Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) PAY COMMISSION Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: On 16 January, the Union government announced the constitution of the 8th Pay Commission. Background: – Since 1947, seven Pay Commissions have been constituted, with the last one constituted in 2014 and implemented on January 1, 2016. The 7th pay commission saw an expenditure increase of Rs 1 lakh crore for fiscal 2016-17. Key takeaways  A Pay Commission, set up by the government of India, decides the salary and compensation of Central government staffers and allowances of pensioners. Pay commissions consult with central and state governments, along with other stakeholders, before recommending salary structures, benefits, and allowances for government employees. The commission also suggests formulas for revising dearness allowance and dearness relief for central government employees and pensioners, aiming to offset the impact of inflation.  The recommendations are suggestive, there is no obligation on the government to accept the recommendations of the pay commission. There are over 49 lakh central government employees and nearly 65 lakh pensioners who will benefit.  Generally, every 10 years, the central government implements a pay commission to revise employee remuneration. As the 7th Pay Commission’s term concludes in 2026, initiating the process now ensures sufficient time to receive and review recommendations before its completion. Source: Indian Express RIVER INTERLINKING Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: India, with 17% of the world’s population but only 4% of its freshwater resources, faces uneven water distribution. The river interlinking project aims to address challenges from topography, climate, natural disasters, and water inequality. Background: – The idea of interlinking rivers goes back to 1858 when Captain Arthur Cotton, a British Army engineer, first proposed linking rivers through canals, mainly for inland navigation. River interlinking in India River interlinking is a large-scale water management strategy involving human-induced water redistribution from surplus areas to areas experiencing shortages. The strategy involves connecting two or more basins through a network of canals, reservoirs, pipelines, etc. In 1980, the Ministry of Irrigation (Now the Ministry of Water Resources) framed the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for inter-basin water transfer. The plan identified 30 link projects divided into two components:14 Himalayan and 16 Peninsular link projects.  Subsequently, in 1982, The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) was set up to study and implement river interlinking projects.  In 2002, in response to a Public Interest Litigation or PIL, the Supreme Court ordered the government to complete all river links within 12 years, bringing the issue to the forefront. Ken-Betwa Link Project On December 25, 2024, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) in Madhya Pradesh. The project aims to provide irrigation to Bundelkhand.  In this project, surplus water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh will be transferred to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh. Both of these rivers are right-bank tributaries of the Yamuna River.  The project will irrigate 10.62 lakh hectares (8.11 lakh ha in MP and 2.51 lakh ha in UP) of land annually and supply drinking water to about 62 lakh people. This project will generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar energy. The project passes through Panna Tiger Reserve.  KBLP is the first project under the National Perspective Plan that is currently being implemented. Significance of river interlinking The scheme aims to transfer about 200 billion Cubic Meters (BCM) of water annually from water-rich to drought-prone regions. It will irrigate 34 million hectares of agricultural land and generate 34,000 MW of substantial hydropower. It will ensure continuous and reliable water supply for irrigation, which can hugely increase the country’s agricultural productivity. Additionally, interlinking projects will lead to equitable access to water resources for drinking and industrial uses by reducing regional imbalances in current water availability. Equitable and reliable water supply will also support industries and help in employment generation.  They will also help mitigate floods’ impacts by storing excess water in reservoirs. Simultaneously, this stored water can be used to provide relief during droughts. Environmental and social concerns  The inter-basin water transfer will change the river morphology and also have an impact on the physical and chemical composition of the sediment load. Subsequently, it will also affect the water quality and ecosystem of the region. The large-scale diversion of water can disrupt the river’s natural ecosystem and affect the habitat of the various species. Canals and reservoirs can alter the migratory routes of fish and other species, which, as a result, will decline, eventually leading to biodiversity loss. Water transfer may also disturb the inter-relationship between rivers and climatic attributes such as temperature, precipitation and Humidity.  