Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Veteran Chennai-based jeweller Vummidi Ethiraj, who played a key role in crafting the Sengol presented to Jawaharlal Nehru <\/strong>in 1947, passed away.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About Vummidi Ethiraj<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Born on November 25, 1926, he was a prominent figure in South India\u2019s jewellery industry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- He helped craft the Sengol, bringing his family\u2019s traditional craftsmanship into the national spotlight, particularly after its installation in the new Parliament building in 2023.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is Sengol<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Features: <\/strong>A five-foot-long, gold-plated silver sceptre topped with a figure of Nandi, commissioned by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam in Tamil Nadu.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Historical Significance:<\/strong> Presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of Independence in 1947 by representatives of the Adheenam, symbolising the transfer of power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cultural Significance: <\/strong>The term is associated with the Tamil word semmai, meaning righteousness. The Sengol symbolises just and fair governance and is associated with Tamil kingship traditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-168.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nLine of Actual Control (LAC)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS2\/ International Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been disturbed by the People\u2019s Liberation Army\u2019s (PLA) patrolling behaviour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Line of Actual Control (LAC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km <\/strong>long, while China considers it to be only around 2,000 km.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is divided into three sectors:\u00a0<\/strong>\n
\n- The eastern sector, which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The western sector in Ladakh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nWhat is the McMahon Line?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The McMahon Line serves as the de facto boundary between China and India in the Eastern Sector. <\/strong>It specifically represents the boundary between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, from Bhutan in the west to Myanmar in the east.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- China has historically disputed the boundary and claims the state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The McMahon Line was drawn during the Shimla Convention of 1914,<\/strong> officially described as the Convention Between Great Britain, China, and Tibet.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- China rejects the McMahon Line<\/strong> and claims Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as Zangnan or \u201cSouth Tibet\u201d. <\/strong>India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-171.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow is the LAC different from the Line of Control with Pakistan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire<\/strong> line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was designated as the LoC in 1972,<\/strong> following the Shimla Agreement<\/strong> between the two countries. It is delineated on a map signed by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The LAC is only a concept, <\/strong>and it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAgri-Voltaics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference<\/strong> held in New Delhi under the theme \u201cPowering the Global South.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Agrivoltaics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- It is also known as agrisolar or dual-use solar, maximises land-use efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It provides shade for crops and creates additional benefits for farmers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It integrates agricultural infrastructure with solar installations, adapted to local farming conditions.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Elements <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Elevated Solar Structures:<\/strong> Instead of placing solar panels directly on the ground, they are mounted on structures high enough to let sunlight and rain reach the crops below.\n
\n- These elevated solar panels for agriculture also allow farmers to move their equipment underneath without any trouble.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Partial shading:<\/strong> The panels provide shade, which helps protect crops from extreme heat and reduces water evaporation from the soil.\n
\n- \u00a0This creates a cooler, more stable environment for plants to grow, especially in hot or dry regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dual Land Productivity: <\/strong>Agrivoltaics optimises land use by integrating crop cultivation or livestock rearing with solar power generation, supplying electricity for farm activities and creating an additional revenue stream through surplus power sales to the grid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-170.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAgrivoltaics Development in India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- As of August 2025, India had 36 operational agrivoltaics projects with an installed capacity of 37.54 megawatts, alongside 10 pilot projects under development.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- State-wise data<\/strong>: Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 is promoting 16,000 MW of solar projects to provide power to farmers.\n
\n- Gujarat\u2019s Kisan Suryoday Yojana provides electricity during the day for the farmer\u2019s task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Karnataka\u2019s Surya Raitha Scheme encourages solar irrigation pumps and provides farmers an opportunity to earn from surplus electricity, cutting down fuel consumption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-169.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIndia\u2019s Agrivoltaic Potential<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- India holds significant potential for agrivoltaics.\n
\n- Estimates place the country\u2019s agrivoltaic potential between 3,000 GW and nearly 14,000 GW, highlighting the scale of opportunity at the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Agrivoltaic systems can also create profits diversification for farmers.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In some cases, annual earnings could rise from around \u20b960,000 per acre to over \u20b91 lakh per acre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- High-potential states<\/strong> include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, which collectively account for nearly 50 per cent of India\u2019s estimated AgriPV power generation potential, driven by favourable combination of cropland availability, solar resource, and agro-climatic conditions.\n
