Evaluate the role of new technologies like molten salt reactors (MSR) and subcritical systems with proton accelerators in India’s future nuclear roadmap. Discuss their feasibility and potential contributions.

Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Q6. Evaluate the role of new technologies like molten salt reactors (MSR) and subcritical systems with proton accelerators in India’s future nuclear roadmap. Discuss their feasibility and potential contributions. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question: India’s net zero roadmap and recent debates on …

International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025

Source:  UN Context: In 2025, the International Year of Glacier Preservation is being marked through a UN-backed global conference, International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025 in Tajikistan. About International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025: What is it? A high-level global summit focusing on urgent action to combat glacier retreat and ensure sustainable freshwater …

WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029

Syllabus: Climate Change Source:  WMO Context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a new decadal climate forecast, warning that global temperatures between 2025 and 2029 are expected to remain at or above record levels, significantly increasing climate-related risks and development challenges. About WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029: Temperature Range: Annual global mean surface temperature …

Biomass Satellite Mission

Source:  IE Context: The European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the Biomass satellite mission in end of April, 2025, aboard the Vega C rocket. About Biomass Satellite Mission: What is the Biomass Mission? Biomass is ESA’s seventh Earth Explorer satellite mission under its climate and Earth systems programme. It will map global forests and measure …

Deoxygenation in global lakes reflects the accelerating consequences of both long-term climate change and short-term climatic extremes. Analyse the ecological implications. Suggest long-term mitigation frameworks.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Q6. Deoxygenation in global lakes reflects the accelerating consequences of both long-term climate change and short-term climatic extremes. Analyse the ecological implications. Suggest long-term mitigation frameworks. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: 83% of lakes globally experiencing decrease in surface water oxygen …

The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS)

Syllabus: Governance Source:  UN  Context:  The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS) is in the spotlight as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) works to finalize it by December 2025. This strategy aims to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss by leveraging high-quality, accessible environmental data for informed decision-making and …

Transforming Forest Finance: Bridging the Gap Between Conservation and Destruction

Syllabus: Ecology Source:  DTE  Context:  A UNDP report highlights a significant funding imbalance, revealing that for every $1 invested in forest conservation, $6 is funnelled into industries that contribute to deforestation. Key Insights from UNDP Report on Forest Conservation Funding: Funding Gap: $460 billion per year is required to stop deforestation, but current funding falls …

Mount Fentale

Source:  IDR Context: Ethiopia’s Mount Fentale volcano has emitted massive methane plumes, an unprecedented natural event with potential climate change implications. About Mount Fentale: What Happened? Mount Fentale, located in northern Ethiopia, released large amounts of methane into the atmosphere starting January 31, 2025. The event was described as a “burp”, with huge plumes of …

Glacier Meltdown

Context: Global glaciers have lost over 7 trillion tons of ice since 2000, with 2023 marking a record 604 billion tons lost. Glacier melting is now a bigger contributor to sea level rise than ice loss in Greenland or Climate Change and Glacier Meltdown: Data & Facts: Glaciers lost ice at a rate of 255 …

Kingdoms and Hydrology Contributions

Source:  DTE  Context: Deccan empires, from Mauryans to Vijayanagara, excelled in monsoon-driven water management, offering lessons for addressing modern water scarcity amid climate change. About Kingdoms and Hydrology Contributions: Mauryan Empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE): Established the first hydraulic civilization during a century-long drought. Constructed dams, tanks, and lift irrigation systems. E.g. References to …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 November 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 November 2024 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. …

Space Junk and Its Impact

Source:  IE Context: The exponential growth in satellite launches, with over 10,000 active satellites in orbit today, is contributing to space junk pollution. About Space Junk and Its Impact: Definition: Space junk includes defunct satellites, rocket stages, and other debris left in orbit or disintegrated during re-entry. Pollutants Released: Burning satellites release aluminum, nitrogen oxides, …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 November 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 November 2024 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. …

Paris Agreement

Source:  IE Context: Argentina, under President Javier Milei’s leadership, is reconsidering its commitment to the Paris Agreement, citing philosophical disagreements and a re-evaluation of its climate strategies. About Paris Agreement: Adoption: Signed in 2015 by 195 countries to address global climate change. Goals: Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C, with efforts to cap …

Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), 2025

Source:  CCPI  Context: The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 evaluates the climate protection performance of 63 countries and the EU, collectively responsible for over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions. About Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), 2025: Origin: First published in 2005. Published by: Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network. Aim: To monitor …

Rio G20 Summit

Syllabus: Multilateral Institution Source:  G20.org Context: The G20 Rio de Janeiro Declaration focuses on tackling global challenges and crises while fostering strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth. Major Outcomes of the Rio G20 Summit Declaration: Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: Aim: Mobilize finance and knowledge-sharing for country-led programs to fight hunger and poverty. Features: Focus …