Daily Current Affairs 15 February 2024- Top News Of The Day

1. Political narratives and economic realities collide as farmer protests intensify ahead of elections and rural optimism declines.

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy
Understanding important economic indicators like Minimum Support Prices (MSP), consumer sentiment, and the general state of the rural Indian economy makes this topic pertinent for both the Prelims and Mains exams.

Context:

– The opposition and the government are spreading narratives that are more and more different from one another as the Lok Sabha elections get closer. – This difference is highlighted by the government’s “whitepaper” on the Indian economy, which was just released. It aims to prove that the BJP’s 2014–24 government was better than the Congress’ 2004–14 administration. – The veracity of these conflicting accounts can be clarified by looking closely at particular problems.

More about the news:

Demand for a Law on MSP:

• A crucial economic issue is brought to light by farmers’ renewed demand for a legislative guarantee of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) in the midst of ongoing protests.
• Examining MSP trends shows a pattern of increases in line with election cycles, especially in wheat prices.
• MSPs, however, only provide a limited picture of India’s agricultural economy; as a result, other factors like incomes and inflation rates must be taken into account.

Low Optimism in Rural India:

• Surveys of consumer sentiment shed light on rural optimism, which has significantly decreased, especially in January 2024.
• According to CMIE’s research, rural perceptions of the state of the economy are the main cause of the Index of Consumer Sentiment’s (ICS) precipitous decline.
• This decline, which differs from pre-COVID levels of optimism, is attributed to factors like stagnating commodity prices and decreased profits.

Indian Consumer Sentiments:

• The consumer confidence survey conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provides additional information about how households view the state of the economy.
• Throughout the government’s second term, a persistent trend of pessimism is reflected in the Current Situation Index (CSI).
• Interestingly, consumer sentiment was surprisingly optimistic in March 2019, just before the Lok Sabha elections, but it has been largely negative since June 2017.

Conclusion:

• The way the economy is changing, as evidenced by consumer attitudes and farmer demonstrations, has a big impact on the next Lok Sabha elections.
• The ability of the government to alleviate rural distress and its economic performance will probably be the main topics of discussion during the election.
• It remains to be seen whether consumer sentiment turns more optimistic in the run-up to the elections, underscoring the dynamic interaction between political narratives and economic realities.

Practice Question: Examine the issues raised by rural economic stagnation, deteriorating consumer sentiment, and agrarian distress. Provide strategies to deal with these issues and promote sustainable development and inclusive growth in India’s rural and agricultural sectors. (15 m/250 words)

2. First Hindu Temple in the UAE Opened by PM Modi, Signifying Cultural Harmony and Bilateral Relations

Topic: GS1 – Indian Culture – Architecture
GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations
Given the backdrop of the building and dedication of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi, which emphasizes the importance of Hindu culture and its global reach, this topic is pertinent for both the Prelims and Mains exams.

Context:

– The first Hindu temple to be constructed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was dedicated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi. – Part of a global network of 1,550 temples, the temple was built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a denomination of the Swaminarayan sampradaya. Notable temples include the Akshardham temples in New Delhi and Gandhinagar, as well as Swaminarayan temples in numerous international cities.

More about the news:

 

 Cultural and Community Significance:

• About 150 to 200 BAPS Swaminarayan devotee families reside in the United Arab Emirates, which is home to a sizable Indian diaspora of approximately 3.3 million people.
• Tenth spiritual guru of the sect, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, saw the temple’s construction as a symbol of unity uniting nations, communities, and cultures, reflecting the need for a significant place of worship for the local Indian community.

Symbolism and Bilateral Relations:

• The temple, which was built in the traditional Nagara style, represents harmony and peace with its seven shikharas, which stand in for the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates.
• Prime Minister Modi highlighted during the inauguration ceremony that the building’s architecture represents the close bilateral ties that exist between India and the United Arab Emirates.

Architectural Features:

• The impressive architectural features of the Rs 700 crore temple include Italian marble interiors, a ‘Wall of Harmony’ with inscriptions in thirty different languages, and bells honoring Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
• The complex, which occupies 13.5 acres, has community center, classrooms, and assembly halls among its amenities.