\n- Moderate potential is observed in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Bihar, and West Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The southern, western, and central regions exhibit the most favourable combination of solar irradiance, land availability, and horticultural intensity for large-scale deployment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Government Initiatives in Agrivoltaics Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM):<\/strong> Launched in February 2019, the scheme encourages solar energy adoption in agriculture, reduces dependence on diesel and creates opportunities for farmers to diversify their earnings.\n
\n- It also enables decentralised solar power generation and solarisation of agricultural pumps, creating avenues of development for solar energy integration with farming.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Centre of Excellence on Agrivoltaics: <\/strong>The National Institute of Solar Energy, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research\u2019s Indian Agricultural Research Institute, has established a CoE for agrivoltaics research, demonstration and capacity building.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The India Agrivoltaics Alliance (IAA)<\/strong> : Launched in 2023 and It is\u00a0 anchored by the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI).\n
\n- It is a multi-stakeholder platform advancing the dual use of land for solar energy generation and agriculture.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source :PIB<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUnited Nations Climate Convention’s Loss and Damage Fund <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The United Nations Climate Convention’s Loss and Damage Fund has set aside $21.6 million for Nepal towards addressing the damage from the Bhotekoshi floods.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- In August 2026, an ice-and-rock avalanche, linked to climate change from human-accelerated global warming, set off flooding along the Bhotekoshi\u2013Trishuli\u2013Narayani river system.<\/strong>\n
\n- Nepal estimates economic losses of at least $2.69 billion and recovery needs of at least $4.71 billion.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is the first time<\/strong> the Fund has earmarked money for a specific country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About Loss and Damage Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The fund operates under the financial mechanism of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)<\/strong>.\n
\n- Governments agreed to create it at COP27 in 2022<\/strong>, and its Governing Instrument was adopted at COP28 in 2023.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was set up <\/strong>to help developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change respond to economic and non-economic losses, including from extreme weather and slow-onset events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Beneficiaries:<\/strong> Developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, with particular attention to those facing significant capacity constraints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nCivil Defence Network <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Union Home Ministry decided to launch a first-of-its-kind pilot initiative<\/strong> to strengthen civil defence preparedness by providing specialised training to Civil Defence Master Trainers through the Indian Army.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCivil Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Civil Defence was firstly established in India in 1941.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was enacted by Parliament in May 1968 as Civil Defence Act 27 of 1968.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is intended to preserve lives, minimise damage to property, sustain key services <\/strong>and production and promote public morale in emergencies.\n
\n- Originally, the focus was on security from enemy attack, but its scope was enlarged after Chinese aggression in 1962 and Indo-Pak conflict in 1965.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Civil Defence Act, 1968 revised in 2009 authorised the establishment of the Civil Defence Corps<\/strong> and expanded its responsibility in disaster management before, during and after natural and man-made disasters. Civil Defence also covers dangers from nuclear, biological and chemical attacks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
About Vummidi Ethiraj<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Born on November 25, 1926, he was a prominent figure in South India\u2019s jewellery industry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- He helped craft the Sengol, bringing his family\u2019s traditional craftsmanship into the national spotlight, particularly after its installation in the new Parliament building in 2023.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is Sengol<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Features: <\/strong>A five-foot-long, gold-plated silver sceptre topped with a figure of Nandi, commissioned by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam in Tamil Nadu.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Historical Significance:<\/strong> Presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of Independence in 1947 by representatives of the Adheenam, symbolising the transfer of power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cultural Significance: <\/strong>The term is associated with the Tamil word semmai, meaning righteousness. The Sengol symbolises just and fair governance and is associated with Tamil kingship traditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nLine of Actual Control (LAC)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS2\/ International Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been disturbed by the People\u2019s Liberation Army\u2019s (PLA) patrolling behaviour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Line of Actual Control (LAC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km <\/strong>long, while China considers it to be only around 2,000 km.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is divided into three sectors:\u00a0<\/strong>\n
