CA-04/02/2026
Contents
1. Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP)
2. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
3. Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)
4. Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
5. National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
6. NeophyteID
Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP)
Why in news?
On February 3, 2026, the Indian government announced MSPs for 22 mandated crops, directly based on CACP recommendations, covering cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops like paddy, wheat, and cotton.
About
The Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP) is an expert advisory body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, responsible for recommending Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for major agricultural crops. It was established in 1965 as the Agricultural Prices Commission and renamed CACP in 1985.
Key Facts about CACP
- Established: January 1965 (as Agricultural Prices Commission)
- Renamed: March 1985 to Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP)
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Current Chairperson: Vijay Paul Sharma (as of latest update)
Functions of CACP
- Recommends MSPs for 23 major crops including cereals, pulses, oilseeds, and commercial crops.
- Analyzes cost of production using data from states, farmer surveys, and agricultural universities.
- Considers multiple factors before recommending MSPs:
- Cost of cultivation and input prices
- Demand and supply situation
- Market price trends (domestic & international)
- Inter-crop price parity
- Impact on consumers and overall economy
- Submits reports to the Government of India, which then decides the final MSPs announced before each sowing season.
Importance of CACP
- Farmer Protection: Ensures farmers get remunerative prices for their produce.
- Food Security: Stabilizes production of essential crops by incentivizing cultivation.
- Market Stability: Helps prevent distress sales and price crashes in agriculture.
- Policy Input: Provides evidence-based recommendations for agricultural pricing policy.
Terms of Reference
The commission’s mandate includes:
- Advising on MSPs for crops grown during both Kharif and Rabi seasons.
- Reviewing price policy for agricultural commodities.
- Suggesting non-price measures to improve efficiency and competitiveness in agriculture.
Criticisms & Challenges
- Implementation Gap: MSP recommendations are not legally binding; government may accept or reject them.
- Limited Coverage: MSP benefits often reach only a fraction of farmers, mainly those with access to procurement centers.
- Regional Imbalance: Procurement is concentrated in states like Punjab and Haryana, leaving others underserved.
- Market Distortion: Long-term reliance on MSPs for certain crops (like wheat and rice) can discourage diversification.
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
Why in news?
The government approved a plan in 2023 to establish 2 lakh new multipurpose PACS, dairy, and fishery cooperatives to cover all panchayats by 2028. As of January, 2026, 32,802 new societies have been registered nationwide, with 15,793 dairy and fishery cooperatives strengthened. Uttar Pradesh leads with 5,925 new registrations, followed by Odisha (2,281) and Madhya Pradesh (1,763).​
About PACS
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are the grassroots institutions of India’s cooperative credit system, directly serving farmers by providing short-term loans, inputs, and now expanding into storage, marketing, and digital services.
- Role: They act as the final link between farmers and higher financing agencies like District Central Cooperative Banks, NABARD, and RBI.
- Membership: Farmers and rural borrowers form the general body, which controls the management board.
Functions of PACS
- Credit Services
- Provide short-term and medium-term agricultural loans.
- Collect repayments directly from farmers.
- Input Distribution
- Supply seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm inputs.
- Marketing & Procurement
- Help in procurement of crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Facilitate storage and marketing of produce.
- Diversified Activities (New Initiatives)
- Dairy, fishery, warehousing, custom hiring centers, and even grain storage infrastructure.
- Government has introduced 20 new activities to make PACS profitable.
Advantages
- Accessibility: Farmers get loans without complex banking procedures.
- Community-Based: Local control ensures trust and accountability.
- Support for Small Farmers: Helps marginal and small farmers who often lack collateral.
- Diversification: New activities increase income streams and sustainability.
Challenges
- Overdue Loans: High levels of non-repayment weaken financial health.
- Limited Professional Management: Often run by local committees with low technical expertise.
- Political Interference: Can affect transparency and efficiency.
- Need for Modernization: Digitization and diversification are still in progress.
Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)
Why in news?
The Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) is a cutting-edge missile propulsion technology developed by DRDO, successfully tested in February 2026 at Chandipur, Odisha. It enables long-range air-to-air missiles with sustained supersonic speeds, placing India among a select group of nations with this advanced capability.
About SFDR
- Type: Air-breathing missile propulsion system.
- Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), primarily DRDL Hyderabad, with RCI (Hyderabad) and HEMRL (Pune).
- Purpose: To power long-range air-to-air missiles capable of intercepting aerial threats at supersonic speeds.
- Global Context: Only a handful of countries (like the US and Russia) have mastered this technology; India joined this elite league in 2026.
How SFDR Works?
- Initial Boost: A nozzle-less booster accelerates the missile to the required Mach number.
- Ramjet Combustion:
- A solid fuel gas generator produces fuel-rich gases.
- These gases mix with incoming atmospheric air.
- Combustion occurs in the ramjet chamber, sustaining thrust.
