UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 January 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 January (2025)
• Global South and India
Global South and India
GS Paper 3:
• Long Working Hours Debate
Long Working Hours Debate
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Dilemma in Growth and Social Equity
Dilemma in Growth and Social Equity
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Third Launch Pad
Third Launch Pad
• Pay Commission
Pay Commission
• QS World Future Skills Index 2025
QS World Future Skills Index 2025
• Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)
Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)
• Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan
Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan
• Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)
Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)
• DDT-Contaminated Soils
DDT-Contaminated Soils
Mapping:
• Bharathapuzha River
Bharathapuzha River
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 January 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Global South and India
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister Commerce & Industry, during the World Congress on Disaster Management, highlighted India’s efforts in aiding neighboring and Global South countries through initiatives like Vaccine Maitri.
What is Global South?
The term Global South broadly refers to developing and less-developed nations, predominantly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These nations often face challenges like poverty, income inequality, and limited resources compared to the Global North—wealthier, industrialized nations mostly located in North America, Europe, and parts of Oceania.
• The concept gained traction as a neutral alternative to the outdated term “Third World,” highlighting shared histories of colonialism and economic marginalization.
Significance of Global South:
• Economic Growth Potential: The Global South has seen a wealth shift toward regions like Asia-Pacific, where nations like India and China are driving economic growth.
E.g. BRICS nations now surpass G7 countries in combined GDP.
• Demographic Advantage: With younger populations compared to aging societies in the Global North, these nations have a workforce primed for future global economic contributions.
E.g. India’s youth-oriented policies like Skill India harness this demographic dividend.
• Geopolitical Influence: Global South nations are shaping international relations, moving toward a multipolar world.
E.g. India’s leadership at the Voice of Global South Summit 2023 showcased its geopolitical significance.
• Innovation Hub: Nations in the Global South are rapidly adopting technologies in AI, renewable energy, and digital solutions, becoming global hubs of innovation.
E.g. India’s space initiatives like Chandrayaan-3 and digital payment systems like UPI.
• Addressing Global Challenges: These countries play a key role in tackling global issues like climate change, poverty, and sustainable development.
E.g. India’s International Solar Alliance promotes renewable energy adoption.
Challenges to the Global South:
• Green Energy Funding Gap: Developed nations fail to provide adequate funding for green initiatives, leaving developing nations to bear the brunt of climate change.
E.g. India consistently calls out the lack of promised climate finance from the Global North.
• Economic Dependency: Many nations remain dependent on external aid, loans, or trade relations skewed in favor of wealthier economies.
E.g. China’s Belt and Road Initiative often leaves smaller nations in debt.
• Limited Access to Resources: Historical disparities in resource allocation hinder development.
E.g. African nations face challenges in accessing healthcare and vaccines during crises.
• Impact of Global Conflicts: Wars like the Russia-Ukraine conflict exacerbate food and energy insecurity.
E.g. Rising wheat prices affected multiple African and South Asian nations post-conflict.
• Covid-19 Aftershocks: The pandemic widened economic divides, with fragile economies like Sri Lanka and Pakistan struggling to recover.
E.g. India’s Vaccine Maitri mitigated vaccine inequity during the pandemic.
Way Ahead:
• Collaborative Frameworks: Strengthen South-South Cooperation for mutual growth in areas like trade, healthcare, and technology.
E.g. India’s Global South Centre of Excellence promotes shared best practices.
• Sustainable Development: Invest in green technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure.
E.g. India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission sets a global example.
• Equitable Resource Distribution: Ensure fair access to global resources and funding mechanisms.
E.g. Advocacy at COP28 for adequate climate financing.
• Economic Diversification: Focus on diversifying economies to reduce dependency on external powers.
E.g. India’s push for self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Capacity Building: Enhance education, healthcare, and skill development to fully utilize demographic dividends.
E.g. Initiatives like NEP 2020 and Skill India aim to address skills gaps.
