UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 May 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 May 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 May (2025)
• Caste Census in India
Caste Census in India
• Bonded Labour in India
Bonded Labour in India
GS Paper 3:
• Natural Hydrogen
Natural Hydrogen
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond
India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• National Security Advisory Board
National Security Advisory Board
• National Medical Register
National Medical Register
• India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Conservation Corridor
India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Conservation Corridor
• Fair and Remunerative Price
Fair and Remunerative Price
• Operation Hawk
Operation Hawk
Mapping:
• Bundelkhand
Bundelkhand
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 May 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Caste Census in India
Syllabus: Governance
Source: DH
Context: The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has approved caste enumeration census as part of the upcoming Population Census, reversing its 2021 stance.
About the Caste Census in India:
• What is a Caste Census? It is the systematic collection of data on caste identities of individuals during a national census. It provides socio-demographic insights essential for affirmative action and social justice planning.
• It is the systematic collection of data on caste identities of individuals during a national census.
• It provides socio-demographic insights essential for affirmative action and social justice planning.
• Legal/Constitutional Backing: No specific constitutional provision mandates caste census, but it is permitted under Article 340 for identifying backward classes. As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.
• No specific constitutional provision mandates caste census, but it is permitted under Article 340 for identifying backward classes.
• As per Article 246 of the Constitution of India, Census is a union subject listed at 69 in the Union List in the Seventh Schedule.
• Historical Context & Origin: First conducted in British India from 1881 to 1931. Independent India (1951 onwards) excluded caste enumeration except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• First conducted in British India from 1881 to 1931.
• Independent India (1951 onwards) excluded caste enumeration except for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
• Last Caste Census Held: 1931 Census was the last full caste enumeration. SECC 2011 attempted caste data collection but data remains unpublished.
• 1931 Census was the last full caste enumeration.
• SECC 2011 attempted caste data collection but data remains unpublished.
Need for Caste Census in India:
• Data-Driven Affirmative Action: Accurate OBC population data is lacking; Mandal Commission estimated 52% OBCs, but no empirical backing.
E.g.: Bihar’s 2023 caste survey revealed OBC+EBC population at 63%.
• Reservation Rationalisation: Helps in quota restructuring and possible sub-categorisation within OBCs for equitable benefit distribution.
• Social Justice Planning: Enables targeted health, education, and livelihood schemes for marginalized caste groups.
• Women’s Political Reservation: Census data is needed for delimitation, which will operationalize women’s reservation in legislatures.
• Constitutional Mandate under Article 15(4): Allows state to make special provisions for backward classes – which needs clear identification.
Challenges to Conducting Caste Census:
• Enumeration Complexity: Multiple castes/sub-castes, overlapping categories (e.g., SC-OBC status) make classification difficult.
• Lack of Standardised Caste Lists: Centre and states have different OBC lists, making aggregation inconsistent.
• Political Manipulation: Caste data can fuel vote bank politics, leading to social polarization.
• Data Sensitivity & Accuracy: Self-declaration may result in false reporting or exaggeration, leading to flawed conclusions.
• Risk of Deepening Caste Identities: Critics argue it may perpetuate caste consciousness instead of reducing inequalities.
Way Ahead:
• Scientific Categorisation: Build consensus on standardised classification of castes and sub-castes.
• Transparent Methodology: Use digital tools and trained enumerators to improve accuracy and security of caste data.
• Safeguard Against Misuse: Ensure data privacy and restrict caste data usage to policy and welfare only.
• Post-Census Action Plan: Publish findings, consult stakeholders, and integrate caste data into policy design.
• Constitutional Validation: Any quota revision/sub-categorisation based on caste census must undergo judicial and parliamentary scrutiny.
Conclusion:
The caste census marks a major policy shift aimed at correcting historical data gaps. While it promises greater social justice, the success will depend on methodological integrity and non-political usage. If executed transparently, it can redefine India’s affirmative action roadmap for the next generation.
• Discuss the role of the National Commission for Backward Classes in the wake of its transformation from a statutory body to a constitutional body. (UPSC – 2022)
Bonded Labour in India
Syllabus: Social Justice
Source: TH
Context: On International Labour Day, disturbing stories of bonded labour survivors from various states are in the spotlight, highlighting the continued prevalence of forced labour in India.