Diverse Depictions and Cultural Representations:

• The temple is dedicated to several Indian regions’ deities and features representations of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
• The temple is also decorated with murals that depict tales from Indian and international civilizations, showcasing a wide range of cultural narratives.

Conclusion:

• The opening of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi is a major step forward in both culture and diplomacy, demonstrating how intercultural dialogue, architectural beauty, and religious devotion can all work together to promote peace and harmony among peoples.

About BAPS ORGANISATION

BAPS Full Form: – Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Bochasanwasi (BAPS). – The late 1700s religious leader Bhagwan Swaminarayan is the inspiration behind the organization’s name. – This Hindu religion is socio-spiritual and has its origins in the vedas. Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) pioneered it in the late 18th century, and Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951) founded it in 1907. – BAPS claims to manage 1,100 temples and 3,850 centers worldwide. Akshardham Temples: – The BAPS is in charge of the Akshardham temples in Gujarat and Delhi. – The organization is in charge of the Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple outside of India, located in Robbinsville, New Jersey. – Situated 99 kilometers south of New York City, Akshardham Mahamandir occupies 185 acres in New Jersey and rises to a height of 191 feet.

PYQ: How would you explain the representation of medieval Indian temple life in the sculptures as a social life? (UPSC GS-1 2022 CSE (M)) (10 m / 150 words)

Practice Question: Examine the significance of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple’s inauguration in Abu Dhabi critically, taking into account the effects it will have on the Indian diaspora, cultural diplomacy, and bilateral ties between India and the UAE. Talk about the opportunities and difficulties that come with building religious sites overseas and how they affect India’s diplomacy and reputation abroad. (15 m/250 words)

3. Security Concern Increases as Chinese Nationals Take Over Model Border Villages Along India’s Northeastern Borders

Topic: GS3 – Internal Security – Security challenges and their management in border areas
Understanding India’s relations with its neighbors, especially China, and the effects of border disputes on diplomatic efforts and national security make this topic pertinent for both the Prelims and Mains exams.

Context:

– According to reports, starting in 2019, Chinese nationals have taken over a number of model “Xiaokang” border defense villages that China had constructed along India’s northeastern borders. – These settlements, which were built along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), represent China’s territorial claims in the area and are regarded as dual-use infrastructure with both military and civilian uses. – Indian military officials are concerned about the occupation of these villages by Chinese nationals, even though the precise nature of these villages is still unknown.

More about the news:

Expansion of Chinese Infrastructure:

• For more than five years, China has been building these villages in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, two of India’s borders with the Tibet Autonomous Region.
• Chinese nationals are reportedly relocating to these villages, though it’s unclear if these are military personnel or civilians.
• Furthermore, China has been improving connectivity through passes, roads, bridges, and border villages while also building infrastructure quickly along the LAC, including in places like Arunachal Pradesh’s Siang valley.
• The territory of Bhutan is also included in this expansion.

Indian Countermeasures and Infrastructure Development:

• In response, India has increased the development of its border infrastructure.
• India intends to modernize 663 border villages in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Vibrant Villages program.
• Villages in Arunachal Pradesh’s eastern region and the Tawang area in particular have been designated for development.
• To further improve connectivity in the area, a number of significant highways, such as the Trans-Arunachal Highway, Frontier Highway, and East-West Industrial Corridor Highway, are currently under construction.

Challenges and Future Prospects:

• India is developing its infrastructure, but there are obstacles to overcome, including the challenging terrain and erratic weather, which could cause delays in the completion of projects.
• However, initiatives are in motion to improve access to passes, create lateral valley connectivity, and build landing zones and helipads throughout Arunachal Pradesh.
• India is dedicated to strengthening its border infrastructure in order to maintain territorial integrity and improve security along its northeastern borders, even in the face of these obstacles.

What is the Vibrant Villages Programme?

