Kisan Credit Card (KCC) amount reaches ₹10.05 lakh crore
The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme has played a vital role in providing accessible and affordable credit to farmers in India. Over the years, several amendments have been made to the scheme to enhance credit access in the agriculture sector. A significant achievement in this direction is the sharp increase in the operative KCC loan amount, which has increased from ₹4.26 lakh crore in March 2014 to ₹10.05 lakh crore in December 2024. This increase reflects the increasing access to institutional agricultural credit and has been helpful in reducing farmers' dependence on non-institutional sources.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) is a banking product, which was launched to provide short-term and affordable credit to farmers. The scheme aims to provide easy and timely credit for purchasing agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. and to meet cash requirements related to crop production. In 2019, the scope of the scheme was also expanded to include allied agricultural activities such as animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries, thereby extending loan benefits to farmers engaged in diversified agricultural activities.
Rise in KCC Loan: Sign of Expansion of Agricultural Credit
The operative KCC loan amount reached ₹10.05 lakh crore by December 2024, reflecting a significant expansion in agricultural credit. This growth makes it clear that farmers are now increasingly adopting institutional credit, thereby coming out of the grip of expensive unorganized lenders. This surge in KCC credit helps farmers invest in modern agricultural practices, improve productivity and increase their income.
Modified Interest Subsidy Scheme (MISS): Cheaper Agricultural Loans
The Government of India has taken several initiatives to make loans cheaper and more accessible to farmers. Under the Modified Interest Subsidy Scheme (MISS), the government provides an interest subsidy of 1.5% to the bank, allowing farmers to avail short-term agricultural loans up to ₹3 lakh through KCC at an annual interest rate of just 7%.
Additionally, farmers who repay their loans on time get a Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) of 3%, bringing down the effective interest rate to just 4%. This encourages farmers to repay loans on time and strengthens their financial security.
Loans without guarantee: Relief for small and marginal farmers
Loans up to ₹2 lakh are given without any guarantee under the KCC scheme to financially empower small and marginal farmers. This facilitates access to loans for farmers who do not have land or other assets to pledge. This move helps strengthen the rural economy and ensure credit availability for farmers across all categories.
Budget 2025-26: Increased loan limit for farmers
In view of the increasing credit requirements of farmers, the Union Finance Minister has announced an increase in the loan limit under the Revised Interest Subsidy Scheme from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh in the Budget 2025-26. This will provide financial support to more farmers, enabling them to invest more in their agricultural activities, increase production and increase their income.
Impact of KCC increase on farmers and agriculture sector
The expansion of KCC loans has had a significant impact on the agriculture sector:
• Greater access to cheap credit – Farmers are now getting more access to institutional credit, thereby getting rid of high-interest private moneylenders.
• Improvement in agricultural productivity – With timely access to credit, farmers can buy high-quality inputs, adopt modern agricultural techniques and get better yields.
• Financial stability of farmers – Low interest rates and unsecured loans have increased the economic security of farmers, reducing debt burden and financial crisis.
• Promotion of allied agricultural activities – With the benefit of Kisan Credit Card also being available for activities like animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries, these areas of agriculture are also developing.
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Geological map of the south pole of the moon prepared
Indian scientists have achieved a historic feat by preparing the first detailed geological map of the south pole of the moon using data from the Chandrayaan-3 mission. This new map provides important information about the topography of the lunar surface, the formation of craters, and the geological history. The Physical Research Laboratory (Ahmedabad), Punjab University (Chandigarh), and ISRO's Electro-Optics Systems Laboratory collaborated in this research, which led to a major breakthrough in understanding the evolution of the moon.
What did the new geological map reveal?
The map depicts diverse terrain around the Chandrayaan-3 landing site, including highlands and lowland plains. According to scientists, the estimated age of this region is about 3.7 billion years, which corresponds to the period when early microbial life was developing on Earth.
Additionally, scientists studied the alignment of debris from the Schomberger crater, confirming that fragments from this crater have shaped the surface of the Chandrayaan-3 landing area. Understanding the alignment of these craters will help scientists better understand ancient impacts and the geological processes on the Moon.
