Daily Current Affairs for UPSC 6th Jan 2026

The parallel track that keeps U.S.-India ties going

Context

The article explains how India–U.S. relations continue to deepen through institutional, defence, and technology cooperation despite political strains, trade frictions, and delays in high-level political engagements such as the Quad Leaders’ Summit.

Detailed Analysis

Political Frictions vs Institutional Continuity

• In 2025, bilateral political engagement appeared strained due to trade disputes, U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, and geopolitical divergences.
  
  
• India’s exports to the U.S. declined, reflecting economic frictions.
  
  
• Despite this, institutional cooperation between the two democracies continued to expand steadily.
  
  
  

Defence and Technology as the Core Pillars

• Since the 2008 India–U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal, defence and technology cooperation has been the backbone of bilateral ties.
  
  
• The signing of a 10-year Defence Framework Agreement in 2025 marked a new phase of strategic coordination.
  
  
• Foundational agreements such as LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), and BECA (2020) have enhanced interoperability, logistics sharing, and intelligence cooperation.
  
  
  

Operational and Military Cooperation

• Regular bilateral and multilateral military exercises like Yudh Abhyas, Tiger Claw, and Malabar have strengthened trust and joint operational readiness.
  
  
• These exercises underline a shared commitment to Indo-Pacific stability.
  
  
  

Expanding Institutional Architecture

• Initiatives such as the India–U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) and the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) reflect growing cooperation in advanced technologies.
  
  
• The Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) signed in 2024 ensures defence industrial reliability.
  
  
  

Technology and Industrial Collaboration

• In November 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited signed a major deal with General Electric for fighter jet engines.
  
  
• The joint NASA–ISRO NISAR satellite, launched in July 2025, exemplifies cooperation in space and climate monitoring.
  
  
  

Quad and Regional Infrastructure Cooperation

• Even as the Quad Leaders’ Summit was postponed, working-level engagements continued.
  
  
• The Quad Ports of the Future Conference (Mumbai, 2025) focused on resilient and secure port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific.
  
  
• This highlighted India–U.S. convergence on regional connectivity and maritime security.
  
  
  

Suggestions by the Author

• Invest in deeper institutional understanding beyond political leadership.
  
  
• Strengthen bureaucratic and regulatory coordination to overcome interoperability challenges.
  
  
• Expand cooperation into newer sectors such as infrastructure planning, climate technology, and critical minerals.
  
  
• Build resilient partnerships capable of withstanding political volatility.
  
  
  

UPSC Mains Question

“India–U.S. relations have evolved into an institution-driven partnership rather than a leader-centric one.”
Discuss in the context of defence, technology, and Indo-Pacific cooperation.

What does the SHANTI Bill change?

The article analyses the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India (SHANTI) Bill, recently cleared by Parliament, which seeks to restructure India’s nuclear power sector by allowing private participation, altering liability norms, and redefining regulatory oversight, amid strong Opposition criticism.

Detailed Analysis

Background: India’s Nuclear Sector So Far

• India’s nuclear sector has historically been state-controlled, dominated by NPCIL since the 1950s.
  
  
• Laws like the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 restricted private and foreign participation.
  
  
• Concerns over liability and accountability kept global nuclear firms away from India.
  
  
  

What is the SHANTI Bill?

• SHANTI Bill is an overarching legislation to open India’s nuclear power sector to private participation.
  
  
• Allows Indian private companies to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants.
  
  
• Permits supplier participation, while retaining sensitive activities under government control.
  
  
  

Extent of Private Participation

• Private participation allowed up to 49%, while 51% control remains with the government.
  
  
• Critical areas like fuel production, waste management, enrichment, and reprocessing remain state-controlled.
  
  
• Ends NPCIL’s monopoly over nuclear power generation and operations.
  
  
  

Changes in Nuclear Liability Framework

• Introduces predictable liability caps:
  
  
• ₹3,000 crore for large plants
  
  
• ₹1,500–3,600 crore for medium plants
  
  
• ₹100 crore for SMRs
  
  
• Removes supplier liability and shifts responsibility beyond the operator’s cap to a Union government-backed nuclear liability fund.
  
