Daily Prelims Notes 26 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

26 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. China test-fires intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific
2. Special court in Karnataka orders Lokayukta investigation against CM
3. Australia’s decision to extend life of coal mines slammed
4. Assessing the Global Nuclear Disarmament Framework: The Role of the Ban Treaty
5. TRAI Urges Telecom Operators to Enhance Call Quality via IP Networks
6. FRA implementation: Mankidia community becomes 6th PVTG to get habitat rights over forests in Odisha
7. Leaders at U.N. urge world’s richest to do more on climate
8. Could global warming impede weather and climate forecasting?
9. Record Foodgrain Production in 2023-24

1. China test-fires intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Context:

• China test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, which sparked protests from other countries in the region.
• China has stepped up its nuclear development and boosted defence spending in recent years.

Ballistic missile:

• A ballistic missile follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads on a predetermined target.
• Trajectory: The missile is powered by rockets during launch. After the propulsion phase, it follows a free-fall path dictated by gravity and aerodynamic drag, similar to a projectile.
• Range: Ballistic missiles can vary widely in range, from short-range (less than 1,000 km) to intercontinental (over 5,500 km).
• Warheads: They can carry conventional explosives, nuclear, chemical, or biological warheads.
• Shorter range ballistic missiles stay within the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Longer-ranged intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), are launched on a sub-orbital flight trajectory and spend most of their flight out of the atmosphere.
• Ballistic missiles of India: Agni, K-4 (SLBM), Prahaar, Dhanush, and Prithvi.

Types of ballistic missiles based on range:

• Short-range (tactical) ballistic missile (SRBM): less than 1,000 km.
• Medium-range (theatre) ballistic missile (MRBM): 1,000 km to 3,500 km.
• Intermediate-range (Long-Range) ballistic missile (IRBM or LRBM): 3,500 km and 5,500 km.
• Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): more than 5,500 km.

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM):

• An intercontinental ballistic missile is a missile with a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery.
• Conventional, chemical, and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness, but have never been deployed on ICBMs.
• Countries that have ICBMs: India, Russia, the United States, North Korea, China, Israel, the United Kingdom and France.
• ICBMs are differentiated by having greater range and speed than other ballistic missiles.

2. Special court in Karnataka orders Lokayukta investigation against CM

Sub: Polity

Sec: National Body

Context:

• A special court in Bengaluru ordered the Lokayukta police in Mysuru to register a criminal case against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others in the MUDA case.
• Allegations involve irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites worth ₹56 crore to Siddaramaiah’s wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
• In his plea, the Chief Minister had challenged the permission granted by the Governor under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act for conducting an investigation against him.

Court Directive:

• Court instructed the Superintendent of Police of the Lokayukta police to invoke provisions on prevention of corruption, prohibition of benami properties and land grabbing under various laws.
• The court exercised its power under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for directing the investigation.
• Section 156(3) of the CrPC allows a Magistrate to direct the police to investigate a cognizable offense, even if no FIR has been registered.

Relevant Legal Sections:

• Indian Penal Code:
  • 120B (criminal conspiracy)
  • 166 (disobeying law by public servant)
  • 403 (dishonest misappropriation)
  • 406 (criminal breach of trust)
• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988:
  • 9 (bribing a public servant)
  • 13 (criminal misconduct by a public servant)

Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act:

• Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA) protects public servants from frivolous investigations by requiring police officers to get prior approval before investigating them.
• The section came into effect in 2018.
• Police officers need prior approval from a competent authority before investigating a public servant.
• Section 17A does not apply if a Constitutional Court orders an investigation into an offense under the PCA.

Lokayukta:

• The Lokayukta is an anti-corruption authority constituted at the state level.
• It investigates allegations of corruption and mal-administration against public servants and is tasked with speedy redressal of public grievances.
• The origin of the Lokayukta can be traced to the Ombudsmen in Scandinavian countries.
• The Administrative Reforms Commission, (1966-70), had recommended the creation of the Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayukta in the states.
• The Lokayukta is a statutory authority under Lokpal and Lokayukta Act.
• In most of the states, the term of office fixed for lokayukta is of 5 years or 65 years of age, whichever is earlier. He is not eligible for reappointment for a second term.
• The recommendations made by the lokayukta are only advisory and not binding on the state government.

