1.

Farmers Demand Legal Guarantee for MSP Amidst Ongoing

Committee Deliberations
Topic: GS3 – Agriculture – MSP

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding the
dynamics of MSP, farmer protests, and government initiatives to address agricultural
challenges.
Context:
 Farmers demanding a legal guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) for all
crops, based on the recommendations of the Dr. M S Swaminathan Commission,
broke through police barricades en route to New Delhi.
 Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge announced the party’s
decision to provide this guarantee, contrasting with the ongoing committee’s
deliberations aimed at making MSP more “effective and transparent.”.

More about the news:

Formation and Composition of the Committee:

 The committee, appointed by the Centre in July 2022, focuses on promoting

zero-budget farming, changing crop patterns, and enhancing MSP
transparency.
 Chaired by former agriculture secretary, it comprises 26 members, including
representatives from NITI Aayog, agricultural economists, farmers’ organizations,
and government officials.

Absenteeism of Key Stakeholders:

 Despite provisions for representation from farmers’ unions like the Samyukta
Kisan Morcha (SKM), pivotal in the 2020-21 protests, no SKM members
joined the committee.
 Currently, protesters marching to Delhi belong to the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha
(KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), a breakaway faction of
SKM.

Purpose and Mandate of the Panel:

 Initially announced by PM Modi in November 2021, the committee aims to

address concerns related to zero-budget farming, crop diversification, and MSP
effectiveness and transparency.
 Its mandate includes suggesting measures to strengthen the agricultural
marketing system and enhance the autonomy and scientific basis of the
Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices.

Progress and Tenure of the Committee:

  The committee on MSP convened its first meeting in August 2022 and continues
to actively deliberate on its assigned subjects.
 However, the absence of a specified tenure means the committee faces no formal
deadline for submitting its recommendations.

Conclusion:

 While farmers demand immediate legal assurances for MSP, the committee
appointed by the Centre continues its efforts to enhance MSP effectiveness
and transparency, alongside broader agricultural reforms.
 The contrasting approaches underscore the complexities surrounding agricultural
policy and the imperative for inclusive stakeholder engagement to address
farmers’ concerns effectively.

Issue of Minimum Support Price (MSP) in India

 Meaning of MSP: MSP is a form of market intervention (a policy decision not
enforceable by law) by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers
against any sharp fall in farm prices during bumper production years.
 Announced by: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (Chaired by the PM of
India) on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs
and Prices (CACP) at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops.

Objectives:

 MSPs are a guarantee price for farmer’s produce from the Government to prevent the
farmers from distress sales and to procure food grains for public distribution.
 For example, in case of a market glut due to bumper production, government
agencies will buy the entire quantity supplied by farmers at the announced
minimum price.

Background:

 The MSP regime came into existence as a policy decision in 1967 on the
recommendations of the Food Grain Price Committee (constituted in 1964 under LK
Jha).
 The government set up the Agricultural Prices Commission (renamed as the CACP in
1985) for fixing MSP for crops.

Crops covered:

 Government announces MSPs for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative
price (FRP) for sugarcane (total 23).
 The mandated crops are 14 crops of the kharif season, 6 rabi crops and two other
commercial crops.

Associated issues:

 Majority of farmers remain uncovered: According to a NSSO survey, less than 6%

of Indian farmers (over 9 crore agricultural households) have benefited directly from
 selling their wheat or rice under the MSP regime.
 Procurement is concentrated in a few states: For example, Punjab, Haryana, western
UP, Chhattisgarh and Telangana for paddy; Telangana and Maharashtra for cotton, etc.
 Poor implementation of the MS Swaminathan Commission recommendations: It
recommended that MSP should be at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of
production.
 Govt’s silence on the legal guarantee to MSP: The Union Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare notified a committee (headed by former agriculture secretary
Sanjay Agrawal) to make the MSP more effective and transparent.
 However, the committee’s terms of reference do not include any legal guarantee to
MSP, which was one of the key demands of the farmers protest of 2020-2021.

PYQ: Consider the following statements: (2023)

1) The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica)
seeds.

2) Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.

3) Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Ans: (c)
Practice Question: Discuss the challenges and implications of farmers’ demands for a legal
guarantee for minimum support prices (MSP) amidst ongoing committee deliberations. (150
words/10 m)
2. Bengaluru's NAL Achieves Breakthrough in HAPS Technology
with Solar-Powered UAV Prototype
Topic: GS3 – Science & Technology – Achievements of Indian S&T; Indigenization of
technology

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding India’s
advancements in aerospace technology, including the development of high-altitude
pseudo-satellite vehicles (HAPS).
Context:
 The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru achieved a major
milestone by successfully flying a prototype of a new-generation unmanned aerial
 vehicle (UAV) last week.
 This UAV, belonging to the class of high-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicles (HAPS)
or high-altitude long-endurance vehicles (HALE), operates entirely on solar power
and can remain airborne for months at altitudes of approximately 20 km above the
ground.