  
• Designed to make India attractive to private and foreign investors.
  
  
  

Role and Powers of AERB

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is given statutory status and made accountable to Parliament.
  
  
• Responsible for nuclear safety, radiation protection, licensing, inspections, and emergency preparedness.
  
  
• Private operators must seek AERB authorisation for construction, operations, waste disposal, and decommissioning.
  
  
  

Why the Opposition Criticises the Bill

• Argues the Bill dilutes accountability by removing supplier liability.
  
  
• Claims it violates the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
  
  
• Raises fears of under-compensation, citing disasters like Bhopal gas tragedy, Fukushima, and Chernobyl.
  
  
• Objects to overriding RTI Act provisions, limiting public access to nuclear safety information.
  
  
• Flags dilution of labour protections under Section 42 and lack of mandatory public hearings and environmental disclosures.
  
  
  

Government’s Rationale

• Aims to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
  
  
• Supports India’s net-zero and clean energy goals, especially for baseload power.
  
  
• Enables deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors.
  
  
• Enhances technology access and positions India as a responsible global nuclear player.
  
  
  

Why India Needs Nuclear Energy

• Renewable energy faces storage and intermittency challenges.
  
  
• Nuclear provides clean, reliable baseload power with low carbon emissions.
  
  
• Essential for sustaining economic growth and reducing coal dependence.
  
  
  

India’s Nuclear Mission and Self-Reliance

• India operates all reactors indigenously through NPCIL.
  
  
• Pursues a three-stage nuclear programme focused on thorium utilisation.
  
  
• Has operational fast breeder reactors and advanced indigenous designs.
  
  
  

UPSC Mains Question

“Opening the nuclear power sector to private participation requires balancing energy security with public safety and accountability.”
Critically examine this statement in the context of the SHANTI Bill.

Coast Guard adds pollution control vessel to its fleet

Context

The article analyses the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India (SHANTI) Bill, recently cleared by Parliament, which seeks to restructure India’s nuclear power sector by allowing private participation, altering liability norms, and redefining regulatory oversight, amid strong Opposition criticism.

Detailed Analysis

Background: India’s Nuclear Sector So Far

• India’s nuclear sector has historically been state-controlled, dominated by NPCIL since the 1950s.
  
  
• Laws like the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 restricted private and foreign participation.
  
  
• Concerns over liability and accountability kept global nuclear firms away from India.
  
  
  

What is the SHANTI Bill?

• SHANTI Bill is an overarching legislation to open India’s nuclear power sector to private participation.
  
  
• Allows Indian private companies to build, own, and operate nuclear power plants.
  
  
• Permits supplier participation, while retaining sensitive activities under government control.
  
  
  

Extent of Private Participation

• Private participation allowed up to 49%, while 51% control remains with the government.
  
  
• Critical areas like fuel production, waste management, enrichment, and reprocessing remain state-controlled.
  
  
• Ends NPCIL’s monopoly over nuclear power generation and operations.
  
  
  

Changes in Nuclear Liability Framework

• Introduces predictable liability caps:
  
  
• ₹3,000 crore for large plants
  
  
• ₹1,500–3,600 crore for medium plants
  
  
• ₹100 crore for SMRs
  
  
• Removes supplier liability and shifts responsibility beyond the operator’s cap to a Union government-backed nuclear liability fund.
  
  
• Designed to make India attractive to private and foreign investors.
  
  
  

Role and Powers of AERB

• The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is given statutory status and made accountable to Parliament.
  
  
• Responsible for nuclear safety, radiation protection, licensing, inspections, and emergency preparedness.
  
  
• Private operators must seek AERB authorisation for construction, operations, waste disposal, and decommissioning.
  
  
  

Why the Opposition Criticises the Bill

• Argues the Bill dilutes accountability by removing supplier liability.
  
