2nd April 2025-Current Affairs

1. Tribhuvandas Patel and the Cooperative Movement: Legacy of Rural Empowerment – History & Culture

Why in News?

The Lok Sabha has passed a bill to establish the Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat, named after Tribhuvandas Patel, the pioneer of India’s cooperative movement and the founding figure behind Amul. This is a recognition of his lasting contribution to rural development, dairy cooperatives, and social equity.

Who Was Tribhuvandas Patel?

Contribution to the Cooperative Movement

Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (KDCMPUL)

• Founded in 1946, as a farmer-led response to Polson Dairy’s monopoly
• Empowered rural dairy farmers to sell milk directly through cooperative societies
• Operated on principles of self-help, collective ownership, and democratic decision-making

Principle of Inclusivity

• Stressed that cooperatives must be open to all, regardless of caste or community
• Made the cooperative movement egalitarian and socially empowering

Link with Dr. Verghese Kurien and the White Revolution

• Tribhuvandas Patel invited Dr. Kurien to Anand to manage technical and processing operations at KDCMPUL
• This collaboration led to the formation of Amul, which became a model for dairy cooperatives across India
• The cooperative model gave rise to the White Revolution, making India the largest milk producer in the world

Awards and Recognition

Impact on Rural Development

• Increased rural incomes through farmer ownership of value chains
• Built rural self-reliance by reducing exploitation by middlemen
• Empowered women dairy farmers, setting a precedent for gender-sensitive cooperatives
• Inspired modern cooperative institutions like:
  • AMUL
  • National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
  • Operation Flood

Conclusion

Tribhuvandas Patel’s legacy represents the power of grassroots leadership, Gandhian ethics, and inclusive institution-building. By turning rural farmers into entrepreneurs, he transformed India’s dairy sector and laid the foundation for community-owned development models. His vision continues to influence cooperative models not only in India but globally as a blueprint for sustainable and equitable development.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. Tribhuvandas Patel is associated with which of the following organizations?

A) National Dairy Development Board
B) Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation
C) Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union
D) Indian Dairy Corporation

Correct Answer: C) Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union

2. Which of the following awards did Tribhuvandas Patel receive for his contributions?

1. Bharat Ratna
2. Padma Bhushan
3. Ramon Magsaysay Award
4. Padma Shri

A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, and 3 only

Correct Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

3. The cooperative movement initiated by Tribhuvandas Patel focused primarily on:

A) Sugarcane farmers
B) Cotton producers
C) Milk producers
D) Poultry farmers

Correct Answer: C) Milk producers

Mains:

1. “Tribhuvandas Patel’s cooperative model was a grassroots revolution rooted in self-reliance and social equity.” Examine his role in shaping India’s cooperative movement.

2. Discuss the role of cooperatives in empowering rural India. How does the dairy cooperative model serve as an example of inclusive development?

3. “Community-owned institutions are key to sustainable rural development.” Evaluate in light of India’s dairy cooperative movement.

2. NEP 2020 in the Classroom: From Policy to Practice – Governance

Why in News?

The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 has highlighted that while awareness of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) goals is high, implementation in classrooms remains inconsistent, particularly in rural and resource-constrained settings. This draws attention to the gap between policy formulation and classroom realities.

What is NEP 2020’s FLN Goal?

• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) is recognized as a “national mission” under NEP 2020.
• Goal: Every child should attain basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills by the end of Class 2.
• Implemented through the NIPUN Bharat Mission, launched in 2021 under the Ministry of Education.

Key Findings from ASER 2024

Challenges in FLN Implementation

1. Quality of Teacher Training

• Trainings often theoretical, with little focus on practical classroom techniques.
• Short durations and lack of follow-up support.
• Teachers report difficulty applying concepts in multigrade or overcrowded classrooms.

2. Lack of Mentorship and Monitoring

• Teachers receive little ongoing support post-training.
• Absence of structured mentoring systems or peer learning platforms.
• This leads to inconsistent implementation of FLN pedagogies.

3. Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM) Underutilized

• TLM often used only for demonstration, not for interactive learning.
• Teachers avoid giving them to children due to:
  • Fear of damage
  • Unclear instructions
  • Limited quantity

4. Syllabus Completion vs. Learning Outcomes

• Pressure to complete syllabus reduces time for:
  • Individualized attention
  • Formative assessment
• Learning outcomes suffer, especially for slow learners and first-generation school-goers

What Is NIPUN Bharat?

Way Forward: Bridging Policy and Practice

Conclusion

The vision of NEP 2020 rests on the foundation of universal literacy and numeracy, yet its successful implementation depends on local-level capacity building. While initiatives like NIPUN Bharat have made progress, the gap between policy and classroom practice remains. Addressing training quality, mentoring, and resource utilization will be critical to transforming classrooms into true engines of foundational learning, especially in rural India. The success of NEP 2020 lies not just in policy design, but in pedagogical empowerment.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. The NIPUN Bharat Mission is aimed at:

A) Digital literacy in secondary schools
B) STEM skill development for girls
C) Foundational literacy and numeracy in early grades
D) Higher education internationalization

Correct Answer: C) Foundational literacy and numeracy in early grades

2. The NEP 2020 mandates that all children should achieve foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of:

A) Class 3
B) Class 5
C) Class 2
D) Class 1

Correct Answer: A) Class 3
(Note: While FLN targets focus on achieving skills by Class 2, NIPUN Bharat sets a broader goal for all children to achieve FLN by the end of Class 3 by 2026–27.)

3. Which of the following is NOT a challenge in FLN implementation as per ASER 2024?

A) Teacher training is largely theoretical
B) Lack of textbook printing facilities
C) Underutilization of TLMs
D) Conflicting priorities between syllabus completion and learning outcomes

Correct Answer: B) Lack of textbook printing facilities

Mains:

1. “NEP 2020 marks a visionary shift in Indian education, but implementation challenges threaten its foundational goals.” Examine with reference to the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy mission.

2. Discuss the role of NIPUN Bharat in realizing NEP 2020 objectives. What reforms are needed to bridge the gap between policy and classroom practice?

3. “Quality of learning outcomes in early grades forms the backbone of human capital.” Analyze the importance of FLN and suggest ways to strengthen it in rural and government schools.

3. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Public Health Challenge and Policy Priority – Health

Why in News?

Ranchi (Jharkhand) is set to launch a comprehensive screening and management campaign for NAFLD, becoming the first district in the state to undertake such an initiative. This comes at a time when India is witnessing a sharp rise in lifestyle diseases, including fatty liver conditions.

What is NAFLD?

• NAFLD stands for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
• Recently renamed as Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
• It involves excess fat accumulation in liver cells not caused by alcohol consumption.

Key Features:

• Often asymptomatic in early stages.
• Can progress to:
  • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
  • Fibrosis
  • Cirrhosis
  • Liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)

Health Risks Associated with NAFLD

• Strongly linked to metabolic disorders, especially:
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • High cholesterol
  • Insulin resistance
• NAFLD can also increase the risk of:
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Who Is at Risk?

• Adults with sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diet, obesity, and diabetes
• Increasingly found among children and adolescents with poor lifestyle habits
• Urban and semi-urban populations are particularly vulnerable

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis Methods:

• Ultrasound imaging
• Liver function tests
• FibroScan (to assess fibrosis)
• Blood tests for metabolic markers

Treatment & Management:

• No approved drug treatment yet
• Focus is on lifestyle interventions:
  • Weight loss
  • Exercise
  • Diet control (low sugar, low fat, high fiber)
• Management of comorbidities like diabetes and high blood pressure is essential

Ranchi’s NAFLD Campaign: A Public Health Milestone

• First district in Jharkhand to launch NAFLD-specific health campaign
• Focus areas:
  • Early detection through community screening
  • Awareness drives on healthy lifestyle
  • Follow-up care for high-risk individuals

🇮🇳 India’s National Response to NAFLD

• India is among the first countries to recognize NAFLD as a major public health issue.
• In 2021, the Ministry of Health integrated NAFLD into the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS).
• This enables:
  • Nationwide screening
  • Use of primary health care infrastructure
  • Public awareness and lifestyle change initiatives