More about the news:

Potential Utility of HAPS:

 HAPS vehicles, such as the prototype developed by NAL, hold significant

promise for surveillance, monitoring, and disaster management purposes.
 Unlike traditional UAVs, which have limited endurance and coverage, and
satellites, which may lack constant surveillance capabilities, HAPS offer the
advantage of extended flight duration, sustained presence, and high-
resolution monitoring over large areas.

Engineering Challenges and Technological Advances:

 Despite their potential, HAPS vehicles pose significant engineering challenges,

including generating sufficient solar power, ensuring operational continuity
through night periods, and maintaining stability in the stratosphere.
 NAL’s prototype aims to address these challenges with advanced solar cells,
batteries, and lightweight composite materials.
 Achieving high energy density batteries, capable of powering the aircraft through
extended flight durations, remains a critical focus area.

India’s Early Entry into HAPS Technology:

 India’s foray into HAPS technology represents an early-stage entry into a

burgeoning field, offering opportunities for capacity building, patent control, and
business development.
 Experts leading the development at NAL, believes that India’s timely entry into
HAPS technology positions it as a competitive player in the global arena.
 Additionally, India’s tropical climate presents unique challenges, offering
opportunities for innovation and advancement in HAPS technology, potentially
surpassing the achievements of other countries in this domain.

What is High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS)?

About:

 HAPS is a solar-powered UAV. It can generate solar energy and remain in the air for
months or years.
 HAPS operates in the stratosphere (which extends from 6-50 km above the
earth’s surface), flying at altitudes of 18-20 km, nearly double the heights of
commercial aeroplanes. This altitude allows them to provide surveillance capabilities
akin to satellites.
 HAPS is designed for persistent surveillance, communications, and specialist
 science missions.
 HAPS is a still-developing technology, and the successful test flight puts India among
a very small group of countries currently experimenting with this technology.

PYQ: What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the
news? (2018)

(a) An Israeli radar system

(b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

(c) An American anti-missile system

(d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

Ans: (c)
Practice Question: Discuss the significance of Bengaluru’s National Aerospace Laboratories
(NAL) achieving a breakthrough in High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) technology with
the successful flight of a solar-powered UAV prototype. (150 words/10 m)
3. Former US President Trump Sparks Controversy with
Remarks on NATO Defense Commitments
Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Important International institutions

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding the
dynamics of international alliances such as NATO.
Context:
 Former US President Donald Trump has ignited criticism from the White House and
top officials for his remarks suggesting that he would not defend NATO allies who
fail to meet defense spending commitments and might even encourage Russia to
attack them.

More about the news:

Understanding NATO:

 Founded in 1949 during the Cold War era to counter the Soviet Union, the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance
comprising countries from North America and Europe.
 NATO currently consists of 31 members, primarily European nations,
alongside the United States and Canada.
 Finland, the most recent addition, joined in April last year.

Trump’s Statements on NATO:

  During his tenure as US President, Trump frequently criticized NATO and its
members, particularly Germany, for insufficient defense spending and
dependence on the United States for protection.
 At a recent campaign rally, Trump recounted a conversation with an unnamed
foreign leader, suggesting that he would not defend NATO allies who failed to
fulfill their financial obligations.

NATO Funding Mechanism:

 Contrary to Trump’s portrayal, NATO operates differently from a traditional club

with membership fees.
 While it does have common funds to which all members contribute, the alliance’s
strength primarily relies on national defense spending by its members, with each
nation committing to spending at least 2% of its Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) on defense annually.

Significance of NATO’s Article 5:

 Article 5 of the NATO treaty states that an armed attack against one or more
members shall be considered an attack against all, requiring collective defense
measures.
 However, Article 5 does not mandate an automatic military response, relying
instead on political leaders’ commitment to taking necessary action, which is why
Trump’s remarks stirred controversy by undermining the perceived strength of
Article 5.

Implications of Trump’s Comments:

 Trump’s suggestion that he would not necessarily uphold NATO’s collective

defense principle weakens the alliance’s credibility and raises doubts about the
mutual commitment among member states, potentially undermining the deterrence
against external aggression that NATO aims to provide.