  
• Claims it violates the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
  
  
• Raises fears of under-compensation, citing disasters like Bhopal gas tragedy, Fukushima, and Chernobyl.
  
  
• Objects to overriding RTI Act provisions, limiting public access to nuclear safety information.
  
  
• Flags dilution of labour protections under Section 42 and lack of mandatory public hearings and environmental disclosures.
  
  
  

Government’s Rationale

• Aims to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
  
  
• Supports India’s net-zero and clean energy goals, especially for baseload power.
  
  
• Enables deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors.
  
  
• Enhances technology access and positions India as a responsible global nuclear player.
  
  
  

Why India Needs Nuclear Energy

• Renewable energy faces storage and intermittency challenges.
  
  
• Nuclear provides clean, reliable baseload power with low carbon emissions.
  
  
• Essential for sustaining economic growth and reducing coal dependence.
  
  
  

India’s Nuclear Mission and Self-Reliance

• India operates all reactors indigenously through NPCIL.
  
  
• Pursues a three-stage nuclear programme focused on thorium utilisation.
  
  
• Has operational fast breeder reactors and advanced indigenous designs.
  
  

UPSC Mains Question

“Opening the nuclear power sector to private participation requires balancing energy security with public safety and accountability.”
Critically examine this statement in the context of the SHANTI Bill.

A ‘terrorist act’ is not just finale, but culmination of conspiratorial activities: SC

Context

The Supreme Court has clarified the scope of a “terrorist act” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), holding that terrorism is not limited to the final act of violence but includes the entire chain of organised and conspiratorial activities leading up to it.

Key Points

Supreme Court’s Interpretation

• A terrorist act under Section 15 of the UAPA is not confined to the final violent incident.
  
  
• It includes planning, conspiracy, preparation, funding, and sustained activities over time.
  
  
• The Court held that restricting terrorism only to conventional violence would unduly narrow the law’s intent.
  
  
  

Impact on National Security

• Offences under the UAPA go beyond ordinary crimes and affect the security and integrity of the nation.
  
  
• Disruption of essential supplies and economic security can also qualify as terrorist acts, even without direct violence.
  
  
  

Observations on Bail

• Bail under Section 43D(5) of UAPA is stricter than under ordinary criminal law.
  
  
• Courts must deny bail if charges appear prima facie true, reflecting the serious nature of terror offences.
  
  
  

Background of the Case

• The observations were made while hearing bail pleas in the Delhi riots “larger conspiracy” case.
  
  
• The Court rejected the argument that absence of direct violence negates a terrorist act.
  
  
  

Additional Information – Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967

• Enacted in 1967 to curb unlawful activities threatening sovereignty and integrity of India.
  
  
• Became India’s principal anti-terror law after 2004, following the repeal of TADA and POTA.
  
  
• Allows:
  
  
• Declaration of unlawful associations and terrorist organisations.
  
  
• Designation of individuals as terrorists (2019 amendment).
  
  
• Freezing and seizure of terror-linked funds and assets.
  
  
• Stringent provisions:
  
  
• Extended custody up to 180 days before filing charge sheet.
  
  
• Reverse burden of proof for bail.
  
  
• Investigating Agency: National Investigation Agency (NIA).
  
  
• Aligns India’s legal framework with UN Security Council anti-terrorism resolutions.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA):

1. Under the UAPA, a terrorist act includes not only actual violence but also preparatory and conspiratorial activities.

2. Bail under the UAPA can be granted easily if the accused did not directly participate in violent acts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Foul air: NGT notice to Centre on plea over newborn’s ill health

Context

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Centre, CAQM and other agencies after a complaint alleged that illegal construction activity in Delhi-NCR during a pollution ban caused severe health complications to a two-month-old infant.

Key Points

Trigger for NGT Intervention

• A Delhi resident alleged violation of CAQM’s construction ban during a hazardous air quality spell.
  
  
• The complainant linked the pollution exposure to serious respiratory illness in his newborn daughter.
  