About: – This centrally sponsored program aims to improve the quality of life for residents of border villages by developing northern villages and was introduced in the Union Budget 2022–2023 (to 2025-26). – It will encompass the border regions of Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. – 2,963 villages will be covered, with 663 of those to be covered in the first stage. – With the assistance of Gram Panchayats, the district administration will draft vibrant village action plans. – The Border Area Development Program won’t overlap with this. Objective: – The program helps the border villages on the northern border identify and develop their economic drivers based on their local, natural, human, and other resources; – Creation of growth centers based on the “hub and spoke model” by encouraging social entrepreneurship and empowering women and youth via entrepreneurship and skill-building; – Maximizing the potential for tourism by promoting regional, cultural, traditional, and historical knowledge; – Creation of environmentally friendly, sustainable enterprises based on the “one village, one product” idea through cooperatives, NGOs, and community-based organizations.

Practice Question: Examine the opportunities and problems related to India’s attempts to maintain territorial integrity in the northeastern area and strengthen its border infrastructure. (10 m / 150 words)

4. Data show that wheat MSP surpasses farmers’ “production cost plus 50%” demand.

Topic: GS3 – Agriculture – MSP
Understanding MSP calculations, agricultural production dynamics, and government interventions in the agricultural sector make this topic pertinent for both the Prelims and Mains exams.

Context:

– Major Indian states of Punjab and Madhya Pradesh are expected to offer wheat prices to farmers that exceed their traditional demand of C2 plus 50%. – When combined, these states yield about 35 percent of India’s wheat production and more than 70 percent of the total wheat purchased for the central pool during the 2023–2024 rabi marketing season.

More about the news:

Discrepancy in MSP Calculation:

• According to information provided by the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), the MSP for wheat, which the government set at Rs 2,275 per quintal for the Rabi Marketing Season of 2024–2025, is higher than the C2 plus 50% that farmers have demanded. C2 is the production cost and is defined as “paid out cost plus imputed value of family labor plus rental value of owned land and interest on fixed capital.”
• On the other hand, the CACP suggests MSP using the A2+FL formula, which is less than C2 and only takes into account farmer-only paid-out costs.

Higher Returns for Punjab Farmers:

• The C2 cost of producing one quintal of wheat in Punjab is Rs 1,503, per the CACP report.
• The MSP that farmers will receive, in contrast, is Rs 2,275 per quintal. This means that they will make Rs 772 per quintal, or 51.36 percent more than the cost of C2.
• Similar patterns are seen in paddy, where Punjabi farmers report returns that exceed C2 costs by 49% and A2+FL costs by 152%.

Reasons for Higher Returns:

• Punjab’s higher yield—projected yields for wheat and paddy are expected to be higher than the national average—is what’s responsible for its higher return.
• For example, Punjab is expected to produce the most wheat of any state, 49.98 quintal per hectare, for the Rabi Marketing Season 2023–24.

National and State-Level Production:

• Punjab comes in third after Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in terms of wheat production in the nation, making up 15% of the total.
• The state’s significant agricultural output highlights how important its MSP policies are in shaping the dynamics of the country’s agriculture.

Conclusion:

• A break from farmers’ long-standing demands, the increase in MSP for wheat and paddy in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh represents the government’s efforts to address agricultural concerns.
• But differences in MSP computation techniques and different state returns highlight how complicated agricultural pricing schemes are and how much more discussion and reform are required.

What are the Key Challenges in Legalising MSP?