The construction activities will cause significant social disruptions mainly due to the displacement of populations. Water is a state subject, and conflicts exist among states regarding water-sharing. Moreover, these projects are excessively expensive. Also, such large-scale projects often suffer from time and cost overruns, diminishing their economic viability. Therefore, the economic feasibility of these projects needs to be assessed against more cost-effective, sustainable, and environment-friendly alternatives such as rainwater harvesting, local water conservation, and efficient irrigation. It may be more suitable to explore localised solutions alongside these large-scale projects. Source: Indian Express KASHI TAMIL SANGAMAM Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the main theme of the third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a cultural exchange programme scheduled to be held from February 14 to 25, will be Rishi Agastya. Background: The first edition of the programme was held in 2022. Key takeaways  Kashi Tamil Sangamam is an annual month-long programme organized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India to celebrate, reaffirm and rediscover the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi. The event underscores the connections between these two ancient centers of learning and spirituality. The most recent third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is scheduled from February 15 to 24, 2025.  The main theme in this year’s event is highlighting the significant contributions of Sage Agasthyar to the Siddha System of Medicine (Bharatiya Chikitsa), Classical Tamil Literature, and also his contributions in the cultural unity of the Nation. In this edition, around 1000 people under 5 categories (Students, Teachers, Farmers & Artisans, Professionals and small Entrepreneurs, women, and Researchers) will participate. An online registration portal has been launched, and the selection of participants will be done through a quiz. Seminars and cultural programmes will be held during the programme. Participants will visit Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, and with the event coinciding with the Maha Kumbh, they will also visit the Kumbh. Objectives: Strengthen Cultural Bonds: Deepen the understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultural practices and heritage. Promote Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate the exchange of traditional knowledge systems and contemporary innovations. Encourage Tourism and Education: Boost tourism between the regions and promote educational interactions across universities. Source: Indian Express SIACHEN GLACIER Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: Reliance Jio announced that it had extended its 4G and 5G services to Siachen Glacier, known as the world’s highest battlefield. Background: – Reliance Jio noted that it worked with Army Signallers of the Indian army in order to manage the logistics and airlift Jio equipment to the glacier in freezing weather conditions. Key takeaways Location and Geography: Situated in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas. The Siachen Glacier is positioned from northwest to southeast. It originates at the base of the Indira Col West, a col (low point) on the Indira Ridge, at an altitude of 6,115 metres (20,062 feet), and it descends to an altitude of 3,570 metres (11,713 feet). Length: Approximately 76 km, making it the longest glacier in the Karakoram and the second-longest in non-polar regions. Lies to the north of the Nubra Valley in Ladakh. At the glacier’s snout, two proglacial meltwater streams emerge, and eventually they combine into a single stream, thus forming the Nubra River in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.  The Nubra flows 90 km before its confluence with the Shyok River, which in turn drains into the approximately 3,200-km- long Indus River.  Strategic Importance: Positioned at the tri-junction of India, Pakistan, and China, making it geopolitically significant. Overlooks major supply routes and the Karakoram Pass, crucial for controlling the region. Conflict and Military Presence: The Siachen region has been at the center of military significance due to its strategic position between India and Pakistan. India controls the entire Siachen Glacier since the Operation Meghdoot in 1984 Highest militarized zone in the world, with troops stationed at altitudes exceeding 20,000 feet. Source: The Hindu TUNGABHADRA RIVER Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: The Tungabhadra water has turned green around Shiranahalli, Gangapur and Korlahalli villages in Mundargi taluk of Gadag district creating panic among the residents Background: – According to the residents, the river flowing in the region usually dries up during summer and the water left in puddles turns green. However, this year, flowing river water turning green has caused anxiety among them. Key takeaways  The Tungabhadra River is a prominent river in southern India.It is a key tributary of the Krishna River and plays a vital role in the irrigation, hydroelectricity, and water supply of the region. Geographical Features: Source: Originates in the Western Ghats at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers near Kudremukh in Karnataka. Course: Flows for approximately 531 km through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana before merging with the Krishna River at Sangameswaram in Andhra Pradesh. Basin Area: Covers about 71,417 square kilometers across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and