- Thrust Modulation: Controlled by a fuel flow controller and hot gas flow regulator, allowing efficient energy use.
Key Advantages
- Extended Range: Can engage targets at very long distances compared to conventional rocket-powered missiles.
- Sustained Supersonic Speed: Maintains high energy throughout flight, especially in the terminal phase.
- Compact Design: Uses a nozzle-less booster, reducing smoke and improving stealth.
- Adaptability: While primarily for air-to-air missiles, experts suggest it can be adapted for surface-to-air systems.
Strategic Importance for India
- Air Superiority: Enables India to develop next-gen long-range air-to-air missiles, critical for modern aerial combat.
- Deterrence: Strengthens India’s position against adversaries with advanced missile systems.
- Indigenous Capability: Reduces dependence on foreign missile technologies, boosting self-reliance.
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Why in news?
As of December 31, 2025, the scheme authorized 10.33 lakh hospital admissions worth ₹2,154.37 crore for beneficiaries, with 3.93 lakh female admissions (₹820.42 crore) and 6.40 lakh male admissions (₹1,333.94 crore) across states and UTs.
About Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a health initiative under Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY) that provides free hospital care up to ₹5 lakh per year for all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income or social status. It can be used at over 31,000 empaneled hospitals nationwide, including private and government facilities.
Key Highlights of Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
- Launch Date: Expanded on 29 October 2024 under AB-PMJAY.
- Target Group: All senior citizens aged 70+ (no income or caste restrictions).
- Coverage: Free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per family per year.
- Hospitals: Valid at 31,466 empaneled hospitals across India.
- Portability: Beneficiaries can avail treatment anywhere in India, not just their home state.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 70 years or older.
- Indian citizen with valid ID proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.).
- No need to prove Below Poverty Line (BPL) or socio-economic status.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for verification).
- Age proof (if not clear from Aadhaar).
- Address proof (ration card, voter ID, etc.).
- Passport-size photographs.
Benefits
- Cashless treatment at empaneled hospitals.
- Covers major surgeries, hospitalization, medicines, diagnostics.
- Reduces financial burden on elderly citizens.
- Integrated with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) for digital health records.
National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
Why in news?
A Press Information Bureau release on February 3, 2026, reaffirmed NTTM's focus on research, innovation, specialty fibers, indigenous machinery, exports, and skill development, with 168 projects approved nationwide.
About National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) is a Government of India initiative launched in 2020 to make India a global leader in technical textiles. With a budget of ₹1,480 crore till 2025–26, it focuses on research, innovation, skill development, and widespread adoption of technical textiles across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and defense.
Key Highlights
- Launch Year: 2020 by the Ministry of Textiles
- Budget: ₹1,480 crore (2020–2026)
- Vision: Build an inclusive, innovative, and competitive technical textiles ecosystem to strengthen self-reliance and sustainable development.
- Research Support: 168 projects worth ₹509 crore approved.
- Skill Development: Training target of 50,000 individuals in technical textiles.
- Application Areas:
- Healthcare: Smart bandages, medical implants, protective gear
- Agriculture: Crop-protection fabrics, water-conserving textiles
- Defense: Lightweight armor, high-performance gear
- Infrastructure: Geotextiles for roads, dams, and construction
Objectives of the Mission
- Promote R&D: Encourage innovation and startups in technical textiles.
- Market Growth: Expand domestic consumption and exports.
- Education & Skilling: Introduce technical textiles in academic curricula and vocational training.
- Global Positioning: Establish India as a hub for advanced technical textile solutions.
Challenges & Opportunities
- Challenges:
- Low awareness among industries and consumers
- Need for faster commercialization of R&D outputs
- Global competition from established players (e.g., US, EU, China)
- Opportunities:
- Huge domestic demand in healthcare and infrastructure
- Export potential in specialized fabrics
- Integration with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
Why in news?
NeophyteID is an AI-powered mobile app for identifying invasive plant species (neophytes) in Kerala and the Western Ghats. It was launched in early 2026 by Kerala's Chief Minister at the Kerala Science Congress.
About NeophyteID
NeophyteID is a newly launched AI-powered mobile app developed in Kerala to identify and track invasive plant species. It uses the advanced YOLOv11 image recognition model, supports English and Malayalam, and allows citizens to upload plant photos to contribute to real-time biodiversity mapping.
- Purpose: Detect and monitor invasive (neophyte) plant species threatening native ecosystems.
- Developer: Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences (MBGIPS).
- Launch: Officially introduced by the Kerala Chief Minister in early February 2026.
- Technology: Powered by YOLOv11 AI model for high-accuracy species identification.
Key Features
- Instant Plant Detection: Upload a photo from your camera or gallery; the app identifies species with confidence scores.
- Heatmap & Distribution Tracking: Each identification contributes to a real-time geospatial map showing spread patterns of invasive plants across Kerala.