Financial Burden: – Significant financial resources are needed to purchase crops at MSP, and continuing such procurement activities could put a pressure on public coffers. – It is difficult to strike a balance between the budgetary allotment for MSP and other necessary expenses like social welfare programs, infrastructure development, and defense spending. – Without the support of supply-side and demand-side factors, legal MSP cannot function. Disincentive for Investment: – Legalizing MSP may deter private investment in agriculture, especially for MSP-eligible crops. – Innovation and modernization initiatives may be hampered by private players’ reluctance to participate in industries where price manipulation by the government is common. Exacerbate Water Scarcity: – Water-intensive MSP-supported crops like sugarcane and paddy cause overuse of water resources in areas where they are widely grown. – Legalizing MSP could make the problem of water scarcity worse by encouraging the growth of crops that require a lot of water, which would further alter cropping patterns. Neglect of Non-MSP Crops: – Legalizing MSP could cause non-MSP crops to be neglected, which would reduce the amount of oilseeds, pulses, and other nutrient-dense food crops grown. – Food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional outcomes may suffer as a result, especially for vulnerable populations. Reduced Export Competitiveness: – Legalizing MSP could result in increased procurement costs for crops supported by MSP, lowering their competitiveness on the global market. – Reduced export competitiveness may arise from elevated domestic prices, particularly for crops with high MSP rates. Trade Disputes: – Trade disputes with importing nations could arise from legalizing MSP, particularly if the government offers subsidies or other forms of assistance to keep MSP prices stable. – Retaliatory actions, tariffs, or trade barriers may be the outcome of such disputes, which may have an impact on export volumes and market access. India will encounter stronger opposition at the World Trade Organization (WTO) if a legally guaranteed higher MSP is implemented.

PYQ: By Minimum Support Price (MSP), what do you mean? How will MSP help farmers escape the poverty trap? (150 words, 10 seconds) (CSE (M) GS-3, UPSSC 2018)

Practice Question: As indicated in recent reports from the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), talk about the effects of agricultural policies and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) calculations on farmers in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. (15 m/250 words)

5. India Is About to Transform Weather Forecasting with Enhanced Satellite Data via INSAT-3DS

Topic: GS3 – Science & Technology – Achievements of Indian S&T; Indigenization of technology
Given the importance of satellite technology in weather forecasting and disaster response, this topic is pertinent to both the Prelims and Mains exams.

Context:

– With the launch of INSAT-3DS from Sriharikota on February 17, meteorologists and scientists observing extreme climate events in India will soon have access to improved satellite data and high-resolution imagery. – The Ministry of Earth Sciences is funding this satellite, which is expected to transform the tracking of thunderstorms, monsoons, cyclones, and other natural disasters by enabling more precise forecasts and prompt reactions.

More about the news:

Key Features of INSAT-3DS:

• With a weight of 2,274 kg, INSAT-3DS will provide enhanced capabilities for monitoring the land, oceans, and atmosphere.
• Operating from a geostationary orbit, it is the most recent model in the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite series.
• With its launch in 2003 and 2016, respectively, this satellite builds on the achievements of its predecessors, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, which have been crucial in providing meteorological data.

Impact on Weather Monitoring:

• Since 2003, INSAT data has been used by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for operational meteorology.
• The advent of satellite-based products has improved atmospheric and oceanic monitoring, forecast accuracy, and meteorological services in general to a great degree.
• These advancements have been essential in reducing property damage, saving lives, and shielding livelihoods from the negative effects of extreme weather.

Payloads and Capabilities:

• INSAT-3DS is equipped with four payloads, including an Imager, a Sounder, a Data Relay Transponder, and a Satellite-Aided Search and Rescue Transponder.
• The multi-spectral imager will capture images of the Earth across six wavelength bands, facilitating the visualization of color-dependent atmospheric parameters such as water vapor.
• Meanwhile, the sounder will provide vertical profiles of the atmosphere, offering valuable insights into temperature and humidity levels.

Conclusion:

• An important step has been taken in India’s efforts to improve its capacity for disaster management and weather monitoring with the launch of INSAT-3DS.
• Weather forecasters will have access to more accurate data and imagery by utilizing cutting-edge satellite technology, giving them the ability to make well-informed decisions and lessen the effects of extreme weather events on communities across the nation.

PYQ: In the GPS era, what do you mean by “Standard Positioning Systems” and “Protection Positioning Systems”? Talk about the benefits that India believes its ambitious IRNSS program—which uses only seven satellites—offers. (12.5 m/200 words) (2015, UPSSC CSE (M) GS-3).