a small part of Telangana. Irrigation: The river supports extensive agricultural activities in the Deccan Plateau. The Tungabhadra Dam near Hospet in Karnataka provides irrigation to over 1.25 million hectares of land. Hydroelectric Power: The dam generates hydroelectric power, contributing to the energy requirements of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Historical Importance: The river was central to the prosperity of the Vijayanagara Empire, with Hampi located on its banks. Source: The Hindu Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) Which of the following statements regarding the Siachen Glacier is/are correct? The Siachen Glacier is the longest glacier in the Karakoram range and the second-longest in the world. The glacier forms the source of the Nubra River, which eventually merges with the Shyok River. Operation Meghdoot was launched by India to secure the Siachen Glacier. Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2, and 3 (d) 1 and 3 only   Q2.) Consider the following statements regarding the Tungabhadra River: It originates from the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers in the Eastern Ghats. The Tungabhadra Dam provides irrigation to more than 1.25 million hectares of land. The river was historically significant for the Vijayanagara Empire. Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2, and 3 (d) 1 and 3 only   Q3.) With reference to the Pay Commission in India, consider the following statements: The recommendations of the Pay Commission are binding on the government. The 7th Pay Commission was implemented on January 1, 2016. Pay Commissions are generally constituted every 5 years to revise central government employee salaries. Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  16th January – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – b Q.2) – a Q.3) – a

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Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) BHARAT RANBHOOMI DARSHAN Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: In a historic move to showcase India’s military heritage, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan on January 15, 2025, during the 77th Army Day celebrations in Pune. Background: – This initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism to highlight India’s rich military heritage and honor the sacrifices made by the armed forces Key Aspects of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan: Historical Battlefield Sites: The initiative includes iconic war zones like Siachen (the world’s highest battlefield), Galwan (site of the 2020 India-China clash), and Longewala (highlighted in the 1971 India-Pakistan war), Kibithoo and Bum La Pass (locations in Arunachal Pradesh from the 1962 war with China) among others. Digital Tools: A dedicated app and website provide detailed insights into the historical significance of these sites, including virtual tours, historical narratives, and multimedia content. For those planning visits, the platform offers comprehensive travel information. Economic and Educational Benefits: By opening these regions to tourism, the initiative aims to boost local economies, provide educational opportunities, and inspire patriotism among visitors. The program aligns with the broader “Incredible India” campaign, merging tourism with educational experiences. Additional Information Most of these sites fall along India’s borders with China (Line of Actual Control) and Pakistan (Line of Control) that have had a history of wars after independence and other clashes in recent times. What is the Line of Actual Control? The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory. India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km. It is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector in Ladakh. How is the LAC different from the Line of Control with Pakistan? The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War. It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the Shimla Agreement between the two countries. It is delineated on a map signed by DGMOs of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement. The LAC, in contrast, is only a concept – it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground. Source: Indian Express EVOLUTION OF INDIAN AGRICULTURE Syllabus: Mains – GS 3  Context: As one of the oldest agrarian societies in the world, India’s farming practices have evolved over the years. However, agriculture today stands at a crossroads, with farmers grappling with challenges like climate change, shrinking arable land, depleting freshwater reserves, and rising input costs. Background: – While there has been a major shift in agriculture’s contribution to the Gross Value Added in the economy from 61.7% in 1950 to 16.3% in 2020, the proportion of the workforce engaged in agriculture remains high at 46.5% as of 2020 compared to 69.2% in 1950-51. From subsistence farming to market-oriented practices In subsistence farming, farmers usually raise crops or livestock to fulfil the needs of their families.  Subsistence agriculture can be broadly classified into two types – Primitive subsistence agriculture and Intensive subsistence agriculture.  Primitive subsistence agriculture or shifting cultivation involves clearing vegetation by fire and cultivating the land for 4-5 years before abandoning it. This practice is common in the northeastern states, where it is known as Jhuming, and Odisha and Telangana, where it is called Podu.  