✅ [28 July 2025] Current Affairs for UPSC – National Cooperation Policy 2025 & India's Climate Progress Explained

 🧺 National Cooperation Policy 2025 & Cooperatives – Simplified for UPSC

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Source:-TH

📰 Why in News?

1. In 2025, the UN is celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC).

2. On this occasion, India launched the “National Cooperation Policy 2025” to make cooperatives stronger and more people-oriented.

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🌍 What is International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025?

1. CoopsDay (Cooperative Day) started in 1923, officially recognized by UN in 1995.

2. It is celebrated every first Saturday of July.

3. Theme of 2025: “Cooperatives Build a Better World” 🌱

4. It aims to promote inclusive and sustainable development.

5. 12% of the world's population is involved in the 3 million cooperatives that exist worldwide.

6. 280 million individuals (10% of the worldwide workforce) are employed by cooperatives.

7. More than one billion members are represented by the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA).

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🇮🇳 National Cooperation Policy 2025 – Key Features

1. "Sahkar se Samriddhi" (Prosperity via Cooperation) is the guiding principle.

2. Replaces the old 2002 cooperative policy.

3. Plans for 20 years of development (2025–2045).

🔁 1. Scheme Convergence

4. Connects with existing schemes like:

   • Dairy Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF)

   • PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

   • National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)

5. The objective is to install two lakh new multipurpose PACS (M-PACS) within five years.

👥 2. Inclusive Growth & Jobs

6. Special focus on Dalits, Adivasis, women, and youth.

7. 'Seeks to increase cooperatives' inclusivity and provide jobs in rural areas.

📈 3. Diversification

8. Cooperatives will now work in 25+ sectors like dairy, fishery, foodgrains.

🎓 4. Education

9. India’s first cooperative university – Tribhuvan Sahkari University will promote cooperative education.

💻 5. Technology & Global Access

10. Cooperatives will be modernized using tech and digital tools.

11. National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) will help cooperatives sell products globally.

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🧾 What are Cooperatives?

1. A cooperative is a group of people who come together voluntarily to meet economic and social needs.

2. They follow “one member, one vote”, meaning equal say for everyone.

3. Started in India in 19th century to fight rural exploitation.

4. Supported by laws like Cooperative Acts of 1904 and 1912.

5. Post-1947, institutions like NABARD and NCDC supported them.

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📜 Constitutional Backing for Cooperatives

1. 97th Amendment (2011) gave cooperatives constitutional status.

2. Article 19(1)(c): Right to form cooperatives.

3. Article 43B (DPSP): Promotes cooperative societies.

4. Part IXB (243ZH–243ZT): Governance rules for cooperatives.

5. States are in charge of state cooperatives, but the Center oversees multi-state cooperatives.

6. Ministry of Cooperation was formed in 2021.

7. MSCS Amendment Act 2023 made cooperatives more transparent and well-managed.

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📊 Scale of Cooperatives in India

1. With 8.42 lakh cooperatives and 29 crore members, India accounts for roughly 27% of the world's total.

2. IFFCO and Amul are two of the world's leading cooperatives.

3. Maharashtra has the most cooperatives, followed by Gujarat, Telangana, MP, and Karnataka.

4. Tribhuvandas Patel founded Amul.

5. Verghese Kurien, father of White Revolution, made Amul world famous.

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🧱 Key Govt Initiatives in Cooperative Sector

🏦 1. PACS Reform

1. New model bye-laws for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies to ensure fairness.

🌾 2. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

2. 1,900 FPOs formed in cooperative sector by NCDC.

3. FFPOs help small fishers with training and support.

🧃 3. Organic Farming

4. National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) supports organic farming through PACS.

5. Launched “Bharat Organic” products.

🥛 4. White Revolution 2.0 (2024)

6. Targets 50% more milk procurement in 5 years.

7. Already 9,000+ dairy cooperatives registered.

🏦 5. Banking Reforms

8. Urban cooperative banks can open more branches.

9. Rural ones can lend for commercial real estate.

🛒 6. GeM Portal

10. Cooperatives can buy things transparently on government portal.

11. Over 550 cooperatives joined GeM by 2024.

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⚖️ Challenges of Cooperative Sector

1. Weak Infrastructure in states like UP and Bihar.

2. Low awareness among people, especially backward groups.

3. Hard to get loans due to poor documents or no collateral.

4. Lack of trained people to manage cooperatives.

5. Tech adoption is slow, especially in rural cooperatives.

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🚀 Opportunities Ahead

1. More Jobs: New M-PACS and other sectors will create rural jobs.

2. Exports: NCEL will help cooperatives sell globally.

3. Women & Youth Participation: Policy promotes inclusive growth.

4. Digital Transformation: Better governance through tech, audits, transparency.

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🔚 Conclusion

Cooperatives are not just about business—they are about people helping each other grow. They give power to farmers, women, and youth. With the National Cooperation Policy 2025, India wants to make cooperatives more powerful, modern, and global.