Practice Question: Talk about the impact of the INSAT-3DS satellite launch on India’s meteorological capabilities as well as its significance for weather monitoring and disaster relief in the nation. (10 m / 150 words)

6. Centre blocks Internet access in Punjab using a British-era Act

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government policies – Issues arising out of their design & implementation.
Important for UPSC: Emphasizes how the government has used emergency powers, how this has affected civil liberties, and governance concerns that are essential to comprehending Indian politics.

Context

● Prior to a scheduled farmer protest march to Delhi, the Indian government, invoking a law from the British era, suspended mobile Internet in Punjab, citing public emergency and safety concerns.

 Additional information on this news:

• The Union government used a law from the British era to ban mobile Internet in some districts in response to protests organized by farmer groups in Punjab that were planning a march to Delhi.
• These kinds of orders are typically issued by state governments, but this is the first time they have been issued outside of the nation’s capital.
• Invoking the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017, the Union Home Ministry affected 20 police stations across seven districts in Punjab, citing public emergency and safety.
• The clause was first applied in 2019 during the Delhi CAA protests, and then again in 2020–21 during the farmers’ agitation.

Internet Shutdowns in India

Internet as a Right: – In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that having access to the internet is a fundamental right that is necessary for exercising other rights, such as freedom of expression. – Considered essential for participation in a digital society, healthcare, education, and the economy is digital inclusion. Recent Bans: – Temporary Restrictions: Applied to maintain law and order in delicate situations such as protests, exams, or acts of communal violence. – Content blocking: The blocking of particular websites or apps that are purportedly propagating false information, hate speech, or inciting violence. Concerns: – Guidelines’ vagueness: When there are no precise standards for enforcing bans, decisions can be made arbitrarily and authority can be abused. – Chilling Effect: Self-censorship and restrictions on free speech may result from a fear of bans. – Effect on Businesses: May hinder innovation and result in financial losses for internet companies. Way Forward: – Clear guidelines and open procedures should be established for the imposition of bans with judicial oversight. – Gradual Reaction: Before implementing total bans, take into account less stringent measures like content filtering. – Encourage digital literacy by teaching people how to think critically and behave responsibly when using the internet. – Engage in a multi-stakeholder dialogue to find solutions that strike a balance between security and freedom of expression. Stakeholders include the government, tech companies, and civil society.

Practice Question: Examine the effects on India’s governance and civil liberties in light of the recent emergency-ordered suspension of mobile Internet in Punjab. (10 m / 150 words)

7. The PM opens the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi.

Topic: GS2 – International relations – Bilateral relations
Relevant to UPSC: Examines international unity and intergroup harmony; considers diplomatic relations, cultural exchanges, and India’s soft power.

Context

– Inaugurating the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership, highlighted cultural ties, and advocated for world peace and harmony.

Additional information on this news:

• Thanking UAE President Sheikh Mohammad Zayed Al Nahyan for making the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi a reality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the temple’s official opening.
• Constructed on a 27-acre plot of land at an expense of ₹700 crore, the temple represents the collective human legacy.
• PM Modi expressed optimism that the BAPS Mandir would foster international unification and intercommunal harmony.
• Spiritual leaders from different faiths, along with UAE Tolerance Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, attended the inauguration.
• He referred to the occasion as a “new golden chapter” in human history that strengthened the UAE’s unique culture.
• It is anticipated that the temple will win over Indians both in the Gulf country and throughout India, deepening the relationship between the two countries.
• The PM emphasized the temple’s significance as a representation of harmony, peace, and universally recognized values among various communities.

8. Researchers want to see more safeguards for “living fossils.”

Topic: GS3 – Environment and Ecology – Conservations
The endangerment of American horseshoe crabs is critical to UPSC because it involves issues with biodiversity, conservation, and possible ecosystem impacts.

Context

– Environmental groups, citing commercial harvests, habitat loss, and climate change as reasons for the American horseshoe crab’s population decline, petition the U.S. government to protect it as an endangered species.

