UPSC Current Affair – 10 June 2025

Source: The Hindu 

• • A new rural water conservation model launched in Kukas village, Jaipur (Rajasthan) aims to address irrigation issues and promote sustainable farming during the monsoon season.

• • Total Project Cost: ₹10 crore
  • Location: Kukas village, Jaipur; follows successful implementation in Dausa
  • Scale: 50 scientifically designed and climate-resilient farm ponds
  • Purpose:
    • Harvest seasonal monsoon run-off
    • Ensure year-round irrigation for rabi and kharif crops
    • Promote self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods

• • Technology:
    • 10-foot-deep plastic-lined ponds on 5% of each farmer’s land
    • Water used to grow high-value crops like groundnuts, chaula (cowpea)
  • Groundwater Dependency: 99.4% of Jaipur’s cultivable land relies on groundwater
  • Recharge Potential: Jaipur receives 2.22 times more rainwater than it extracts
  • Community Involvement: Conducted through ward sabhas, gram sabhas, camel cart rallies

• • Vipra Goyal – IIT Kharagpur alumnus working with farmers
  • Helped construct ponds and secure long-term water availability for approx. 50,000 villagers

Impact

• • Promotes sustainable irrigation
  • Enables cultivation of perennial crops
  • Reduces water stress and supports dairy and food processing units
  • Gains endorsement from the Central Government for scalability

Replicability

• • Model can be expanded to similar water-stressed districts
  • Integration with multilateral grants and private sector partnerships is underway

Consider the following statements regarding the new water harvesting model in Rajasthan:

1. The model involves construction of cement-lined tanks on 10% of every farm’s land.
2. It is implemented in Kukas village in Jaipur, after a pilot success in Dausa district.
3. The initiative aims to reduce groundwater dependency by harvesting seasonal monsoon run-off.

Q. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

• • Statement 1 is incorrect: The ponds are plastic-lined, not cement-lined, and occupy 5% of the farm land, not 10%.
  • Statement 2 is correct: The project follows a successful model in Dausa.
  • Statement 3 is correct: The initiative is designed to harvest seasonal monsoon run-off, thereby reducing groundwater dependency.

• • The 2027 Census will be the first in over 15 years, delayed due to COVID-19.
  • It is expected to reshape parliamentary representation, social categories, and political power, and may trigger a deeper socio-political transformation.

1. Census as a Political and Social Tool

• • Not merely a headcount; it defines how people see themselves and how resources and power are distributed.
  • Captures complex realities of migration, fertility, caste, religion, language, and economic activity.
  • Acts as the last administrative map of India – shaping politics and governance.

2. Parliamentary Representation

• • Based on Article 81, Lok Sabha seats will be re-allocated post-2027.
  • States with slower population growth may lose relative power (e.g., Kerala, Tamil Nadu), while high-growth States gain.
  • Raises tension between representation and fairness: Should faster-growing States be rewarded?

3. Demographic Shifts

• • Mass internal migration (e.g., rural to Delhi-NCR or South Indian cities).
  • Increases disparity: Population moves, but political representation stays static.
  • This could trigger demand for delimitation and rebalancing of power.

4. Caste Census and Its Impact

• • First caste count since 1931 (except for SC/ST).
  • May lead to new caste coalitions and reservation demands.
  • Could redefine political equations and the 50% reservation ceiling.

Implications

• • Possible constitutional and political crisis due to redistribution of power.
  • Rise of identity-based politics and regional power struggles.
  • Deep effects on federalism, especially if northern States gain dominance in Parliament.
  • Highlights how data → representation → power cycle plays out.

Political Strategy

• • BJP aims for national consolidation using the Census.
  • Emphasizes one nation, one identity by integrating caste data and delimitation.
  • Congress and regional parties may resist, citing federal imbalance and diversity concerns.

With reference to the upcoming 2027 Census in India, consider the following statements:

1. It will be the first time caste data will be collected since the 1951 Census.
2. The delimitation exercise based on this Census may alter the number of Lok Sabha seats allocated to different States.
3. The 2027 Census is likely to decrease representation for States with lower population growth rates.

Q. 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

Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

• • Statement 1 is incorrect: The last caste census was in 1931, not 1951.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Article 81 allows for reallocation of seats after the next Census.
  • Statement 3 is correct: States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu with low population growth may lose relative representation.

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognizing women’s critical role in global agriculture and food security. A symposium in India discussed challenges and strategies to empower women farmers.

