20th October - AAJ KA QUALITY ENRICHMENT

KEYWORDS

• Meaning: It refers to three interconnected and complex issues that are at the heart of global food systems. These challenges represent critical concerns in the realm of food production, distribution, and consumption. 
• Usage: It can be used in questions related to – Agricultural reform in India, Food and nutritional security, Doubling the farmers income, Environmental impact of agriculture and climate change, Etc.

• Meaning: It refers to systems and networks that connect agricultural producers (farms) directly with buyers, consumers, or end-users. These systems aim to shorten the supply chain, reduce intermediaries, and create more direct and transparent connections between those who grow or produce food and those who purchase or consume it. 
• Usage: It can be used in questions related to – Agricultural reform in India, Food and nutritional security, Doubling the farmers income, FPOs, Food processing industries in India Etc.

• Meaning: It is an approach to economic, social, and political development that prioritizes the well-being, needs, and aspirations of individuals and communities as its central focus. 
• Usage: It can be used in questions related to - participatory governance and democracy, PRIs and grassroot democracy, Bottom-up approach, Inclusive and sustainable development Etc.

• Meaning: The significance of these two categories of skills lies in the changing nature of work. While industry-ready skills are essential for immediate employment and productivity in a specific job or sector, they may become obsolete as industries evolve or are disrupted by technological advancements. 

• Future-ready skills, on the other hand, provide a foundation for continuous learning and adaptability, helping individuals remain relevant in a dynamic and unpredictable job market.
• Usage: It can be used in questions related to – Make in India, Skill India, NEP 2020, Higher education and reform needed, Industry 4.0, Etc.

CASE STUDIES/ EXAMPLES

• Case: Uttar Pradesh.
• Step taken: Engagement with Farmer Producers’ Organisations (or Companies).
• The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a dedicated FPO cell to ensure convergence of schemes, address compliance issues and provide continuous support to FPOs so that they become agents of prosperity in the rural economy.
• In Rampur, the FPO collaborated with the district administration for the “Aahaar Se Upchar Tak” campaign to supply nutrition-rich products to anganwadi kendras. Their efforts led to an improvement in nutritive outcomes in the area.

KEY FACTS

• As in the National Family Health Survey, 2019-21:
• 35% of children are stunted, and 57% of women and 25% of men are anaemic. 
• On the other end, due to imbalanced diets and sedentary lifestyles, 24% of adult women and 23% of adult men are now obese.
• As in the 2023 soil health survey:
• Almost half the cultivable land in India has become deficient in organic carbon, which is an essential indicator of soil health. 
• Groundwater, the largest source of irrigation, is rapidly declining. In States such as Punjab, more than 75% of the groundwater assessment locations are over-exploited, threatening the resilience of farm incomes.

• As of 2021, coal was the major contributor to the total energy supply in India (accounting for more than 55%), followed by crude oil (about 33%).
• The industrial sector is the largest consumer of energy, using more than half, i.e., 51% of the total final energy consumption, followed by transport (11%), residential (10%), and agriculture (3.6%) sectors. 
• Data show that manufacturing is far more energy- and carbon-intensive than agriculture and services.

PM/VP/PRESIDENT SPEECHES

• On simplicity: The path of simplicity and truth is the path to real happiness, peace and fame.
• On developed India: The path of social equality and unity would take us forward on the path of modern and developed India.

JUDGEMENTS/ COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

• On criminal law reforms (In P. Mohanraj versus M/s Shah Brothers Ispat Ltd., 2021): Concerns have also been raised regarding criminalisation of conduct through Special and Local Laws (SLLs) which would otherwise fall squarely within the domain of civil wrongs or at best, regulatory wrongs. It referred to Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 as a ‘civil sheep’ in a ‘criminal wolf’s’ clothing.
• Need: Keeping SLLs away from the ongoing reform process is a major drawback. SLLs have immense quantitative and qualitative relevance in the Indian criminal justice system.

DEFINITION

• Definition: A Producer Organisation (PO) is a legal entity formed by primary producers like farmers, milk producers, etc. and can be a producer company, a cooperative society or any other legal form which provides for sharing of profits/benefits among the members. Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO) is one type of PO where the members are farmers. 

• Definition: An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth caused by movement between tectonic plates along a fault line in the earth's crust and resulting into a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves.

QUOTES

• Meaning: The quote emphasizes the importance of self-belief and a positive mindset in achieving one's goals and aspirations. 

• Belief in oneself: To achieve any goal or overcome any obstacle, you must first believe that you can do it. Self-confidence and a strong belief in your abilities are crucial for success. Without this initial belief, it's unlikely you'll even start working towards your goal.
• Halfway there: The quote suggests that simply having confidence and belief in your abilities already puts you at an advantage. It's like you've completed half of the journey just by having the right mindset.