UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Regenerative Agriculture and Its Relevance to India

Dec 15, 2023

1. What is Regenerative Agriculture? Regenerative agriculture is a farming approach that focuses on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems. It involves practices like minimal ploughing, crop rotation, and the use of organic fertilizers. 2. Why is Regenerative Agriculture Important? It addresses soil degradation caused by intensive farming, enhances soil’s ability to store CO2, and helps mitigate climate change by turning agricultural lands into carbon sinks. 3. How Does Regenerative Agricultur... Read More...

Green Hydrogen and Its Role in a Sustainable Future

Dec 15, 2023

1. What makes hydrogen a desirable source of power? Hydrogen is abundant, produces minimal pollution when burned, and can store and deliver energy in a usable form. 2. How is hydrogen produced, and what are the types? Common methods include steam methane reforming and electrolysis. Types include grey, blue, green, and pink hydrogen, categorized based on production methods and carbon emissions. 3. Why is green hydrogen considered the most sustainable option? Green hydrogen is produced through water electr... Read More...

Carbon Capture and Storage

Dec 15, 2023

1. What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)? CCS is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes, compresses it, and stores it underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere. 2. Why is CCS important in tackling climate change? CCS helps to reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere, which is crucial for limiting global temperature rises to 1.5°C and achieving net-zero emissions. 3. How does CCS work? CCS involves ... Read More...

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) and Seaweed

Dec 15, 2023

1. What is Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)? BECCS is a process where biomass (plant material) is burned to generate energy, and the CO2 produced is captured and stored. It’s seen as a way to produce energy while achieving negative emissions since plants absorb CO2 while growing. 2. How does BECCS contribute to carbon reduction? BECCS captures CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere during bioenergy production, helping to reduce the overall carbon footprint of energy generation. 3. What are th... Read More...

Blockchain-Powered Data Storage in Indian Government

Dec 15, 2023

Overview: Blockchain technology, known for its robust security and decentralization, is being explored by the Indian government for data storage solutions. This involves leveraging blockchain’s inherent features like immutability, transparency, and distributed ledger technology for managing government data. Key Points: 1. Enhanced Security: Blockchain’s secure nature helps protect sensitive government data against hacking and unauthorized access. 2. Transparency and Accountability: The technology ensures transparency in govern... Read More...

UAE’s $30 Billion Climate Investment Fund at COP28

Dec 15, 2023

1. What is the ALTÉRRA fund announced at COP28? ALTÉRRA is a $30 billion climate investment fund launched by the UAE at COP28, aimed at mobilizing private capital for climate investments, particularly in emerging markets and the Global South. 2. What are the objectives of ALTÉRRA, launched at COP28? The fund’s goals include mobilizing $250 billion by 2030 for climate investments and creating a fairer climate finance system. 3. How will ALTÉRRA contribute to the COP28 climate action goals? Read More...

FAQs on Adaptation at COP28

Dec 15, 2023

1. What was the key decision on adaptation at COP28? A framework was established to guide nations in protecting people and ecosystems from climate change, advancing the global goal on adaptation (GGA). 2. What is the global goal on adaptation (GGA)? The GGA aims to elevate adaptation to the same level of importance as mitigation in the UN climate process, a priority for climate-vulnerable countries. 3. What themes are covered under the GGA? Agreed themes include water, food, health, ecosystems, infrastru... Read More...

Loss and Damage at COP28

Dec 15, 2023

1. What is “loss and damage” in the context of climate change? Loss and damage refer to irreversible harm caused by climate disasters, crucial for small-island states facing issues like hurricane damage and sea-level rise. 2. What was the significant development regarding the loss-and-damage fund at COP28? A loss-and-damage fund was launched, marking a significant achievement during a COP opening session, with a focus on addressing irreversible climate damages. 3. How was the loss-and-damage fund structured? Read More...

The Santiago Network for Loss and Damage

Dec 15, 2023

It was established as part of the Warsaw International Mechanism to provide technical assistance to developing countries particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This network aims to catalyze the efforts of various organizations, bodies, networks, and experts in implementing strategies to avert, minimize, and address loss and damage at local, national, and regional levels. The Santiago Network does not have a set structure for its functioning as of now. Since its establishment at COP25, there have been efforts to develop the network, including the launch of a portal on the UNFCCC website and calls for inputs from parties re... Read More...

Global Stocktake of COP28: Overview

Dec 15, 2023

Definition and Purpose: The global stocktake at COP28 refers to a comprehensive review process undertaken by the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Its purpose is to assess collective progress towards achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, particularly in limiting global temperature rise. Key Components of the COP28 Global Stocktake: 1. Emissions Reduction Targets: Emphasis on reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030, relative to 2019 levels. 2. Renewable Energy and Efficiency... Read More...

Account Aggregators in India

Dec 15, 2023

Introduction to Account Aggregators (AAs): Account Aggregators are RBI-authorized entities that operate as a type of NBFC. Their primary role is to securely and digitally collect and share customers’ financial information, with consent, across different financial institutions within the AA network. RBI’s Oversight of AAs: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) supervises AAs through a stringent set of circulars, master directions, and notifications, ensuring they comply with the necessary financial regulations. Account Aggregators’ Role in Financial Inclusion: AAs are designed to resolve the issue of f... Read More...

India’s Account Aggregator Network

Dec 15, 2023

1. Introduction to Account Aggregator (AA): The AA is an RBI-regulated entity allowing individuals to digitally access and share their financial data across institutions in the network, with consent. 2. Benefits of AA Network: This network simplifies the sharing of financial data, replacing cumbersome traditional methods, thereby easing loan applications and financial services access. 3. Comparison with Other Data Sharing Systems: Unlike Aadhaar eKYC or CKYC that share limited identity data, or credit bureaus sharing credit history, AAs facilitate transaction data sharing, offering a more comprehensive financial ... Read More...

India's Hydropower Policy

Dec 15, 2023

1. Current State of Hydropower: India's installed capacity is 52 GW, with 18 GW under implementation or has been bid out. The aim is to reach 78 GW by 2030. Unpredictable weather patterns like El Niño and other challenges have caused a decline in hydropower generation. 2. Previous Policy: A hydropower policy existed from 2008, focusing on incentivizing private sector investment and cost recuperation. However, there are gaps that need to be addressed, especially in environmental clearance and saleable energy proportion. 3. Need for a New Policy: To efficiently utilize the hydro potential and meet energy... Read More...

Key Decisions from COP 28: Paving the Way for a Greener Future

Dec 14, 2023

COP 28 has concluded with several groundbreaking decisions, each pivotal for addressing climate change and steering global action towards sustainability. 1. Fossil Fuel Transition: A historic first, nearly 200 countries agreed to reduce global fossil fuel consumption, emphasizing an orderly transition away from oil and gas. 2. Renewable Energy and Efficiency Boost: Over 117 countries pledged to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, aiming for a significant leap in sustainable energy use. 3. Loss and Damage Fund: Developed countries, primarily responsible for climate... Read More...

Seized Cash Flow: The Aftermath of Income Tax Raids

Dec 14, 2023

Procedure Following the Seizure of Cash by Income Tax Authorities Upon the confiscation of substantial monetary sums during income tax raids, a stringent protocol is followed. The seized funds are meticulously counted by bank officials, who act as independent witnesses to the procedure, thereby ensuring the transparency and integrity of the process. Subsequently, the cash is deposited into a designated treasury account of the Income Tax Department, specifically maintained at the State Bank of India. This account serves as a secure holding point for the funds during the subsequent legal and administrative scrutiny. Read More...