About Bonded Labour in India:
• Bonded labour refers to forced work extracted under coercion due to debt, advance payments, or social obligation, often without clear time limits.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 23: Prohibits forced labour and begar. Article 21: Ensures the right to life with dignity, violated in bonded labour conditions.
• Article 23: Prohibits forced labour and begar.
• Article 21: Ensures the right to life with dignity, violated in bonded labour conditions.
• Policy Evolution: Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: Criminalised all forms of bonded labour and extinguished debt obligations. Rehabilitation Scheme (2016): Envisioned rescuing 1.84 crore bonded labourers by 2030. Only 12,760 were rescued between 2016–2021 (MoLE data, 2021).
• Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976: Criminalised all forms of bonded labour and extinguished debt obligations.
• Rehabilitation Scheme (2016): Envisioned rescuing 1.84 crore bonded labourers by 2030. Only 12,760 were rescued between 2016–2021 (MoLE data, 2021).
Data on Bonded Labour in India:
• Estimated Total Bonded Labourers:84 crore (as per Ministry of Labour & Employment, 2016 vision document).
• Rescued & Rehabilitated (2016–2021): 12,760 individuals (MoLE reply in Parliament, 2021).
• Labour Sector Composition: 39 Crore in unorganised sector out of 47 crore total workers (NSSO 2023).
• Dominant Social Groups Affected: Over 80% of bonded labourers are from SC/ST/OBC communities (various state studies).
• International Ranking: India among top countries with modern slavery (Global Slavery Index).
Persistence of Bonded Labour in India:
• Poverty and Indebtedness: Poor families take small advances for survival, leading to long-term bondage.
• Caste-Based Discrimination: SC/ST communities face structural exclusion, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.
E.g.: A Punjab study found 84% of bonded labourers were from backward castes.
• Lack of Enforcement and Data: Weak implementation of the Bonded Labour Act and poor monitoring hinder rescue efforts.
E.g.: Only 12,760 rescued between 2016–2021 out of 1.84 crore estimated cases.
• Unregulated Informal Sector: 90% of India’s workforce is in the informal economy, with little legal or social protection.
• State Denial and Policy Gaps: Some states deny bonded labour exists, delaying rehabilitation and legal action.
E.g.: Maharashtra omitted bonded labour from its 40-point program post-Emergency.
Key Challenges in Eliminating Bonded Labour:
• Caste-based Vulnerability: Marginalised groups like Dalits and Adivasis are disproportionately represented in bonded labour (e.g., 84% from backward castes in Punjab – Manjit Singh study).
• Lack of Political Will: Parliament acknowledged 1.84 crore bonded labourers, yet less than 1% have been rehabilitated.
• Legal and Policy Gaps: The Trafficking of Persons Bill, 2018 largely excludes forced/bonded labour from its ambit (Kiran Kamal Prasad critique).
• Organised Labour Trafficking: Exploiters use advances and social networks to recruit workers systematically, as seen in brick kilns of Karnataka and Punjab.
• Post-Rescue Vulnerability: Rescued workers often return to bondage due to social ostracism or lack of economic alternatives.
Way Ahead:
• Institutional Reforms:
• Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms: Empower District Vigilance Committees under the 1976 Act with legal authority and digital tracking of complaints. Transparent Monitoring Frameworks: Build a central database of rescued bonded labourers, integrated with Aadhaar and job linkages.
• Strengthen Enforcement Mechanisms: Empower District Vigilance Committees under the 1976 Act with legal authority and digital tracking of complaints.
• Transparent Monitoring Frameworks: Build a central database of rescued bonded labourers, integrated with Aadhaar and job linkages.
• Social Reforms
• Community-Based Rehabilitation: Develop social protection schemes targeted at SC/ST groups vulnerable to debt bondage (e.g., skill training, land rights). Mass Awareness Campaigns: Promote rights education in rural and tribal areas using vernacular media and school programs.
• Community-Based Rehabilitation: Develop social protection schemes targeted at SC/ST groups vulnerable to debt bondage (e.g., skill training, land rights).