3. Australia’s decision to extend life of coal mines slammed

Sub: Eco

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

• Australia’s decision to extend the lifespan of three coal mines was branded as a “betrayal” by climate groups who said that it meant another 3 billion tonne of emissions will be pumped into the atmosphere.

Details:

• Three thermal coal mines in southeastern Australia allowed to operate for an additional 8 to 22 years.
• Most of Australia’s 16 coal-fired power stations are set to close in the coming years. However, authorities haven’t found alternative sources for energy.
• The decision was taken due to delays in renewable energy projects, bureaucratic red tape and long construction times for alternatives.
• The mines are located in Narrabri and Hunter valley in New South Wales State of Australia.

Criticism:

• Expected to generate over 1.3 billion tonnes of lifetime emissions.
• Undermines Australia’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.
• Poses risks to Australia’s unique natural environment and exacerbates climate crisis.

4. Assessing the Global Nuclear Disarmament Framework: The Role of the Ban Treaty

Sub: IR

Sec: Int Evnts

Why This is in News

The UN marks September 26 as the International Day for the Total Elimination of nuclear weapons.

General Assembly Session on Nuclear Disarmament: In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly agenda includes a session on the Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW), or Ban Treaty, aiming to revisit global nuclear disarmament efforts.

The Ban Treaty and Its Distinction

Comprehensive Prohibitions: The treaty prohibits signatories from developing, testing, stockpiling, transferring, deploying, or threatening to use nuclear weapons. It goes further than the NPT, which primarily addresses nuclear proliferation but is less stringent on nuclear disarmament and deterrence.

About Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

The Treaty on Prohibition of nuclear weapons was adopted on July 7, 2017. The treaty entered into force on January 22, 2021. The treaty is the first legally binding international agreement that aim to eliminate nuclear weapons completely.

The treaty was approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. However, only 120 members have signed the treaty. The major nuclear powers of the world including India have not supported the treaty. The other major nuclear powers that did not support the treaty were China, US, France, Japan, North Korea, Russia, Pakistan and Israel.

Key Features

The treaty prohibits the use of nuclear weapons on national territories.

The signatories should provide adequate assistance to individuals affected by the testing of nuclear weapons. They should also take required environmental remediation in areas under its jurisdiction that was contaminated as result of nuclear weapon testing.

A state party joining the treaty should declare if it has eliminated its previous nuclear weapon programme. The party should also disclose if it holds nuclear weapons of other countries in its territories. In case if the party holds other countries’ nuclear weapons it must remove them before signing the treaty.

The non-nuclear weapon states should have a minimum safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

As of July 2024, the TPNW had 70 states as parties and an additional 27 signatories. Nearly 50% of the world’s states are now legally bound by this disarmament framework.

Resistance from Nuclear-Armed States

Persistent Objectors: Nuclear-armed states, including the U.S., Russia, and China, have registered opposition to the treaty and refuse to be bound by its provisions. These nations view the TPNW as non-contributory to customary international law.

Continued Commitment to Nuclear Deterrence: Despite committing to nuclear disarmament in rhetoric, these states have maintained or expanded their nuclear capabilities.

India’s Stance on the Ban Treaty

India’s Position on the NPT: India has not signed the NPT, viewing it as discriminatory and against its national interest. However, India has never actively undermined the treaty and has benefited from its limitations on nuclear proliferation.

Neutral Approach: Similarly, India has stayed out of the TPNW but has not actively opposed its goals. It remains cautious about full disarmament frameworks but recognizes their broader implications.

About Non-Proliferation Treaty

The NPT is an international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of disarmament.

The treaty was signed in 1968 and entered into force in 1970. Presently, it has 190 member states.