 Major Contributors:

• • Royal Norwegian Embassy & UN World Food Programme (WFP) in India.
  • Participation from over 200 stakeholders across 6 months.

 ENACT Project:

• • Full form: Enhancing Climate Adaptation of Vulnerable Communities through Nature-based Solutions and Gender Transformative Approaches.
  • Implemented by WFP & Govt. of Assam (Nagaon district).
  • Aim: Empower smallholder women farmers with climate-resilient tools and decision-making capabilities.

Issues Faced by Women in Agriculture:

1. Land Ownership:
   • Women account for nearly 50% of agri labor but own only 12.8% of land (NFHS).
   • Landlessness restricts access to credit, finance & subsidies.
2. Access to Resources:
   • Limited access to agricultural info, mobile tech, credit & input markets.
   • Microfinance/self-help groups often offer inadequate financial support.
3. Climate Change Impact:
   • Women face greater climate vulnerability.
   • Need for women-specific climate-resilient tools.

Government & Policy Support:

• • Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Enhances women’s skills.
  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation: Offers 50–80% subsidies.
  • National Food Security Mission: Budget allocation for women farmers.

Suggested Solutions:

• • Technology-based interventions (weather advisories, resilient crop varieties).
  • Community-based smart food systems.
  • Diversified farm-based livelihoods.
  • Women-centric climate adaptation models.

Way Forward:

• • Recognize unpaid care work and domestic responsibilities.
  • Increase access to finance, credit, training, and markets.
  • Implement the UN’s 2026 Woman Farmer Year goals effectively.
  • Mainstream women in agri-policy and budgeting.

Q. What percentage of land ownership do women have in India, as per the Health Survey mentioned in the article?

A) 20.5%
B) 33.1%
C) 12.8%
D) 8.3%

Answer: D) 8.3%
According to the Health Survey cited, female land ownership in India is just 8.3%.

Nickel is a key metal in clean energy technology, especially Electric Vehicles (EVs). However, conventional nickel production is highly carbon-intensive. A new method using hydrogen-based reduction promises a low-carbon, energy-efficient alternative.

Importance of Nickel:

• Crucial for EV batteries, renewable energy tech, green infrastructure.
• Global demand expected to cross 6 million tonnes per year by 2040.
• Traditional production releases more than 20 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of nickel.

New Hydrogen-Based Method (Max Planck Institute Study):

• Published in Nature, April 2025.
• Nickel is extracted from low-grade ores using hydrogen instead of carbon.
• Results:
  • 18% more energy efficiency.
  • Up to 84% CO₂ emission reduction.
  • One-step, carbon-free smelting process.

Technical Highlights:

• • Nickel ore is heated with hydrogen.
  • Nickel metal + water vapor is produced.
  • Avoids formation of nickel carbonates and other by-products.

Relevance to India:

• Odisha’s Sukinda region has significant low-grade nickeliferous limonite ores.
• India can reduce dependence on imports.
• Supports India’s goals of:
  • Net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
  • Domestic resource utilization.

Challenges:

• • High initial investment in green hydrogen infrastructure.
  • Needs tech adaptation to Indian conditions.
  • Commercial scalability is uncertain.

Advantages of the Method:

• • Environmentally clean.
  • Cost-effective in long run.
  • Can make ferro-nickel alloy used in stainless steel without harmful steps.

Q. What is the primary benefit of the new hydrogen-based nickel extraction method?

A) Increased mining speed
B) Lowered requirement for raw materials
C) Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions
D) Reduction in water usage

Answer: C) Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions

The new method cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 84%, making it highly sustainable.

Source: The Hindu

The Union Government has amended rules related to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to promote domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and electronic components, crucial for India’s self-reliance in the tech sector.

Key Highlights:

 New Amendments to SEZ Rules:

1. Reduction in minimum land area:
   • Now 1 hectare required, down from 50 hectares.
2. Eased domestic supply rules:
   • Semiconductor/electronic units in SEZs can now supply to domestic markets freely.
   • Previously, SEZs were export-oriented only.
3. Amendment to Rule 7:
   • SEZ land no longer needs to be encumbrance-free, even if leased/mortgaged to the central/state governments or their agencies.

Recent SEZ Approvals:

• • Micron Semiconductor:
    • Location: Sanand, Gujarat
    • Investment: ₹13,000 crore
  • Aequs (Hubballi Durable Goods):
    • Location: Dharwad, Karnataka
    • Investment: ₹1,100 crore

Objective of the Reforms:

• • Promote high-tech manufacturing in India.
  • Attract FDI and private investments.
  • Build a strong semiconductor ecosystem.
  • Reduce import dependency and enhance domestic capability.

