1.Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP)
Current Target
- India aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025, advancing the earlier deadline from 2030.
Why Ethanol Blending?
- Energy Security: Reduces dependence on imported crude oil.
- Farmer Support: Provides alternative markets for sugarcane, rice, maize, and damaged grains.
- Environmental Benefits: Cuts greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality.
- Waste Utilisation: Damaged grains and agri-residues are converted into biofuel, reducing agri-waste.
Sources of Ethanol
- 1G (First-generation): From sugarcane juice, molasses, broken/damaged grains.
- 2G (Second-generation): From biomass (agri-waste, crop stubble).
Key Stats
- Blending level in FY 2024-25: ~12% (as per MoP&NG)
- Bioethanol production units: Over 350 across India
- Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs): Procure ethanol via fixed contracts
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 2 – Government Policies & Interventions
- EBP supports Doubling Farmers’ Income goals and Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
GS Paper 3 – Environment & Economy
- Linked with National Bio-Energy Policy, Paris Climate Goals, and Circular Economy.
- Supports green energy transition, carbon neutrality, and clean transport goals.
UPSC Mains Question (Model)
Q. “Discuss the significance of India’s Ethanol Blending Programme in achieving energy security, environmental sustainability, and agricultural reform.”
Structure:
- Intro: Define EBP
- Body:
- Objectives (energy, environment, economy)
- Benefits to farmers
- Environmental gain
- Challenges: food vs fuel, water use, supply chain gaps
- Conclusion: Emphasize sustainable biofuel models and need for 2G ethanol
2.Artificial Pollination Concerns in India
Alarming Decline in Bees & Pollinators
- Multiple studies report declines of up to 90% in some native bee species, especially in regions like Odisha.
- Over 700 bee species (e.g., Apis cerana indica, Apis dorsata, stameless Trigona) and ~1,800 butterfly species are vital for pollinating crops like mustard, brinjal, apples, chillies, etc. Their decline disrupts both agricultural output and broader ecosystem balance .
Rise in Manual/Artificial Pollination
- With bees absent, farmers resort to renting hive boxes, but these are often ineffective as they contain non-native species (e.g., Apis mellifera) that fail to pollinate local crops .
- Manual methods (e.g., brushing each flower) are labour-intensive, only partially effective, and significantly increase production costs and reduce yield quality .
Causes & Consequences
- Agricultural Pesticides
- Neonicotinoids and other agrochemicals severely impact both honey bees and wild bees, with high mortality and reduced reproductive fitness .
- Habitat Loss & Climate Stress
- Fragmentation, monocultures, and warming climates reduce both habitats and floral diversity, also increasing disease transmission among pollinators .
- Food Security Threat
- Approximately 75% of global food crops depend on insect pollination. Pollinator loss jeopardizes yields, food diversity, and farmers’ livelihoods .
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3 – Environment & Agriculture
Highlights interplay between biodiversity (pollinators), pesticide regulation, and sustainable farming. - GS Paper 1 – Geography & Ecology
An example of ecological interdependence and impact on local ecosystems. - GS Paper 2 – Government Policy
Raises issues of agricultural policy, IPM (Integrated Pest Management), National Beekeeping & Honey Mission.
Previous-Year UPSC Mains Question
Q (GS-3, Jan 2023):
“The use of pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture has led to a decline in the population of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Discuss.”
Key Answer Elements:
- Impact: direct toxicity, habitat disruption, CCD risk.
- Consequences: reduced food security, biodiversity loss.
- Solutions: IPM, habitat restoration, pesticide regulation, pollinator monitoring, beekeeping initiatives.
Summary of Implications
Artificial pollination is inadequate, inefficient, and costly. Natural pollination errs on being free, effective, and ecosystem-supportive.
The crisis demands:
- Stricter pesticide controls and IPM strategies.
- Conservation of bee habitats (hedgerows, wildflowers).
- Support for apiculture and freeland beekeeping.
- Monitoring systems for early detection of pollinator decline.
3.Life Expectancy Dip in India.
Key Facts (2017–2021 vs 2016–2020)
- Life expectancy at birth dropped from 70.0 to 69.8 years, marking the first decline in nearly 50 years .
- Urban areas saw a sharper decrease (~0.3 years), compared to rural areas (0.1 years) .
