30th March 2025-Current Affairs

1. India’s Cotton Crisis – From Self-Sufficiency to Import Dependence – Economy

Why in News?

India, once the world’s largest cotton producer and exporter, is now witnessing a sharp decline in cotton production, leading to a dependence on imports. This reversal is not primarily due to external market forces but rather domestic policy stagnation, particularly concerning genetically modified (GM) crops, and regulatory hurdles that have stalled innovation in the cotton sector.

How India Became a Cotton Powerhouse

Technological Leap with Bt Cotton

• In the early 2000s, India’s cotton sector underwent a transformation with the adoption of Bt cotton, a genetically modified variety resistant to bollworm pests.
• By 2013-14, Bt cotton adoption covered 95% of all cotton cultivation.
• Production rose from 13.6 million bales (2002-03) to 39.8 million bales (2013-14).
• India became the largest cotton producer globally by 2015-16.

Current Decline in Cotton Production

Stagnation and Decline

• Cotton output in 2024-25 is projected at 29.5 million bales—the lowest since 2008-09.
• India has shifted from being a net exporter to a net importer.
• Cotton imports are rising, mainly from the United States and Brazil, with import values doubling in 2024-25.

Key Reasons Behind the Crisis

1. Regulatory Paralysis on GM Crops

• The moratorium on Bt brinjal in 2010 created a regulatory chilling effect, halting the approval of new GM crops, including further innovations in cotton.
• This has led to stagnation in biotech research in Indian agriculture.

2. Judicial and Activist Interventions

• Courts and environmental activists have frequently intervened, delaying or blocking trials and approvals of GM crops, despite scientific backing.
• The regulatory system has become unpredictable and risk-averse, discouraging private and public R&D.

3. Agronomic & Pest Challenges

• Bt cotton’s initial success has plateaued as secondary pests (like whiteflies and pink bollworms) have emerged.
• Farmers lack access to next-gen GM technologies or diversified pest-resilient seeds.

Economic & Social Implications

Impact on Trade

• India’s cotton export capacity has reduced, while imports have surged, adding to the trade deficit.
• Domestic textile industries now face costlier input due to reliance on imported cotton.

Impact on Farmers

• Cotton farming is a major livelihood source, especially in Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, and Punjab.
• Price instability, pest losses, and lack of innovation have hurt farmer incomes and led to agrarian distress in some cotton belts.

Policy Challenges and the Way Forward

Conclusion

India’s cotton crisis is not simply a production problem—it is a symptom of policy inertia, scientific hesitation, and regulatory failure. From being a global leader in cotton production, India now faces the prospect of long-term import dependence unless urgent reforms are undertaken. A science-based, farmer-focused, and innovation-driven approach is essential to revive the sector. Ensuring timely access to advanced technologies, including next-generation GM crops, while maintaining necessary safeguards, will be crucial to secure both farmers’ livelihoods and India’s position in the global cotton economy.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. Which of the following factors contributed to India’s rise in cotton production during the early 2000s?

A) Organic cotton cultivation
B) Government subsidies
C) Adoption of Bt cotton technology
D) Import of foreign seeds from Brazil

Correct Answer: C) Adoption of Bt cotton technology

2. Bt cotton provides resistance primarily against which of the following pests?

A) Whiteflies
B) Aphids
C) Bollworms
D) Pink mites

Correct Answer: C) Bollworms

3. India became the world’s largest producer of cotton in which year?

A) 2010
B) 2013
C) 2015
D) 2018

Correct Answer: C) 2015

4. The moratorium on Bt brinjal was imposed in which year?

A) 2005
B) 2010
C) 2013
D) 2016

Correct Answer: B) 2010

Mains:

1. “India’s cotton crisis reflects the consequences of policy stagnation in agricultural biotechnology.” Examine the key reasons behind the decline and suggest a roadmap for revival.

2. Evaluate the impact of regulatory hurdles on the adoption of GM crops in India. How does this affect farmer livelihoods and agri-based industries?

