Know Your GK: UPSC Current Affairs & General Knowledge

Natural Farming  🎴What is Natural Farming? Natural farming is a way of growing crops where farmers do not use any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified seeds . Instead, they rely completely on natural processes , like using cow dung, cow urine, compost, and local seeds, to grow healthy food while keeping the soil, air, and water clean. It works with nature’s cycles—such as rainfall, sunlight, soil microbes, and natural pest control—to maintain a balanced ecosystem. Definition: "Natural farming is a farming system where crops are cultivated without using synthetic chemicals or fertilizers, by relying solely on natural inputs and ecological balance to maintain soil fertility and plant health." The Father of Natural Farming is Masanobu Fukuoka , a Japanese farmer and thinker. Masanobu Fukuoka believed that modern farming practices were harming the Earth. He showed that farming could be done successfully without plowing, without fertilizers, and without...

🌍 Understanding Net Zero: India’s Climate Goal for UPSC Aspirants Climate change is affecting us today. We see it with rising sea levels, strong heat waves, unpredictable rains, and severe floods. To tackle this problem, nations worldwide have set a goal called Net Zero. This is a challenging but crucial mission for India as it tries to grow its economy sustainably. This guide explains Net Zero, why it's important, how India aims to achieve it, and the obstacles that lie ahead. It is a useful resource for those preparing for UPSC and other competitive exams. 💪 What Does Net Zero Mean? Net Zero is when the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) put into the atmosphere equals the amount taken out.  💡 Achieving Net Zero in Two Ways: 1. Reduce Emissions:  Switch to renewable energy, use electric cars, and adopt eco-friendly farming methods. 2. Increase Absorption:  Plant more trees, restore wetlands, and use technology to capture carbon. Think of it like a bank account; you ca...

  Kancha Gachibowli Forest: The Battle Between Urban Growth and Green Survival 🏞️ What is Gachibowli? Understanding the Name and the Place Gachibowli is a busy tech area in Hyderabad, but its name comes from history. "Gachi" means lime mortar, and "Bowli" means a stepwell. These stepwells were used by travelers to rest and get water. Over the years, this area grew from a quiet suburb into a city hub with IT parks, stadiums, and top universities like the University of Hyderabad and IIIT-Hyderabad . In the middle of this modern development lies the  Kancha Gachibowli forest , a green area full of life. It's now caught in a battle between building new things and saving nature. 📰 Why is Kancha Gachibowli in the News? In early 2024, the Telangana government planned to sell 400 acres of land , including part of the Kancha Gachibowli forest, to build a new IT and financial district . They said it would bring in Rs. 50,000 crore and 5 lakh new jobs. But this pl...