- State variations:
- Delhi recorded the highest (≈ 73 years for males), Kerala for females (~77.9 years);
- Chhattisgarh lowest for both (~62.8 years for males, ~66.4 years for females) .
Underlying Causes
- COVID‑19 Pandemic (especially the Delta wave) dramatically increased mortality, with a 26% jump in deaths during 2021, including nearly 2 million excess deaths .
- Secondary impacts: heightened deaths from non-COVID causes due to healthcare system strain and disruptions in routine services .
UPSC Relevance
| GS Paper | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| GS‑1 | Demographic indicators, regional disparities, COVID impact |
| GS‑2 | Public health management, system resilience, policy gaps |
| GS‑3 | Health infrastructure, pandemic response, data systems |
| GS‑4 | Ethical governance in crisis, equitable healthcare delivery |
Previous-Year Question (UPSC Mains)
Q (GS‑3, 2022)
“The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them?”
Answer Elements:
- Challenges: Rise of NCDs, geriatric care demand, mental health, economic burden, long-term care needs.
- Solutions: Strengthening primary and geriatric healthcare, preventive medicine, insurance coverage, infrastructure, R&D.
Final Takeaway
The recent dip in life expectancy is not just a statistical anomaly—it signals a major setback in India’s health trajectory. For UPSC exams, analyze it as:
- A vital demographic and governance indicator.
- A catalyst for health policy reforms, preparedness frameworks, and equity in crisis response.
- A lens to examine ethical, administrative, and infrastructural resilience amid pandemics.
4.Community-Based Ecotourism & Wildlife
Empowering Local Communities
- In Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, eight Eco‑Development Committees (EDCs) train local youth as guides, canteen managers, and environmental educators. They earn ₹6–10 lakh annually and reinvest profits into infrastructure like roads, solar lighting, and ponds—while receiving ₹1 lakh/year in government grants .
- Periyar Tiger Reserve EDCs, structured by occupational groups, have enhanced livelihoods via tourist concessions and community development funds. They contributed 25% funding and invested in assets, infrastructure, and loans—with strong transparency, audits, gender inclusion, and leadership by locals.
2. Conservation through Incentivisation
- Projects in Periyar and Kanha used profit‑sharing models: user fees and tourism revenue fund village infrastructure and anti-poaching efforts, and locals gain ownership of conservation responsibilities .
- Jim Corbett research shows community involvement boosts conservation awareness and support—underscoring trust-building through social exchange mechanisms .
3. Challenges & Gaps
- Private resorts near Kanha often exclude locals from benefits and lack conservation responsibilities.
- Infrastructure deficits in places like Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary include poor roads, accommodations, and lack of interpretive services—limiting ecotourism’s potential .
4. Recommendations for Strengthening the Model
Annual Ecological Audits
- Implement periodic reviews to monitor ecological health, tourism impact, and community reinvestment .
Profit‑Sharing Mechanisms
- Mandate tripartite agreements among forest authorities, private operators, and EDCs to ensure transparent revenue distribution and incentives for conservation .
Infrastructure & Training
- Build community capacity through skill training in guiding, hospitality, and interpretation.
- Improve amenities, visitor facilities, and enforce sustainability standards (water recycling, waste management, green construction) within buffer zones .
Legal & Policy Support
- Amend Wildlife Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, and Panchayati Raj legislation to empower EDCs, enforce revenue-sharing charges, and regulate commercial development near tiger reserves .
Regulated Tourism
- Carrying-capacity limits, zoning, and controlled activity permits can prevent over-tourism; align with best practices from Periyar and Pilibhit .
UPSC Relevance
| GS Paper | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Sustainable tourism, rural livelihoods, biodiversity conservation |
| GS-1 | Human-environment interaction, wildlife ecology |
| GS-2 | Participatory governance, legal frameworks, policy reform |
| GS-4 | Ethics: equitable benefit sharing, accountability in conservation |
Sample UPSC Mains Question
Q. Assess the effectiveness of community-based ecotourism around tiger reserves in balancing wildlife conservation and rural livelihoods. Suggest measures to enhance its governance and sustainability.
Answer Structure:
- Introduction – Define ecotourism and EDCs’ role.
- Body:
- Case studies: Pilibhit, Periyar, Kanha, Jim Corbett.
- Impact: livelihoods, conservation outcomes, infrastructure gains.
- Challenges: unequal benefit distribution, inadequate governance, weak regulation.
- Detailed recommendations.
