Posts

Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS): A Key Tool for Environmental Monitoring

-
  Introduction to MODIS The  Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)  is an advanced imaging instrument onboard two satellites: Terra Satellite (EOS AM-1):  Moves from north to south across the equator in the morning. Aqua Satellite (EOS PM-1):  Moves from south to north across the equator in the afternoon. MODIS captures high-resolution images of the entire Earth every 1–2 days using  36 spectral bands , helping scientists study the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere. Why MODIS is Important for the Environment MODIS plays a vital role in: Monitoring global environmental changes. Providing data for creating accurate Earth system models. Supporting policymakers in making informed decisions to combat climate change and protect ecosystems. Key Insights from MODIS Data 1. Tropical Waters are Changing Color MODIS has revealed a  greenish tint  in tropical waters, with the  southern Indian Ocean  showing significant changes. This shift in color is caused by changes in  phy
Post a Comment
Read more

COP 16: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia

-
  Introduction The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024. This conference marked a significant step in global efforts to address biodiversity loss and implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Key Objectives Implementation of KMGBF : To operationalize the multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information (DSI) on genetic resources. Resource Mobilization : To mobilize additional resources for biodiversity protection and ensure timely delivery where needed. Indigenous and Local Community Involvement : To recognize and leverage the contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation. Major Outcomes Cali Fund : Establishment of a new global fund dedicated to sharing the benefits derived from using DSI from genetic resources. Inclusion of Indigenous Gro
Post a Comment
Read more

A Comprehensive Analysis of Three Controversial Farm Laws

-
 The Indian agriculture acts of 2020, often referred to as the Farm Acts are three acts initiated by the Parliament of India in September 2020. After having been approved by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the President of India gave his assent to the bills on 27 September 2020. In this article, you can read all about the farm acts of 2020, which are in the news very often. This is a part of the UPSC Syllabus under current affairs, economy, agriculture and polity.     Farm Acts, 2020 Background Agriculture comes under the state list of Schedule 7 of the Indian Constitution and to initiate reforms in the agricultural sector, in 2017, the central government had released model farming acts. However, several reforms suggested in the model acts had not been implemented by the states. The centre promulgated three ordinances in the first week of June 2020. In September 2020, the President gave assent to the three farm acts. There have been protests against the acts by farmers in
Post a Comment
Read more

New MSP — Maximum Support Policy (UPSC )

-
Image
 This editorial is based on the article The MSP that rural India needs: Maximum support policy which was published in Newspaper. It talks about the issues associated with the Minimum support price and suggest ways for maximum support policy.   Even after the historic withdrawal of the three farm Acts, the issue of “minimum support price” (MSP) for key agricultural commodities has been a persistent sticking point in the negotiations between the government and the farmers. The movement’s leaders have demanded the legalisation of MSP, increasing this support price and extending it to all crops while the government has stonewalled such demands. While the issue of MSP relates primarily to cost-effective pricing and is understandably the fulcrum on which agriculture should be assessed as an enterprise, business, or means of livelihood, it may be important to go beyond it. Much of rural India has largely been neglected economically while also being manipulated for votes. It may
Post a Comment
Read more

General Studies Paper 3 Question Paper – UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2020

-
Image
 General Studies Paper 3 Mains Question Paper UPSC – 2020   Explain intra-generational and inter-generational issues of equity from the perspective of inclusive growth and sustainable development. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (Answer in 150 words) 10 What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 150 words) 10 What are the challenges and opportunities of food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (Answer in 150 words) 10 What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in the health sector? (Answer in 150 words) 10    How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by the science-based technologies? (Answer in 150 words) 10 How does the dr
Post a Comment
Read more

General Studies Paper 3 (GS3) Questions – UPSC CSE Mains 2019

-
Image
 General Studies Paper 3 (GS3) Questions – UPSC CSE Mains 2019   Qn1 . Enumerate the indirect taxes which have been subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Also, comment on the revenue implications of the GST introduced in India since July 2017. (Answer in 150 words) Qn2 . Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (Answer in 150 words) Qn3 . How far is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (Answer in 150 words) Qn4 . Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. (Answer in 150 words) Qn5 . How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? (Answer in 150 words) Qn6 . What is India’s plan to have its own space station and ho
Post a Comment
Read more

Havana Syndrome (UPSC)

-
Image
 Havana Syndrome is an important current affairs topic for the UPSC exam. In this article, you can read all about Havana Syndrome and related for the UPSC exam.   Why in News Recently, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has said that dealing with the issue of Havana Syndrome is a top priority and that it will keep investigating the cause and how to protect staff. Key Points About: In late 2016 , a few diplomats from the USA and their employees had reported certain usual symptoms during their stay in Havana, Cuba. They experienced some odd physical sensations and heard peculiar sounds, after which they started feeling sick. The US had even accused Cuba of carrying out sonic attacks . But Cuba denied the accusations of the sonic attacks and refused awareness of any such illness or syndrome. Ever since many bodies and institutions have been researching the cause of the Havana syndrome and many plausible factors have been discovered till date. The symptoms of the syndrome
Post a Comment
Read more