• Mass Awareness Campaigns: Promote rights education in rural and tribal areas using vernacular media and school programs.
• Legal Reforms:
• Amend Labour Codes: Reinstate robust labour unionisation and collective bargaining rights, eroded under the 2019-20 Labour Codes. Caste-Sensitive Legislation: Introduce intersectional legal safeguards acknowledging caste, gender, and economic overlap in forced labour.
• Amend Labour Codes: Reinstate robust labour unionisation and collective bargaining rights, eroded under the 2019-20 Labour Codes.
• Caste-Sensitive Legislation: Introduce intersectional legal safeguards acknowledging caste, gender, and economic overlap in forced labour.
Conclusion:
Despite constitutional protection and legal bans, bonded labour persists in India due to deep social, legal, and policy failures. Real change demands multi-layered reforms combining enforcement, empowerment, and empathy. Without such a shift, India’s economic growth will remain marred by invisible slavery and social injustice.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 May 2025 GS Paper 3:
Natural Hydrogen
Syllabus: Environment
Source: TH
Context: Governments and private firms across the globe are intensifying efforts to explore natural hydrogen as a low-cost, zero-emission fuel, with recent discoveries in France’s Moselle region and strong interest from India.
About Natural Hydrogen:
What is Natural Hydrogen?
• Natural hydrogen is free molecular hydrogen (H₂) that occurs naturally underground due to geological processes like serpentinisation and radiolysis.
• It is a clean-burning, non-polluting, and potentially renewable energy source if extracted sustainably.
Key Features of Natural Hydrogen:
• Zero-Emission Fuel: Burns to produce only water vapor; no CO₂ emissions.
• Low-Cost Potential: Estimated production cost $1/kg, much cheaper than green hydrogen.
• Sustainable: Naturally regenerates in geological formations.
• High Energy Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cells are 3 times more efficient than gasoline.
How Does Hydrogen Occur in Nature?
• Found in hard rock formations, ophiolite belts, and hydrothermal systems.
• Generated by processes like: Serpentinisation: Reaction between water and ultramafic rocks. Radiolysis: Breakdown of water by natural radioactive decay. Organic decomposition: Release from deep carbonaceous material.
• Serpentinisation: Reaction between water and ultramafic rocks.
• Radiolysis: Breakdown of water by natural radioactive decay.
• Organic decomposition: Release from deep carbonaceous material.
• Co-located with helium in some formations, indicating deep crustal origins.
Extraction Process of Natural Hydrogen:
• Exploration: Detect hydrogen seeps using geophysical tools and geochemical sampling in favourable geological regions.
• Drilling: Boreholes are drilled at identified sites (e.g., Mali, France, U.S.) to access underground hydrogen pockets.
• Capture & Compression: Extracted hydrogen is filtered, purified, and compressed for safe storage and transport.
• Distribution: The gas is delivered to fuel cells, refineries, or industrial users as a clean energy source.
Challenges in Natural Hydrogen Adoption:
• Unmapped Reserves: Lack of extensive surveys makes global hydrogen availability uncertain.
• Scattered Deposits: Economically unviable if reserves are too spread out.
• Storage & Transport: Hydrogen’s low energy density requires high-pressure containment, increasing cost.
• Safety Concerns: Highly flammable and odourless, making leak detection difficult.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Refuelling stations, pipelines, and distribution are still underdeveloped.
Way Ahead:
• National Mapping: Conduct a comprehensive geological survey of hydrogen-bearing formations, especially in India’s cratonic belts and ophiolites.
• Policy Push: Develop a Natural Hydrogen Exploration Policy and include it in India’s National Hydrogen Mission.
• Global Collaboration: Leverage USGS models, and collaborate on R&D with nations like France and the U.S.
• Private Sector Incentives: Attract investments through PPP models, tax breaks, and startup incubation in this sector.
• Infrastructure Development: Build safe storage, pipelines, and fuel cell refueling networks alongside hydrogen hubs.
Conclusion:
Natural hydrogen offers a promising, low-emission, and scalable alternative to fossil fuels. Its success depends on effective exploration, safety, and commercialization frameworks. With India’s untapped reserves, strategic focus can position it as a leader in next-generation hydrogen energy.
• Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 May 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond
Context: Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam has issued India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond, raising ₹150 crore to develop a Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP).
About India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond:
What is a Green Municipal Bond?
• A Green Municipal Bond is a debt instrument issued by urban local bodies (ULBs) to fund environment-friendly infrastructure projects such as water treatment, clean energy, or waste management.
• It aligns with Green Bond Principles and is certified for sustainability compliance.
Key Features:
• Project-specific funding: Funds used only for green-certified projects like renewable energy, pollution control, etc.
• Transparency & Certification: Must adhere to independent third-party audits and ESG standards.
• Investor Attraction: Appeals to climate-conscious investors, ESG funds, and global institutions.
• Financial Innovation: Encourages fiscal discipline and creditworthiness of ULBs.
Significance:
• Supports SDGs: Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., SDG 6 – Clean Water).
• Climate Resilience: Promotes low-carbon infrastructure in fast-growing urban regions.
• Water Security: Enables wastewater recycling and reduces stress on freshwater.
• Model for Other Cities: Acts as a replicable framework for other municipal bodies in India.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 2 – Governance: Urban Local Bodies, Smart Cities, Public Policy Implementation.
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Economy: Sustainable Development, Wastewater Management, Infrastructure Financing, Green Bonds.
• Essay & Ethics: Case study for sustainable urban development, PPP-HAM model, and decentralized innovation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 May Facts for Prelims (FFP)
National Security Advisory Board
Source: BS
Context: The Government of India has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing former R&AW Chief Alok Joshi as its Chairman, with 7 new members inducted amid heightened national security concerns.
About National Security Advisory Board (NSAB):
• What is NSAB?
• NSAB is an advisory body under the National Security Council (NSC) that provides long-term strategic inputs on national security issues. It comprises experts from various fields outside the government.
• NSAB is an advisory body under the National Security Council (NSC) that provides long-term strategic inputs on national security issues.
• It comprises experts from various fields outside the government.
• Established In: Constituted in December 1998 during the tenure of National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra.
• Tenure:
• Initially, members were appointed for one year. Since 2004-06, it has been reconstituted for a two-year term.
• Initially, members were appointed for one year.
• Since 2004-06, it has been reconstituted for a two-year term.
• Objectives:
• Provide independent, non-partisan analysis on security matters. Offer policy options and long-term strategic perspectives to the National Security Council. Assist in preparing key documents like the Nuclear Doctrine (2001) and National Security Review (2007).
• Provide independent, non-partisan analysis on security matters.
• Offer policy options and long-term strategic perspectives to the National Security Council.
• Assist in preparing key documents like the Nuclear Doctrine (2001) and National Security Review (2007).
• Composition:
• Current strength: 16 members Includes retired military officials, diplomats, IPS officers, academics, and civil society members.
• Current strength: 16 members
• Includes retired military officials, diplomats, IPS officers, academics, and civil society members.
• Organizational Structure:
• Functions under the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). It has 2 subordinate bodies: National Information Board (NIB) and Technology Coordination Group (TCG)
• Functions under the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
• It has 2 subordinate bodies: National Information Board (NIB) and Technology Coordination Group (TCG)
• Key Functions:
• Hold monthly or emergency meetings to assess national and global threats. Provide independent reports to the National Security Adviser (NSA). Aid in formulating comprehensive security doctrines. Recommend defence, cyber, diplomatic, and internal security measures. Bridge the gap between government machinery and academic expertise.
• Hold monthly or emergency meetings to assess national and global threats.
• Provide independent reports to the National Security Adviser (NSA).
• Aid in formulating comprehensive security doctrines.
• Recommend defence, cyber, diplomatic, and internal security measures.
• Bridge the gap between government machinery and academic expertise.
National Medical Register
Source: NIE
Context: Less than 1% of India’s doctors have applied for enrolment in the National Medical Register (NMR) eight months after its launch.
About National Medical Register (NMR):
• What is the NMR?
• The National Medical Register (NMR) is a centralised digital database of all licensed allopathic (MBBS) doctors in India. It is designed to bring transparency, authenticity, and accountability to the medical profession.