Conclusion:
The Global South represents the promise of a more inclusive and multipolar global order. Nations like India are leading efforts to bridge gaps in equity and resilience, reshaping geopolitics and global development frameworks. As these nations rise, their influence will continue to redefine international relations, ensuring a balanced and sustainable future.
Insta Links:
• 3rd-voice-of-global-south-summit
• “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (UPSC-2021)
• Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC-2016)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 January 2025 GS Paper 3:
Long Working Hours Debate
Syllabus: Economics
Source: IE
Context: Proposals such as a 90-hour workweek, presented by L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, have sparked controversy, highlighting concerns about workplace culture, employee well-being, and productivity.
Proposal for long working hours:
Prominent business leaders in India, including Narayana Murthy, S.N. Subrahmanyan, and Bhavish Aggarwal, have called for extended work hours.
• They argue that increasing workweeks could drive economic growth and emulate post-war recovery strategies seen in countries like Japan and Germany.
• The proposals suggest a model of 70–90 hours per week to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.
Positives of long working hours:
• Boosts Output: Extended hours could increase work volume and project completion speed.
E.g. Manufacturing industries in India show higher outputs during peak seasons with overtime work.
• Economic Growth: Longer hours contribute to higher GDP by increasing workforce participation and productivity.
E.g. India’s IT sector thrives on high-pressure deadlines to meet global client demands.
• Skill Development: Extended work periods provide opportunities for employees to acquire and refine skills.
E.g. Startups in Bengaluru often use extended work hours for rapid upskilling.
• Job Security: Employees who commit to long hours may gain better job stability in competitive industries.
E.g. Contract workers in construction projects benefit from extended work schedules.
• Workplace Resilience: A culture of hard work builds resilience and adaptability.
E.g. Infosys employees working extra hours during critical projects led to client retention.
Limitations of long working hours:
• Health Risks: Extended hours lead to physical and mental health issues like burnout and stress.
E.g. A Pune-based Ernst & Young employee reportedly died from workplace stress in 2024.
• Declined Productivity: Fatigue from overwork reduces focus, creativity, and overall efficiency.
E.g. Reports from the ILO link long hours to lower productivity in South Korea.
• Poor Work-Life Balance: Excessive work hours strain personal relationships and reduce social engagement.
E.g. Employees in Japan’s “karoshi” culture face rising loneliness and depression.
• High Attrition Rates: Long hours increase turnover rates as employees seek balanced work environments.
E.g. India’s IT sector experienced talent migration to companies offering flexible hours.
• Negative Societal Impact: Overwork culture discourages family building and community participation.
E.g. Japan’s aging population is partially attributed to its demanding work culture.
Way ahead:
• Balanced Work Hours: Introduce flexible working models that balance output with personal well-being.
E.g. Indian startups implementing hybrid work schedules enhance productivity.
• Employee Wellness Initiatives: Promote mental and physical health programs in workplaces.
E.g. TCS offers stress management workshops for employees.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Encourage tools and technologies to optimize work processes.
E.g. AI-driven project management tools reduce workload in India’s IT sector.
• Cultural Shift: Foster a mindset valuing quality of work over quantity.
E.g. Microsoft’s four-day workweek experiment in Japan boosted productivity.
• Legislative Safeguards: Introduce labor laws to regulate maximum working hours.
E.g. India’s existing laws under the Factories Act provide for limited work hours.
Conclusion:
A balanced approach to work hours, focusing on efficiency rather than mere quantity, is vital for sustainable growth. Organizations must value employee well-being to foster creativity and innovation. As the Indian workforce evolves, promoting smarter work practices will create healthier workplaces and drive long-term success.
Insta Links:
• Anna-Sebastian-Perayil-death-due-to-overwork
• “The growth of cities as I.T. hubs has opened up new avenues of employment, but has also created new problems”. Substantiate this statement with examples. (UPSC- 2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Dilemma in Growth and Social Equity
Context: India is at a crossroads in its development journey, grappling with the challenge of balancing investments in large-scale infrastructure projects and social sector spending on education, healthcare, and welfare.
