Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Extreme heat, attributed to El Niño, has significantly impacted flower production in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, a major flower-growing region.
Key points
- Flower output reduced by 40% due to intense heat.
- Delicate flowers like 'kanakambara' wilt on the plant before harvest.
- Blooms are smaller and lighter, leading to lower prices for growers.
- Affects thousands of small and marginal farmers in the Kuppam revenue division.
Background & context
Kuppam, located at the tri-junction of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, is known as Andhra's 'flower basket'. It supplies flowers to major cities daily.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Kuppam is a significant flower-growing region in Andhra Pradesh.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography (Climate Change Impacts), GS Paper 3: Agriculture (Impact of climate on crops, Economic consequences).
Why in news?
US-based healthcare and pharmacy company Walgreens is setting up a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, creating over 250 jobs.
Key points
- Walgreens, a leading US healthcare and pharmacy company, is establishing a GCC in Chennai.
- The centre will focus on technology and business services.
- Expected to create over 250 jobs in the first year, with expansion plans.
- Located at DLF Downtown, Taramani, in Chennai's growing GCC ecosystem.
Background & context
Tamil Nadu is actively promoting its GCC ecosystem, including initiatives like the Tamil Nadu Global Capability Centres Corridor and Development Programme.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Walgreens is a prominent US healthcare and pharmacy company.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography (Urban Development, Economic Geography), GS Paper 3: Economy (Service Sector, Employment, FDI, Investment Promotion).
Why in news?
Karnataka Chief Minister held public discussions on the K. Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats in Tirthahalli and Balehonnur.
Key points
- Public consultations were held to gather feedback on the K. Kasturirangan report.
- The CM and cabinet ministers engaged with people, representatives, and organisations.
- The report concerns the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region.
- Tirthahalli and Balehonnur were the chosen locations for these discussions.
Background & context
The K. Kasturirangan Committee was formed to study the Western Ghats and propose measures for its conservation. It recommended classifying certain areas as ecologically sensitive zones (ESZs).
★ Prelims fact capsule
The K. Kasturirangan report is related to the conservation of the Western Ghats.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology (Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Ecosystem Services), Disaster Management (Landslides, Floods in Ghats).