• The National Medical Register (NMR) is a centralised digital database of all licensed allopathic (MBBS) doctors in India.
• It is designed to bring transparency, authenticity, and accountability to the medical profession.
• Launched In: August, 2024
• Established Under: Section 31 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
• Objectives:
• Create a comprehensive, digital registry of all allopathic doctors across India. Enhance public trust and governance in the healthcare system. Facilitate better credential verification and policy planning.
• Create a comprehensive, digital registry of all allopathic doctors across India.
• Enhance public trust and governance in the healthcare system.
• Facilitate better credential verification and policy planning.
• Key Features:
• Mandatory Enrolment: All registered medical practitioners (RMPs) must register in the NMR. Aadhaar Linkage: Each doctor’s record is linked to their Aadhaar ID to verify authenticity. Public & Private Data Access: Some data is public-facing; sensitive data remains secure for use by EMRB, SMCs, NBE, and institutions. Real-Time Updates: The portal will be dynamically updated for transparency and governance. Central + State Collaboration: State Medical Councils (SMCs) are responsible for verifying degrees and facilitating the process.
• Mandatory Enrolment: All registered medical practitioners (RMPs) must register in the NMR.
• Aadhaar Linkage: Each doctor’s record is linked to their Aadhaar ID to verify authenticity.
• Public & Private Data Access: Some data is public-facing; sensitive data remains secure for use by EMRB, SMCs, NBE, and institutions.
• Real-Time Updates: The portal will be dynamically updated for transparency and governance.
• Central + State Collaboration: State Medical Councils (SMCs) are responsible for verifying degrees and facilitating the process.
• Functions:
• Serve as the single source of verified data on licensed doctors. Enable policy planners, regulators, and medical institutions to access accurate and timely data. Strengthen digital health infrastructure in line with India’s broader Digital Health Mission.
• Serve as the single source of verified data on licensed doctors.
• Enable policy planners, regulators, and medical institutions to access accurate and timely data.
• Strengthen digital health infrastructure in line with India’s broader Digital Health Mission.
India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Conservation Corridor
Source: NIE
Context: Rajasthan has agreed to join India’s first inter-state cheetah conservation corridor with Madhya Pradesh.
About India’s First Inter-State Cheetah Conservation Corridor:
• What is it?
• A wildlife corridor project designed to connect protected habitats in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for the reintroduced cheetahs to roam safely and naturally across a vast ecosystem.
• A wildlife corridor project designed to connect protected habitats in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for the reintroduced cheetahs to roam safely and naturally across a vast ecosystem.
• Geographical Coverage:
• Total area: 17,000 sq. km is covered between Madhya Pradesh (10,500 sq. km) and Rajasthan (6,500 sq. km).
• Total area: 17,000 sq. km is covered between Madhya Pradesh (10,500 sq. km) and Rajasthan (6,500 sq. km).
• Key Locations Involved: Palpur Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Located in Sheopur district, Kuno is the main site for India’s cheetah reintroduction project. Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh: Situated along the Chambal River in Mandsaur district, this sanctuary is rich in hilly terrain and diverse wildlife. It is being developed as the second habitat for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh. Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan: Located in Kota division, it comprises parts of Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambal sanctuaries. The reserve has been identified as a potential cheetah habitat due to its arid grassland ecosystem. Rajasthan districts: Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Chittorgarh. Proposed inclusion: Forest areas of Jhansi and Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh)
• Palpur Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Located in Sheopur district, Kuno is the main site for India’s cheetah reintroduction project.
• Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh: Situated along the Chambal River in Mandsaur district, this sanctuary is rich in hilly terrain and diverse wildlife. It is being developed as the second habitat for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh.
• It is being developed as the second habitat for cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh.
• Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan: Located in Kota division, it comprises parts of Darrah, Jawahar Sagar, and Chambal sanctuaries. The reserve has been identified as a potential cheetah habitat due to its arid grassland ecosystem.
• The reserve has been identified as a potential cheetah habitat due to its arid grassland ecosystem.
• Rajasthan districts: Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Sawai Madhopur, Karauli, Chittorgarh.