It requires countries to give up any present or future plans to build nuclear weapons in return for access to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

It represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States.

Nuclear-weapon states parties under the NPT are defined as those that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive devices before 1^st January, 1967.

About Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

CTBT was negotiated at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996.

The Treaty intends to ban all nuclear explosions – everywhere, by everyone. It was opened for signature in 1996 and since then 182 countries have signed the Treaty, most recently Ghana has ratified the treaty in 2011.

A comprehensive test ban has been defined as a “zero yield” test ban that would prohibit supercritical hydro-nuclear tests but not sub-critical hydrodynamic nuclear tests.

The Treaty will enter into force after all 44 States listed in Annex 2 to the Treaty will ratify it.

These States had nuclear facilities at the time the Treaty was negotiated and adopted.

As of August 2011, 36 of these States have ratified the Treaty. Eight States still need to do so: China, North Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States.

India, North Korea and Pakistan have not yet signed the Treaty.

All three have also undertaken tests after 1996; India and Pakistan in May 1998 and North Korea six times between 2006 and 2017.

The CTBT has therefore not entered into force and lacks legal authority.

5. TRAI Urges Telecom Operators to Enhance Call Quality via IP Networks

Sub: Sci

Sec: Awareness IT & Computer

Why This is in News

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken significant steps to address the quality of voice calls in India, urging telecom operators to improve audio quality by interconnecting their networks through Internet Protocol (IP) links. This move aims to bridge the quality gap between calls made on different networks, especially after the advent of 4G and 5G technologies.

TRAI’s Push for Enhanced Call Quality

TRAI has urged telecom operators to interconnect their networks through IP links, which would significantly improve the quality of voice calls between subscribers on different mobile networks.

The advent of 4G networks and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology has improved call quality for subscribers on the same network, often marked as “HD” calls. However, calls between subscribers on different networks continue to suffer from lower audio quality, despite advancements in telecom infrastructure and smartphone technology.

What is an IP Link?

An IP link refers to a direct connection between two devices or networks that communicate using the Internet Protocol (IP). This link enables the exchange of data packets across networks, ensuring that devices can send and receive information efficiently.

Key Aspects of an IP Link:

Data Transmission: IP links allow the transfer of data packets, such as voice, video, or files, between devices over an IP network.

Routing: Routers and switches establish IP links between networks, allowing data to travel between different nodes (devices or networks).

End-to-End Communication: An IP link can be set up between any two devices, whether on the same local network (LAN) or across different networks, even across the globe.

What is an IP network?

An IP network is a communication network that uses the Internet Protocol (IP) to send and receive data between devices. The Internet Protocol is responsible for addressing, routing, and delivering packets of data across the network.

Key components and functions of an IP network:

Data Transmission: In an IP network, data is broken down into small packets. Each packet is sent independently and can take different routes to reach its destination, where they are reassembled into the original data.

Addressing: Every device in an IP network has a unique identifier called an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 for IPv4 or more complex addresses in IPv6). This helps in identifying the source and destination of the data packets.

Routing: Routers in the IP network use these IP addresses to determine the best path for data to travel from one device to another across the network.

Scalability: IP networks are highly scalable, allowing billions of devices to communicate over local or global networks (such as the internet).

Protocols: Other protocols, such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol), are often used along with IP to manage error-checking, data sequencing, and reliable delivery.

Reason Behind the Call Quality Gap

Network Infrastructure: Despite India having around 79% 4G or 5G IP networks, telecom providers still interconnect their networks using outdated Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) technology.

TDM technology, which predates digital infrastructure, is incapable of supporting high-definition (HD) audiocodecs, leading to poorer call quality when calls are made across different networks.

TRAI has been reviewing this issue and is encouraging telecom operators to adopt IP interconnectivity to enhance the consumer experience.

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

It was established by an Act of Parliament (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997) to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services.

It provides a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.

The TRAI Act was amended to establish a Telecommunications Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to take over the adjudicatory and disputes functions from TRAI.

