bengaluru make Maharashtra and Karnataka more attractive.
Karnataka and Gujarat
- Karnataka maintained a strong position, with FDI share rising from 10% in 2015-16 to 13% in 2024-25.
- Gujarat’s share nearly doubled from 6% to 11% over the decade.
- Tamil Nadu, though consistently in the top 5, saw its share fall from 11% to 7% during the same period.
Insights and Implications
- A few states continue to dominate FDI inflows, capturing over three-fourths of total investments in India.
- The trend shows a “flight to quality,” where investors prefer states with proven economic ecosystems during uncertain times.
- This highlights the importance of improving infrastructure and policy consistency to attract global capital.
FDI
- FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) refers to investments made by a foreign company or individual in the business or economy of another country, typically involving ownership or control over production, infrastructure, or other assets.
- It helps bring in capital, technology, and expertise, boosting economic growth, employment, and industrial development.
According to the Indian government’s definition, any investment by a foreign entity below 10% of the paid-up capital in a listed Indian company is classified as Foreign Institutional Investment (FII). If the investment is 10% or more, it is automatically classified as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Conclusion:
Maharashtra’s consistent rise as India’s top FDI destination highlights the importance of strong infrastructure, policy stability, and predictable returns in attracting foreign investments.
INDIA’S PROPOSAL FOR A GLOBAL SOUTH COUNTER TERROR BLOCK
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The Pahalgam terror attack and India’s swift retaliation via Operation Sindoor exposed the limitations of existing global counter‑terror systems. India has proposed a new platform—T20 (Twenty Against Terrorism)—to unite Global South nations facing persistent terrorism threats.
Background: Pahalgam Attack & Operation Sindoor
- A well-planned terror strike in Pahalgam led to strong national outrage in India.
- Operation Sindoor involved targeted military action reaffirming India’s doctrine of proactive defence.
Global Response
- Countries like the U.S., France, Israel supported India, while organizations like UN and OIC urged restraint without pinpointing perpetrators.
- China diplomatically shielded Pakistan, and Russia maintained strategic silence.
Gaps in Global Counter‑Terror Architecture
- Existing bodies like the UN, FATF, and Global Counterterrorism Forum are seen as:
- Ineffective, lacking real enforcement authority.
- Politicized, influenced by geopolitical rivalries.
- Western‑centred, not fully addressing threats in the Global South.
The T20 Proposal
- Objective: Create a coalition of 20 Global South countries led by India to address cross-border terrorism and share best practices.
- Potential Members: Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Mali, the Philippines, Fiji, among others who regularly face terror threats.
- Benefits:
- Strengthened political coordination and intelligence sharing.
- Enhanced operational cooperation among member countries.
- A stronger collective voice in global bodies demanding accountability and action.
Significance for Global South
- Recognizes that terrorism is often state‑sponsored or ideologically driven, especially in South Asia and parts of Africa and the Middle East.
- Offers a regional solution to a global problem, outside Western-dominated frameworks.
- Aims to build solidarity and provide a better support system for countries under repetitive terror threats.
Conclusion
The T20 initiative addresses existing international mechanisms’ weaknesses by offering a focused, empowered, and regional solution. It has the potential to foster stronger defense cooperation, collective diplomacy, and effective counter-terror action tailored to Global South realities.
TAMHINI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The Maharashtra Forest Department, in collaboration with Microsoft and CYDA, Pune, has launched initiatives to tackle socio-ecological challenges in Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary. This partnership aims to promote biodiversity conservation and community development.
Location and Overview
- Situated in the Western Ghats, near Pune, Maharashtra.
- Covers 49.62 sq. km area.
Formation
- Created from 12 compartments of reserved forest from Paund and Sinhgad ranges in Pune forest division.
- Additional 8 compartments from Mangaon range, Roha division in Thane.
Vegetation and Flora
- Dominated by evergreen, semi-evergreen, and deciduous forests.
- Common tree species: Teak, bamboo, Ain, Shisham, mango, and Jamun.
Fauna
- Mammals: Indian giant squirrels, barking deer, Indian pangolins, Indian civets, and wild boars.
- Birds: Malabar whistling thrush, crested serpent eagle, grey junglefowl, golden oriole, and Indian pitta.
Conclusion
Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity-rich hotspot that now benefits from collaborative efforts to conserve its ecosystems and support local communities.
STRATOSPHERIC AEROSOL INJECTION (SAI)
TOPIC: (GS3) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
A recent study in the journal Earth’s Future explored a cost-effective approach to SAI, sparking renewed debate about its feasibility despite ongoing concerns. This brings the concept closer to real-world application as a climate change mitigation tool.
What is Stratospheric Aerosol Injection?
- SAI is a geoengineering method aimed at cooling Earth’s climate by adding a layer of reflective particles into the stratosphere.
- The idea is to reflect some sunlight back into space, thereby reducing global warming.
How Does It Work?
- Inspired by the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions, which release aerosols that block sunlight.
- SAI plans to inject sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the upper atmosphere, where it forms sulfate aerosols that reflect sunlight.
Aerosols
- Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in air or gas.
- Can be natural (e.g. volcanic gases, sea spray) or human-made (e.g. smoke, industrial pollution).
- Sizes range from Aitken nuclei (very small) to visible forms like smoke, smog, haze, and dust.
Challenges
- Potential for uneven climate effects, health risks, and geopolitical tensions.
- Long-term impacts and ethical concerns remain unresolved.
Conclusion
SAI offers a promising yet controversial option for fighting climate change, but requires cautious research to balance its benefits and risks before real-world use.
The post Daily Current Affairs 10-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.