UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Sustainable Agriculture and Government Initiatives in India

Sep 02, 2023

Introduction: Sustainable agriculture focuses on practices that ensure the long-term well-being of the environment, society, and economy. In India, the government has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote sustainable farming practices and increase farmers' income. Key Government Policies and Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to provide irrigation facilities and promote efficient water usage in agriculture, leading to higher crop productivity. Read More...

Problems and Policies Related to Water Management and Irrigation Practices in Indian Agriculture:

Sep 02, 2023

Water Scarcity: India faces significant water scarcity, particularly in regions prone to drought. This scarcity leads to inadequate water availability for agricultural purposes, affecting crop productivity and livelihoods. Overexploitation of Groundwater: The over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation purposes has resulted in declining water tables and depleting aquifers. This trend jeopardizes the long-term sustainability of water resources. Inefficient Water Use: Conventional irrigation methods, such as flood... Read More...

Empowering Smallholder Farmers: Financial Inclusion and Access to Credit

Sep 02, 2023

Smallholder farmers, who cultivate small plots of land and often rely on subsistence farming, face unique challenges that hinder their agricultural productivity and economic well-being. To address these challenges and uplift smallholder farmers, governments and organizations have implemented various initiatives focused on financial inclusion and access to credit. These efforts aim to provide farmers with the financial resources they need to invest in their farms, adopt modern practices, and improve their livelihoods. Here's how smallholder farmers are being empowered through these strategies: Formati... Read More...

Promoting Agricultural Research and Innovation for Productivity and Sustainability

Sep 02, 2023

India is actively promoting agricultural research and innovation to enhance the productivity and sustainability of its agricultural sector. Through various initiatives and investments, the country is striving to develop advanced technologies, practices, and solutions that address the challenges posed by evolving agricultural needs and changing environmental conditions. Here's how India is fostering agricultural research and innovation: Increased Investment: The Indian government has augmented its financial commitment to agricultural research and innovation. With a notable budget allocation o... Read More...

India's Role in the Upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)

Sep 02, 2023

1. Introduction to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and India's Role in its Upgrade: The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) stands as the world's most powerful particle accelerator, situated beneath the France-Switzerland border at CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research). India has assumed a pivotal role in the forthcoming upgrade of the LHC, referred to as the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC), set to take place by 2025. This upgrade seeks to delve even deeper into comprehending the fundamental building blocks of matter and the underlying forces shaping our universe. 2. Benefi... Read More...

Agriculture Accelerator Fund

Sep 02, 2023

The Agriculture Accelerator Fund, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the budget for 2023-24, is a significant initiative designed to support agritech startups and young entrepreneurs hailing from rural areas. With the goal of fostering innovation and addressing the challenges faced by farmers, this fund is poised to provide vital financial backing and resources to startups, enabling the introduction of modern tools and technologies into the agricultural landscape. Key Objectives and Benefits of the Agriculture Accelerator Fund: 1. Inclu... Read More...

Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development" Program under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

Sep 02, 2023

The Government of India, through the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW), has demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being of farmers and the modernization of agricultural systems. This commitment is reflected in the implementation of the "Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development" program under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since 2018-19. The central aim of this program is to stimulate innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by offering financial support and cultivating an incubation ecosystem across the nation. Key Aspects and Accomplishments of the Prog... Read More...

Agriculture and Logistics in India: Challenges and Solutions

Sep 02, 2023

Role of Logistics in Agriculture and Horticulture: Logistics plays a critical role in India's agriculture and horticulture sector by managing the entire supply chain from farm to consumer. Efficient logistics ensure timely and safe transportation of agricultural produce, reduce wastage, enhance farmers' income, and ensure food security. Major Challenges in Agricultural Logistics: Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor transportation infrastructure, including roads, rail, and air connectivity, leads to delays and increased cos... Read More...

Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF): Revolutionizing Weather Forecasting for Disaster Management

Sep 02, 2023

Introduction to Impact-Based Forecasting: Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) is a revolutionary approach to weather forecasting that shifts the focus from predicting weather events to assessing their potential impacts. Unlike traditional weather forecasts that primarily provide meteorological information, IBF helps individuals and disaster management agencies understand the likely consequences of impending weather events, enabling proactive actions to mitigate risks and protect lives and property. Importance of Impact Over Weather: Read More...

Qila Rai Pithora

Sep 01, 2023

Q1: Who built Qila Rai Pithora, and when was it constructed? A1: Qila Rai Pithora, also known as Rai Pithora's Fort, was constructed in the 12th century by the Chauhan king, Prithviraj Chauhan. Q2: What is the historical significance of Qila Rai Pithora? A2: Qila Rai Pithora served as a ruling seat for various dynasties, including the Tomar, Chauhan, and Slave Dynasty, from the 12th to the 13th century. Q3: How is Qila Rai Pithora connected to Lal Kot? A3: ... Read More...

Blockchain in e-Governance in India: An Overview

Sep 01, 2023

Introduction: Blockchain is a decentralized, secure digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers in a network. Each transaction forms a block that's linked to the previous, ensuring transparency, immutability, and trust. Uses & Examples: General e-Governance: Governments globally use blockchain for functions like land registration, educational credentialing, health care, and identity management. Indian... Read More...

Grey Zone Warfare of China and Its Implications for India

Sep 01, 2023

What is Grey Zone Warfare? Grey Zone Warfare is a strategy where a country tries to gain an advantage over another without resorting to open war. Essentially, it's a series of tactics, like cyberattacks, misinformation, or economic pressures, used to subtly undermine or destabilize an opponent. China has been particularly adept at employing this strategy, notably against India and other neighbors. China's Grey Zone Tactics against India: South China Sea Activities: China uses naval and... Read More...

Understanding Share Buybacks

Sep 01, 2023

1. What's a Buyback? A buyback is when a company re-buys its own shares. It's like a reverse of issuing stock. 2. Why Do Companies Do Buybacks? Companies might have too much spare cash, or they might want to boost their stock prices. It's also a way to show shareholders they care and that the company is doing well financially. 3. How Do Buybacks Boost Stock Prices? Think of it as supply and demand. If there are fewer shares around, each share become... Read More...

India:Early Harvest Deals (EHDs) in FTAs

Sep 01, 2023

What are Early Harvest Deals? When two countries are working on a big trade deal (FTA), they might agree on some things early on, before the full deal is finished. These smaller agreements are called Early Harvest Deals (EHDs). It's like enjoying the first fruits of a garden before the whole harvest is ready. Why do countries like EHDs? EHDs give quick benefits. For example, two countries might agree to remove taxes on certain goods right away. This can help businesses in both countries start trading more of those goods immediately. ... Read More...

CoBRA: Overview and Latest Developments

Sep 01, 2023

What is CoBRA? CoBRA stands for Commando Battalion for Resolute Action. It's a special team that's part of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Their main job is to deal with Naxals and other extremist groups in India, especially in areas with thick forests. What's the main job of CoBRA? CoBRA is mainly focused on fighting against Naxals in areas where these extremists are active. This includes states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, among others. They use special tactics meant for fighting in jungles to get the upper ... Read More...