About Dilemma in Growth and Social Equity:
• Infrastructure Development Focus: Programs like PM Gati Shakti and NIP prioritize modernizing transportation, energy, and connectivity to drive GDP growth.
E.g. Rs 10 lakh crore allocated for capital expenditure in the 2023–24 Union Budget.
• Neglect of Social Sectors: Insufficient spending on education (3% of GDP) and healthcare (2.1% of GDP) results in poor learning outcomes and health metrics.
E.g. The 2022 ASER report revealed only 20% of rural Class 5 students could read Class 2-level text.
• Economic and Political Short-Termism: Visible benefits from infrastructure projects gain electoral favor, while long-term returns from social spending are overlooked.
E.g. Job creation from expressways versus delayed outcomes from education reforms.
• Impact of Disparities: High poverty and wealth inequality weaken the workforce’s ability to leverage infrastructure gains.
E.g. India ranks 134th in the Human Development Index (2023), emphasizing the need for inclusive growth.
• Integrated Approach Needed: Linking digital and physical infrastructure with social mobility is essential for sustainable progress.
E.g. Expanding digital healthcare and education infrastructure to bridge access gaps.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 1: Social Issues, Importance of addressing inequalities in education, health, and gender.
• GS Paper 2: Governance and Policy, Analysis of schemes like PM Gati Shakti and National Education Policy 2020.
• GS Paper 3: Economy and Development, Debate on prioritizing capital expenditure over human development indicators.
• Ethics Paper: Balancing developmental goals with ethical obligations for equity.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Third Launch Pad
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet of India, chaired by Prime Minister, approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
About Third Launch Pad (TLP):
• What it is: A state-of-the-art launch infrastructure to support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV’s) and as a standby for the Second Launch Pad (SLP).
• Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• Aim: Support launches of NGLVs, LVM3 vehicles, and human spaceflight missions like Gaganyaan. Enhance India’s space exploration capabilities for the next 25–30 years.
• Support launches of NGLVs, LVM3 vehicles, and human spaceflight missions like Gaganyaan.
• Enhance India’s space exploration capabilities for the next 25–30 years.
• First Launch Pad (FLP)
• Primary Purpose: Designed for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and supports Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
• Significance: Foundation of India’s space transportation. Played a key role in India’s initial satellite launches.
• Foundation of India’s space transportation.
• Played a key role in India’s initial satellite launches.
• Second Launch Pad (SLP):
• Primary Purpose: Dedicated to Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and LVM3
• Notable Contributions: Supported Chandrayaan-3 and other national and commercial missions. Preparing for human-rated launches for Gaganyaan
• Supported Chandrayaan-3 and other national and commercial missions.
• Preparing for human-rated launches for Gaganyaan
Insta links:
• ISRO-third-launch-pad
Pay Commission
Source: IT
Context: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, has approved the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission, aiming to revise the salaries of nearly 50 lakh central government employees and allowances for 65 lakh pensioners.
About Pay Commission:
• What it is: A body established by the Central Government to review and recommend changes to the salary, allowances, and pension structures of central government employees and pensioners.
• Established by: Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
• Aim: Ensure fair compensation for government employees. Recommend formulas for revising Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) to offset inflation impacts.
• Ensure fair compensation for government employees.
• Recommend formulas for revising Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) to offset inflation impacts.
• Functions: Review pays and allowances of central government employees. Suggest structural changes to enhance governance. Ensure financial sustainability of salary revisions.
• Review pays and allowances of central government employees.
• Suggest structural changes to enhance governance.
• Ensure financial sustainability of salary revisions.
• History of Pay Commissions: 1st Pay Commission: Year: 1946 Headed by: Srinivasa Varadachariar 7th Pay Commission: Year Established: 2014 Implemented: January 1, 2016 Key Changes: Fitment factor set at 57, raising the minimum basic pay from ₹7,000 to ₹18,000. Maximum salary revised to ₹2,50,000. Expenditure increases of ₹1 lakh crore for FY 2016-17.
