Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Farmers in Karnataka's Cauvery basin are facing a dry spell, with inadequate rainfall and reservoir levels impacting sowing of water-intensive crops like paddy.
Key points
- Farmers are proceeding with sowing water-intensive crops despite official advice due to optimism after a brief monsoon revival.
- The Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir water level is a key indicator of water availability.
- Farmers at the tail end of irrigation systems are particularly vulnerable.
- The situation highlights the delicate balance between agricultural needs, water resources, and monsoon dependency.
Background & context
The Cauvery River water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is a long-standing issue, often exacerbated during periods of water scarcity. The basin is crucial for agriculture in both states.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) reservoir is located across the Cauvery river near Mysuru.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography (Water Resources, Droughts); GS Paper 3: Disaster Management (Droughts, Water Scarcity), Agriculture (Crop patterns, Irrigation).
Why in news?
Nagaland has signed an agreement to develop its first private-sector solar power plant, a 20 MW facility at Tizit, Mon district.
Key points
- The project is a 20 MW solar power plant to be set up by a Pune-based firm, Tvaksas Renewable Private Limited.
- It aims to augment Nagaland's renewable energy capacity and meet renewable consumption obligations.
- The project will operate under a 25-year agreement with a fixed tariff of ₹4.12 per kWh.
- The company plans to scale the project up to 100 MW in phases, promoting investment and skill development.
- This initiative is expected to reduce the State's power import bill and help meet growing electricity demand.
Background & context
Renewable energy adoption is a key focus for many Indian states to improve energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and meet national targets. Nagaland, historically reliant on power imports, is taking steps to increase its domestic generation capacity.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The solar plant will be located in Tizit, Mon district, Nagaland.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Economy (Infrastructure, Energy Sector), Environment (Renewable Energy, Climate Change), Governance (State Initiatives).
Why in news?
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the National Teachers' Awards on 48 school teachers for their contributions to education.
Key points
- The awards will be presented on September 5, 2026, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
- 48 teachers from 27 States, seven Union Territories, and six central government organisations have been selected.
- The selection process involved three stages: district, State, and national levels.
- The awards aim to recognize teachers who have improved school education quality and enriched students' lives.
Background & context
Teachers' Day in India is celebrated on September 5th, the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The National Teachers' Award recognizes exemplary service in the teaching profession.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The National Teachers' Awards are presented annually on September 5th.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Social Justice (Education, Welfare Schemes for Teachers), Governance (Awards and Honours).