Population Decline and Threats:

• The commercial harvesting of the American horseshoe crab for bait and biomedical purposes, along with habitat loss and climate change, are the main threats to this “living fossil.”
• In the Delaware Bay estuary, which has historically been their stronghold, spawning numbers have decreased by two thirds since 1990, reflecting a significant decline in population.
• The rufa red knot, a migratory shorebird, and other marine species that depend on them have seen a decline in egg densities of over 80% over the last forty years.

Ancient Creatures at Risk:

• Horseshoe crabs are marine arthropods related to spiders and scorpions, not true crabs. Being among the oldest living things on Earth, their ancestors’ fossils date back 450 million years.
• 23 conservation organizations are leading the petition, which attempts to stop the further extinction of these extinct animals.

Human Activities as Threats:

• Horseshoe crabs are harvested by pharmaceutical companies for their blue blood, which contains a clotting agent that is essential for testing medications and medical equipment for bacterial endotoxins.
• Regulations governing the biomedical industry allow for the partial extraction of a horseshoe crab’s blood, although 10–15% of the animals are killed in the process.
• Development along the oceanfront, dredging, pollution, coastal erosion, and sea level rise due to increased greenhouse gas emissions all contribute to habitat loss.

Call for Endangered Species Listing:

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is urged by the petition to designate the American horseshoe crab as an endangered species, meaning that any harm or killing would require a special permit.
• The designation of critical habitat is intended to further safeguard the species against various threats, particularly during the spawning season.

9. “MSP guarantees across crop types can increase demand and revenue.”

Topic: GS3 – Agriculture – MSP
UPSC Significance: MSP assurance for all crops tackles issues related to agriculture, influences the rural economy, and conforms to agricultural reforms, making it essential to investigate.

Context

– In an effort to increase farm incomes and demand for consumption, CRISIL recommends guaranteeing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops grown in India, projecting a cost of ₹21,000 crore for the Marketing Year 2023.

Additional information on this news:

• CRISIL is in favor of securing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for every crop in order to increase farm earnings and increase demand for Indian consumption.
• For the Marketing Year (MY) 2023, the estimated “real cost” of this MSP guarantee is ₹21,000 crore.
• MSP-based procurement is currently only available in a few states, but CRISIL anticipates that its advantages will spread to other areas.
• 16 of the 23 crops with declared MSPs—or more than 90% of India’s agricultural output—are the subject of the analysis.
• CRISIL highlights the freedom to select crops and the possibility of providing farmers with financial support during periods of low prices.
• 60% of India’s crop production is made up of wheat and paddy, which are the primary products of meaningful procurement.
• If MSP is assured for all crops, limited procurement in crops such as mustard might change.

Minimum Support Price

What is it? – Government-declared price: A set minimum price that is assured at which the government buys specific farm products from farmers. – Goal: Is to shield farmers from changes in prices and guarantee a fair income. Current Issues: – Restricted coverage: A small number of crops are included, leaving out many significant ones like fruits and vegetables. – Inadequate procurement: Farmers are left vulnerable when the government frequently fails to meet its procurement targets. – Market distortion: May result in artificial price floors, which may affect consumer affordability and the state of the market. – Fiscal burden: Exorbitant procurement costs put a pressure on public coffers and reduce money available for other investments. – Alternative sources of income: There isn’t much emphasis on encouraging farmers to pursue sources of income other than farming. Way Forward: – Extend coverage: To give farmers greater protection, add more crops to the MSP. – Boost the effectiveness of procurement by strengthening the system and streamlining the procedures. – Market-oriented MSP: Convert to flexible MSP by taking production costs and market demand into account. – Direct income support: If you need to augment your income, look into options like direct income support programs. – Encourage the use of different sources of income: To diversify revenue streams, make investments in agri-marketing, value addition, and skill development. – Stakeholder conversation: To find long-term solutions, promote candid communication between farmers, the government, and industry participants.

PYQ: By Minimum Support Price (MSP), what do you mean? How will MSP help farmers escape the poverty trap? (150 words, 10 seconds) (CSE (M) GS-3, UPSSC 2018)

Practice Question: Examine the possible effects on farm incomes and economic dynamics of ensuring the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops in the context of Indian agriculture. (15 m/250 words)