• 1st Pay Commission: Year: 1946 Headed by: Srinivasa Varadachariar
• Year: 1946
• Headed by: Srinivasa Varadachariar
• 7th Pay Commission:
• Year Established: 2014
• Implemented: January 1, 2016
• Key Changes: Fitment factor set at 57, raising the minimum basic pay from ₹7,000 to ₹18,000. Maximum salary revised to ₹2,50,000. Expenditure increases of ₹1 lakh crore for FY 2016-17.
• Fitment factor set at 57, raising the minimum basic pay from ₹7,000 to ₹18,000.
• Maximum salary revised to ₹2,50,000.
• Expenditure increases of ₹1 lakh crore for FY 2016-17.
Insta links:
• Implementing-pay-commission-recommendations
QS World Future Skills Index 2025
Source: IE
Context: India has ranked 25th overall in the QS World Future Skills Index 2025, with a standout performance in the “Future of Work” category, where it ranked second globally, just behind the United States.
About QS World Future Skills Index:
• What it is: A global ranking system that evaluates countries’ readiness to meet evolving job market demands through skill development, education, and economic transformation.
• Released by: London-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), known for its education and skills-related rankings.
• Aim: To assess how well countries are preparing their workforce for future skills such as digital competencies, AI, green technologies, and sustainability.
• India’s Rank: 25th overall globally. 2nd in the “Future of Work” category, showcasing high preparedness for tech-driven roles.
• 25th overall globally.
• 2nd in the “Future of Work” category, showcasing high preparedness for tech-driven roles.
• Key criteria in the QS Future Skills Index:
• Skills Fit: Measures how aligned graduates’ skills are with current employer demands.
• Academic Readiness: Assesses higher education systems’ ability to prepare students for evolving job markets.
• Future of Work: Evaluates preparedness for roles requiring future-focused skills like AI, digital, and green technologies.
• Economic Transformation: Analyzes capacity for sustainable growth, innovation, and workforce efficiency.
Key insights from the report:
• Strengths: High readiness in integrating AI and attracting venture capital. Robust youth population and dynamic startup culture, positioning India as a key contender globally.
• High readiness in integrating AI and attracting venture capital.
• Robust youth population and dynamic startup culture, positioning India as a key contender globally.
• Weaknesses: Poor scores in sustainability-oriented innovation and higher education alignment. Gaps in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Poor scores in sustainability-oriented innovation and higher education alignment.
• Gaps in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking.
• Opportunities: Leveraging the National Education Policy 2020 to address skill gaps and align curricula with industry demands. Expanding collaborations between academia and industry to foster innovation.
• Leveraging the National Education Policy 2020 to address skill gaps and align curricula with industry demands.
• Expanding collaborations between academia and industry to foster innovation.
Insta links:
• QS-world-university-rankings-asia-2025
Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)
Source: BS
Context: Union Home Minister inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad airports.
About Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP):
• What it is: FTI-TTP is an advanced immigration clearance system designed to reduce wait times for international travelers by utilizing automated e-gates.
• Launched in: First launched in June 2024 at Delhi’s IGI Airport and later expanded to seven airports on January 16, 2025.
• Ministry: Implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Bureau of Immigration.
• Aim: To enable faster immigration processes, enhance security, and ensure seamless international travel for passengers.
• Features of the Scheme: Automated e-gates: Allows passengers to complete immigration without manual intervention. Biometric Authentication: Ensures secure identification and faster processing. Online Registration: Passengers register through an online portal, uploading necessary documents. Validity: Registration is valid for the passport’s duration or five years, whichever is earlier.
• Automated e-gates: Allows passengers to complete immigration without manual intervention.
• Biometric Authentication: Ensures secure identification and faster processing.
• Online Registration: Passengers register through an online portal, uploading necessary documents.
• Validity: Registration is valid for the passport’s duration or five years, whichever is earlier.