PYQ: The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic
partnership works well for India.” What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons
and examples to support your answer.

(250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2023)

Practice Question: Evaluate the significance of NATO’s Article 5 and its role in ensuring
mutual defense among member states, and analyze the challenges posed by divergent
perspectives within the alliance. Assess the implications of such controversies for India’s
foreign policy and strategic interests in the context of evolving international relations.Top of
Form

(250 words/15 m)
4. India and UAE Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through Multifaceted
Agreements and Symbolic Gestures
 Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of India’s relationships
with key strategic partners like the UAE.
Context:
 During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE, several bilateral
agreements were signed, covering areas such as investment promotion, port
infrastructure development, power trade, and digital payment platforms.
 These agreements aim to enhance cooperation between India and the UAE across
various sectors, including trade, digital infrastructure, energy, culture, and people-
to-people ties.
 Modi’s characterization of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as
his “brother” reflects the close relationship between the two leaders, who have met
multiple times over the past few months.

More about the news:

Investment and Economic Cooperation:

 The signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty and a Comprehensive Economic

Partnership Agreement underscores the commitment of both countries to
promote investments and economic collaboration.
 UAE’s significant investments in India, particularly in the infrastructure sector,
highlight the growing economic ties between the two nations.
 The intergovernmental framework agreement on the India-Middle East
Economic Corridor further strengthens regional connectivity and fosters
cooperation in trade and infrastructure development.

Digital Payment Platforms and Financial Cooperation:

 The agreements on interlinking digital payment platforms like UPI (India) and
AANI (UAE) facilitate seamless cross-border transactions, while the pact
on interlinking domestic debit/credit cards enhances financial sector
cooperation.
 Modi’s appreciation for the launch of UAE’s domestic card JAYWAN, based on
the digital RuPay card stack, reflects efforts to promote universal acceptance of
RuPay across the UAE.

Energy and Infrastructure Collaboration:

 The signed agreements in the energy sector, including cooperation in electrical

interconnection and trade, aim to enhance energy security and promote energy
trade between India and the UAE.
 Collaboration in digital infrastructure projects and cultural initiatives, such as
heritage preservation and museum cooperation, further strengthens bilateral ties.

Symbolic Gestures and Cultural Exchange:

  Modi expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support in granting land for the
construction of the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the temple’s
significance in celebrating UAE-India friendship and cultural bonds.
 The inauguration of the temple symbolizes the UAE’s commitment to harmony,
tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

Future Engagements:

 Modi’s address at the World Government Summit and the inauguration of the
BAPS Temple mark significant milestones in India-UAE relations.
 These engagements underscore the depth of bilateral cooperation and pave the
way for further collaboration between the two countries.

PYQ: How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in
global politics? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2022)
Practice Question: How do the recent bilateral agreements and diplomatic engagements
between India and the UAE signify a significant milestone in India’s foreign relations? (250
words/15 m)
5. ‘Specific duration’ clause in draft India-EFTA pact may affect
drug industry
Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Issues relating to IPR

GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

Crucial for UPSC as it involves India’s stance on intellectual property, impacting access
to affordable medicines and global trade negotiations.
Context
● The leaked draft of the India-EFTA Free Trade Agreement reveals a clause potentially
delaying access to affordable generic drugs in India by six years, raising concerns about drug
availability.
Additional information on this news:

 A leaked draft of the India-EFTA Free Trade Agreement reveals a clause

potentially delaying generic drug access in India by six years.
 The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) requires a specific
duration wherein drug applicants cannot rely on undisclosed test data for market
approval.
 The clause covers both ‘new’ chemical drugs and complex ‘biologics drugs’
like monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, posing challenges for Indian biotech
firms.
 India’s resistance stems from its thriving generics industry, producing over 60,000
drugs across 60 categories.
 The clause may impact the availability of essential drugs, raising concerns
about affordability and access.
  Intellectual property concerns, including patent rights and data exclusivity, remain
key challenges in the negotiations.

Significance of India – EU EFTA

● Economic growth:

 Increased trade volume and reduced tariffs for goods and services.
 Potential for new investments and job creation.
 Diversification of trade partners for both regions.

● Strategic relations:

 Deeper political and economic cooperation between India and Europe.

 Strengthening ties with democracies with shared values.
 Countering Chinese economic influence in the region.

● Technology and innovation:

 Collaboration on cutting-edge technology like renewable energy and digitalization.

 Knowledge sharing and joint research opportunities.
 Access to advanced technologies for India’s development.