🧭 “Sahkar se Samriddhi” is not just a slogan, it’s a way to make every Indian prosper together.

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✍️ Mains Answer Writing

Q. Cooperatives have empowered rural India for decades. With the National Cooperation Policy 2025, do you think they can bring inclusive growth? Explain.

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🤔 FAQs – Cooperatives & National Cooperation Policy 2025

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❓1. What is a Cooperative Society?

Answer:
A cooperative is a group of people who come together to meet their common needs—like farming, dairy, or savings. They run the group democratically, meaning one member = one vote, no matter how much money someone puts in.

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❓2. Why did India launch the National Cooperation Policy 2025?

Answer:
To make cooperatives stronger, modern, and more helpful for rural people, women, Dalits, youth, etc.
It also connects with many government schemes to create jobs, better services, and fair trade.

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❓3. What is the goal of this new policy?

Answer:

• Create 2 lakh new multipurpose PACS in 5 years

• Make cooperatives work in more than 25 sectors

• Increase exports through NCEL

• Promote education through cooperative university

• Use technology to improve working and transparency

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❓4. What are PACS?

Answer:
PACS = Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.
They give loans and other services to farmers at the village level.

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❓5. What is the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025?

Answer:
The UN declared 2025 as IYC to celebrate the role of cooperatives in building a better world.
The theme is: “Cooperatives Build a Better World”.

🌍 India’s Progress on Climate Targets – Explained Simply

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Source:-IE

🗞 Why in News?

1. India's efforts to combat climate change have advanced significantly.

2. It completed one important goal 5 years early.

3. Other two goals are also very close to being completed.

4. All this is part of Paris Agreement 2015 to reduce global warming.

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📘 What is the Paris Agreement 2015?

1. A global agreement reached at COP21 in Paris in 2015.

2. Its main aim: Keep global warming below 2°C, and try for 1.5°C.

3. India promised to do its part by taking 3 major steps.

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🇮🇳 India’s Three Big Promises Under Paris Agreement

1. Non-Fossil Fuel Energy Target 🎯

• Goal: By 2030, half of India's power should come from non-fossil fuels (like solar, wind, water, nuclear).

• Achievement: Goal achieved in 2024 itself!

• Total power in 2024: 484.82 GW

  • Out of this, 242.78 GW (50%) is from clean sources.

  • Solar, Wind, Hydro, and Nuclear are included.

2. Create a Huge Carbon Sink 🌳

• Goal: Build forests/tree cover to absorb 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2030.

• By 2021: Already done 2.29 billion tonnes.

• Every year adding around 150 million tonnes.

• Likely achieved full goal by 2023.

3. Reduce Emissions Intensity of GDP 💨

• The objective is to reduce CO2 emissions per GDP unit by 45% by 2030 (relative to 2005).

• By 2020: Already reduced by 36%.

• On track to reach or even beat the 2030 target.

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🧭 What India Is Doing to Reach These Targets?

1. National Adaptation Plan (NAP) – Plans to deal with effects of climate change.

2. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) – 8 missions to fight climate change.

3. Sovereign Green Bonds – Raise money for green energy projects.

4. MISHTI Program – To protect mangroves and shoreline habitats.

5. Mission LiFE – Encourages people to live eco-friendly.

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⚠️ Challenges India is Still Facing

1. Capacity vs Real Use

• India has 50% clean power capacity.

• But actual electricity generated from clean sources is just 28%.

• Total energy (industry, transport, homes) – only 6% is clean.

• Fossil fuels still rule.

2. Over-Reliance on Solar

• In 2024, India added 30 GW renewable power.

• Out of that, 24 GW was only solar.

• But wind, hydro, and nuclear are growing very slowly.

• Reasons: land issues, delays, lack of money.