How will this map be helpful in lunar science?
The MoonCraters act as natural records, helping scientists determine the age of geological formations. By studying the distribution of craters and the composition of the surface, scientists can understand how the Moon and other inner bodies of the solar system evolved over billions of years. The new geological map strengthens the impact history of the Moon and helps in understanding the process of its surface formation.
In addition, this map provides important information for future lunar missions. Space agencies like NASA and ISRO are planning exploration and possible human settlements on the Moon. In such a situation, detailed mapping of the South Pole will help in identifying safe landing sites and possibilities of resources. In particular, the region is extremely important due to the presence of frozen ice in shadowed craters, as water is an essential resource for future lunar missions.
Confirmation of ‘Magma Hypothesis’
One of the most important findings obtained from Chandrayaan-3 data is the confirmation of the lunar magma hypothesis. Previous missions like Apollo, Surveyor, Luna and Chang'e-3 had indicated the existence of lava oceans in the interior of the moon, but they were not able to obtain accurate data from the lunar polar regions.
However, Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan rover has discovered signs of ancient magma at the lunar south pole using the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS). This discovery lends strong support to the theory that the moon was once covered by a vast molten lava ocean, which later cooled down and transformed into its current rocky surface.
An important step towards future lunar missions
This new geological map is not just a scientific achievement but also boosts the possibilities of space exploration and resource utilization. It will help in planning future lunar missions and will be helpful in unraveling the mysteries related to the evolution of the moon.
In the context of NASA's Artemis program and India's upcoming space projects, this research shows India's important role in lunar studies. Scientists are now deeply analysing the data from Chandrayaan-3, which may help in the discovery of similar geological features on Mars and other celestial bodies.
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IOA forms five-member committee to conduct the operations of (BFI)
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appointed a five-member ad-hoc committee to conduct the administrative functions of the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) as elections were not held within the stipulated time frame. The decision, announced by IOA president P.T. Usha, is aimed at restoring administrative stability in the federation. The panel will be headed by Madhukant Pathak, whose main task is to conduct the elections of the BFI and run its day-to-day activities smoothly. However, BFI president Ajay Singh has opposed the move, calling it illegal and a violation of the IOA constitution.
Ad-hoc committee formed by IOA
The BFI elections were to be held by February 2, 2025, but could not be held on time.
Seeing the administrative instability, the IOA intervened.
A five-member ad-hoc committee was formed to oversee the functioning of the BFI.
Madhukant Pathak was appointed as the president, Rajesh Bhandari as the vice-president, and D.P. Bhatt, Shiva Thapa and Virendra Singh Thakur as the members of the committee.
The main function of the committee is to conduct fair elections and ensure smooth functioning of the BFI.
BFI objects to IOA's decision
BFI president Ajay Singh called the decision illegal and unconstitutional.
Singh says that the IOA did not hold any prior consultation with the BFI.
The BFI claims that according to Article 21.5 of the IOA constitution, consultation with the relevant international federation is necessary before taking a decision on any National Sports Federation (NSF).
The BFI had already informed the Sports Ministry about the election matters on February 2.
Ajay Singh accused the IOA of violating the rules of autonomy of national sports bodies.
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Historic Jhumur Group of Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 February 2025 inaugurated the largest ever Jhumur dance performance to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Assam's tea industry at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati. The event, titled 'Jhumur Binandini 2025', saw participation of over 8,000 artistes who showcased Assam's rich cultural heritage.
PM Modi's Participation
PM Modi inaugurated the celebrations by playing the 'Dhamsa', a traditional instrument of the tea garden community. Recalling his personal tea-related background, he said, "Who can understand the fragrance and colour of tea better than me." Modi described the event as a symbol of Assam's culture and India's diversity.
Significance of Jhumur Dance in Assam's Tea Culture
Jhumur dance is the traditional art of the tea garden workers and tribal communities of Assam. Originated in the early 19th century, the dance has been a medium of expression of joy and unity after hard work in the tea gardens. It features group rhythmic movements with the accompaniment of traditional instruments like dhol, madal, dhaamsa and flute.