TDSAT was set up to adjudicate any dispute between a licensor and a licensee, between two or more service providers, between a service provider and a group of consumers, and to hear and dispose of appeals against any direction, decision or order of TRAI.

6. FRA implementation: Mankidia community becomes 6th PVTG to get habitat rights over forests in Odisha

Sub: ENV

Sec: Env Legislation

Context:

• On September 22, 2024, the Mankidia community was officially granted habitat rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
• The Forest Rights Act protects the rights of tribal and forest-dependent communities over forest lands.
• Before granting the habitat rights, the Mankidia tribe, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), faced restrictions in accessing the forest land.

Significance of Habitat Rights:

• With these rights, the Mankidia can now freely practice their traditional and cultural activities without legal hurdles.
• These rights ensure protection of their customary forest areas.

• As per the FRA, the habitat covers traditional living areas, including reserved and protected forests used by PVTGs and other Scheduled Tribes.
• Implementation of FRA in Odisha:
  • Odisha has been a leader in granting habitat rights to tribal groups.
  • Earlier the Paudi Bhuyan tribe (a PVTG) in Deogarh district received habitat rights (in March 2024).
  • Other communities that have received approvals include:
    • Juang (Keonjhar and Jajpur districts)
    • Saora (Gajapati district)
    • ChuktiaBhunjia (Nuapada)
    • Hill Khadia (Mayurbhanj)
  • Odisha now leads the country in granting habitat rights to six PVTGs.
• Comparison with Other States:
  • Chhattisgarh has provided habitat rights to two PVTGs (Kamar and Baiga).
  • Madhya Pradesh (Baiga) and Maharashtra (Maria Gond) have granted these rights to one community each.
  • Odisha is home to 13 PVTGs, the highest among Indian states and Union Territories, inhabiting 1,683 villages in 14 districts, with a population of over 770,000.
• Importance of FRA:
  • The FRA is a landmark law that provides several rights to forest-dependent communities, including the right to manage and protect community forest resources.
  • The most crucial aspect is the right to community tenure for PVTGs and pre-agricultural communities.

The Mankidia Community:

• The Mankidia, part of the Birhor tribe, are a semi-nomadic, forest-dependent group.
• Known for their skills in rope-making and hunting, they are often employed by villagers to capture monkeys that damage crops.
• The community lives in temporary settlements called “Kumbhas,” and their language belongs to the Munda family, though many also speak Odia.

About Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):

• PVTGs are a subset of Scheduled Tribes in India that are more vulnerable due to their primitive technology, low literacy levels, declining or stagnant population, and isolated habitation. These groups face severe challenges in accessing mainstream development programs and continue to rely on traditional livelihoods.

Classification and Identification:

• The Government of India identified PVTGs in 1975, with the primary goal of focusing on their welfare and development. Initially, 52 tribes were identified, and later the number was increased to 75 tribes spread across 18 states and 1 Union Territory (Andaman and Nicobar Islands).

Criteria for Identifying PVTGs:

1. Pre-agricultural level of technology
2. Low population growth
3. Low literacy rates
4. Economic backwardness

PVTGs in India:

Some well-known PVTGs across different states include:

• Andhra Pradesh: Chenchu, Kolam, Khond PVTGs
• Odisha: Mankidia, Juang, Paudi Bhuyan, Dongria Kondh, ChuktiaBhunjia, Hill Khadia
• Jharkhand: Birhor, Asur, Mal Paharia
• Madhya Pradesh: Baiga, Saharia
• Chhattisgarh: Kamar, Baiga
• Maharashtra: Maria Gond, Katkari
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarwa, Sentinelese

Source: DTE

7. Leaders at U.N. urge world’s richest to do more on climate

Sub: Env

Sec: Climatology

Context:

• Developing nations pleaded at the U.N. General Assembly for the world’s richest to do more to help them cope with the hardships they face from climate extremes.