\n- The eastern sector, which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The western sector in Ladakh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nWhat is the McMahon Line?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The McMahon Line serves as the de facto boundary between China and India in the Eastern Sector. <\/strong>It specifically represents the boundary between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, from Bhutan in the west to Myanmar in the east.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- China has historically disputed the boundary and claims the state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The McMahon Line was drawn during the Shimla Convention of 1914,<\/strong> officially described as the Convention Between Great Britain, China, and Tibet.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- China rejects the McMahon Line<\/strong> and claims Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as Zangnan or \u201cSouth Tibet\u201d. <\/strong>India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow is the LAC different from the Line of Control with Pakistan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire<\/strong> line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was designated as the LoC in 1972,<\/strong> following the Shimla Agreement<\/strong> between the two countries. It is delineated on a map signed by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The LAC is only a concept, <\/strong>and it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAgri-Voltaics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference<\/strong> held in New Delhi under the theme \u201cPowering the Global South.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Agrivoltaics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- It is also known as agrisolar or dual-use solar, maximises land-use efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It provides shade for crops and creates additional benefits for farmers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It integrates agricultural infrastructure with solar installations, adapted to local farming conditions.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Elements <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Elevated Solar Structures:<\/strong> Instead of placing solar panels directly on the ground, they are mounted on structures high enough to let sunlight and rain reach the crops below.\n
\n- These elevated solar panels for agriculture also allow farmers to move their equipment underneath without any trouble.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Partial shading:<\/strong> The panels provide shade, which helps protect crops from extreme heat and reduces water evaporation from the soil.\n
\n- \u00a0This creates a cooler, more stable environment for plants to grow, especially in hot or dry regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dual Land Productivity: <\/strong>Agrivoltaics optimises land use by integrating crop cultivation or livestock rearing with solar power generation, supplying electricity for farm activities and creating an additional revenue stream through surplus power sales to the grid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAgrivoltaics Development in India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- As of August 2025, India had 36 operational agrivoltaics projects with an installed capacity of 37.54 megawatts, alongside 10 pilot projects under development.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- State-wise data<\/strong>: Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 is promoting 16,000 MW of solar projects to provide power to farmers.\n
\n- Gujarat\u2019s Kisan Suryoday Yojana provides electricity during the day for the farmer\u2019s task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Karnataka\u2019s Surya Raitha Scheme encourages solar irrigation pumps and provides farmers an opportunity to earn from surplus electricity, cutting down fuel consumption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIndia\u2019s Agrivoltaic Potential<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- India holds significant potential for agrivoltaics.\n
\n- Estimates place the country\u2019s agrivoltaic potential between 3,000 GW and nearly 14,000 GW, highlighting the scale of opportunity at the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Agrivoltaic systems can also create profits diversification for farmers.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In some cases, annual earnings could rise from around \u20b960,000 per acre to over \u20b91 lakh per acre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- High-potential states<\/strong> include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, which collectively account for nearly 50 per cent of India\u2019s estimated AgriPV power generation potential, driven by favourable combination of cropland availability, solar resource, and agro-climatic conditions.\n
\n- Moderate potential is observed in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Bihar, and West Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The southern, western, and central regions exhibit the most favourable combination of solar irradiance, land availability, and horticultural intensity for large-scale deployment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Government Initiatives in Agrivoltaics Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM):<\/strong> Launched in February 2019, the scheme encourages solar energy adoption in agriculture, reduces dependence on diesel and creates opportunities for farmers to diversify their earnings.\n
\n- It also enables decentralised solar power generation and solarisation of agricultural pumps, creating avenues of development for solar energy integration with farming.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Centre of Excellence on Agrivoltaics: <\/strong>The National Institute of Solar Energy, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research\u2019s Indian Agricultural Research Institute, has established a CoE for agrivoltaics research, demonstration and capacity building.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The India Agrivoltaics Alliance (IAA)<\/strong> : Launched in 2023 and It is\u00a0 anchored by the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI).\n
\n- It is a multi-stakeholder platform advancing the dual use of land for solar energy generation and agriculture.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source :PIB<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUnited Nations Climate Convention’s Loss and Damage Fund <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The United Nations Climate Convention’s Loss and Damage Fund has set aside $21.6 million for Nepal towards addressing the damage from the Bhotekoshi floods.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- In August 2026, an ice-and-rock avalanche, linked to climate change from human-accelerated global warming, set off flooding along the Bhotekoshi\u2013Trishuli\u2013Narayani river system.<\/strong>\n
\n- Nepal estimates economic losses of at least $2.69 billion and recovery needs of at least $4.71 billion.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is the first time<\/strong> the Fund has earmarked money for a specific country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About Loss and Damage Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The fund operates under the financial mechanism of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)<\/strong>.\n
