Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs

Context: Agroforestry presents a transformative opportunity for rural India by enhancing biodiversity, boosting farmer incomes, promoting carbon capture, and supporting ecological restoration. Agroforestry Agroforestry is a holistic land-use approach that combines agricultural practices with forestry techniques to create diversified, sustainable, and economically viable landscapes. Key Goals: Improve land productivity and …

Context: India has transitioned toward a science-driven food safety system, yet significant challenges persist in areas such as indigenous research, public risk awareness, and outdated regulations. Evolution of Food Safety Regulations in India Initial Framework: India’s food safety efforts began with the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, supported by …

Context: PMSMA has completed nine years of service since its inception. Launched in: 2016 Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) Strategic Alignment: Aligned with the RMNCAH+N (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health + Nutrition) strategy under the National Health Mission. Objective: To ensure universal access to …

Context: The Ayush Nivesh Saarthi Portal has been launched to accelerate investments in India’s traditional medicine systems. About the Portal: The Ayush Nivesh Saarthi is a comprehensive digital platform tailored to facilitate investment in the Ayush sector—covering Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Developed by: Ministry of Ayush, in …

India has made significant strides in reducing extreme poverty, with the rate plummeting from 27.1% in 2011-12 to a mere 5.3% in 2022-23, according to data based on the World Bank’s updated global poverty line of $3 per day (2021 Purchasing Power Parity – PPP). This achievement comes amidst a …

Bacteriophages, often referred to as “good viruses,” are viruses that specifically infect and destroy bacteria. Structure: They consist of a nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA, which can be single- or double-stranded) encased within a protein shell. Ubiquity: They are found extensively in nature, including in soil, water, and the …

SAI is a proposed solar geoengineering technique aimed at artificially cooling the Earth’s surface to counter global warming.1 Mechanism: It involves deliberately injecting reflective aerosols, such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), into the stratosphere.2 These aerosols then reflect a portion of incoming solar radiation back into space, mimicking the natural cooling …

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched the UMEED Central Portal, which stands for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency & Development. Purpose: It is a centralized digital platform designed for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties. Legal Basis: Launched under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, giving it a …

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released the 10th edition of its Global Energy Investment Report 2025, providing crucial insights into global energy investment trends. The report indicates a notable shift towards clean energy technologies, though significant challenges remain, particularly in developing economies. Key Global Investment Trends Overall Investment Growth: …

The Aravalli Green Wall Project, an ambitious initiative by the Indian government, was recently highlighted on World Environment Day by the Prime Minister. This project aims to establish a vast green belt across the Aravalli Range, primarily to combat desertification and enhance ecological stability. Project Overview Inspired by Africa’s Great …

India’s recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK, which eliminates tariffs on garments, presents a significant opportunity for the nation’s textile and apparel industry. Similar FTAs with major markets like the EU and USA could further propel exports, generate employment, and enhance India’s global competitiveness in this crucial sector. …

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) offers a revolutionary approach to renewable energy by seamlessly blending solar technology directly into a building’s structure. Unlike traditional rooftop solar (RTS) systems, BIPV elements become an integral part of the building’s architectural design, effectively turning entire structures into electricity generators. What is BIPV? BIPV systems are …

Context:  ICRISAT, in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), has launched the ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA) to enhance agricultural collaboration among developing nations. Overview of ICRISAT A non-profit, apolitical international research organization dedicated to improving agriculture in dryland regions of Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, benefiting over 2 …

Clean Plant Programme (CPP) Context (HT): The government has introduced the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) to promote disease-free, high-quality cultivation of grapes, oranges, and pomegranates. Key Details: Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) Implementing Agencies: National Horticulture Board (NHB) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Launched Under: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture …

Context:  Researchers at IIT Roorkee have made a breakthrough by detecting and analyzing proton emission from Astatine-188 (¹⁸⁸At), the heaviest known proton-emitting isotope to date. This discovery is significant as it represents the first instance of ground-state proton radioactivity being observed in such a massive isotope. Key Facts About Astatine …

Background The replacement of the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog in 2015 signified a major shift in governance—moving from a centralized planning model to a more cooperative and inclusive framework. Understanding Federalism Federalism refers to a governance structure where authority is distributed between a central government and regional entities. While …

Context:  Despite international pledges such as the Paris Agreement (2015) and COP26/27/28, India grapples with worsening carbon emissions, ecological destruction, and environmental instability. Key Environmental Challenges The UNEP identifies a Triple Planetary Crisis—three interlinked emergencies: Climate Change – Fueled by rising greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming, extreme weather, sea-level rise, and threats to food and …

Context:  The reservation policy under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, aimed at integrating children from disadvantaged backgrounds into mainstream schooling, has fallen short of its goal of creating an inclusive education system. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE), 2009, marked a significant milestone in …

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has emerged as a crucial tool for debt recovery and fostering credit discipline in India. While it has significantly improved the resolution of corporate distress, its effectiveness is still hampered by persistent issues like judicial delays and legal uncertainties.1 The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code …

China’s Brahmaputra Projects India faces significant concerns due to China’s extensive dam construction on the Brahmaputra River, particularly with the newly planned Medog (Motuo) Hydropower Project.1 This massive 60,000-MW facility, slated to be the world’s largest, is located near the “Great Bend” of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) before it enters …