• Documents Required: Passport: Scanned copy with a minimum validity of six months. Passport-size photo: Meeting Indian passport standards, recent (within six months). OCI Card: Scanned copies of the biographic and family information pages (for OCI cardholders).
• Passport: Scanned copy with a minimum validity of six months.
• Passport-size photo: Meeting Indian passport standards, recent (within six months).
• OCI Card: Scanned copies of the biographic and family information pages (for OCI cardholders).
• How it works: Passengers register on the FTI-TTP portal and complete verification. On arriving at the airport, they scan their boarding pass and passport at e-gates. Biometrics are authenticated, and upon successful validation, the e-gates open automatically, granting immigration clearance.
• Passengers register on the FTI-TTP portal and complete verification.
• On arriving at the airport, they scan their boarding pass and passport at e-gates.
• Biometrics are authenticated, and upon successful validation, the e-gates open automatically, granting immigration clearance.
• Phases of Implementation: Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders at 21 major airports. Phase 2: Extends to foreign travellers.
• Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders at 21 major airports.
• Phase 2: Extends to foreign travellers.
Insta links:
• Fast-track-immigration-trusted-traveller-programme
Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan
Source: IE
Context: On the 77th Army Day, Defense Minister launched Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, a dedicated website aimed at promoting battlefield and border tourism.
About Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan:
• What it is: A comprehensive website providing information about significant battlefields and border areas in India, offering virtual tours, historical narratives, and travel assistance.
• Ministry: Launched under the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.
• Aim: Promote battlefield tourism and border tourism. Enhance awareness of India’s military history and valor. Drive socio-economic development in border regions.
• Promote battlefield tourism and border tourism.
• Enhance awareness of India’s military history and valor.
• Drive socio-economic development in border regions.
• Places included: Galwan Valley (Ladakh), site of the 2020 India-China clash. Doklam (tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China). Sites along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC), including Nathu La Pass, Longewala, and locations from the 1962 and 1971 wars.
• Galwan Valley (Ladakh), site of the 2020 India-China clash.
• Doklam (tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China).
• Sites along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC), including Nathu La Pass, Longewala, and locations from the 1962 and 1971 wars.
• Features: Virtual Tours: Visitors can explore battlefields through interactive experiences. Travel Guidance: Information on permits and travel arrangements to these locations. Collaborative Infrastructure: Joint efforts by the Indian Army and civil authorities to maintain access while preserving operational preparedness. Tourism Integration: Included in the Incredible India campaign to attract domestic and international tourists.
• Virtual Tours: Visitors can explore battlefields through interactive experiences.
• Travel Guidance: Information on permits and travel arrangements to these locations.
• Collaborative Infrastructure: Joint efforts by the Indian Army and civil authorities to maintain access while preserving operational preparedness.
• Tourism Integration: Included in the Incredible India campaign to attract domestic and international tourists.
Insta links:
• Dark-tourism
Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX)
Source: TH
Context: India achieved a significant milestone in space technology with the successful execution of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on January 16, 2025.
About ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX):
• What it is: SpaDeX is a mission to demonstrate satellite docking technology, a critical capability for advanced space missions like space station operations, interplanetary missions, and satellite servicing.
• Mission under: The experiment was part of ISRO’s broader strategy to develop Next-Generation Space Technologies and was launched under the PSLV C60 mission.
• Aim: Demonstrate docking and undocking of two satellites in orbit. Enable transfer of power and control between docked satellites. Support future human spaceflight missions, moon landings, and space station assembly.
• Demonstrate docking and undocking of two satellites in orbit.
• Enable transfer of power and control between docked satellites.
• Support future human spaceflight missions, moon landings, and space station assembly.
• Features: Satellites involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg. Rigidization post-docking for stability. Transfer of electric power between docked satellites to ensure operational readiness. Expected mission life: Two years.
• Satellites involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing 220 kg.
• Rigidization post-docking for stability.
• Transfer of electric power between docked satellites to ensure operational readiness.
• Expected mission life: Two years.