Intensive subsistence agriculture is prevalent in densely populated regions with monsoon climates. Subsistence farming is labour-intensive as it lacks mechanization due to the small size of holdings. Organic manure is commonly used and fertilizers and pesticides are rare, resulting in low productivity. In addition, there is a high dependence on the monsoon. Predominance of small and marginal land holdings and monsoon dependence According to the Agricultural Census 2015-16, small( 1-2 hectares) and marginal (<1 hectare) land holdings make up over 86% of the total agricultural land holdings in India. The average land holding size is just 0.38 hectares for marginal farmers and 1.4 hectares for small farmers.   As per NITI Aayog, 55% of the net cropped area in India is under irrigation, while the rest is dependent on the monsoon for irrigation. There are various issues associated with the dependence on the monsoon. These include insufficient rainfall in the events of El Nino, excess rainfall (La Nina) causing destruction of crops and flooding, untimely rainfall, and dry spells during the monsoon season.  Shift to profit-driven agricultural practices Over time, there has been a gradual shift towards market-oriented agricultural practices, including diversification and the cultivation of high-value crops.  Farmers are increasingly moving away from traditional food crops to non-food crops that offer higher returns, such as horticulture, floriculture, sericulture, viniculture, and apiculture. This shift reflects a structural change in the demand for high-value agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, and meat. Commercial farming in India is characterised by capital-intensive practices, the use of inorganic and modern inputs, advanced irrigation techniques, and larger landholdings. These trends indicate a move towards more specialised, profit-driven agricultural practices. Challenges and the way forward The evolving nature of Indian Agriculture presents it with various challenges, such as the need for modern techniques, greater awareness, and better access to extension services.  Overuse of fertilisers and inadequate soil conservation has resulted in soil degradation, underlining the potential and need for organic farming. Furthermore, the lack of adequate infrastructure, including storage facilities, cold chains, and poor road networks, causes substantial post-harvest losses.  Another pressing issue is the lack of credit to small and marginal farmers, which limits their ability to invest. The government has introduced various measures to improve agriculture. Some of the initiatives are PM-KISAN, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the formation and promotion of 10,000 FPOs scheme, the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, the Soil Health Card scheme, the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, Market Intervention Scheme, Micro Irrigation Fund, and Namo Drone Didi. Source: Indian Express MISSION MAUSAM Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: During the inaugural event to celebrate 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), P M Modi launched ‘Mission Mausam’. Background: Established in 1875, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) completed 150 years of service on January 15.  About Mission Mausam The mission aims to upgrade the capabilities of India’s weather department in forecasting, modelling, and dissemination. The primary objectives of Mission Mausam are:  To enhance India’s capability in weather forecasting across various scales—short-term, medium-term, extended-range, and seasonal. To develop high-resolution models for improved accuracy in predicting monsoon behaviour. To strengthen observational networks with advanced radars, satellites, and automated weather stations. To provide actionable advisories for agriculture, water resources, energy, health, and disaster management sectors. To build capacity through research collaborations with national and international institutions. Mission Mausam will have a budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the first two years of its implementation. Mission Mausam adopts a multi-pronged approach to achieve its objectives: Infrastructure Development: Installation of Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs), Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), and rain gauges across the country. Supercomputing Power: Leveraging high-performance computing systems like Pratyush and Mihir for advanced climate modelling. Collaborative Research: Partnerships with global organizations like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to enhance forecasting techniques. Public Outreach: Dissemination of user-friendly advisories through mobile apps (e.g., Mausam app), SMS services, and media channels. The mission will also ‘manage’ certain weather events, and on-demand, enhance or suppress rainfall, hail, fog and, later, lightning strikes. For effective weather modification, one of the most important areas is cloud physics. Towards this end, India is establishing a first-of-its-kind cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. A cloud chamber resembles a closed cylindrical or tubular drum, inside which water vapour, aerosols, etc. are injected. Under the desired