Conclusion

NAFLD (now MASLD) is a silent but growing threat that reflects India’s rising burden of lifestyle diseases. With no specific drugs available, the focus must remain on prevention, early screening, and lifestyle modification. Ranchi’s district-wide campaign can serve as a model for other regions, aligning with the broader goals of Ayushman Bharat and preventive healthcare under Universal Health Coverage.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. Which of the following diseases is most directly associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

A) Tuberculosis
B) Type 2 Diabetes
C) Hepatitis A
D) Dengue Fever

Correct Answer: B) Type 2 Diabetes

2. Which program has NAFLD been integrated into by the Ministry of Health?

A) National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)
B) National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
C) National Health Mission (NHM)
D) NPCDCS

Correct Answer: D) NPCDCS

3. Which of the following is not a treatment approach for NAFLD?

A) Regular physical exercise
B) High-fat ketogenic diet
C) Controlled blood sugar and cholesterol
D) Weight loss through calorie deficit

Correct Answer: B) High-fat ketogenic diet

Mains:

1. “India’s rising burden of lifestyle diseases requires a shift from reactive to preventive healthcare.” Discuss with reference to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

2. Examine the public health challenges posed by metabolic diseases like NAFLD. What steps has the government taken, and what more can be done?

3. “District-level health interventions are key to achieving universal healthcare.” Evaluate using the example of Ranchi’s NAFLD screening campaign.

4. Mechanisation Beyond Tractors: The Future of Indian Agriculture – Economy

Why in News?

Farm mechanization in India is often equated with tractors, which have replaced traditional bullocks in ploughing, cultivating, and transporting tasks. However, mechanization goes far beyond tractors, encompassing a wide range of farm machinery, including rotavators, harvesters, planters, and spraying equipment. These tools are key to increasing productivity, reducing labor dependence, and modernizing Indian agriculture.

Farm Mechanization in India: A Snapshot

What Does Mechanisation Beyond Tractors Include?

• Rotavators – For deep tillage and seedbed preparation
• Harvesters – Combine, sugarcane, and paddy harvesters
• Planters/Seeders – Precision sowing machines
• Sprayers and Dusters – For pest and weed management
• Power Weeders, Mulchers, Balers – For post-harvest and inter-cultivation work

Advantages of Mechanized Equipment Over Traditional Methods

Market Dynamics in Farm Machinery

• Rotavators: 2 lakh units sold annually (~₹2,000 crore market)
• Key Manufacturers:
  • Tirth Agro Technology (Shaktiman)
  • Mahindra & Mahindra
  • Sonalika / International Tractors
• Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs): Enable access to machinery without upfront capital cost

Need for Mechanisation Beyond Tractors

1. Labour Shortages

• Increasing urban migration and rising rural wages create farm labour shortages
• Mechanization fills this gap, especially during peak sowing and harvesting periods

2. Small and Marginal Farmers

• 86% of Indian farmers hold <2 hectares
• Cannot afford expensive equipment—need shared access models (like CHCs)

3. Precision Agriculture

• Machinery enables precision in sowing, spraying, and harvesting
• Reduces input waste, increases productivity, and supports climate-resilient farming

Government Support & Policy Interventions

Challenges in Expanding Mechanization

• Cost of machinery still high for many farmers
• Regional imbalance in adoption (high in Punjab/Haryana; low in NE and hilly states)
• Lack of awareness/training in machinery use and maintenance
• Repair and maintenance ecosystem is underdeveloped in rural areas

Conclusion

Mechanisation beyond tractors represents the next frontier in Indian agriculture. With the right mix of policy incentives, custom hiring models, and private sector innovation, India can overcome its labour shortages, improve productivity, and enable inclusive agricultural transformation. True modernization of agriculture lies not just in owning tractors, but in mainstreaming diversified, efficient, and sustainable mechanization solutions.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. Which of the following machines is primarily used for both primary and secondary tillage in one pass?

A) Power tiller
B) Rotavator
C) Combine harvester
D) Seeder

Correct Answer: B) Rotavator

2. The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) provides support for:

A) Fertilizer subsidies
B) Tractor loans only
C) Purchase of farm equipment and machinery
D) Crop insurance for farmers

Correct Answer: C) Purchase of farm equipment and machinery

3. Which of the following is a benefit of farm mechanization?

1. Labour saving
2. Improved efficiency
3. Increased input costs
4. Better crop yields

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) All of the above

Correct Answer: B) 1, 2 and 4 only

Mains:

1. “The future of Indian agriculture lies in mechanization beyond tractors.” Discuss the role of farm machinery in addressing labour shortages and improving productivity.