• China is moving 10 times faster than India in clean energy!

3. Carbon Sink Worries

• Are we growing real forests or just fast-growing same-species trees (monoculture)?

• Monocultures don't help biodiversity much.

• Urbanisation and land-use change may reduce forest gains.

4. Lack of Good Emission Data

• After 2020, data is not clear.

• Without good data, it’s hard to check if we’re truly reducing pollution.

5. Still Using Fossil Fuels

• Key industries like steel, cement, and transport still depend on coal, oil, gas.

• These are hard to clean up and have no clear plan yet.

6. Not Enough Climate Money 💰

• Rich countries promised $100 billion/year in climate finance but gave less.

• India needs grants (free money), not loans, for clean projects.

• Developed countries are also missing their own emission targets.

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✅ What India Should Do Now?

1. Fix the Gap Between Capacity and Generation

• Need better batteries (like lithium-ion and sodium-ion) to store solar/wind power.

• Smart electricity grids needed to manage supply and demand properly.

2. Don't Just Focus on Solar

• Speed up wind and hydro power.

• Encourage the expansion of nuclear power by providing adequate funds and expedited clearances.

• Push green hydrogen and offshore wind energy.

3. Grow Forests in a Smart Way

• Use satellite maps and GIS to track forest cover.

• Grow native trees, not just one type.

• Support agroforestry and urban forests like Miyawaki gardens.

• Punish illegal deforestation strongly.

4. Fight for More Climate Money

• Ask rich countries to fulfill their UN COP29 promise of $300 billion/year by 2035.

• Push for grants over loans.

• Attract foreign and private investors in green technology as well.

• Support local research and innovation in climate technology.

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✍️ Conclusion

India has done great by:

• Reaching non-fossil energy goals early 💪

• Creating huge forest cover 🌳

• Reducing pollution per GDP 👏

But...

• Clean energy use is still low ⚡

• Fossil fuels are still used a lot 🛢️

• Forest quality and money issues remain 😕

➡️ So, India needs more action, better finance, stronger rules, and smarter technology to fully win the climate battle.

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🧠 Mains Answer Practice:

Q. India has already surpassed its non-fossil fuel capacity goal. Analyze critically the remaining obstacles to a complete energy transition.

🌿 India’s Climate Progress – FAQ

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❓ Q1. What is the Paris Agreement 2015?

📝 It is a global climate treaty adopted at COP21 (Paris) to keep global temperature rise below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
India made 3 major commitments under this agreement.

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❓ Q2. What are India’s three main climate targets under Paris Agreement?

1. Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: 50% of power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.

2. Carbon Sink: By 2030, establish 2.5–3 billion tons of carbon dioxide sinks through trees..

3. Emission Intensity: By 2030, cut GDP-related emissions by 45% (compared to 2005 levels).

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❓ Q3. Has India met these targets?

✅ Yes, partially:

• Non-Fossil Capacity Target – Achieved in 2024 (5 years early).

• Carbon Sink – Likely achieved by 2023.

• Emission Intensity – Reduced by 36% by 2020; on track to 45%.

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❓ Q4. What is the gap between clean energy capacity and generation?

⚡ Though 50% of installed capacity is clean, only 28% of electricity generated comes from it.
In total energy use (industry, transport, etc.), only 6% is clean. Fossil fuels dominate.

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❓ Q5. Why is solar energy growing more than other sources?

🔆 Solar is easier and cheaper to install.
But wind, hydro, and nuclear face issues like:

• Land acquisition problems

• Policy delays

• High cost

• Lack of public/private investment

🎨 Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua Paintings 

Source:-PIB

📰 Why in News?

• Kala Utsav 2025, which took place in Rashtrapati Bhavan, featured traditional paintings by artists from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.

These arts included:

• Sohrai (Jharkhand)

• Pattachitra (Odisha)

• Patua (West Bengal)

This program supports our old traditional and tribal arts and gives artists a stage to shine.

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🎨 1. Sohrai Painting – Jharkhand ki Mitti se Judi Kala

Main Points:

1. Where it comes from?

   • From Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand.

   • Done by tribal women – like Kurmi, Santhal, Munda, Oraon, Agaria, etc.

2. Why they paint?

   • It’s a harvest-time art – made during farming season.

   • Also connected to cattle – animals are welcomed with these designs.

3. Meaning of Sohrai:

   • "Rai" denotes a stick, and "Soh" means to drive away.