3. Discuss the role of technological innovation in boosting agricultural productivity. What lessons can India learn from its past success with Bt cotton?

2. Fixing India’s Highway Black Spots: Panel Calls for Urgent Action – Governance

Why in News?

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture has strongly criticized the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for its inadequate response to the issue of accident-prone black spots on National Highways (NHs). The committee has emphasized that failure to act swiftly undermines India’s efforts to improve road safety, despite ambitious goals and targets.

What Are Black Spots?

Black Spots are specific stretches on roads or highways where:

• A high number of road accidents (especially fatal ones) occur.
• These patterns are consistent over a three-year period.
• Causes include bad road geometry, inadequate signage, poor lighting, sharp curves, congested junctions, or engineering flaws.

India’s Road Safety Crisis: The Context

• India accounts for over 11% of global road deaths (WHO Report).
• Around 1.5 lakh people die annually in road accidents.
• Black spots are among the most significant contributors to these fatalities.
• According to MoRTH, nearly 50% of road accident deaths happen at or near black spots.

Three-Tier Classification of Black Spots

The Parliamentary Panel proposed a 3-tier categorization for better prioritization:

Each tier is assigned a targeted timeline and action plan for rectification.

MoRTH’s Road Safety Goals

• Target: Reduce road accident fatalities by 95% by 2028
• FY 2025-26: Fix 1,000 black spots
• FY 2027-28: Eliminate all black spots
• Regular safety audits post-rectification:
  • 3-month audit to check early impact
  • 12-month audit to assess long-term outcomes

Challenges Identified by the Panel

1. Slow Implementation

• Many black spots identified years ago remain unresolved.
• Lack of inter-agency coordination (police, NHAI, state PWDs).

2. Funding Delays

• Projects for rectification face bureaucratic delays in funding and approvals.

3. Data Gaps

• Inconsistent crash data collection and analysis hamper planning.
• Underreporting of accidents reduces response urgency.

4. Accountability Issues

• Absence of clear responsibility assignment between central and state authorities.

Recommendations by the Panel

• Urgent rectification of Tier 1 black spots within 12 months
• Mandate real-time crash mapping systems using GPS and CCTV
• Public dashboards for transparency and citizen monitoring
• Strengthen the role of state-level road safety committees
• Ensure engineering fixes are prioritized over makeshift solutions

Conclusion

Fixing black spots on India’s national highways is not just a matter of infrastructure—it is a public health emergency. While MoRTH has set ambitious goals, the implementation lag and systemic bottlenecks threaten to derail progress. The Parliamentary Standing Committee’s report offers a practical roadmap, but urgent action, inter-agency coordination, and transparency are essential to reduce road fatalities. Without decisive political and administrative will, India’s highways will continue to remain death traps rather than corridors of development.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. What is a “black spot” as per road safety terminology in India?

A) A zone with poor mobile network connectivity
B) A high-density forest region prone to landslides
C) A location with frequent and severe road accidents over three consecutive years
D) An urban air pollution zone

Correct Answer: C) A location with frequent and severe road accidents over three consecutive years

2. Which government body is primarily responsible for eliminating black spots on national highways?

A) Ministry of Home Affairs
B) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
C) National Disaster Management Authority
D) Ministry of Environment

Correct Answer: B) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

3. What is the target year set by MoRTH to eliminate all black spots in India?

A) 2025
B) 2026
C) 2027
D) 2028

Correct Answer: D) 2028

Mains:

1. “Road safety is as much about governance as it is about engineering.” Critically analyze the issue of highway black spots in India and suggest measures to address them.

2. Discuss the role of Parliamentary Committees in improving infrastructure governance. Use the example of road black spot management to support your answer.

3. Evaluate India’s efforts to reduce road fatalities in light of the MoRTH’s black spot rectification goals. What are the major challenges and how can they be overcome?

3. Teesta River and Its Significance – Geography

Why in News?