● Global trade landscape:

 Setting a precedent for future trade agreements between developing and developed
countries.
 Promoting open and balanced trade rules in the global system.
 Boosting economic recovery post-pandemic.

PYQ: How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from
patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2019)
Practice Question: How does the proposed clause in the India-EFTA Free Trade Agreement
impact India’s pharmaceutical industry and access to affordable medicines? Discuss. (150
words/10 m)
6. MEA told to monitor organ transplantation process for
foreigners
Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies

Relevant for UPSC as it involves health governance, international relations, and legal
frameworks regarding organ transplantation, reflecting broader ethical and legal
considerations.
Context
● Health Secretary alerts Ministry of External Affairs on potential violations in organ
transplantation by foreigners in India, citing concerns over document authenticity and seeks
measures for monitoring and compliance.
Additional information on this news:
  Health Secretary Apurva Chandra alerts Ministry of External Affairs about
potential violations in organ transplantation by foreigners in India.
 Concerns raised over the veracity of documents establishing relationships
between donors and recipients, identity proof, and residency.
 Foreign nationals visiting India for organ transplants may face issues with the
authenticity of their documents.
 Chandra requests dissemination of rules under the Transplantation of Human
Organ and Tissues Act, 1994, to all foreign embassies and missions in India.
 The Ministry seeks the identification of nodal officers for coordinating organ
donation and transplantation processes for foreigners.
 Measures aimed at preventing commercial dealings in organ or tissue transplants
and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Organ Transplantation Industry in India: Violations by Foreign Individuals

Demand-Supply Imbalance:

 High demand: Shortage of organs due to low deceased donation rates

(cultural/religious reasons).
 Low supply: Creates a desperate situation for patients needing transplants.

Foreign Individuals and Violations:

 Eligibility relaxations: Foreign nationals face less stringent requirements for living
donor transplants compared to their own country.
 Potential exploitation: This raises concerns about vulnerable populations being lured
into illegal organ sales.
 Black market involvement: Instances of foreigners colluding with unscrupulous
brokers for illegal organ procurement have been reported.

Specific Violations:

 False relationships: Fabricating relationships with potential donors to meet legal

requirements.
 Financial incentives: Offering excessive compensation to donors, blurring the line
between altruism and coercion.
 Lack of transparency: Bypassing authorized channels and resorting to unethical
practices.

Impacts:

 Exploitation of vulnerable populations: Increased risk for poor and marginalized

communities targeted by traffickers.
 Erosion of trust in legal system: Creates a negative perception of organ transplantation
in India.
 Ethical concerns: Raises questions about informed consent, exploitation, and fair
access to organs.

Efforts to Combat Violations:

  Stricter regulations: Government tightening rules for foreign nationals seeking
transplants.
 Awareness campaigns: Educating both potential donors and recipients about ethical
practices.
 Increased scrutiny: Enhanced monitoring of transplant procedures and intermediaries.
 International cooperation: Sharing information and coordinating efforts with other
countries to curb organ trafficking.

Overall:

 India’s organ transplant industry faces challenges due to demand-supply imbalance,

leading to vulnerabilities exploited by foreign individuals.
 Stricter regulations, awareness campaigns, and international cooperation are crucial to
address these violations and ensure ethical practices.

Practice Question: How does the Indian government address challenges in organ
transplantation by foreigners? Discuss the legal, ethical, and diplomatic dimensions (150
words/10 m)
7. The many lows of the 17th Lok Sabha
Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity – Parliament

Critical for UPSC as it addresses the erosion of parliamentary efficiency, legislative

scrutiny, and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
Context
● The article highlights concerning trends in the 17th Lok Sabha, citing a decline in
parliamentary efficiency, legislative scrutiny, and tools for executive accountability,
emphasizing the need for urgent reforms.
Additional information on this news:

 The 17th Lok Sabha witnessed notable shortcomings in parliamentary

functioning, including the absence of a Deputy Speaker and the lowest number
of sittings.
 Regrettable firsts include passing significant legislation with over 70% of
Opposition MPs suspended and minimal participation from the Prime Minister in
question sessions.
 A declining trend in parliamentary efficiency spans more than 30 years, with
the annual average of Bills passed dropping from 65 (1952-1990) to 48 (1991-
2023).
 The 17th Lok Sabha sent only 16% of Bills for scrutiny, marking the lowest in
the last four Lok Sabhas.
 Decreased sitting days and hours in Lok Sabha limit debates and diminish
MPs’ participation, with the 17th Lok Sabha having the least number of
sittings (274).
  The use of parliamentary tools for executive accountability has significantly
decreased, including half-hour discussions, short duration discussions, calling
attention, and adjournment motions.
 Time spent on discussing crucial matters like the Union Budget, Ministry-
wise demands, and the Finance Bill has substantially declined post-1990.