  
  

Observations of the Tribunal

• The Principal Bench noted that the plea raised substantial issues regarding compliance with environmental norms.
  
  
• It acknowledged the claim of medical expenses and compensation arising from pollution-induced health damage.
  
  
  

Role of CAQM and Authorities

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had imposed a construction ban in Delhi-NCR on December 13 due to severe air pollution.
  
  
• The ban was lifted on January 2 after improvement in air quality, but alleged violations during the ban period are under scrutiny.
  
  
  

Health and Environmental Accountability

• The case highlights the direct public health impact of air pollution, especially on vulnerable groups like infants.
  
  
• It underscores the responsibility of enforcement agencies to ensure strict implementation of pollution control measures.
  
  
  

Additional Information – National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• Established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to ensure speedy environmental justice.
  
  
• Jurisdiction covers civil cases under major environmental laws, including:
  
  
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
  
  
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  
  
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
  
  
• Features:
  
  
• Guided by principles of natural justice, not the Civil Procedure Code.
  
  
• Aims to dispose of cases within six months.
  
  
• Empowered to award compensation for environmental and health damage.
  
  
• Possesses suo motu powers to take up environmental issues.
  
  
• Composition includes a Chairperson, Judicial Members, and Expert Members to ensure multidisciplinary adjudication.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the National Green Tribunal (NGT):

1. The NGT can award compensation for health damage caused by environmental pollution.

2. The NGT is bound to follow the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in all its proceedings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Closely monitor asset quality, RBI tells NBFCs

Context

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor cautioned Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to strengthen underwriting standards and closely monitor asset quality amid rising risks in the financial sector.

Key Points

RBI’s Message to NBFCs

• RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasised sound underwriting practices to prevent deterioration in asset quality.
  
  
• NBFCs were advised to maintain robust risk assessment and monitoring mechanisms.
  
  
  

Focus on Customer Protection

• Stress was laid on customer centricity and ethical conduct in lending practices.
  
  
• RBI highlighted the importance of responsible lending and avoiding predatory or imprudent credit expansion.
  
  
  

Grievance Redressal and Trust

• Prompt and effective grievance redressal mechanisms were flagged as critical to preserve public confidence.
  
  
• Ethical behaviour was linked to long-term stability of the NBFC sector.
  
  
  

Participation and Sectoral Significance

• Heads of Government NBFCs, Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) attended the meeting.
  
  
• Participating entities together account for around 53% of the total assets of the NBFC sector, underlining systemic importance.
  
  
  

Regulatory Developments

• The first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board was also held under the chairmanship of the RBI Governor, signalling enhanced focus on payment system oversight.
  

31.8% of Aravalli hills at risk after Centre’s definition, says group

Context

A satellite-based audit has found that 31.8% of the Aravalli hill range faces ecological risk after the Centre fixed 100 metres as the height threshold for legal protection of hills.

Key Points

Satellite Audit Findings

• Independent analysis showed 31.8% of the total Aravalli hill area falls below the 100-metre threshold.
  
  
• These areas include ecologically vital hills and ridges, now effectively stripped of legal protection.
  
  
  

Criticism of Centre’s Definition

• The Centre’s estimate that only 0.19% of the Aravallis are affected is said to ignore geological reality.
  
  
• Height-based classification fails to capture low-elevation but environmentally critical zones.
  
  
  

Ecological Significance of Low-Elevation Zones

• These zones function as primary groundwater recharge areas and dust barriers.
  
  
• They support environmental security for around 30 crore people across north-west India.
  
  
  

Methodology Used

• The study relied on satellite data and the FABDEM (Forest and Buildings Removed Copernicus Digital Elevation Model).
  
  
• It identified critical gaps in unprotected hills, where desertification from the Thar is already expanding.
  
  
  

Legal and Policy Concerns

• The Supreme Court’s earlier directions on defining Aravalli hills remain in abeyance.
  
  
• Conservation groups argue that the Centre’s approach undermines the intent of judicial protection.
  