2. Evaluate the role of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) in promoting agricultural mechanization among small and marginal farmers.

3. “Mechanisation in Indian agriculture is uneven and underutilized.” Identify the challenges and suggest measures to promote inclusive mechanization.

5. NITI–NCAER States Economic Forum Portal: Advancing Data-Driven Governance – Economy

Why in News?

The Union Finance Minister is set to launch the NITI–NCAER States Economic Forum Portal, developed jointly by NITI Aayog and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). This comes amid concerns from several opposition-ruled states over inequities in central resource allocation, reinforcing the need for data transparency and evidence-based policymaking.

Objective of the Portal

• Provide a comprehensive, user-friendly platform for economic, fiscal, and social data across Indian states
• Cover historical trends (1990–91 to 2022–23)
• Enable benchmarking, trend analysis, and policy discussions at the sub-national level
• Promote cooperative federalism through informed debate

Key Stakeholders

Features of the Portal

1. State Reports

• Macro-level summaries for 28 Indian states
• Cover demography, economic structure, fiscal trends, and social development
• Useful for comparative analysis among states

2. Data Repository

• Organized into five key categories:
  1. Demography
  2. Economic Structure
  3. Fiscal Data
  4. Health
  5. Education
• Enables raw data access, exports, and structured analysis

3. State Fiscal and Economic Dashboard

• Visual representation of key indicators (GDP, debt, expenditure, etc.)
• Includes time-series graphs, summary tables, and downloadable appendices

4. Research and Commentary

• Contains analytical research, policy papers, and commentaries on:
  • State finances
  • Fiscal policy design
  • Best practices in public financial management

Significance and Use Cases

For Policymakers:

• Formulate targeted, evidence-backed policies
• Monitor progress and trends in state-level outcomes

For Researchers and Economists:

• Conduct comparative state-level economic studies
• Track longitudinal data for understanding economic shifts

For Citizens and Civil Society:

• Demand greater transparency and accountability in resource use
• Understand state performance metrics

Impact on Governance

Link with Broader Governance Reforms

• Echoes 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations on fiscal transparency
• Aligns with Digital India and good governance initiatives
• Complements platforms like:
  • IndiaStat
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS)
  • UNDP’s Human Development Index (HDI) tools

Conclusion

The NITI–NCAER States Economic Forum Portal represents a milestone in India’s push toward data-driven governance, fostering transparency, cooperative federalism, and evidence-based policymaking. By integrating decades of socio-economic and fiscal data into an accessible digital interface, it empowers stakeholders—from bureaucrats to citizens—to engage in constructive dialogue and informed decision-making. This portal could become a critical tool in designing more equitable and efficient policies for India’s development trajectory.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. The NITI–NCAER States Economic Forum Portal primarily aims to:

A) Track parliamentary debates on state budgets
B) Facilitate e-governance at the district level
C) Provide a comprehensive database of state-level economic and social indicators
D) Replace the annual Economic Survey of India

Correct Answer: C) Provide a comprehensive database of state-level economic and social indicators

2. The NCAER is best known as:

A) India’s apex body for agricultural statistics
B) A constitutional body for cooperative finance
C) A leading economic policy research institute
D) A fiscal regulator under the Finance Ministry

Correct Answer: C) A leading economic policy research institute

3. Which of the following data categories are part of the NITI–NCAER portal?

1. Demography
2. Education
3. Fiscal
4. Crime statistics

A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) All of the above

Correct Answer: A) 1, 2 and 3 only

Mains:

1. “Data-driven governance is key to ensuring transparency and cooperative federalism.” Discuss in the context of the NITI–NCAER States Economic Forum Portal.

2. Examine how centralized economic data platforms can improve fiscal planning and inter-state equity in India.

3. “Public access to economic and fiscal data is essential for democratic accountability.” Analyze with examples from India’s recent digital governance initiatives.