   • Represents warding off evil and bringing positive energy into the house.

4. How they do it?

   • Women draw mandala designs (aripan) on walls using rice paste.

   • They use only fingers, not brush or pencil.

5. Special Status:

   • Sohrai Khovar painting got the GI Tag in 2020 (a GI tag protects a unique product linked to a place).

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🎨 2. Pattachitra Painting – Odisha ka Rangin Itihaas

Main Points:

1. What is Pattachitra?

   • "Patta" means cloth and "Chitra" means picture/painting.

   • These are cloth paintings with religious themes, mostly about Lord Jagannath and Krishna Leela.

2. Where is it from?

   • From Odisha, especially around Puri's Jagannath Temple.

   • It’s used to decorate temple walls.

3. How it is made?

   • Tamarind seed glue and chalk powder are applied to the cloth.

   • Artists use natural colors made from vegetables, minerals, and earth.

4. No pencil at all!

   • Artists don’t use pencil or charcoal.

   • They draw the border first with light red/yellow brush, then paint.

5. Final Touch:

   • Finished with a lacquer coating – it makes it shiny and waterproof.

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🎨 3. Patua Painting – Bengal Ki Kahaniyon Waali Kala

Main Points:

1. Who makes it?

   • Done by Patua or Chitrakar community (both Hindus and Muslims do this).

   • Also found in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bangladesh.

2. What is it made on?

   • Painted on cloth scrolls called Patta or Pati.

   • The back side is made strong with old sari cloth.

3. Tools and Colors:

   • Brushes are made from bamboo and goat hair.

   • Colors are vegetable-based and fixed with gum.

4. What stories they tell?

   • Artists use it to tell Mangal Katha (good-luck stories).

   • Common in places like Kalighat and Kumartuli in Bengal.

🧬 India’s First Tribal Genome Sequencing Project 

Source:-TH`

📢 Why in News?

👉 Gujarat has launched India’s first-ever Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to study the DNA of tribal people and improve their health in a scientific way.

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🌿 What is Gujarat's Tribal Genome Project?

1. 🎯 Main Goal:

• To find out genetic health problems like Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia that are common in tribal people.

• To give them better, personalized treatment using science and their DNA info.

2. 🧪 Who is Doing It?

• The project is managed by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).

3. 📊 How Big is It?

• The DNA of 2,000 tribal members from 17 districts in Gujarat will be examined.

• Their genome (DNA code) will be completely sequenced.

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🧬 What is Genome Sequencing?

4. 📖 Meaning:

• Genome Sequencing means finding the exact order of A, C, G, T in a person’s DNA.

• These letters are the building blocks of life.

• It helps us understand a person’s traits, health problems, and risks.

5. 🔍 Types of Sequencing:

• Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS):
  ✔️ Complete DNA is studied.
  ✔️ Gives full genetic info.

• Partial Genome Sequencing:
  ✔️ Only some parts of DNA are studied.

• Targeted Gene Sequencing:
  ✔️ Focus on specific genes only (for example, genes that may cause cancer).

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💊 How is Genome Sequencing Useful?

6. 🧠 Health Benefits:

• Helps find bad genes or mutations that may cause diseases.

• Can predict how someone will react to a medicine (personalized treatment).

• Doctors can give right medicine at right dose, reducing side effects.

7. 🌾 In Farming Too:

• Helps scientists find good genes in crops – like genes for better yield, disease resistance, and nutrition.

• Used in crop improvement for farmers.

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🔬 Other Related Project: Genome India Project

This is a bigger national project to sequence the genome of 10,000 Indians.
Goal is to create a genetic map of India for better public health and research.

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🌍 Henley Passport Index 2025 (Q2)

Source:-TH

1. 📈 India's Rank:

• India is now ranked 77th in the world (earlier 85th in Jan 2025).

2. 🌏 Visa-Free Destinations:

• Indian passport holders can now travel visa-free or visa-on-arrival to 59 countries.

• Philippines and Sri Lanka are the newest added countries.

3. 🥇 Top Countries:

• 1st: Singapore – access to 193 countries

• 2nd: Japan & South Korea – access to 190 countries

4. 📊 What is Henley Passport Index?

• It ranks 199 passports based on visa-free travel to 227 places.

• Based on data from IATA (International Air Transport Association).

• Located in Montreal, Canada, IATA is a global airline organization.