Strategic Importance:

• • Semiconductors are vital for:
    • Mobile phones, EVs, defence systems, data centers, etc.
  • Helps India compete with global supply chain hubs (e.g., Taiwan, South Korea).

Q. According to recent SEZ amendments, what is the new minimum land requirement to set up a semiconductor/electronics unit?

A) 100 hectares
B) 50 hectares
C) 10 hectares
D) 1 hectare

Answer: D) 1 hectare
The revised rules reduce the minimum contiguous land area requirement from 50 hectares to just 1 hectare for these units.

Source: The Indian Express

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will conduct the Voyager Tardigrades experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study how tardigrades survive and reproduce in space.

What are Tardigrades?

• • Microscopic, aquatic organisms (0.5 mm long), also called “Water Bears” or “Moss Piglets”.
  • Have survived all five mass extinctions; lived for ~600 million years.
  • Found in extreme habitats – from deep oceans to mountain peaks.
  • Possess unique survival abilities under extreme temperature, radiation, pressure, and vacuum conditions.

Why Are Tardigrades Studied?

• • To understand cryptobiosis & anhydrobiosis:
    • Tardigrades enter a tun state (shrivelled form) and reduce metabolism to <0.01% in extreme conditions.
  • Can withstand:
    • -272.95°C to 150°C,
    • 40,000 kPa pressure,
    • 30+ years of freezing,
    • UV radiation & vacuum of space.
  • Produce resilience proteins like CAHS – potential for:
    • Resilient crops,
    • Sunscreen development,
    • Organ preservation for transplant.

About the Voyager Tardigrades Experiment:

• • Goal: Revive tardigrades in space from a tun state and observe their survival and reproduction under space radiation & microgravity.
  • Importance:
    • Pinpoint genes & proteins responsible for survival.
    • Aid space bioengineering (e.g., human tissue protection, organ transport, etc.)
    • Support long-duration space missions and biological payload safety.

Tardigrades in Past Space Missions:

• • First sent in 2007 aboard ESA’s Foton-M3 with 3,000 moss piglets.
  • Survived vacuum and UV exposure.
  • Some even reproduced in space.
  • Confirmed as Earth’s most resilient animal in space.

Q. What is the primary objective of the Voyager Tardigrades experiment on the ISS?

A) To breed tardigrades for pharmaceutical use
B) To test tardigrade adaptability on Mars
C) To study survival and reproduction in space conditions
D) To study communication among micro-organisms

 Answer: C) To study survival and reproduction in space conditions
The experiment revives tardigrades from a tun state and monitors the effects of space radiation and microgravity.

Source: The Indian Express

A paper authored by wildlife officials and scientists from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) counters criticism of Project Cheetah, defending its progress and animal welfare outcomes.

• • Project Cheetah launched: September 2022
  • Cheetahs imported from: Namibia and South Africa
  • Purpose: Reintroduction of African cheetahs to India after their extinction in 1952.
  • Paper published in: Frontiers in Conservation Science journal.

Project Status as per NTCA:

• • Cheetahs have adapted ecologically to Indian landscape.
  • Significant progress in 2.5 years:
    • 25 cubs born during this time.
    • 18 cheetahs currently free-ranging in Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Soft-release bomas used for gradual introduction – globally accepted technique.
  • Addressed high mortality concerns: Paper states zero deaths during remobilisation.
  • Government working with Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa for future cheetah translocations.

Criticism Rebutted:

• • Media accused of “sensationalised narratives” and “ideological bias”.
  • Raised issues debunked:
    • Misplaced concerns over captivity,
    • Misinformation around ethical/veterinary practices,
    • Criticism over community displacement (paper claims no coercive relocation).
  • Unforeseen winter coat challenges and tick infestations caused early setbacks.
  • Male cheetah Pawan’s death acknowledged but not due to remobilisation.

Conservation Impact:

• • Project Cheetah supports India’s global commitment to rewilding and biodiversity.
  • Involves ₹90 million in preventive care, medical treatment, tracking.

Q. Which sanctuary has been the primary site for the reintroduction of African cheetahs under Project Cheetah?

A) Gir National Park
B) Ranthambhore National Park
C) Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary
D) Jim Corbett National Park

Answer: C) Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary
The imported cheetahs were released in the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.