UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Benefit Sharing,Biodiversity Protection and Traditional Knowledge Protection in India: Examples

Sep 02, 2023

Introduction: Benefit sharing is a vital aspect of protecting traditional knowledge (TK) and biodiversity associated with biological resources. It involves ensuring that those who contribute to the conservation and development of traditional knowledge and biodiversity receive equitable monetary and non-monetary benefits. Biodiversity Act and Benefit Sharing: Under the Biodiversity Act of India, benefit sharing is mandated for various activities: Research: Entiti... Read More...

Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) Value Chain in India: Overview and Significance

Sep 02, 2023

Introduction: The Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) value chain in India encompasses the entire process of producing, distributing, and marketing tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. These vegetables are staples in Indian diets, making the value chain crucial for food security and economic stability. Importance of TOP Value Chain: The TOP value chain is pivotal due to the significance of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes in Indian cuisine. It ensures a consistent supply of these essentials to meet the nation's consumption needs. Read More...

Trilateral Cooperation between India, France, and Australia in the Pacific Islands

Sep 02, 2023

Introduction: The trilateral partnership forum between India, France, and Australia was established in 2021 to foster maritime development and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership focuses on strategic, security, economic, and environmental cooperation to address challenges in the region. Areas of Cooperation: The trilateral partnership aims to collaborate on disaster-resilient infrastructure, climate action, and combatting illegal fishing. Strengthening multilateral organizations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA... Read More...

Dinosaurs and Fossil Discoveries in India

Sep 02, 2023

Introduction: India, with its ancient geological history, holds a unique place in the world of paleontology, offering insights into the era of dinosaurs and other prehistoric life forms. Geological History: Origin and Movement: India once was part of the supercontinent Gondwanaland. About 90 million years ago, the Indian plate began drifting northwards and eventually collided with the Eurasian Plate, forming the Himalayas. Impact on Dinosaur Evolution: This shifting of tectonic plates influenced... Read More...

Insider Trading

Sep 02, 2023

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is the regulator for the securities market in India. Established in 1992, SEBI aims to protect the interests of investors in securities and promote the development of the securities market. SEBI's Role in Regulating Insider Trading: Legislation and Rules: SEBI has implemented the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, which came into effect in 1992 and has been periodically amended to address emerging challenges in preventing insider trading. Read More...

Sagarmala: India's Maritime Vision

Sep 02, 2023

Introduction: Sagarmala, translating to a "string of pearls," is a strategic initiative launched by the Government of India in 2015. Aimed at harnessing the untapped potential of the country's expansive coastline and rich maritime history, the project focuses on revamping India's maritime infrastructure. Key Objectives: Sagarmala's primary goals include: Port Modernization and Capacity Enhancement: Refurbishing existing ports and enhancing ... Read More...

Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM) 2021-2025

Sep 02, 2023

India's Agricultural Startups: A New Dawn for Traditional Farming Introduction: In a country where agriculture has been the primary occupation for a large part of the population, the amalgamation of technology and farming, driven by startups, is rewriting the narrative of traditional agriculture in India. Significance of Agriculture in India's Economy: Agriculture, which contributes approximately 16% to the GDP and employs almost half of the nation's workforce, ... Read More...