In News: 

• Recently, a woman from Tianjin, China, made history by being the first to effectively reverse her type 1 diabetes with a cutting-edge stem cell therapy. 
• About Stem Cells: Stem Cells cells are those cells that are unspecialized, undifferentiated, and capable of self-renewal. Embryos and adult tissues are the main sources of stem cells (adult stem cells). 

There are three primary forms of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes (GDM). 

• Type 1: Insulin production is reduced or nonexistent in type 1 diabetes due to immune system destruction of the pancreatic beta cells that produce insulin. It typically affects children or young people and calls for the daily injection of insulin. Excessive thirst, persistent hunger, weight loss, blurred eyesight, and exhaustion are some of the symptoms. 
• Type 2: Generally associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyles, type 2 diabetes is caused by the body's inefficient usage of insulin. More than 95% of diabetes occurrences are of this kind, which may have less severe symptoms than kind 1 and is frequently detected years after the onset. 
• Gestational diabetes: High blood glucose levels are the result of gestational diabetes, which develops throughout pregnancy. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to develop later in life for both the mother and the child, even though it normally goes away after pregnancy. 

In News: 

The results of one of the numerous worldwide dark matter detection experiments, the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment, were released recently, and they imposed the strictest limitations to date on the potential identities of dark matter particles. 

About Neutrino Fog: 

• Since neutrinos interact weakly with matter, they are invisible, ghost-like particles that flow through almost everything, including ourselves.  
• By scattering off nuclei, they will produce a considerable amount of "noise" in future dark matter detectors, a phenomenon referred to as "neutrino fog."  
• Neutrino signals may mask or imitate dark matter interactions, reducing the sensitivity and usefulness of these larger and more sensitive detectors. 

In Recent Experiment: 

Neutrinos are also detected by experiments like LUX-ZEPLIN, which are getting more sensitive in their search for dark matter. As a result, it becomes more difficult to distinguish between signals from dark matter and neutrinos due to "fog," or background noise. 

Significance: 

• Results are confused because neutrinos imitate the weak signals that dark matter is anticipated to produce. Future dark matter experiment sensitivity is limited by neutrino fog. 
• A major issue for further study is to develop techniques to distinguish neutrino signals from dark matter. 

In News: 

The short time between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing in Punjab and Haryana contributes to farm fires. The Pusa-44 rice variety is well-known for yielding enormous quantities, but because of its slow growth, farmers have limited time to prepare their fields for rabi crops, which sometimes result in burning. In response, researchers developed the Pusa-2090 cultivar, which has a shorter growing season but delivers comparable yields to Pusa-44. 

What is Pusa-44? 

• Pusa-44 was developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in 1993. It reaches maturity in 155–160 days and produces 35–36 quintals per acre, with sporadic yields up to 40 quintals.  
• Despite taking longer to grow than PR-126, which yields 30-32 quintals in 123-125 days, farmers prefer Pusa-44. At the minimum support price of ₹2,320 per quintal, the higher yield for 'Grade A' paddy translates into additional profits of ₹9,280–11,600. 

Pusa-44's environmental cost: 

• Even though pusa-44 paddy produces significant yields, farmers in Punjab and Haryana face challenges due to its long growth season.  
• Harvesting in late October delays wheat sowing, encouraging farmers to burn straw and stubble for speedier field preparation, which adds to severe air pollution from late October to mid-November in northern India.  
• Though it is still commonly utilised in certain regions, pusa-44 cultivation has declined from 39% of Punjab's non-basmati paddy acreage in 2012 to 14.8% in 2023. Farmers grow Pusa-44 from stored seeds in spite of regulatory restrictions and a lack of newly harvested seed. 

What is Pusa-2090 and Alternative to Pusa-44? 