  
  

Demands by the Conservation Group

• Declare the entire Aravalli range a fully protected zone.
  
  
• Abolish the distinction between “hills” and “mountains” based solely on height.
  
  
• Impose a complete ban on mining, with the only exception for rare earth minerals critical for strategic use.
  
  
  

Additional Information – Aravalli Range

• One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.
  
  
• Extends across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.
  
  
• Acts as a climate barrier, checks desert expansion, and supports biodiversity and groundwater recharge.
  
  
• Mining and urbanisation have been major drivers of ecological degradation in the region.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Aravalli Range:

1. The Aravalli Range plays a crucial role in groundwater recharge and acts as a barrier against desertification.

2. Only high-altitude hills above a fixed height are ecologically significant for environmental protection.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Notifiable Disease

Syllabus: GS 2 – Polity & Governance (Public Health, Government policies and interventions)

Context

The Delhi government is set to declare rabies a notifiable disease to strengthen disease surveillance, improve reporting, and enable timely public health interventions.

Key Points

Meaning

• A notifiable disease is one that is legally required to be reported to government authorities.
  
  
• Notification helps in early detection, monitoring, and control of outbreaks.
  
  
  

Legal Framework

• The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 provides the legal basis for notifying diseases in India.
  
  
• States have the authority to declare diseases as notifiable within their jurisdiction.
  
  
  

Criteria for Declaring a Disease as Notifiable

• Relevance to national or international control programmes.
  
  
• High incidence at national, state, or district level.
  
  
• Severity, including potential for rapid mortality.
  
  
• Communicability and outbreak potential.
  
  
• Risk of international spread.
  
  
  

Reporting Mechanism

• Medical practitioners and diagnostic laboratories must report cases to the local health authorities.
  
  
• Timely reporting enables surveillance, containment, and resource mobilisation.
  
  
  

Role of State Governments

• State governments decide which diseases are notifiable.
  
  
• The list of notifiable diseases is dynamic and updated as per public health needs.
  
  
  

Examples of Notifiable Diseases

• Cholera, tuberculosis, AIDS, dengue, hepatitis, leprosy, meningitis, plague, measles, among others.
  
  
  

International Dimension

• Under the WHO’s International Health Regulations (1969), countries must report certain diseases for global surveillance and health advisories.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding notifiable diseases in India:

1. Declaring a disease as notifiable enables mandatory reporting to government authorities.

2. The Union Government alone decides which diseases are notified across all states.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Notification mandates reporting of cases.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: State governments are responsible for notifying diseases within their jurisdiction.
  
  
  

Source: The Hindu

Thadou Tribe

Syllabus: GS 1 – Indian Society (Tribal communities, culture and language)

Context

Prasar Bharati has sought inputs from All India Radio (AIR), Imphal to resume live broadcasts in the Thadou language, highlighting efforts to preserve tribal languages and improve inclusive public communication in Manipur.

Key Points

• Identity: The Thadou are an indigenous tribal community inhabiting the hill regions adjoining the Imphal Valley in Manipur.
  
  
• Population: As per the 2011 Census, the Thadou population in Manipur was 1,90,595.
  
  
• Status: They are the second-largest tribe in Manipur, after the Meiteis (Manipuris).
  
  
• Distribution: Found mainly in Manipur, with smaller populations in Nagaland, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Delhi.
  
  
  

Language

• Speak Thado and Chin, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.
  
  
• Share linguistic and cultural ties with the Chin–Kuki–Mizo community.
  
  
  

Settlement Pattern

• Villages are usually located in forested hill areas, often on or below ridges.
  
  
• No formal urban planning or marked village boundaries.
  
  
• The village chief’s house is the largest dwelling and serves as a social and dispute-resolution centre.
  
  
  

Economy

• Primarily subsistence-based, including cultivation, animal domestication, hunting, and fishing.
  
  
• Jhum (slash-and-burn) cultivation is the dominant agricultural practice.
  