• How it is done: Satellites maneuvered from 15m to a 3m hold point for precision docking. Automated docking using sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters. Post-docking operations include power checks and payload activation.
• Satellites maneuvered from 15m to a 3m hold point for precision docking.
• Automated docking using sensors, alignment systems, and thrusters.
• Post-docking operations include power checks and payload activation.
• Nations that achieved the feat: United States: First achieved in the Gemini program in 1966. Russia: Demonstrated docking during the Soyuz missions. China: Successfully docked modules for the Tiangong space station. India: 4th nation to achieved this milestone in 2025 with SpaDeX.
• United States: First achieved in the Gemini program in 1966.
• Russia: Demonstrated docking during the Soyuz missions.
• China: Successfully docked modules for the Tiangong space station.
• India: 4th nation to achieved this milestone in 2025 with SpaDeX.
Insta links:
• SpaDex-mission
DDT-Contaminated Soils
Source: DTE
Context: Researchers at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology have introduced a groundbreaking method to address DDT-contaminated soils by integrating biochar.
About Di-chloro-di-phenyl-tri-chloro-ethane (DDT):
• What it is: DDT is a synthetic insecticide introduced in 1939, widely used to combat agricultural pests and control diseases like malaria.
• Features: Effective against a broad range of pests. Persistent in the environment, taking decades to degrade. Fat-soluble, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain.
• Effective against a broad range of pests.
• Persistent in the environment, taking decades to degrade.
• Fat-soluble, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain.
• Functions: Used extensively in agriculture and forestry. Played a significant role in reducing disease vectors like mosquitoes. Later found to degrade soil quality and harm ecosystems due to prolonged use.
• Used extensively in agriculture and forestry.
• Played a significant role in reducing disease vectors like mosquitoes.
• Later found to degrade soil quality and harm ecosystems due to prolonged use.
About Binding DDT-Infused Soil with Biochar:
• What it is: A method to mix biochar—a charcoal-like substance—into DDT-contaminated soil to bind the toxin, reducing its uptake by soil organisms.
• Process: Contaminated soil is mixed with biochar. Crops like pumpkins, legumes, and willows are planted to evaluate soil health. Biochar binds DDT, preventing its entry into plants and soil organisms.
• Contaminated soil is mixed with biochar.
• Crops like pumpkins, legumes, and willows are planted to evaluate soil health.
• Biochar binds DDT, preventing its entry into plants and soil organisms.
• Significance: Restores fertility to DDT-contaminated lands, making them cultivable. Reduces ecological risks by limiting DDT exposure to organisms. Economically and environmentally viable compared to conventional methods like soil removal.
• Restores fertility to DDT-contaminated lands, making them cultivable.
• Reduces ecological risks by limiting DDT exposure to organisms.
• Economically and environmentally viable compared to conventional methods like soil removal.
• Additional Benefits: Enhances soil health and long-term carbon storage. Supports climate change mitigation efforts. Enables growth of bioenergy crops, addressing renewable energy needs.
• Enhances soil health and long-term carbon storage.
• Supports climate change mitigation efforts.
• Enables growth of bioenergy crops, addressing renewable energy needs.
Insta links:
• Project-Pyrasol
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 January 2025 Mapping:
Bharathapuzha River
Source: DH
Context: In a tragic incident, four members of a family drowned in the Bharathapuzha River in Cheruthuruthy, Kerala.
About Bharathapuzha River:
• Location and Length: The Bharathapuzha River, also called the Nila River or Ponnani River.
• Origin and Flow: The river originates from the Anaimalai Hills in Tamil Nadu and flows westward through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
• Tributaries: Kannadipuzha, Kalpathipuzha, Gayathripuzha, and Thuthapuzha, enriching its basin.
• Geographical Spread: The river flows through the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Reservoirs and Dams: The Malampuzha Dam, built across the river, is the largest reservoir in Kerala, serving irrigation and hydroelectric purposes.
Insta links:
• Thrissur-Ponnani-kole-wetlands
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