\n- Governments agreed to create it at COP27 in 2022<\/strong>, and its Governing Instrument was adopted at COP28 in 2023.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was set up <\/strong>to help developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change respond to economic and non-economic losses, including from extreme weather and slow-onset events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Beneficiaries:<\/strong> Developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, with particular attention to those facing significant capacity constraints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nCivil Defence Network <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Union Home Ministry decided to launch a first-of-its-kind pilot initiative<\/strong> to strengthen civil defence preparedness by providing specialised training to Civil Defence Master Trainers through the Indian Army.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCivil Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Civil Defence was firstly established in India in 1941.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was enacted by Parliament in May 1968 as Civil Defence Act 27 of 1968.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is intended to preserve lives, minimise damage to property, sustain key services <\/strong>and production and promote public morale in emergencies.\n
\n- Originally, the focus was on security from enemy attack, but its scope was enlarged after Chinese aggression in 1962 and Indo-Pak conflict in 1965.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Civil Defence Act, 1968 revised in 2009 authorised the establishment of the Civil Defence Corps<\/strong> and expanded its responsibility in disaster management before, during and after natural and man-made disasters. Civil Defence also covers dangers from nuclear, biological and chemical attacks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Sengol<\/strong>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Features: <\/strong>A five-foot-long, gold-plated silver sceptre topped with a figure of Nandi, commissioned by the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam in Tamil Nadu.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Historical Significance:<\/strong> Presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of Independence in 1947 by representatives of the Adheenam, symbolising the transfer of power.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cultural Significance: <\/strong>The term is associated with the Tamil word semmai, meaning righteousness. The Sengol symbolises just and fair governance and is associated with Tamil kingship traditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nLine of Actual Control (LAC)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS2\/ International Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that Line of Actual Control (LAC) has been disturbed by the People\u2019s Liberation Army\u2019s (PLA) patrolling behaviour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Line of Actual Control (LAC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km <\/strong>long, while China considers it to be only around 2,000 km.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is divided into three sectors:\u00a0<\/strong>\n
\n- The eastern sector, which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The western sector in Ladakh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nWhat is the McMahon Line?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- The McMahon Line serves as the de facto boundary between China and India in the Eastern Sector. <\/strong>It specifically represents the boundary between Arunachal Pradesh and Tibet, from Bhutan in the west to Myanmar in the east.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- China has historically disputed the boundary and claims the state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR).<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The McMahon Line was drawn during the Shimla Convention of 1914,<\/strong> officially described as the Convention Between Great Britain, China, and Tibet.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- China rejects the McMahon Line<\/strong> and claims Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as Zangnan or \u201cSouth Tibet\u201d. <\/strong>India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow is the LAC different from the Line of Control with Pakistan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire<\/strong> line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was designated as the LoC in 1972,<\/strong> following the Shimla Agreement<\/strong> between the two countries. It is delineated on a map signed by the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The LAC is only a concept, <\/strong>and it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAgri-Voltaics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference<\/strong> held in New Delhi under the theme \u201cPowering the Global South.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Agrivoltaics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- It is also known as agrisolar or dual-use solar, maximises land-use efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It provides shade for crops and creates additional benefits for farmers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It integrates agricultural infrastructure with solar installations, adapted to local farming conditions.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Elements <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Elevated Solar Structures:<\/strong> Instead of placing solar panels directly on the ground, they are mounted on structures high enough to let sunlight and rain reach the crops below.\n
\n- These elevated solar panels for agriculture also allow farmers to move their equipment underneath without any trouble.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Partial shading:<\/strong> The panels provide shade, which helps protect crops from extreme heat and reduces water evaporation from the soil.\n
\n- \u00a0This creates a cooler, more stable environment for plants to grow, especially in hot or dry regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dual Land Productivity: <\/strong>Agrivoltaics optimises land use by integrating crop cultivation or livestock rearing with solar power generation, supplying electricity for farm activities and creating an additional revenue stream through surplus power sales to the grid.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAgrivoltaics Development in India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- As of August 2025, India had 36 operational agrivoltaics projects with an installed capacity of 37.54 megawatts, alongside 10 pilot projects under development.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- State-wise data<\/strong>: Maharashtra’s Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 is promoting 16,000 MW of solar projects to provide power to farmers.\n
\n- Gujarat\u2019s Kisan Suryoday Yojana provides electricity during the day for the farmer\u2019s task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Karnataka\u2019s Surya Raitha Scheme encourages solar irrigation pumps and provides farmers an opportunity to earn from surplus electricity, cutting down fuel consumption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIndia\u2019s Agrivoltaic Potential<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- India holds significant potential for agrivoltaics.\n