Details:

• Small island states are most at risk from rising sea levels.
• World’s biggest economies in the Group of 20, which together account for more than 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Scientists at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research warned that humanity has now damaged at least six of the planet’s natural systems including the climate equilibrium, with a seventh – the ocean’s chemistry – now threatened by acidification, which occurs as the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the air.
• According to the Net Zero Tracker, a research coalition based at the University of Oxford, the “commitment gap” was the result of the climate issue competing for government attention with other challenges like war, elections and or economic trouble.

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS):

• Since 1990, AOSIS has represent the interests of the 39 small island and low-lying coastal developing states in international climate change, sustainable development negotiations and processes.
• As a voice for the vulnerable, its mandate is more than amplifying marginalized voices as it also advocates for these countries’ interests.
• In terms of size, AOSIS closely resembles the countries it represents on the global stage, but often punches far above its weight, negotiating historic global commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, among other achievements.
• Chair of AOSIS: Permanent Representative of Samoa to the United Nations

Member states:

8. Could global warming impede weather and climate forecasting?

Sub: Env

Sec: Climatology

Climate Change in 2023-2024:

• Record warming in 2023-2024 showcasing various climate extremes
• Potential crossing of the 1.5°C warming threshold
• The global average temperature for the last year was the highest ever documented, at 1.63⁰C above pre-industrial levels.
  • 2015:Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature increase to below two degrees Centigrade above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5⁰C.
  • April 2024: Study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research estimates climate change could cut 17% of global GDP by 2050, at a cost of US$38 trillion per year.
• Unpredicted levels of warming, possibly due to additional factors
• Challenges in predicting climate patterns and natural variabilities
• Importance of improving climate models and predictions

Current Climate Situation:

• 2023-2024 saw record warming with various extreme weather events
• The world may have crossed the 1.5°C warming threshold (that is, the earth’s average surface temperature has increased by more than 1.5o C over the pre-industrial average)
• Warming levels higher than expected, possibly due to factors like underwater volcano emissions and wildfire CO2

Prediction Challenges:

• 2023-2024 climate patterns differed from predictions (e.g., monsoon behavior, hurricane seasons)
• Natural variabilities (El Niño, La Niña, Indian Ocean Dipole) behaving unexpectedly
• Uncertainty about how global warming affects natural climate modes

Future of Climate Predictions:

• Need for improved models and observational networks
• Exploration of whether predictability decreases with continued warming
• Integration of new technologies (AI, machine learning, sensor-fit drones)
  • Meteorologists predicted the 2023 El Niño as early as in the spring of that year, which is remarkable. But the level of warming during 2023-2024 has caught them, and the public, by surprise because it was much higher than expected from the addition of the so-called mini-global warming by the El Niño to the ongoing background warming.

Climate Projections:

• Current projections use models based on various factors (emissions, population growth, mitigation policies)
• Short-term uncertainties (1-2 decades) depend on model uncertainties and natural variabilities
• Long-term uncertainties relate to imagined scenarios driving simulations

9. Record Foodgrain Production in 2023-24

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Why in News

The Union Agriculture Ministry has released its fourth and final estimates for major agricultural crop production for the financial year 2023-24. The report highlights a record-breaking foodgrain production while forecasting a decline in the output of pulses, oilseeds, and sugarcane. This announcement is significant for policymakers, the agricultural sector, and the overall economy of India, particularly in the context of food security and farmer welfare.

Key Highlights of Agricultural Production in 2023-24:

Wheat

Season: Wheat is a Rabi crop sown between September and December, and harvested between February and May.

Cultivation Area: India cultivates wheat over approximately 29.8 million hectares.

Indian Wheat Type: Predominantly soft to medium-hard with medium protein content, similar to U.S. hard white wheat.

Wide Adaptability: Grows in tropical, sub-tropical, temperate zones, and cold regions up to 60°N latitude.

Climate Tolerance: Withstands severe cold and snow, resuming growth in warm spring weather.

Ideal Climate: Best grown in regions with cool, moist conditions during growth, followed by warm, dry weather for ripening.