Bangladesh has recently welcomed Chinese involvement in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, drawing attention to the strategic and economic importance of the Teesta River. As a critical transboundary water body between India and Bangladesh, this move raises geopolitical and environmental concerns for India.

Teesta River: A Geographical Overview

Origin

• Source: Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim, India
• Additional sources: Pahunri Glacier, Khangse Glacier, Chho Lhamo Lake
• Elevation at source: ~5,280 meters

Course

• Flows through Sikkim, West Bengal, and into Bangladesh
• Joins the Brahmaputra River (called Jamuna in Bangladesh)
• Total Length: ~414 km
• Drainage Basin: ~12,540 sq. km
  • India: 83%
  • Bangladesh: 17%

Hydrological and Strategic Significance

1. Irrigation

• Teesta is a lifeline for agriculture in northern West Bengal and northwestern Bangladesh
• Supports cultivation of paddy, jute, and vegetables in both countries

2. Hydroelectric Power

In India:

• Teesta-V Dam – 510 MW (NHPC)
• Teesta-III Dam – 1,200 MW (Sikkim Urja)
• Multiple upcoming run-of-the-river projects across the river’s course

In Bangladesh:

• Duani Barrage and Barakhata Teesta Barrage used for irrigation
• No significant hydropower generation yet

3. Strategic and Geopolitical Concerns

• China’s involvement in the Teesta project in Bangladesh is a potential strategic encroachment near India’s Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck)
• India’s delay in finalizing the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement with Bangladesh has opened doors for external players like China

Teesta Water Sharing Dispute

• Pending since 1983
• Proposed Agreement (2011): India to share 37.5% of Teesta’s flow with Bangladesh
• Stalemate due to objections from West Bengal, citing impact on its own irrigation needs
• Bangladesh sees Teesta as crucial for its dry-season agriculture (~December to May)

Environmental Concerns

• Glacier retreat due to climate change threatens long-term river flow
• Dam construction may impact biodiversity, silt flow, and downstream ecosystems
• Risks of flash floods and landslides in the Himalayan segment

Key Tributaries

India’s Concerns Over Chinese Involvement

• Strategic foothold of China close to the Indian border
• Could impact India’s water security and regional influence
• May affect India-Bangladesh relations if Delhi is seen as unresponsive

Conclusion

The Teesta River is far more than a waterway—it is a shared lifeline, a strategic asset, and a diplomatic test case for India-Bangladesh relations. With China entering the equation, India must accelerate its water-sharing commitments while also enhancing cooperation on hydropower, river management, and climate adaptation. Balancing regional diplomacy, strategic interests, and local concerns is key to ensuring that Teesta remains a source of cooperation, not conflict.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. The Teesta River originates from which of the following locations?

A) Pindari Glacier
B) Chho Lhamo Lake
C) Mansarovar Lake
D) Rara Lake

Correct Answer: B) Chho Lhamo Lake

2. The Teesta River is a tributary of which major river system?

A) Ganga
B) Brahmaputra
C) Yamuna
D) Meghna

Correct Answer: B) Brahmaputra

3. Which of the following states does the Teesta River flow through?

1. Sikkim
2. Assam
3. West Bengal
4. Bihar

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

Correct Answer: A) 1 and 3 only

4. The Teesta Water Sharing Agreement is primarily between:

A) India and China
B) India and Bhutan
C) India and Bangladesh
D) India and Nepal

Correct Answer: C) India and Bangladesh

Mains:

1. “Water diplomacy is emerging as a crucial tool in regional geopolitics.” Examine this statement in the context of the Teesta River dispute between India and Bangladesh.

2. Discuss the strategic implications of China’s growing involvement in South Asian water management projects, with reference to the Teesta River project in Bangladesh.

3. Highlight the environmental and developmental challenges associated with the Teesta River Basin. Suggest sustainable solutions for transboundary river management.

4. 10 Years of Sagarmala Project – Economy

Why in News?

The Sagarmala Programme, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), has completed 10 years. Celebrated as a decade of port-led transformation, Sagarmala is a cornerstone of India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which envisions India as a global maritime leader.