humidity and temperature inside this chamber, a cloud can develop. With Mission Mausam, India will build a cloud chamber with convection properties, as required to study Indian monsoon clouds. Source: Indian Express DIEGO GARCIA Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRAPHY  Context: Even as Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities continue to face challenges due to the regular arrests of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, another group of ten fishermen from Thothoor village in the state has been allegedly arrested by the British Navy near Diego Garcia Island. Background: – The fishermen were reportedly arrested for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). Key takeaways Diego Garcia is a coral atoll located in the central Indian Ocean, forming the largest and southernmost part of the Chagos Archipelago. It is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and serves as a strategic military base jointly operated by the United Kingdom and the United States. Location: Approximately 3,535 km east of Tanzania, 2,984 km east-southeast of Somalia, and 726 km south of the Maldives Diego Garcia’s location along major international trade routes between Asia and Africa enhances its strategic importance. The joint UK-US military base supports various operations and serves as a logistical hub for forces operating in the Indo-Pacific region. The sovereignty of Diego Garcia has been a subject of international dispute. Mauritius claims the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, as its territory.  In October 2024, the UK announced plans to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining a long-term lease for the military base on Diego Garcia. Source: NDTV HYDROCLIMATE WHIPLASH Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – GEOGRAPHY Context: The wildfires that have devastated large parts of the Los Angeles city and surrounding areas in the United States since January 7 occurred due to rare meteorological conditions enhanced by global warming and consequent climate change, mainly due to a ‘hydroclimate whiplash’.  Background: – The blazes have already killed 24 people and burnt 12,000 structures to the ground over an area of 155 square kilometres as of January 13 and may intensify further due to fierce winds in the coming days. Key takeaways  Hydroclimate whiplash refers to rapid and extreme transitions between very wet and very dry conditions in a region. This phenomenon is becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, leading to significant environmental and societal impacts. Causes of Hydroclimate Whiplash: A primary driver is the increasing capacity of a warmer atmosphere to hold moisture. For every degree Celsius of warming, the atmosphere can hold about 7% more water vapor. This “expanding atmospheric sponge” effect results in: Intensified Precipitation: When the saturated atmosphere releases moisture, it leads to heavier and more intense rainfall events. Enhanced Evaporation: A warmer atmosphere also increases evaporative demand, drawing more moisture from soils and vegetation, which exacerbates drought conditions during dry periods. These dynamics contribute to more pronounced swings between wet and dry periods, characteristic of hydroclimate whiplash. Impacts of Hydroclimate Whiplash: Wildfires: Periods of heavy rainfall promote vegetation growth, which, during subsequent droughts, becomes dry fuel, increasing wildfire risk. This sequence has been observed in regions like California, where wet winters followed by dry summers have led to severe wildfires.  Flooding and Landslides: Intense rainfall can lead to flash floods and landslides, especially when occurring after prolonged dry spells that compromise soil stability. Agricultural Disruption: Crops may suffer from alternating flooding and drought conditions, affecting food production and security. Water Resource Management Challenges: The unpredictability of water availability complicates the management of reservoirs and water supplies, impacting both human consumption and ecological needs. Source: Down To Earth Practice MCQs Daily Practice MCQs Q1.) With reference to Diego Garcia, consider the following statements: Diego Garcia is a coral atoll located in the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as a strategic military base jointly operated by the United Kingdom and the United States. The sovereignty of Diego Garcia has been a subject of international dispute involving Mauritius. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3   Q2.) Hydroclimate whiplash is characterized by which of the following? Rapid transitions between very wet and very dry conditions. Stable level of atmospheric pressure. Enhanced stability in water resource management. Select the correct answer using the codes below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3   Q3.) Which of the following is/are objectives of Mission Mausam? Strengthening India’s capability in weather forecasting. Developing high-resolution models for improved accuracy in monsoon predictions. Enhancing collaborative research with World Health Organization (WHO). Select the correct answer using the codes below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!! ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs ANSWERS FOR  15th January – Daily Practice MCQs Answers- Daily Practice MCQs Q.1) – b Q.2) – d Q.3) – d