Notes from daily Drishti IAS Current Affairs arranged in the mind map form, which helps students in retaining information without losing any key points. Credits for the main contents belongs to the Drishti IAS Current Affairs.
Table of Contents:
Drishti IAS Current Affairs: World Soil Day 2023 (December 5th)
- Why in News?
- Celebrated annually on December 5th
- 2023 study explored link between soil micronutrient levels and individual nutrition
What is the theme of World Soil Day 2023?
Soil and Water, a Source of Life.
Main Points:
- Commemorates King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s commitment to sustainable soil management
- Supported by FAO and IUSS
- Soil composition directly influences micronutrient levels in crops, impacting human health.
- Zinc deficiency linked to stunting and underweight, iron deficiency to anemia.
- Micronutrient deficiencies more likely in areas with deficient soil.
- Zinc application to crops increases yields by 75% compared to NPK fertilizers.
- Zinc-enriched fertilizers can enhance soil zinc for 3-4 years.
- India’s soil is deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, iron, boron, copper, and manganese.
- Precise mode (military)
Shifting Towards Soil-Centric Agriculture:
- Conservation agriculture: no-till, residue mulch, crop rotations.
- Seed-cum-fertilizer drill machines for efficient water use.
- Cover crops, mulching, agroforestry, Bhoomitra, Krishi-RASTAA.
- Carbon farming, saline/alkaline soil reclamation, regulated micronutrient use.
- Mechanized fertilizer placement, organic manures.
Initiatives to Improve Soil Health:
- Soil Health Card Scheme
- Organic Farming
- Fertilizer Self-Sufficiency
- Digital Agriculture
- Carbon Farming
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
- Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme
Conclusion:
World Soil Day emphasizes the importance of soil health for Earth's sustenance and calls for efforts to preserve and restore it for future generations.
Additional Resources:
United Nations
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)
All India Coordinated Research Project on Micro- and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plants (AICRP-MSPE)
UPSC Previous Year Question (PYQ):
1. The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of
(a) brown forest soil
(b) fissure volcanic rock
(c) granite and schist
(d) shale and limestone
Ans: (b)
2. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? (2013)
1. They are generally red in color.
2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
Ans: (c)
Suggested Read: Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Free Notes Dec 7,2023
Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Armed Forces Flag Day (December 7th, 2023)
Central Topic: Honoring Indian Armed Forces Personnel
What is the Purpose of Armed Forces Flag Day?
-Tribute to martyrs and veterans
-Support for families of armed forces personnel
-Honoring sacrifices for the nation
-Aid for ex-servicemen
What is the Significance of Armed Forces Flag Day?
National remembrance and gratitude.
Financial support for families and veterans.
Observed Since:1949 (annually on December 7th)
Activities:
Buying flags and items
Contributing to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF)
Honored Personnel:
Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Other defense forces
Prime Minister’s Tribute:
Paid on December 7th, 2023
Highlights the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers
Suggested Read: Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Free Notes Dec 7,2023
Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Adopt A Heritage 2.0
Central Topic: Revamped program for heritage site preservation and visitor experience
Origin:
Replaces “Adopt a Heritage Scheme” launched in 2017 by ASI
Refines amenities and maintenance guidelines
Adheres to AMASR 1958
Objective:
Enlist private-public partnerships for:
Monument maintenance
Development
Operation
Ensure sustainable upkeep
Enhance visitor experience
Implementation:
Corporate entities adopt selected monuments
Participation counts towards their CSR initiatives
Expected Benefits:
Improved maintenance and preservation of heritage sites
Increased public access and engagement
Enhanced visitor amenities and experiences
Sustainable financial support for heritage preservation
Potential Impact:
Promotes cultural awareness and appreciation
Contributes to tourism and economic development
Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955
Central Topic: Constitutionality of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act
- Background:
Enacted following the 1985 Assam Accord
Aims to address large-scale pre-1971 Bangladesh migration
Applies exclusively to Assam
Mandates detection and deportation of post-1971 entrants - Provisions:
Special provision for pre-1966 migrants from Bangladesh
Conditional citizenship for pre-1971 migrants detected as foreigners
Deportation mandate for post-1971 entrants - Context:
Currently being heard by a Constitution Bench
Bench clarifies focus on Section 6A, not NRC
Related Concepts:
1. Citizenship
Legal status and relationship between individual and state
Defined in Articles 5-11 of the Constitution
Regulated by the Citizenship Act, 1955
2. Assam Accord
Tripartite agreement between Central Government, Assam Government, and Assam Movement
Aimed to end illegal migration from Bangladesh
3. National Register of Citizens (NRC)
Database of Indian citizens in Assam
Prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955
UPSC Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)
With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
2. A citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
3. A foreigner once granted citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstances.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Kiwi Bird
- Recent Discovery:
Two Kiwi hatchlings found in Makara, New Zealand
Kiwis disappeared from this area for over a century
Discovery linked to the Capital Kiwi Project
Capital Kiwi Project:
Community-led initiative to restore a wild kiwi population in Wellington
Aims to bring back kiwis to areas where they once thrived
Contributes to conservation efforts
About the Kiwi:
Flightless bird endemic to New Zealand
Nocturnal with unique features like:
Mouse-like whiskers
Dinosaur-like legs
Lays large eggs (up to 20% of its body weight)
Unique adaptations:
Short, stout legs for running
Nostrils at the end of the long beak for detecting prey
Conservation Status:
Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN
Facing threats from habitat loss, predators, and climate change
Distribution:
Found primarily in New Zealand
Specific mention of the Australian Continent might be inaccurate, as the Kiwi is not naturally found there.