What is the Sagarmala Programme?

Sagarmala is a port-led development initiative aimed at:

• Modernizing ports
• Enhancing port connectivity
• Boosting industrial growth near coasts
• Empowering coastal communities
• Promoting green and efficient transport via coastal and inland waterways

Five Key Components of Sagarmala

Implementation & Funding Model

• Stakeholders: Major ports, state governments, central ministries, and private players
• Funding Sources:
  • Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
  • Internal and Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR)
  • Sagarmala Development Company Limited (SDCL)
  • Grant-in-Aid and equity investments

Progress in 10 Years (2015–2025)

Sagarmala 2.0 & Innovation Drive

🔹 Sagarmala 2.0 (Budget: ₹40,000 crore)

• Focus on:
  • Shipbuilding
  • Ship repair and recycling
  • Digital port modernization
  • Green shipping technologies

🔹 Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2)

• Launched in March 2025
• Encourages startups in:
  • Sustainable shipping
  • Port automation
  • Marine logistics tech

Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 (MAKV)

India’s long-term maritime strategy to be realized by 2047:

• Target: 4 million GRT shipbuilding capacity
• Handle 10 billion metric tons of port cargo annually
• Rank among top five shipbuilding nations
• Make India a global maritime hub

UPSC Prelims 2019 – Related MCQ Analysis

Question:
With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements:

1. East-West Corridor under the Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (a) Only one

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Incorrect – East-West Corridor connects Silchar (Assam) to Porbandar (Gujarat), not Dibrugarh to Surat.
• Statement 2: Correct – Trilateral Highway aims to connect Moreh (Manipur) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar.
• Statement 3: Incorrect – The BCIM Corridor proposes connectivity, but Varanasi is not part of the route.

Conclusion

The Sagarmala Programme has emerged as a transformational initiative in India’s quest to become a global maritime power. By modernizing ports, integrating logistics, promoting coastal industries, and supporting green innovation, it has created new economic opportunities along India’s coastline. However, to realize the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the next decade must focus on efficient execution, private sector collaboration, digital infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. Sagarmala 2.0 and initiatives like S2I2 signal India’s readiness to lead the maritime world in the 21st century.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. Which of the following is not a component of the Sagarmala Programme?

A) Port-led industrialization
B) Port community development
C) Forest corridor development
D) Inland waterways promotion

Correct Answer: C) Forest corridor development

2. Which ministry implements the Sagarmala Programme?

A) Ministry of Commerce and Industry
B) Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
C) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
D) Ministry of Jal Shakti

Correct Answer: B) Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

3. Which Indian port is consistently ranked among the top globally for efficiency?

A) Paradip Port
B) Deendayal Port
C) Visakhapatnam Port
D) Mundra Port

Correct Answer: D) Mundra Port

4. Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative (S2I2) was launched to promote:

A) Deep-sea mining
B) Marine biodiversity
C) Maritime tech startups and green shipping
D) Offshore oil exploration

Correct Answer: C) Maritime tech startups and green shipping

Mains:

1. “The Sagarmala Project is central to India’s port-led development model.” Discuss its achievements, challenges, and future potential.

2. Evaluate the contribution of the Sagarmala Programme to India’s logistics efficiency and coastal economy.

3. “Maritime infrastructure can be a game-changer for India’s export competitiveness.” Examine in the context of Sagarmala and Maritime Vision 2047.

4. Discuss the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the success of India’s port infrastructure under the Sagarmala initiative.

5. Norms Surrounding Disclosure of Judges’ Assets – Polity

Why in News?

The discovery of large amounts of cash at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma has once again brought the issue of judicial accountability and transparency into the spotlight. It has reignited national discourse around the public disclosure of judges’ assets and liabilities, which remains a grey area in India’s democratic framework.

Background: What Are the Current Norms?

Unlike most public servants in India, judges of the higher judiciary are not legally bound to publicly disclose their assets. The framework around asset declaration remains voluntary, fragmented, and inconsistently enforced.

