Daily Current Affairs 29 July 2026 – IAS Current Affairs
Current Affairs 29 July 2026 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :
Long Range Forecast System Explained
Source: PIB
GS I: Important Geophysical Phenomena (Monsoon, Climate), GS III: Disaster Management, Science and Technology
Overview
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has enhanced the performance of its Long Range Forecast (LRF) system through the adoption of the Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) approach since 2021.
- Improved forecasting is supported by Mission Mausam, expanded observation networks, advanced numerical weather prediction models, and high-performance computing.
- The strengthened forecasting framework enables more reliable seasonal outlooks, aiding informed decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors and improving climate resilience.
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Earth Sciences informed Parliament that IMD’s Long Range Forecast (LRF) system has achieved significantly higher accuracy since adopting the Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) approach in 2021.
News in Brief
- Since 2021, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has adopted the Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) approach, significantly improving the accuracy of long-range monsoon forecasts.
- The average absolute forecast error declined from 7.8% of the Long Period Average (LPA) during 2016–2020 to 2.2% during 2021–2025.
- The improved forecasting system has enhanced the reliability and seasonal monsoon predictions, supporting better planning and disaster preparedness.
Key Highlights
Improved Forecast Accuracy
- All operational forecasts stayed within prescribed error limits, with an average absolute error of just 2.2% of the Long Period Average (LPA) between 2021 and 2025, driven by advanced modeling, infrastructure growth, and AI tools.
Multi-Model Ensemble (MME)
- Merges outputs from multiple climate models to lower individual uncertainties and boost reliability.
Better Representation of Climate Drivers
- Enhances prediction by incorporating large-scale climate phenomena such as:
- El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
- Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
Measures to Strengthen Forecasting
- Adoption of an advanced Multi-Model Ensemble and coupled dynamical climate models for operational long-range forecasting.
- Continuous upgradation of numerical weather prediction models.
- Expanding observation networks under Mission Mausam with,
- Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs)
- Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs)
- Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs)
- Wind profilers and upper-air observing systems
- Greater use of High-Performance Computing (HPC) and AI/ML tools.
- Expanded satellite observations through indigenous meteorological satellites and the assimilation of satellite, radar, and in-situ observations into numerical models to improve forecast accuracy.
- Fast dissemination of forecasts through mobile apps, APIs, SMS, TV, radio and social media in coordination with Central and State Government agencies.
Significance and Challenges
- Agriculture – Helps farmers choose the best planting and harvesting times.
- Water Management- Guides the storage and supply of drinking water and irrigation.
- Disaster Preparation- Warns communities early about severe floods and long droughts.
- Public Sectors– Assists energy grids, transport networks, and health agencies in planning.
- Early Warnings- Builds stronger safety shields against extreme weather shifts.
Challenges
- Climate Change– Makes future weather patterns harder to guess accurately.
- Data Gaps– Lacks enough weather stations in vulnerable or remote areas.
- Local Storms– Struggles to pinpoint exact spots for sudden, severe weather.
- High Costs- Demands huge computer power and constant model upgrades.
Long Range Forecast (LRF)
- A seasonal weather forecast issued for periods beyond two weeks, primarily for predicting the southwest monsoon.
Long Period Average (LPA)
- The 50-year average of all-India monsoon rainfall, used as the benchmark to classify monsoon performance.
Multi-Model Ensemble (MME)
- A forecasting technique that combines outputs from multiple climate models to improve forecast accuracy and reduce uncertainties.
Mission Mausam
- A Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) initiative to modernize India’s weather forecasting through advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, AI-based forecasting, and improved dissemination of weather information.
Conclusion
India’s improved Long Range Forecast System, powered by the Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) approach and supported by initiatives such as Mission Mausam, is strengthening the accuracy of seasonal weather predictions, enabling better disaster preparedness, agricultural planning, and climate resilience.
Key Takeaways
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding the Long Range Forecast (LRF) System in India:
- Since 2021, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has adopted the Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) approach for long-range forecasting.
- The MME approach combines forecasts from multiple climate models to improve the reliability of seasonal forecasts.
- The MME system has improved the representation of large-scale climate drivers such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in seasonal forecasting.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Mains Practice Question
Q. Discuss the significance of advancements in long-range weather forecasting for India’s agriculture, disaster management, and climate resilience. What challenges remain in improving forecast accuracy? (10 Marks)
Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure – Key Initiatives And Achievements
Source: PIB
GS III: Agriculture – Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints
Overview
- Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) strengthens the production-to-market value chain through improved storage, logistics, processing and market connectivity.
- It promotes efficient price discovery, value addition and reduced post-harvest losses, thereby enhancing farmers’ income.
- Government initiatives such as e-NAM, AIF, FPOs, MIDH, PMKSY and the World’s Largest Grain Storage Programme support the development of modern agricultural markets and post-harvest infrastructure.