Germination Temperature: Optimal germination occurs at 20-25°C, though seeds can germinate between 5-35°C.

Ripening Temperature: Ideal average temperature for ripening is around 14-15°C.

Indian Top Producers: Uttar Pradesh > Madhya Pradesh > Punjab > Haryana > Rajasthan.

Top Producers: China, the EU, and India produce over 41% of the world’s wheat.

RICE

Geographical Range: Rice is cultivated across India from 8° to 35°N latitude, from sea level up to 3,000 meters.

Climatic Requirements: Rice thrives in hot and humid climates with high humidity, prolonged sunshine, and a reliable water supply.

Temperature Range: The ideal temperature range for rice throughout its lifecycle is 21°C to 37°C, with a maximum tolerance of 40°C to 42°C.

Global Position: India is the second-largest rice producer globally, after China, and holds a 40% share in global rice exports.

Basmati Rice: India is the leading exporter of Basmati rice, with major production in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Top Producing States: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar contribute around 72% of India’s total rice-growing area and over 75% of the country’s rice production.

Millets

Millets are a highly varied group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food.

The key varieties of millets include Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Ragi, Small Millet, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and others.

Major producers include Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.

Millets are a powerhouse of nutrients, which score over rice and wheat in terms of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber content, as well as amino acid profile.

In India, millets are primarily a kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs than other similar staples.

India, Nigeria and China are the largest producers of millets in the world, accounting for more than 55% of the global production.

 In India, pearl millet is the fourth-most widely cultivated food crop after rice, wheat and maize.

Major producers of millets include Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.                        

Decline in Pulses, Oilseeds, and Sugarcane Production

Pulses

Pulses are leguminous crops that produce edible seeds. They are a vital source of protein and nutrients, especially in vegetarian diets.

Key Varieties: Major pulses include Tur (Arhar), Gram (Chickpea), Urad, Moong, Masoor (Lentil), Peas, and Lobia.

Major Producers: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

Nutritional Importance: Pulses are rich in proteins, fiber, and essential amino acids; they also fix nitrogen in the soil, promoting soil fertility.

Water Requirement: Pulses are generally rainfed crops, requiring less water and are primarily grown during the rabi and kharif seasons.

Global Leaders: India is the largest producer and consumer of pulses in the world, producing around 25% of the global output.

Oilseeds

Oilseeds are crops grown primarily for the extraction of oil from their seeds. The oil is used for cooking, industrial purposes, and in biodiesel production.

Key Varieties: Major oilseeds include Groundnut (Peanut), Soybean, Rapeseed & Mustard, Sunflower, Sesame, Castor, and Linseed.

Major Producers: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Nutritional Importance: Oilseeds are a major source of vegetable oils and are rich in healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.

Water Requirement: Oilseeds, particularly groundnut, are grown as rainfed crops and require moderate rainfall.

Global Leaders: India is a major producer of oilseeds, ranking as one of the top global producers of groundnut and rapeseed/mustard.

Rapeseed and Mustard

Rapeseed and mustard are oilseeds primarily cultivated for the extraction of edible oils. The oil is widely used in cooking and for industrial purposes.

Key Varieties: Includes Yellow Sarson, Brown Sarson, Raya, and Taramira. Canola is a variety of rapeseed known for its low erucic acid content.

Major Producers: Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal.

Nutritional Importance: Mustard oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and has a healthy balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a tall perennial grass cultivated mainly for sugar production. It is also used to produce ethanol and for cogeneration in sugar mills.

Key Varieties: Co 0238, Co 86032, Co 95020, and other improved varieties are widely cultivated.

Major Producers: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Punjab.

Industrial Importance: Sugarcane is the primary source for sugar, ethanol, and bagasse (used for electricity generation).

Water Requirement: Sugarcane is a water-intensive crop, requiring irrigation, especially in non-rainfed areas. It is grown predominantly in the tropical and subtropical regions.

Global Leaders: Brazil, India, and China are the largest producers of sugarcane, with India being the second-largest producer in the world.