Forest ServicesDaily Current Affairs — 9 April 2026
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Rooftop Solar: Govt. Planning Incentive Scheme for States
Context To meet its target of one crore PM Surya Ghar households by 2027, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is encouraging States to adopt a ‘utility led aggregation (ULA)’ model. About The MNRE is mooting an incentive scheme to make PM Surya more attractive to States. The State electricity distribution companies (DISCOMS) will pay for installing rooftop solar systems in households that either can’t afford them or don’t have adequate infrastructure to install rooftop systems.
States Told to Clear Forensic Backlogs by the Ministry of Home Affairs
Context The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued directives to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, directing them to strengthen forensic science laboratories (FSLs), fill vacancies, and clear backlogs within three months. Directives The MHA has asked all the states to coordinate through the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS). States must institute monitoring to ensure timely forensic reports and launch a special drive to eliminate all backlogs by July.
World Inequality Lab Released Report on Land Inequality in India
Context A working paper by the World Inequality Lab highlights the extent and nature of land inequality in rural India. Key Findings of the Study High Concentration of Land Ownership: The top 10% of rural households own 44% of total land, indicating a high concentration of land ownership. The top 5% of households own 32% of land, while the top 1% alone own 18% of land, reflecting extreme inequality at the top.
India–Türkiye Talks Signal Diplomatic Reset
Context India and Türkiye held the 12th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FoC) after a gap of four years, indicating efforts to revive strained bilateral relations. Background Türkiye, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, repeatedly raised the Kashmir issue at international forums. Relations worsened during Operation Sindoor, where Türkiye supported Pakistan militarily and diplomatically.
Elephanta Caves
Context A major excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Elephanta Island has revealed a 1,500-year-old stepped reservoir. Key Features of the Stepped Reservoir The excavated structure is a T-shaped stepped reservoir, indicating a planned architectural design. The reservoir measures about 14.7 metres in length, with widths varying between 6.7 metres and 10.8 metres.