- The overall objective is to build a modern, integrated and farmer-centric agricultural marketing ecosystem that enhances farmers’ income and agricultural competitiveness.
Why in the News?
The Union Government informed Parliament about measures taken to strengthen agricultural marketing, including progress under e-NAM, FPOs, storage infrastructure and post-harvest value chains.
News in Brief
- Initiatives such as e-NAM, AIF, AMI, MIDH, PM Kisan Sampada Yojana, and the World’s Largest Grain Storage Programme are strengthening storage, cold chains, processing facilities, and market connectivity.
- These initiatives promote transparent price discovery, improve market access, and reduce post-harvest losses through better infrastructure and digital integration.
- By strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) encouraging value addition, and improving supply chains, these measures aim to increase farmers’ income and create a more integrated agricultural marketing system.
Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure In India
- Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) in India refers to the physical and institutional network—including rural godowns, cold storages, and market yards—that helps farmers store, process, and sell their produce.
Key Components of the Infrastructure
- Storage Facilities– Scientific warehouses, silos, and rural godowns that increase holding capacity for small and marginal farmers.
- Cold Chains– Cold storage units and reefer vans designed to preserve perishable fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fisheries.
- Markets and Trading Hubs- Regulated APMC mandis, upgraded Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), and electronic integration through the e-NAM portal.
- Value Addition– Primary processing units, grading and standardization centers, and packaging units managed by individuals or Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Key Initiatives
Digital and Trading Reforms
- e-NAM- A pan-India electronic trading portal linking physical APMC mandis to enable transparent online bidding, fair price discovery, and direct digital payments.
Credit and Infrastructure Funding
- Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)– A medium-to-long-term debt financing facility providing interest subvention and credit guarantees for investments in post-harvest management projects and community farming assets.
- Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)– A sub-scheme providing capital subsidies to construct and renovate rural storage facilities, godowns, and scientific warehouses.
Farmer Collectives and Sector Focus
- 10,000 FPOs– Formation and promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations to help small and marginal farmers to aggregate produce, achieve economies of scale, and improve market bargaining power.
- MIDH– Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector, covering production, post-harvest management, and cold chain infrastructure.
Processing and Storage Expansion
- PM Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)– An umbrella scheme supporting modern infrastructure, mega food parks, and efficient supply chain networks from farm gate to retail.
- World’s Largest Grain Storage Programme (PACS)– An initiative integrating Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) at the grassroots level to build decentralized storage capacity and prevent distress sales by farmers.
Achievements
- The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) links hundreds of wholesale markets across states into one online trading space and increased farmers’ trading participation.
- Over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) now help small growers sell crops together and earn more money.
- Improved post-harvest management, through new cold storage units and warehouses that keep food fresh for longer period.
- NITI Aayog recognized that digital trading helped farmers get fair market rates and improved market efficiency
Significance and Challenges
- Fair Pricing- Online bids show clear, real-time market rates for crops.
- Less Waste– Cold storage and better roads stop crops from rotting before sale.
- Enhanced Bargaining Power– Small and marginal farmers join together to bargain for higher sales prices.
- Easy Transport– Farmers sell goods across state borders without heavy red tape, through transparent online trading, reducing market barriers and expanding market access.
Challenges
- Uneven implementation– Some states use these new tools well, while others lag behind.
- Inadequate infrastructure– Rural areas still lack enough local collection points and cold rooms.
- Digital Gap– Many smallholders struggle to use phone apps and online portals.
- Dependence on State-Level APMC Reforms – Agricultural marketing reforms vary across States, leading to uneven implementation and limiting the benefits of a unified national agricultural market.
Way Forward & Conclusion
Strengthening agricultural marketing requires expanding digital platforms like e-NAM, promoting FPO-led aggregation and value chains, improving storage, cold chain and logistics infrastructure, encouraging market reforms and private investment, and integrating farmers with food processing industries.
These measures will enhance price realization, reduce post-harvest losses, and build a resilient, efficient and farmer-centric agricultural marketing ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding agricultural marketing initiatives in India:
- The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) enables transparent online bidding and facilitates inter-State trade.
- The Scheme for Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) aims to enhance farmers’ collective bargaining power.
- The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) provides interest subvention support for warehouses, cold chains and processing units.
- Agricultural marketing is a subject exclusively under the Union Government.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Explanation: Statement 4 incorrect. Agricultural marketing is a State subject, with the Central Government supporting States through various schemes.
Mains Practice Question
Q. “Agricultural marketing reforms are essential for enhancing farmers’ income and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.” Discuss the role of government initiatives in strengthening agricultural marketing in India. Also examine the challenges and suggest measures for improving market efficiency. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
India’s Manufacturing Strategy And Supply Chain Resilience
Source: The Times Of India
GS III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment.