Declining Efficacy of Parliament

Reasons:

 Reduced sitting days: Shrinking calendar for debates and scrutiny, leading to rushed
legislation.
 Disruptive behavior: Frequent protests and walkouts hindering constructive dialogue
and debate.
 Party loyalty over public interest: Prioritizing party agendas over national concerns,
stifling independent discourse.
 Rise of executive dominance: Strong leadership overshadowing Parliament,
diminishing its legislative and oversight powers.
 Public disillusionment: Declining trust in Parliament due to perceived inefficiency and
lack of responsiveness.

Implications:

 Erosion of democracy: Weakened accountability and limited public voice threaten the
democratic fabric.
 Poorly crafted legislation: Laws passed without proper deliberation face
implementation challenges and legal conflicts.
 Unchecked executive power: Lack of proper oversight fuels potential for abuse and
corruption.
 Declining public participation: Disillusionment leads to lower voter turnout and
decreased engagement in civic life.
 Increased social unrest: Unaddressed grievances can escalate into public protests and
social instability.

Way Forward:

 Reform legislative processes: Increase sitting days, encourage constructive debate, and
strengthen committee systems.
 Promote ethical conduct: Implement stricter codes of conduct and enforce penalties for
disruptive behavior.
 Foster independent thinking: Encourage cross-party dialogue and prioritize national
interests over partisan agendas.
 Empower Parliament: Strengthen oversight mechanisms and ensure adequate funding
for parliamentary research and analysis.
 Enhance public engagement: Increase transparency, facilitate accessibility, and
actively seek public feedback.
 Invest in civic education: Raise awareness about parliamentary roles and
responsibilities to foster informed participation.

PYQ: Individual Parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn,
has adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. (250 words/15m)
 (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2019)
8. Too many IITs lead to unrealistic expectations and quality
problems
Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education

Relevant for UPSC as it addresses challenges in maintaining the global reputation of IITs,
necessitating strategic reforms and international collaborations.
Context
● The article discusses concerns over the declining standards of Indian Institutes of
Technology (IITs) due to rapid expansion, faculty shortages, and the need for strategic
restructuring and international collaboration.
Concerns about IIT Standards:

 IITs, the crown jewels of Indian higher education, face a decline in standards
due to rapid expansion and potential dilution of the “IIT brand.”
 The recent decision by the University Grants Commission to allow select IITs to
set up campuses abroad raises concerns about further weakening the institutions.

Historical Overview:

 The original five IITs, established in the 1950s and 1960s, focused on
technology and engineering, gradually adding humanities and social sciences.
 Currently, there are 23 IITs, with significant expansion occurring after 1990,
often resulting from upgrading existing institutions.

Challenges in Faculty and Facilities:

 IITs struggle with a shortage of professors, and many positions remain

unfilled, affecting the quality of education.
 Attracting top-quality faculty has become challenging, with emerging IT industries
in India offering more lucrative opportunities.

Impact of Expansion:

 The government’s expansion of IITs, spreading them across the country, poses
challenges in maintaining “world-class” quality and dilution of the “IIT brand.”
 New IITs in smaller towns face difficulties in offering urban amenities and
may lack sufficient top-quality faculty.

Need for Restructuring:

 Proposes restructuring IITs with perhaps 10 to 12 real IITs located near

major cities and renaming others with sufficient resources for quality
education and research.
 Emphasizes the importance of a more limited, well-funded “IIT system” with
“world-class” faculty and sustained funding.
Internationalization and Collaboration:

 Recommends internationalization efforts beyond overseas branches, focusing

on collaborations with global universities and attracting international
students.
 Cites examples like IIT Bombay-Monash Research Academy and University of
Queensland-IIT Delhi Academy of Research as promising models.

Call for Adequate Funding:

 Stresses the need for sustained funding from the government and
philanthropy to maintain the IITs’ status as India’s most recognizable and
respected academic institutions.
 Warns against overexpansion, which could diminish the quality and reputation of
IITs.

Conclusion:

 In conclusion, the article highlights the imperative need for strategic restructuring,
focusing on a limited number of real IITs, attracting top-tier faculty, fostering
international collaborations, and securing sustained funding to preserve the
prestigious stature of IITs.

Practice Question: How can India address the challenges faced by Indian Institutes of
Technology (IITs) in maintaining global standards and reputation? Discuss reforms and
strategies. (150 words/10 m)