New schemes for Assam's tea garden community
In his address, PM Modi made several major announcements for the welfare of the tea garden community:
Health facilities: 3 new health centres in tea garden areasEstablishment of more than 100 ‘Ayushman Arogya Kendras’, which will provide accessible healthcare services.
Development of education: Establishment of more than 100 model schools for students from the tea garden community, which will improve their education.
Economic support: Self-employment schemes will be implemented to make the youth self-reliant.
‘Jhumur Binandini 2025’ was not just a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Assam’s tea industry, but also reflects the government’s commitment to preserve and promote the cultural traditions of Assam.
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Pankaj Advani’s glorious win: 14th Asian Championship
India’s ace cueist Pankaj Advani won the men’s title at the 2025 Asian Snooker Championship, defeating Iran’s Amir Sarkosh in the final. This is his 14th Asian title win overall in snooker and billiards events. The championship was held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, between 15-21 February 2025, hosted by the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS) and the Qatar Billiards Sports Federation.
Pankaj Advani's spectacular victory
Defeated Amir Sarkosh of Iran 4-1 frames in the final.
This is his 14th Asian title in various snooker and billiards formats.
Defeated Chang Yu Qiu of Hong Kong, China in the semi-finals.
Has won 5 Asian titles so far in 15-red, 6-red and team format of snooker.
Asian Billiards title: 9 times winner.
Has won two gold medals (Doha 2006, Guangzhou 2010) in the Asian Games.
Other winners
Women's category: Narantuya Bayarsaikhan of Mongolia defeated Ng On Yi of Hong Kong, China in the final.
Semi-finals: Anupama Ramachandran of India was defeated by Narantuya Bayarsaikhan.
Ng On Yee defeated Ami Kamani of India in the semi-finals.
Men's Under-21 title:
Shahin Sabzi of Iran defeated Zihao Dong of China in the final.
Dhruv Patel of India was eliminated after losing to Zihao Dong in the semi-finals.
Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports (ACBS)
Founded in 1984 as the Asian Billiards and Snooker Federation.
The governing body of non-professional English billiards and snooker in Asia.
Promotes snooker, pool, English billiards and carom.
Member countries: 25 national federations.
Headquarters: Doha, Qatar.
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Madhya Pradesh is now the state with the most vultures
Madhya Pradesh has become the state with the highest population of vultures in India, achieving great success in the field of wildlife conservation. According to the first phase of Vulture Census 2025, the total number of vultures in the state has reached 12,981, up from 10,845 in 2024 and 8,397 in 2019. This increase reflects the effectiveness of conservation policies implemented over the years. This census, started in 2016, plays an important role in tracking the vulture population and ensuring their survival.
Importance of vultures in the ecosystem
Vultures play an important role in the ecosystem. They help prevent the spread of diseases by feeding on carcasses. Their increasing numbers in Madhya Pradesh are a positive sign towards the success of conservation and strengthen the need for continued protection of these important birds.
How is the vulture census being conducted?
The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has been systematically conducting vulture census since 2016. The 2025 census is being conducted in two phases:
Phase 1: 17 to 19 February 2025
Phase 2: 29 April 2025
The survey was conducted in 16 circles, 64 divisions and 9 protected areas (national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries). This helps in getting accurate data and improving conservation strategies.
Major vulture species found in Madhya Pradesh
The state has seven of the nine vulture species found in India:
Endemic species:
Indian Long-billed Vulture
White-backed Vulture
Egyptian Vulture
Red-headed Vulture
Migratory species:
Himalayan Griffon
Eurasian Griffon
Cinereous Vulture
Decline and recovery of vulture numbers
The vulture population had declined drastically in the past decades, mainly due to the drug diclofenac used in veterinary medicine. Vultures used to die due to kidney failure when they ate carcasses of animals treated with this drug. The Indian government banned the use of diclofenac for veterinary medicine in 2006. Subsequently, conservation initiatives such as vulture habitat protection and awareness programmes have helped in gradual recovery of the population of these birds.
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