Overview
- India has launched a strategic manufacturing initiative to build resilient domestic supply chains amid rising geopolitical and global trade disruptions.
- The strategy targets USD 51 billion worth of critical imports and identifies 100 priority products for domestic manufacturing.
- It seeks to reduce import dependence through investment, technology partnerships, and industrial infrastructure development.
- The initiative aims to strengthen economic security, enhance India’s integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs), and support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Why in the News?
India is preparing a major manufacturing strategy to make domestic supply chains resilient against geopolitical conflicts and global trade disruptions.
News in Brief
- The government has reportedly identified around 100 priority products for boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence.
- The initiative seeks to strengthen manufacturing in strategic sectors through incentives, technology transfer, domestic capacity creation and global partnerships, thereby reducing import dependence and enhancing supply-chain resilience.
- The strategy complements initiatives such as Make in India, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, and the proposed National Manufacturing Mission.
Key Highlights
Import Substitution Strategy
- India has identified USD 51 billion (≈ ₹4.25 lakh crore) worth of critical imports for domestic manufacturing under an import substitution strategy.
- Out of USD 775 billion of total imports (FY 2025–26), about USD 398 billion has the potential to be manufactured domestically.
- Around 100 priority products have been shortlisted for immediate policy support.
Focus Sectors
- The priority products cover sectors such as textiles, solar equipment, electric vehicle (EV) components, machinery, electronics, chemicals and critical industrial inputs.
- The objective is to replace imports with domestic production within a 3–5 year timeframe through targeted policy support.
Key Features of the Manufacturing Push
Reducing Dependence on China
- India’s imports from China reached nearly USD 132 billion in FY 2025–26, making it the country’s largest import source.
- Heavy dependence exists in sectors such as machinery, electronics, solar equipment, EV batteries and industrial components.
- The strategy aims to improve domestic competitiveness by reducing cost and production gaps.
Technology Partnerships and Investment
- India plans to attract investments and technology partnerships from Taiwan, South Korea, Germany and Italy.
- The focus is on acquiring advanced manufacturing technologies, precision engineering and specialised industrial capabilities.
Building on Existing Initiatives
- The strategy complements initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Make in India, and the proposed National Manufacturing Mission.
- It extends policy support to additional strategic products beyond the existing PLI sectors.
Industrial Infrastructure Development
- Successful import substitution requires new manufacturing facilities, advanced machinery, reliable power, logistics infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
- Strengthening supplier ecosystems and industrial clusters is essential for long-term competitiveness.
Significance and Challenges
- Strengthen supply-chain resilience against geopolitical disruptions.
- Reduce import dependence and improve economic security.
- Enhance India’s integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs).
- Boost investment, employment, exports and manufacturing-led economic growth.
- Supports the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Challenges
- High dependence on imported intermediate goods and critical minerals.
- Infrastructure and logistics bottlenecks.
- Technology gaps and limited domestic component ecosystem.
- Skill shortages and higher production costs in some sectors.
- Intense global competition from established manufacturing economies.
Government Initiatives
Core Manufacturing and Policy Frameworks
- Make in India (2014)– A major national program designed to turn India into a global hub for manufacturing, design, and innovation across 27 target sectors.
- National Manufacturing Mission– Focuses on deepening domestic value chains, supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and boosting high-tech manufacturing clusters.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme- Offers financial rewards on incremental sales across 14 vital sectors—such as electronics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals—to build scale and cut import reliance.
Infrastructure, Logistics, and Connectivity
- PM Gati Shakti– A massive national master plan using a digital platform for integrated planning of multi-modal transport and infrastructure projects.
- National Logistics Policy– Seeks to streamline the supply chain, leverage smart technology, and reduce high logistics expenses to improve global trade competitiveness.
- National Industrial Corridor Development Programme– Builds advanced smart industrial cities and plug-and-play manufacturing nodes along major freight corridors.
High-Tech and Strategic Sectors
- India Semiconductor Mission– Establishes a complete domestic ecosystem for silicon chip fabrication, display assembly, and outsourced semiconductor testing.
Conclusion
India’s manufacturing push marks a strategic shift from import dependence to resilient domestic production.
By strengthening supply chains, fostering technology partnerships, and building globally competitive manufacturing ecosystems, the initiative can enhance economic security, accelerate industrial growth, and support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Key Takeaways
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding India’s recent manufacturing push:
- It aims to reduce import dependence by promoting domestic production of identified critical products.
- The initiative seeks to strengthen India’s resilience against global supply-chain disruptions.
- The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme is the only government initiative supporting this strategy.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Mains Practice Question
Q. “Building resilient domestic manufacturing ecosystems is essential for India’s economic security and integration into global value chains.” Discuss in the context of India’s recent manufacturing initiatives aimed at future-proofing supply chains. (15 Marks)
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