  
  

Religion

• Traditionally practiced animism, centred on nature spirits and a supreme god Pathen.
  
  
• Today, the majority are Christians.
  
  
  

Festival

• Hun-Thadou Festival is the major cultural celebration, observed during the New Year, reflecting community identity and traditions.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Thadou tribe:

1. The Thadou language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of languages.

2. Jhum cultivation is a major agricultural practice among the Thadou tribe.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:
Both statements are correct. Thadou belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family, and jhum cultivation is widely practised by the community.

Source: NDTV

Double-Humped Bactrian Camel

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment and Ecology (Biodiversity, Conservation)

Context

Ladakh’s double-humped Bactrian camels are set to debut at the 77th Republic Day parade, bringing national attention to this rare and critically endangered species native to India’s high-altitude cold deserts.

Key Points

• Scientific name: Camelus bactrianus
  
  
• Known as Ladakh’s “silent warriors” due to their resilience and historical role in trade and transport.
  
  
  

Distribution

• Native to Central Asia, ranging from Afghanistan to China.
  
  
• Found mainly in the Mongolian steppes and Gobi Desert.
  
  
• In India, small populations survive in Nubra Valley, Ladakh.
  
  
  

Physical and Adaptive Features

• Two humps store fat, convertible into energy and water during scarcity.
  
  
• Thick shaggy coat protects against extreme cold, up to –40°C.
  
  
• Sealable nostrils prevent entry of dust and ice.
  
  
• Broad feet function like snowshoes, aiding movement on snow and sand.
  
  
• Can survive by eating snow to meet hydration needs.
  
  
  

Diet

• Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and desert vegetation.
  
  
• Known to be highly adaptable feeders in extreme environments.
  
  
  

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
  
  
• Threats include habitat loss, shrinking population size, and limited genetic diversity.
  
  
  

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding the Double-Humped Bactrian Camel:

1. It is naturally adapted to survive extreme cold and arid conditions of high-altitude deserts.

2. It is classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The species has unique adaptations for extreme cold and aridity.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: It is listed as Critically Endangered, not merely Endangered.
  
  
  

Source: Indian Express

India becomes world’s largest rice producer

Syllabus: GS 3 – Economy (Agriculture, food security, cropping patterns)

Context

The Union Agriculture Minister announced that India has emerged as the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China, reflecting sustained growth in agricultural output and productivity.

Key Points

Global Ranking

• India produced 150.18 million tonnes (MT) of rice.
  
  
• China produced 145.28 MT, making it the second-largest producer.
  
  
• India now ranks first globally in rice production.
  
  
  

State-wise Rice Production (India)

• Telangana: 16.63 MT (about 12.17% share).
  
  
• Uttar Pradesh: 15.72 MT (about 11.50% share).
  
  
• West Bengal: 15.12 MT (about 11.06% share).
  
  
• Other major producers include Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.
  
  
  

Geographical Factors Supporting Rice Cultivation

• Rice thrives in hot and humid climates, leading to concentration in eastern, southern, and north-eastern India.
  
  
• Major rice belts lie in river floodplains and deltas, such as the Ganga–Brahmaputra plains and Krishna–Godavari–Cauvery deltas.
  
  
• Alluvial soils and assured water availability support high productivity.
  
  
  

Role of Irrigation

• In lower rainfall regions, rice cultivation is sustained through canals and tube-wells.
  
  
• While irrigation boosts yields, it also raises concerns over groundwater depletion and water stress.
  
  
  

Terrain-based Adaptation

• In hilly and north-eastern regions, rice is cultivated through terraced farming, enabling controlled water flow and soil conservation.
  
  
  

Source: Economic Times

MCQ

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Consider the following statements regarding rice production in India:

1. India has overtaken China to become the world’s largest rice producer.

2. Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal together account for more than one-third of India’s rice production.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: India produced 150.18 MT of rice, surpassing China.

Statement 2 is correct: Telangana (≈12.17%), Uttar Pradesh (≈11.50%), and West Bengal (≈11.0