• Proposed inclusion: Forest areas of Jhansi and Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh)
• Key Features of the Corridor:
• Inter-State Connectivity: First-of-its-kind wildlife linkage across two major states. Seamless Movement: Enables cheetahs to migrate naturally between reserves. Ecological Restoration: Aims to restore and conserve the grassland ecosystem. Strategic Collaboration: Supported by NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India, with expected MoU between states. Model for Asia: Recognised as a unique conservation model in Asia by experts.
• Inter-State Connectivity: First-of-its-kind wildlife linkage across two major states.
• Seamless Movement: Enables cheetahs to migrate naturally between reserves.
• Ecological Restoration: Aims to restore and conserve the grassland ecosystem.
• Strategic Collaboration: Supported by NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India, with expected MoU between states.
• Model for Asia: Recognised as a unique conservation model in Asia by experts.
• Significance for India:
• Revives Native Species: Strengthens India’s cheetah reintroduction mission. Strengthens Federal Conservation: Reflects cooperative federalism in ecological governance. Aligns with Global Goals: Supports Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) targets.
• Revives Native Species: Strengthens India’s cheetah reintroduction mission.
• Strengthens Federal Conservation: Reflects cooperative federalism in ecological governance.
• Aligns with Global Goals: Supports Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) targets.
Fair and Remunerative Price
Source: TOI
Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of ₹355 per quintal for sugarcane for the 2025–26 sugar season.
About Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP):
• What is FRP?
• FRP is the minimum price sugar mills must legally pay to sugarcane farmers. It ensures fair compensation and is a statutory mechanism under central government policy.
• FRP is the minimum price sugar mills must legally pay to sugarcane farmers.
• It ensures fair compensation and is a statutory mechanism under central government policy.
• Established in: Introduced in 2009, replacing the older Statutory Minimum Price (SMP)
• Legal basis: Governed under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, ensuring price parity and farmer protection.
• FRP fixed by:
• Recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Final decision rests with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• Recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
• Final decision rests with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
• Objectives of FRP:
• Provide assured income to sugarcane farmers. Shield farmers from market price volatility. Ensure sustainable production and protect farm livelihoods. Support a stable and fair supply chain in the sugar sector.
• Provide assured income to sugarcane farmers.
• Shield farmers from market price volatility.
• Ensure sustainable production and protect farm livelihoods.
• Support a stable and fair supply chain in the sugar sector.
• Process of Fixing FRP:
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CACP) calculates FRP based on: Cost of production (A2 + FL), Sugar recovery rate, Demand-supply trends and Profit margin for farmers. Consultations held with State Governments, industry stakeholders, and farmers’ bodies.
• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CACP) calculates FRP based on: Cost of production (A2 + FL), Sugar recovery rate, Demand-supply trends and Profit margin for farmers.
• Consultations held with State Governments, industry stakeholders, and farmers’ bodies.
• Key Features of the FRP System:
• Annual Announcement: FRP is declared each year by the Government before the sugarcane crushing season (October–September). State Advisory Price (SAP): Some states fix a higher SAP than FRP, in such cases, sugar mills must pay the higher of the two. 14-Day Payment Rule: Sugar mills are legally bound to pay farmers within 14 days of cane delivery. Penalty Provision: If mills delay payments, they are liable to pay interest and may face license cancellation. Lower Recovery Protection: Even if sugar recovery falls below 9.5%, farmers are guaranteed a minimum of ₹329.05/qtl, with no deduction applied.
• Annual Announcement: FRP is declared each year by the Government before the sugarcane crushing season (October–September).
• State Advisory Price (SAP): Some states fix a higher SAP than FRP, in such cases, sugar mills must pay the higher of the two.
• 14-Day Payment Rule: Sugar mills are legally bound to pay farmers within 14 days of cane delivery.
• Penalty Provision: If mills delay payments, they are liable to pay interest and may face license cancellation.
• Lower Recovery Protection: Even if sugar recovery falls below 9.5%, farmers are guaranteed a minimum of ₹329.05/qtl, with no deduction applied.
Operation Hawk
Source: FPJ
Context: The CBI arrested two individuals from Mumbai and Delhi under Operation Hawk, targeting international cybercrime networks engaged in online child sexual exploitation.
