UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

Digital India

Sep 02, 2023

Digital Transformation in Agriculture and Rural Areas: Need, Challenges, and Benefits with a Focus on Indian Examples Introduction: With the rapidly progressing technological landscape in India, agriculture, the backbone of the country, is also witnessing a wave of digital transformation. Initiatives like Kisan drones, eChoupal, and eNAM are testimonials to the fact that digital advancements can redefine the future of agriculture in India, making it more efficient and sustainable. Need for Digital Transformation: Read More...

North-East Development and Sagaramala

Sep 02, 2023

The North-Eastern region of India, characterized by its strategic location and rich biodiversity, has always held immense potential for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. However, it has historically been hampered by infrastructural and connectivity challenges. Recognizing the significance of this region, especially in the context of India's Act East Policy, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has taken several initiatives. The Sagarmala Project: Under the broader ambit of the Sagarmala project, the development of port infrastructure not only serves coastal regio... Read More...

Understanding State Capacity in India:Faster and More Inclusive Growth

Sep 02, 2023

Definition: State capacity refers to the government's ability to implement policies, execute projects, and provide essential services to its citizens. Key Strategies to Enhance State Capacity: Institutional Reforms: Streamlining bureaucratic processes, reducing red tape, and enhancing transparency. Human Resource Development: Upskilling of civil servants and administrators for better decision-making. Read More...

Understanding Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy

Sep 02, 2023

Definitions: Resource Efficiency: Maximizes the value of resources by minimizing waste. It emphasizes getting more from fewer resources. Circular Economy: Focuses on recycling, reusing, and repurposing to close the product lifecycle loop, decreasing the need for fresh raw materials. Importance: Supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Decouples resource utilization from economic growth, ai... Read More...