- Conclusion – Acknowledge achievements, reinforce need for systemic support, and suggest state-level replicability.
UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. (GS Paper 3 – Mains 2020)
“What are the key features of the National Mission on Biodiversity and Human Well-being? How is it helpful in rural development?”
Connection to Topic:
- Community-based ecotourism is a practical expression of this mission’s goals.
- Demonstrates linkage between biodiversity conservation and livelihood creation.
5.Seed Banks for Climate Resilience
Role and Benefits of Community Seed Banks
- Large crop diversity saved: They safeguard hundreds of indigenous, climate-resilient varieties—887 crop types across 71 species in some regions .
- Crucial during climate stress: Crops from seed banks outperform commercial hybrids during floods, droughts, and heatwaves .
- Enhances food and nutrition security: Farmers gain access to local, low-input varieties suitable for agro-climatic conditions .
2. Challenges Faced
- Funding & infrastructure gaps: Often volunteer-run with weak storage and technical capacity .
- Policy neglect: Limited official support; farmers lack recognition and incentives .
- Knowledge erosion: Younger farmers prefer high-yield hybrids, risking loss of traditional varieties .
3. Enabling Support & Policy Needs
- Policy and legal recognition: Align with Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers’ Rights Act (2001), safeguard seed exchange, empower custodians .
- Technical and financial aid: Support for storage tech, training, capacity building via NGOs, ICAR, NBPGR .
- Market integration: Value chains, producer organizations (e.g. “Dharti Naturals”), branding of indigenous seeds for premium markets .
- Monitoring systems: National digitization of seed banks and ecological audits to track performance and genetic erosion.
4. Broader Significance
- Climate adaptation: Provides in-situ seed diversity safety-nets for farmers in marginal areas .
- Biodiversity conservation: Supports India’s position as a mega-gene center, guarding against global homogenization .
- Sustainable agriculture: Aligns with ICAR’s NICRA (2011) objectives of resilient agronomy and decentralized seed systems .
5. UPSC Relevance
| GS Paper | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| GS-3 | Climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity |
| GS-2 | Policy frameworks, farmers’ rights, public–private partnerships |
| GS-1/GS-4 | Ecological diversity, ethics in preserving traditional knowledge |
Previous-Year UPSC Question
(Found moderate relevance, but no direct PYQ)
Q. (GS-3, 2019) “In the context of climate resilient agriculture, discuss the role of community-based initiatives in ensuring food and seed security.”
- Answer Scope:
- Explain seed banks and farmer-managed systems
- Discuss their role in resilience and biodiversity conservation
- Outline policy and institutional support needed
6.Indian Gharial Conservation
Status & Legal Protection
- The Indian gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is categorized as Critically Endangered by IUCN, listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Estimated ~800 mature individuals remain in the wild globally .
Why It’s in the News
- Project Crocodile – 50th anniversary (UP)
- Uttar Pradesh commemorated 50 years of Project Crocodile, which has stabilized its gharial population—the highest in India. However, climate change now threatens river flows, nesting sites, and habitat health .
- New hatchlings spotted in Odisha
- In May 2025, 29 gharial hatchlings were discovered on the Mahanadi within Satkosia Tiger Reserve—marking the 5th consecutive year of natural breeding and hinting at modest population recovery .
- Population boost via restocking
- Madhya Pradesh recently released 10 gharials into the Chambal River, adding to the 2,456 recorded in the state, reinforcing its role in national gharial conservation efforts .
Conservation Strategies & Challenges
| Strategy | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Captive Breeding & Restocking | Centers in Kukrail (UP), Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Madras Crocodile Bank have released thousands since 1975 . |
| Habitat Protection | Priority in river sanctuaries like Chambal, Gandak, Great Kaziranga. New studies support eastward habitat expansion under future climates . |
| Community Engagement | Fisherfolk and farmers act as nest protectors on Gandak River, safeguarding hatchlings . |
| Ongoing Threats | Climate variations, sand mining, river regulation, gill‑netting, and illegal structures degrade habitats — impacting breeding success . |
UPSC Relevance
- GS-3 (Environment & Biodiversity): Restoration of a megafaunal reptile, habitat conservation, climate adaptation strategies.
- GS-2 (Policy & Governance): Wildlife Protection Act role, community-driven conservation models.
- GS-1/GS-4 (Social & Ethics): Human‑wildlife interface, public participation, ethical intervention in conservation.