Key Milestones in Asset Disclosure by Judges

1997 Resolution (Chief Justice J.S. Verma)

• Judges to declare assets (including spouses and dependents) to the Chief Justice of the concerned court.
• Not mandatory for public disclosure.
• Intended as an internal mechanism for maintaining integrity.

2009 Resolution

• In September 2009, the Supreme Court Full Bench resolved to publish asset declarations voluntarily on the court’s website.
• Some High Courts followed suit.
• However, compliance was uneven, and public accessibility remained limited.

Post-2018 Inaction

• The Supreme Court’s website has not updated asset disclosures since 2018.
• Only names of judges who submitted declarations are listed—not the actual asset details.

Supreme Court’s 2019 RTI Judgment

• Key Ruling: Judges’ asset declarations do not qualify as “personal information” under the RTI Act.
• Came in response to a 2009 RTI request seeking asset declarations.
• While upholding the RTI application in principle, the Court did not mandate proactive public disclosure.

Low Compliance & Resistance from High Courts

• As of March 1, 2024, only 97 out of 770 High Court judges (≈13%) have made public declarations of assets.
• Just seven High Courts have any form of public disclosure.
• High Courts like Uttarakhand and Allahabad have explicitly opposed public asset declarations, citing privacy and legal limitations under the RTI Act.

Comparison with Other Public Positions

Parliamentary Recommendation (2023)

• A Parliamentary Committee on Judicial Reforms recommended legislation to:
  • Mandate asset disclosures for all judges
  • Create a central public database
• However, no bill or legal framework has been introduced so far.

The RTI Act’s Role in Promoting Accountability

• The Right to Information Act (2005) empowers citizens to seek public records.
• However, judiciary is not fully covered under RTI’s proactive disclosure norms (Section 4).
• Some courts treat asset data as outside the RTI’s purview, despite the 2019 SC judgment.

Implications of Non-Disclosure

• Erodes public trust in the judiciary.
• Makes the judiciary appear above accountability norms applied to others.
• Reduces deterrence against corruption and misconduct.
• Inconsistent with India’s democratic and constitutional ideals of transparency and rule of law.

Conclusion

The issue of judges’ asset disclosure sits at the crossroads of privacy, institutional independence, and public accountability. While judicial integrity is foundational to democracy, the lack of transparency undermines public trust. As allegations of judicial corruption surface, it becomes imperative to institutionalize asset disclosure, aligning it with standards followed by other public offices. A statutory framework, guided by Supreme Court precedent, RTI jurisprudence, and Parliamentary recommendations, is the need of the hour to ensure that the judiciary remains not only independent but also accountable and transparent.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. What did the 1997 resolution of the Supreme Court regarding judges’ assets stipulate?

A) Judges must publicly disclose assets annually
B) Judges must disclose assets to Parliament
C) Judges must submit asset details to the Chief Justice
D) Judges are exempt from declaring assets

Correct Answer: C) Judges must submit asset details to the Chief Justice

2. Which of the following institutions ruled in 2019 that judges’ asset declarations are not “personal information” under RTI?

A) Central Information Commission
B) Parliament of India
C) Supreme Court of India
D) Election Commission of India

Correct Answer: C) Supreme Court of India

3. What percentage of High Court judges had publicly disclosed their assets as of March 2024?

A) 5%
B) 13%
C) 25%
D) 40%

Correct Answer: B) 13%

4. Which of the following categories is not legally mandated to publicly declare their assets?

A) IAS Officers
B) Election Candidates
C) Members of Parliament
D) High Court Judges

Correct Answer: D) High Court Judges

Mains:

1. “Transparency in the judiciary is a prerequisite for public trust.” Critically examine the need for a legal framework mandating public disclosure of judges’ assets.

2. Discuss the constitutional and ethical dilemmas involved in balancing judicial independence with public accountability.

3. Analyze the implications of non-disclosure of judges’ assets on judicial credibility. What reforms are necessary to strengthen transparency in the higher judiciary?