- Citizen Science Contribution: Enables communities, students, and ecologists to collectively report and manage invasive species.
- Languages: Available in English and Malayalam for accessibility.
- Platforms: Works on both web and mobile interfaces.
Challenges & Considerations
- Accuracy Limitations: While YOLOv11 is advanced, rare or poorly photographed plants may be misidentified.
- Data Dependence: Effectiveness grows only if citizens actively upload observations.
- Regional Scope: Currently focused on Kerala, though expansion across India is possible.
- Connectivity Needs: Requires internet access for uploading and mapping.
Question & Answer
Question 1. The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card scheme, an extension of a major health initiative, targets which specific demographic segment based on age, irrespective of their socio-economic status?
Select your answer:
A) All citizens who have attained the age of 60 years and belong to the Below Poverty Line category.
B) All senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income or social status.
C) Only female citizens who are widows above the age of 65 years.
D) All citizens above 50 years who are employed in the unorganized sector.
Explanation: (B)
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card specifically targets all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, explicitly stating that income or social status (like BPL status) is irrelevant for eligibility under this specific extension.
Question 2. With reference to the Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP), which of the following statements is correct?
Select your answer:
A) It is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
B) Its recommendations regarding Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) are legally binding on the Government of India.
C) It functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to ensure fair market access for agricultural exports.
D) It analyzes cost of production considering factors like inter-crop price parity and consumer impact before recommending MSPs.
Explanation: (D)
The CACP is an expert advisory body under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Its recommendations for MSPs are advisory, not legally binding (ruling out B). It was established in 1965, not under the Essential Commodities Act (ruling out A). It functions under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, not Commerce and Industry (ruling out C). Its functions explicitly include considering various factors like inter-crop parity and consumer impact.
Question 3. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are central to the rural cooperative credit structure. Which of the following is a primary function traditionally associated with PACS, now being diversified?
Select your answer:
A) Direct refinancing of District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) with approval from the RBI.
B) Acting as the last mile link for providing short-term agricultural loans and distributing farm inputs directly to members.
C) Formulating national policies for seed certification and quality control.
D) Managing sovereign debt instruments related to crop insurance payouts.
Explanation: (B)
PACS primarily function at the grassroots level to provide short-term credit and distribute essential farm inputs like seeds and fertilizers directly to farmers, acting as the final link in the credit chain. Options A, C, and D describe functions typically handled by higher-tier institutions (NABARD/RBI) or national regulatory bodies, not the grassroots PACS.
Question 4. The NeophyteID mobile application, launched recently in Kerala, is an example of applying advanced Artificial Intelligence for what specific ecological purpose?
Select your answer:
A) Predicting monsoon patterns using neural network analysis of sea surface temperatures.
B) Real-time identification and tracking of invasive alien plant species affecting native biodiversity.
C) Monitoring illegal mining activities through satellite image classification.
D) Automated grading and certification of organic produce based on crop health indicators.
Explanation: (B)
NeophyteID is specifically designed to use AI (YOLOv11) to identify and map neophytes, which are invasive plant species. This falls under citizen science efforts to manage ecological threats to native biodiversity. The other options pertain to unrelated environmental monitoring fields (meteorology, resource extraction, agriculture certification).
Question 5. The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) aims to position India as a global leader. Which of the following best describes the core focus area of the NTTM among the given options?
Select your answer:
A) Promoting traditional handloom products through enhanced Geographical Indication tagging.
B) Focusing on research, innovation, skill development, and indigenous machinery for advanced technical textiles.
C) Subsidizing consumer goods like ready-made garments to boost mass employment in the textile sector.
D) Regulating the international sourcing of raw cotton and synthetic fibers.
Explanation: (B)
The NTTM is specifically designed to build an ecosystem for technical textiles, which are advanced applications like geotextiles, smart bandages, and defense fabrics. Its key pillars include R&D, innovation, skill development, and domestic manufacturing (indigenous machinery), rather than focusing on traditional textiles or mass consumer goods.
Question 6. The recently tested Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology enhances missile capabilities primarily due to which core principle of operation?
Select your answer:
A) It utilizes a solid propellant that burns continuously without requiring atmospheric oxygen for the entire flight duration.
B) It relies on ram compression of atmospheric air to sustain combustion and thrust at sustained supersonic speeds.
C) It incorporates a complex nozzle structure designed to maximize exhaust velocity at low altitudes.
D) It uses magneto-hydrodynamic effects to alter the trajectory for enhanced terminal guidance.
Explanation: (B)
The SFDR is an air-breathing engine. It requires an initial boost to reach a sufficient speed (Mach number), after which it uses the forward motion of the missile to scoop in atmospheric air, compress it (ram compression), and mix it with solid fuel gases to sustain combustion and thrust, enabling long-range supersonic flight. Option A describes a standard rocket motor, not a ramjet.
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