Previous-Year UPSC Question
Q: (GS‑3, 2021)
“Discuss the threats to freshwater wildlife in India and suggest measures to conserve them.”
Relevance:
- Gharial exemplifies freshwater species affected by developmental threats.
- Highlights need for riverine sanctuaries, community conflict mitigation, regulatory enforcement, and inter-state conservation coordination.
Key Takeaways
- Gharial conservation in India showcases successful programs like Project Crocodile and community‑based breeding/restocking — yet remains vulnerable to habitat and climate threats.
- Continued restoration requires ecosystem governance, climate-sensitive habitat management, and community involvement
7.Telangana CM on Fitness & Health
1. Promoting Millets & Traditional Fitness
- CM Reddy urged youth to prefer millet-based diets (e.g., jowar rotis) over supplements or steroids for health and fitness.
- Advocated daily household chores—like washing clothes—as natural exercise, rather than relying on gyms and artificial aids.
2. Overhaul of State Medical Colleges
- After NMC inspections revealed serious deficiencies in 26 out of 34 state-run medical colleges, CM ordered a comprehensive reform:
- Formation of a review committee for infrastructure, staffing, equipment
- Monthly monitoring via a digital app
- Immediate funding release and coordination with the Union Health Ministry .
Why It’s in the News
- The fitness message is trending across media for its promotion of simple, sustainable health practices over gym culture and steroid usages.
- The medical college reforms are major administrative initiatives aimed at strengthening medical education and public health infrastructure.
UPSC Relevance
| Topic Area | UPSC Focus |
|---|---|
| GS‑2 (Governance) | State-level health policy, institutional oversight, NMC coordination |
| GS‑3 (Health) | Preventive health promotion, nutrition, and sustainable fitness |
| GS‑1/GS‑4 | Ethics in leadership, promoting public welfare through simple living |
Previous-Year UPSC Mains Question
Q. (GS‑2, 2021)
“Evaluate the role of state governments in promoting preventive healthcare and strengthening medical education infrastructure in India.”
- Answer must include examples of state-led public health campaigns (e.g., Telangana millets push) and educational reforms (e.g., oversight of medical colleges, compliance with NMC standards).
Final Takeaway
CM Reddy’s push combines traditional nutrition and daily activity with institutional reforms in education and health—offering a holistic governance model that balances personal well-being with system-level improvements.
8.Norway to Introduce Tourist Tax from 2026
What’s New & Why It Matters
- Starting summer 2026, Norwegian municipalities can impose a 3% tourism tax on overnight stays (hotels, campsites, Airbnb) and cruise passengers, if they assess local infrastructure is under strain and present detailed plans .
- This is a voluntary, decentralized measure—each municipality decides whether, when, and how to apply the tax, aiming to fund public services like toilets, trail upkeep, signage, and waste management .
UPSC Relevance
| Aspect | UPSC Context |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Tourism | GS-3: Balancing economic growth with environmental protection & infrastructure resilience. |
| Decentralization & Governance | GS-2: Empowerment of local governments, accountability through local plans and stakeholder engagement. |
| Policy Innovation | GS-2/3: Examines how countries manage regional resource pressure through targeted fiscal tools. |
Key Features to Note
- 3% levy on the cost of overnight accommodation (before VAT)—for hotels, Airbnb, campsites, and cruise stays .
- Cruise tourists included, given their burden on coastal infrastructure —unlike some other nations that exempt cruise-visitors.
- Flexibility: Municipalities choose when and where to apply the tax (e.g. peak season, specific locations) .
- Accountability: Funds must be earmarked solely for tourism-related infrastructure improvements—not general municipal expenses .
Sample UPSC Mains Question
Q. “Examine the potential of tourism-specific taxes in balancing economic benefits and sustainability. Discuss with reference to Norway’s 2026 tourist tax initiative.”
Answer Pointers:
- Intro – Define tourism tax and context of overtourism.
- Benefits – Infrastructure funding, reduced local backlash, better tourist experience.
- Drawbacks – Possible deterrence of tourists, administrative costs, business pushback.
- Governance Angle – Decentralization, plan-based accounting, accountability.
- Global Perspective – Compare with taxes in Venice, Amsterdam, Iceland.
- Conclusion – Tourism taxes as balancing tools—need transparency and public-private collaboration.