• The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has created Pusa-2090, a newly bred paddy variety with a shorter lifetime that is intended to replace Pusa-44.  
• It is a hybrid of Pusa-44 and CB-501 that takes 120–125 days to mature and yields 34–35 quintals per acre, which is comparable to Pusa-44's yield.  
• Compared to Pusa-44, which normally requires 29–30 irrigations, Pusa-2090 uses less water, requiring only 5–6 irrigations. It demonstrates a robust cultivation to prevent lodging, maintains a large number of tillers and grains per panicle, and responds well to nitrogen treatment.  

Given that Pusa-44 is prohibited, farmers view it as a competitive option. If Pusa-2090's milling quality satisfies requirements, millers may be more willing to accept it. 

In News: 

India's impressive 8.2% GDP growth in 2023–2024 was accompanied by two concerning signs. Two unsettling clues regarding GDP growth: 

• Farm Sector Slowdown: The agricultural momentum was weakened by an unfavourable monsoon. 
• Weak Private Consumption: With the exception of 2020–21, Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) increased by just 4%, the lowest rate since 2002–03. 

Determinants influencing private consumption: 

• Decline in Rural Demand: Farm incomes were impacted by the weak rains, which reduced rural spending. 
• A K-shaped pattern of consumption was noted by economists, wherein higher-end goods and services were more widely consumed than the remainder. 

Possibility of Recovery: 

• A normal monsoon would accelerate the increase in industrial capacity utilisation rates to levels that force private investors to step up, support the recovery of the agriculture sector and rural demand, and shore up overall consumption to levels that drive GDP. 
• Increased consumption may lead to a rise in the use of industrial capacity, which would promote private investment and start a positive feedback loop for growth.  

Which Q1 Indicators Point to Optimism? 

• The first quarter's growth figures indicated that this narrative was unfolding, as the PFCE increased at a seven-quarter high of 7.4%, surpassing the 6.8% GDP growth. 
• Demand indicators in rural areas, including sales of two-wheelers, also increased. 
• According to India Ratings, real rural wage growth picked up steam in July and is predicted to continue doing so because of declining inflation. This serves as an incentive for the consumption of food. 

Concerns about Urban Demand: 

• Interest Rates Affecting consumption: Citing high interest rates as a deterrent to urban consumption, S&P Global Ratings reduced its growth prediction to 6.8%. 
• Consumer Confidence Dip: According to the RBI's July consumer confidence survey, urban purchasers had less confidence. This story can soon take a turn for the worse, as urban demand starts to wane. 
• Decline in Vehicle Sales: The Finance Ministry reported decreasing passenger vehicle sales from April to August, signalling waning urban demand. 
• Outlook for the Festive Season and Inflation: 
  • Impact of High Food Inflation: Urban consumers’ ability to spend during the festive season and beyond is crucial for sustaining growth. 
  • The administration is hoping that the holiday season will boost demand in cities. 

Policy Recommendations to Increase Demand: 

• Fuel Price Reduction: By reducing retail fuel taxes, the government should help consumers benefit from the decline in oil prices around the world. 
• Substantial support Needed: In addition to the earlier token assistance, a significant reduction in fuel prices can increase economic demand and consumer spending. 
• Due to persistently elevated food inflation, which also decreases prospects for rate cuts, urban Indians' capacity to free up funds for discretionary spending during the festive season and beyond will be crucial for both growth and the positive cycle of private investment. 

In News: 

The Prime Minister of India recently inaugurated the Bidkin Industrial Area (BIA), which is a major stride forward for the country's industrial landscape, especially in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. 

About the BIA project: 

• The 7,855-acre transformative project known as the BIA, which is a part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, was established under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP). 
• It is easily accessible from NH-752E, Aurangabad Railway Station, Aurangabad Airport, and Jalna Dry Port. 
• Infrastructure Readiness: Large roads, a dependable supply of power and water, and contemporary sewage and common effluent treatment facilities are all present in the Bidkin Industrial Area today. These significant infrastructure investments have made it possible to allot plots for mixed-use and industrial purposes. 