Suggested Read: Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Free Notes Dec 7,2023
Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Protests Over National Medical Commission Logo
New Logo Features:
• Colorful image of Dhanvantri, Hindu god of Ayurveda
• Replacement of “India” with “Bharat”
• Absence of the national emblem
Arguments for New logo:
• Cultural Heritage: NMC justifies it as representing India’s rich medical history and mythology.
• Symbolism: Dhanvantri represents healing, well-being, and the restoration of health.
About Dhanvantri:
• Deity associated with Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in Hinduism.
• Revered as the healer and symbol of health and medicine.
• Typically depicted with four hands, carrying medicinal herbs and a sacred pot.
What are the reasons for National Medical Commission Logo Controversy?
Religious Symbolism: IMA argues it promotes a specific religion, violating the secular nature of the institution.
Scientific Conflict: Perceived as contradicting the evidence-based nature of modern medicine.
Constitutional Disrespect: Seen as undermining the country’s secular and democratic values.
What is National Medical Commission (NMC)?
• Apex regulatory body for medical education and practice in India.
• Established in 2020, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• Comprises four autonomous boards and a Medical Advisory Council.
• Conducts major screening tests (NEET-UG, NEET-PG, FMGE).
• Regulates medical education, training, and ethics of practitioners.
• Achieved prestigious WFME recognition for globally recognized medical degrees.
Drishti IAS Current Affairs: Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
Central Topic: Revitalization of PACS through Model Bye-Laws
- Purpose of Model Bye-Laws:
• Enhance PACS’ economic viability
• Expand their role in rural areas
• Diversify business activities (dairy, fishery, floriculture, godowns, procurement, credit, custom hiring centers, Fair Price Shops, community irrigation, Business Correspondent activities)
• Promote inclusive membership with adequate representation for women and SC/ST
About PACS:
• Village-level cooperative credit societies
• Last link in a three-tier cooperative credit structure (State Cooperative Banks, District Central Cooperative Banks, PACS)
• Provide short-term and medium-term agricultural loans
• First PACS formed in 1904
Significance of PACS:
• Improve farm production and income by providing credit for seeds, fertilizers, etc.
• Convenient access for farmers in rural areas
• Quick and efficient credit with minimal paperwork
Issues with PACS:
• Inadequate Coverage:
o Low coverage in North-East
o Only 50% rural population covered as members
• Inadequate Resources:
o Limited owned funds and deposit mobilization
o Reliance on higher financing agencies
• Overdues and NPAs:
o Large overdue loans (Rs 72,550 crore)
o Curbs loan circulation and reduces borrowing/lending power
Way Forward:
• Strengthen regulatory framework for better governance
• Improve PACS’ efficiency, financial sustainability, and accessibility
• Utilize PACS as building blocks for an “Atmanirbhar village economy”
Sources:
• PIB
• Reserve Bank of India
• Implicit references
Additional Notes:
• Over 1 lakh PACS in the country, but only 47,297 are profitable.
• Maharashtra has the highest number of PACS (20,897), but also the highest number in losses (11,326).
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
1. Consider the following statements: (2020)
1. In terms of short-term credit delivery to the agriculture sector, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) deliver more credit in comparison to Scheduled Commercial Banks and Regional Rural Banks.
2. One of the most important functions of DCCBs is to provide funds to the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (b)
2. With reference to ‘Urban Cooperative Banks’ in India, consider the following statements:(2021)
1. They are supervised and regulated by local boards set up by the State Governments.
2. They can issue equity shares and preference shares.
3. They were brought under the purview of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 through an Amendment in 1966.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (b)
Mains:
Q. “In the villages itself no form of credit organization will be suitable except the cooperative society.” – All India Rural Credit Survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural fi nance in India. What constraints and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients? (2014)