\n- Estimates place the country\u2019s agrivoltaic potential between 3,000 GW and nearly 14,000 GW, highlighting the scale of opportunity at the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Agrivoltaic systems can also create profits diversification for farmers.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In some cases, annual earnings could rise from around \u20b960,000 per acre to over \u20b91 lakh per acre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- High-potential states<\/strong> include Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, which collectively account for nearly 50 per cent of India\u2019s estimated AgriPV power generation potential, driven by favourable combination of cropland availability, solar resource, and agro-climatic conditions.\n
\n- Moderate potential is observed in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Bihar, and West Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The southern, western, and central regions exhibit the most favourable combination of solar irradiance, land availability, and horticultural intensity for large-scale deployment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Government Initiatives in Agrivoltaics Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM KUSUM):<\/strong> Launched in February 2019, the scheme encourages solar energy adoption in agriculture, reduces dependence on diesel and creates opportunities for farmers to diversify their earnings.\n
\n- It also enables decentralised solar power generation and solarisation of agricultural pumps, creating avenues of development for solar energy integration with farming.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Centre of Excellence on Agrivoltaics: <\/strong>The National Institute of Solar Energy, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research\u2019s Indian Agricultural Research Institute, has established a CoE for agrivoltaics research, demonstration and capacity building.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The India Agrivoltaics Alliance (IAA)<\/strong> : Launched in 2023 and It is\u00a0 anchored by the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI).\n
\n- It is a multi-stakeholder platform advancing the dual use of land for solar energy generation and agriculture.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source :PIB<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nUnited Nations Climate Convention’s Loss and Damage Fund <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContext<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The United Nations Climate Convention’s Loss and Damage Fund has set aside $21.6 million for Nepal towards addressing the damage from the Bhotekoshi floods.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- In August 2026, an ice-and-rock avalanche, linked to climate change from human-accelerated global warming, set off flooding along the Bhotekoshi\u2013Trishuli\u2013Narayani river system.<\/strong>\n
\n- Nepal estimates economic losses of at least $2.69 billion and recovery needs of at least $4.71 billion.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is the first time<\/strong> the Fund has earmarked money for a specific country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
About Loss and Damage Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The fund operates under the financial mechanism of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)<\/strong>.\n
\n- Governments agreed to create it at COP27 in 2022<\/strong>, and its Governing Instrument was adopted at COP28 in 2023.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was set up <\/strong>to help developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change respond to economic and non-economic losses, including from extreme weather and slow-onset events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Beneficiaries:<\/strong> Developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, with particular attention to those facing significant capacity constraints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nCivil Defence Network <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Syllabus: GS3\/Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIn News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n- The Union Home Ministry decided to launch a first-of-its-kind pilot initiative<\/strong> to strengthen civil defence preparedness by providing specialised training to Civil Defence Master Trainers through the Indian Army.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCivil Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Civil Defence was firstly established in India in 1941.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It was enacted by Parliament in May 1968 as Civil Defence Act 27 of 1968.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- It is intended to preserve lives, minimise damage to property, sustain key services <\/strong>and production and promote public morale in emergencies.\n
\n- Originally, the focus was on security from enemy attack, but its scope was enlarged after Chinese aggression in 1962 and Indo-Pak conflict in 1965.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Civil Defence Act, 1968 revised in 2009 authorised the establishment of the Civil Defence Corps<\/strong> and expanded its responsibility in disaster management before, during and after natural and man-made disasters. Civil Defence also covers dangers from nuclear, biological and chemical attacks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSource: <\/strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Syllabus: GS2\/ International Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the McMahon Line?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Source :PIB<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Syllabus: GS3\/Environment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: <\/strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Syllabus: GS3\/Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Civil Defence <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nLine of Actual Control (LAC)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Line of Actual Control (LAC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHow is the LAC different from the Line of Control with Pakistan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Agri-Voltaics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Agrivoltaics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Elements <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAgrivoltaics Development in India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIndia\u2019s Agrivoltaic Potential<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
Government Initiatives in Agrivoltaics Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
United Nations Climate Convention’s Loss and Damage Fund <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
About Loss and Damage Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Civil Defence Network <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n