National Industrial Corridor Development Programme: 

• The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) served as the prototype for the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. On January 7, 2008, DMIC was founded under DPIIT as a Special Purpose Vehicle. became NICDC in February 2020 and took the lead on several corridor projects. 
• The most ambitious infrastructure project in India is the National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP), which aims to develop new "Smart Cities" and incorporate cutting-edge technologies into a range of infrastructure areas. 
• With an agreed budget of ₹6,414 crore, the project will be implemented in three phases. Enhancing industrial excellence is the goal of this effort, which is being led by Maharashtra Industrial Township Limited in partnership with the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust and the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. 
• Vision for Industrial Growth: The project aims to increase employment, exports, and sustainable development. It is in line with the "Make in India, Make for the World" campaign. 

The dedication of the Bidkin Industrial Area signifies a significant achievement in India’s quest of becoming a global manufacturing hub. In line with the "Make in India, Make for the World" campaign, the project fosters economic expansion, industrial advancement, and sustainable development. According to Prime Minister Modi, Bidkin would be an example of industrial brilliance, boosting exports, generating jobs, and fostering regional growth. 

In News: 

Only 38% of the total dumping garbage in India's major cities has been addressed since the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Urban 2.0 launch, and no land has been cleared in half of these legacy landfill sites. 

Mission Swachh Bharat (SBM): 

An Overview:  

• Launched on October 2, 2014. 
• The aim is to improve the coverage of universal sanitation and give priority to sanitation initiatives. 

Components: 

• The Jal Shakti Ministry is in charge of managing rural areas (SBM-Gramin). 
• Urban (SBM-Urban): The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) oversees its management. 
• Target: By October 2, 2019, the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth, all villages, Gram Panchayats, Districts, States, and UTs will have achieved "open-defecation free" (ODF) status. 

Assessment of SBM Urban 2.0 

An Overview: 

• The year of launch is 2021. 
• Target: By 2025–2026, clear over 2,400 legacy landfill sites. 
• Legacy waste is defined as solid waste that has been haphazardly and unscientifically stored for many years. 

Financial Support and Procedure: 

• To be eligible for financing, cities must submit action plans to the MoHUA for the bioremediation of old dumps. 
• The procedure entails classifying waste into: 
• Produce refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy-from-waste facilities. 
• Recycle biosoil and debris from building and demolition to build new roads. 

Achievements: 

• Of the 69 dump sites in cities with populations above 1 million (accounting for 57% of total landfill garbage), land remains uncleared in 35 sites. 
• 1,171 acres with 475 lakh MT of waste have been cleaned out of 3,354 acres and 1,258 lakh MT of waste throughout various sites. 

Success Narratives 

• Ahmedabad: An ecological park was created by clearing 4.3 acres and 2.30 lakh tonnes of trash. 
• Nagpur: A 35-acre landfill holding 10 lakh MT of waste was cleared, producing manure and RDF for sale. The landfill is currently used for integrated waste management. 
• Pune: Made room for a Metro depot by clearing the Vanaz landfill. 
• Lucknow: Converted a 72-acre dump (8 lakh tonnes of trash) into Rashtriya Prerna Sthal park. 

Difficulties Ahead: 

• Significant residual waste and disposal issues still exist, despite advances, and they pose threats to the environment and public health.  
• With less than two years until the program's deadline, cities must rehabilitate 62% of garbage and treat the remaining 65% of land. 

The Way Ahead: 

• Put thorough preparation into action prior to starting bioremediation. 
• Stop adding new trash to areas that have been cleaned up. 
• Determine alternate locations for handling fresh garbage. 
• Because of the possibility of heavy metal contamination, steer clear of composting fine soil-like material from these areas. 

In News: International carbon finance platforms must revise their standards to better align with the realities of Indian agriculture. 

About: Agroforestry, which integrates woody perennials like trees, shrubs, and palms with crops and livestock, holds significant promise for both environmental sustainability and economic development in India. The World Agroforestry Centre describes agroforestry as the study of interactions among agriculture, forestry, and livestock, emphasising its importance across various scales. With plans to expand agroforestry from 28.4 million hectares to 53 million hectares by 2050, India stands to enhance its carbon sequestration capabilities significantly. Currently, agroforestry occupies about 8.65% of India’s land area, contributing to 19.3% of the country’s carbon stocks. Research suggests that with appropriate policies, agroforestry could add over 2.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent as a carbon sink by 2030. 