About Operation Hawk:
• What is Operation Hawk?
• Operation Hawk is a special anti-cybercrime initiative launched by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2025. It aims to identify and prosecute individuals involved in online child sexual exploitation with international digital footprints.
• Operation Hawk is a special anti-cybercrime initiative launched by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2025.
• It aims to identify and prosecute individuals involved in online child sexual exploitation with international digital footprints.
• Launched By: CBI’s International Operations Division.
• Objectives:
• Dismantle organized cyber networks targeting minors online. Strengthen international cooperation in combating cyber-pedophilia and child abuse. Ensure swift response to foreign complaints involving Indian citizens. Enhance digital forensics and cross-border evidence collection.
• Dismantle organized cyber networks targeting minors online.
• Strengthen international cooperation in combating cyber-pedophilia and child abuse.
• Ensure swift response to foreign complaints involving Indian citizens.
• Enhance digital forensics and cross-border evidence collection.
• Key Features:
• Cross-border Coordination: Works with global agencies including the FBI, Interpol, and local cybersecurity units. Targeted Action: Focuses on CSAM trafficking, sexual extortion (sextortion), and intimidation of minors. Robust Investigation: Involves multi-location raids, digital seizure, and legal action under IPC, IT Act, and POCSO. Precedent-Based Expansion: Builds on experience from earlier anti-CSAM operations.
• Cross-border Coordination: Works with global agencies including the FBI, Interpol, and local cybersecurity units.
• Targeted Action: Focuses on CSAM trafficking, sexual extortion (sextortion), and intimidation of minors.
• Robust Investigation: Involves multi-location raids, digital seizure, and legal action under IPC, IT Act, and POCSO.
• Precedent-Based Expansion: Builds on experience from earlier anti-CSAM operations.
• Previous Similar Operations by CBI:
• Operation CARBON (2021): Targeted the dark web users sharing CSAM across global platforms. Operation MEGH CHAKRA (2022): Conducted pan-India raids, based on Interpol inputs; resulted in large-scale digital seizures and arrests.
• Operation CARBON (2021): Targeted the dark web users sharing CSAM across global platforms.
• Operation MEGH CHAKRA (2022): Conducted pan-India raids, based on Interpol inputs; resulted in large-scale digital seizures and arrests.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 May 2025 Mapping:
Bundelkhand
Source: DTE
Context: Bundelkhand’s water crisis continues to deepen, placing a disproportionate burden on women and girls who travel long distances daily for water.
About Bundelkhand:
• Bundelkhand is a historic plateau region located in central India, now spread across northern Madhya Pradesh and southern Uttar Pradesh.
• It includes districts like Jhansi, Banda, Hamirpur (Uttar Pradesh), and Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Panna (Madhya Pradesh).
• Geographical Features: Lies in the Vindhyan hills and ravine-cut plains with steep, isolated rocky outcrops ideal for fortifications. Major rivers: Betwa, Ken, Dhasan, and Tons — most flow through deep gorges, limiting irrigation potential. Diamond deposits are found near Panna, and major crops include wheat, cotton, and jowar.
• Lies in the Vindhyan hills and ravine-cut plains with steep, isolated rocky outcrops ideal for fortifications.
• Major rivers: Betwa, Ken, Dhasan, and Tons — most flow through deep gorges, limiting irrigation potential.
• Diamond deposits are found near Panna, and major crops include wheat, cotton, and jowar.
• Historical Background: Known as Jejakabhukti in ancient times; ruled by dynasties like Gaharwars, Pratiharas, and Chandelas. Famous for Khajuraho temples, the region fell to Prithviraj Chauhan in 1182 CE. The Bundela Rajputs, from whom the region takes its name, resisted Mughal and Delhi Sultanate rule through guerrilla tactics.
• Known as Jejakabhukti in ancient times; ruled by dynasties like Gaharwars, Pratiharas, and Chandelas.
• Famous for Khajuraho temples, the region fell to Prithviraj Chauhan in 1182 CE.
• The Bundela Rajputs, from whom the region takes its name, resisted Mughal and Delhi Sultanate rule through guerrilla tactics.
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