UPSC EXAM QUIZ 28.10.2024

Explanation:

• Global Family Farming Forum (GFFF) has been launched at Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) World Food Forum (WFF).
• The GFFF celebrates the essential role of family farmers in building sustainable agrifood systems and combating the impacts of the climate crisis.

Objective of GFFF

• Role of Family Farmers: The GFFF celebrates the essential role of family farmers who contribute to food security, nutritional diversity, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Halfway through the UN Decade of Family Farming: The Forum also marks halfway through the UN Decade of Family Farming 2019-28, which provides a framework for developing public policies and investments to support family farming.

Explanation:

• In a surprising twist, a Darjeeling-based company, Alt Carbon, is turning mining dust into a climate-friendly solution.
• With $500,000 in investments from carbon-credit companies, Alt Carbon is utilising a geo-chemical process known as enhanced rock weathering to tackle atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).

Understanding Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)

Natural Process

• Rocks naturally disintegrate over thousands of years, primarily due to rainfall and heat.
• This disintegration results in the formation of bicarbonates, which are the result of chemical reactions between atmospheric CO2 and minerals.

Explanation:

• A recent study by iForest (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology) reveals that India will need over $1 trillion (Rs 84 lakh crore) over the next 30 years for a just transition away from coal.
• The study, the first of its kind, estimates the costs of phasing down coal mines and plants while ensuring socio-economic stability in coal-dependent regions.

Coal Resource in India

• According to the National Coal Inventory of 2023, the total estimated coal reserve (resource) of India is 378.21billion tonnes as of 01.04.2023.
• Coal Production
• The all India Production of coal during 2023-24 was 997.83 MT with a positive growth of 11.71%.

Explanation:

• A set of 16th century copper plate inscriptions have been discovered at the Sri Singheswara temple at Mappedu village in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
• Two leaves of these copper plates were strung together with the help of a ring, bearing the seal of the Vijayanagara Empire.
• According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the inscription was written in Sanskrit using the Nandinagari script and was inscribed in 1513 during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya.

Vijayanagara Empire

• Establishment: The Vijayanagara Empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara and Bukka. Initially subservient to the Kakatiya rulers of Warangal, they later declared their independence and established a new city on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra river, which they named Vijayanagara (city of victory).
• Dynasties: The empire saw the reign of four dynasties: Sangam, Saluva, Tuluva and Aravidu.

Explanation:

• The Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (DA&FW) organised a National Workshop on Seed Certification, Traceability and Holistic Inventory (SATHI) Portal in New Delhi.
• Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the portal aims to revolutionise seed certification and inventory management and address the concerns of farmers regarding seed quality and traceability.
• It will optimise processes to minimise transaction time for registration, approval and certification, as well as provide eco-friendly operational options.
• NIC is the technology partner of the Government under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• It was established in the year 1976 with the objective of providing technology-driven solutions to the Central and State Governments in various aspects of development.