• Understanding Carbon Standards:  
  • In carbon finance, "common practice" refers to the baseline activities within a region. Standards like Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and the Gold Standard often disqualify common practices from earning carbon credits. These standards primarily reflect large-scale agricultural practices found in regions such as Latin America and Africa, which are vastly different from India’s predominantly smallholder farming landscape. In India, 86.1% of farmers manage less than two hectares, leading to fragmented and non-systematic agroforestry practices. This exclusion limits small and marginal farmers from participating in carbon finance projects, denying them additional income from carbon credits. 
• The Need for India-Centric Approaches:  
  • To overcome these challenges, redefining "common practice" to reflect India’s agricultural landscape is essential. An India-centric approach would recognize that even minor adjustments in land management, such as systematic agroforestry techniques, can yield significant benefits. Revising common practice standards to accommodate smallholder models could unlock vast potential for carbon sequestration, allowing more farmers to engage in carbon finance initiatives. This shift would support India's climate objectives while enhancing rural livelihoods. 
• Benefits of Integrating Agroforestry with ARR Initiatives:  
  • Combining agroforestry with Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) projects can effectively address multiple challenges in India’s agricultural sector. These initiatives offer alternative livelihoods and income for farmers while tackling low productivity and environmental degradation. Carbon finance from ARR projects provides a structured approach to agroforestry, which many farmers cannot achieve due to financial constraints. By incorporating trees into their farming systems or restoring degraded land, farmers can access revenue from carbon credits. Additionally, these initiatives improve soil fertility, water retention, and erosion control, thereby boosting agricultural productivity. 
• Supporting Small and Marginal Farmers:  
  • Research institutions like The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have successfully implemented projects benefiting over 56,600 farmers across seven states. However, for these initiatives to scale, international carbon finance platforms must align their standards with Indian agricultural realities. As India seeks to expand its agroforestry sector and leverage carbon finance, it is crucial for standards to adapt to regional conditions. Inclusive guidelines will empower millions of small farmers to participate in ARR projects, fostering sustainable development and enhancing rural incomes. 
• Agroforestry's Role in India:  
  • Agroforestry is a traditional yet innovative land-use system in India, contributing significantly to livelihoods, nutrition, energy, and environmental sustainability. It currently fulfills nearly half of the country’s fuelwood needs and provides essential resources such as food and fodder. 
• Historical Context and Policy Framework:  
  • Agroforestry was formally recognized in India’s agricultural and forestry research agendas when the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) initiated the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Agroforestry in 1983. Today, there are 37 AICRPs reflecting various agro-climatic zones. The adoption of the National Agroforestry Policy (NAP) in 2014 marked a significant shift in perception, positioning agroforestry as a vital component of agriculture rather than forestry. Multiple government initiatives, such as the National Forest Policy (1988) and the Green India Mission (2010), emphasize agroforestry's role. Notably, India aims to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by leveraging agroforestry to enhance tree cover. 
• Diverse Agroforestry Systems:  
  • India employs various agroforestry systems across its 15 agro-climatic zones, including agrisilviculture, agri-horticulture, and homestead systems. These diverse practices enhance yields, improve financial stability for rural households, and support biodiversity, all while contributing to India’s climate objectives. 

Conclusion: Agroforestry is a vital component of India's agricultural landscape, offering economic, social, and environmental benefits. For carbon credit platforms like Verra and Gold Standard to fully realize the potential of agroforestry and ARR initiatives, recognizing the necessity for India-specific standards is vital. This alignment is essential for paving the way toward a greener, more sustainable future for Indian farmers. By facilitating participation in carbon finance, we can transform the agricultural landscape and generate substantial environmental benefits, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the nation.