TGPSC Daily Current Affairs - 6th January 2026
Relevance:
Paper-II: History, Culture and Geography
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Heritage Conservation, World Monuments Fund (WMF), Protected Monuments, Kakatiya Architecture, Rashtrakuta Period, Menhirs, Urban Heritage, Monument Restoration
For Mains:
- Cultural Heritage Management, Public–Private Participation in Heritage, Urban Renewal, Sustainable Tourism, Global Cultural Funding, Community-led Conservation
Why in News?
Around 25 heritage monuments across Telangana are set to be showcased at the 60th World Monuments Fund (WMF) Conference, to be held in Hyderabad on January 16, 2026, with the objective of attracting international funding for restoration, beautification, and long-term maintenance.
Background
Telangana possesses a rich and layered heritage reflecting Kakatiya, Rashtrakuta, medieval Deccan, and colonial-era influences. However, many monuments suffer from structural decay, urban pressure, and inadequate maintenance funding. To address this, the State government has initiated a global outreach under the theme “Own Your Monument, Adopt Your Monument.”
Monuments Identified for Global Funding
The Heritage Department plans to highlight 11 protected monuments, including:
- Taramati Baradari
- Akanna Sarai, Maheshwaram
- Ghanpur Group of Temples (Kakatiya era), Warangal
- Medak Fort (Rashtrakuta period)
- Mudumal Menhirs
- Pachala Someshwara Temple
- Panagal Museum, Nalgonda
In Hyderabad, urban heritage structures identified include the Old MCH office, Katora Houz, City College, Puranapul Bridge, Koti Women’s College blocks, Osmania University Arts College, and the ENT Hospital.
Institutional Preparation and Strategy
Officials from the Heritage Department, GHMC, and HMDA are preparing detailed restoration proposals and cost estimates to present before international stakeholders at the WMF conference. Emphasis is being placed not only on restoration but also on regular maintenance funding.
Significance for Telangana
- Revives historical identity and cultural pride
- Boosts heritage tourism and local economy
- Encourages global collaboration in conservation
- Integrates heritage into urban renewal planning
Challenges in Heritage Conservation
- Fragmented institutional responsibility
- Encroachments and urbanisation pressures
- Limited technical expertise and sustained funding
- Balancing tourism with conservation ethics
Way Forward
- Institutionalise public–private and community partnerships
- Ensure post-restoration maintenance mechanisms
- Integrate heritage planning with smart city and tourism policies
- Promote local stewardship through “Adopt a Monument” models
Conclusion
Telangana’s move to showcase 25 heritage sites at a global forum reflects a strategic shift from isolated conservation efforts to internationally supported, sustainable heritage management. If effectively implemented, this initiative can safeguard the State’s cultural legacy while transforming heritage into a driver of inclusive development.
CARE MCQ
Q. The earthquake-resistant construction of the Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple is primarily attributed to the use of which innovative engineering technique?
- Corbelled stone roofing
- Trabeate structural system
- Sandbox foundation
- Reinforced lime concrete base
Answer: C
Explanation:
The Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple employed the sandbox foundation technique, an advanced geotechnical innovation of the Kakatiyas. This method involved filling the foundation pit with layers of sand, charcoal, and soil, which absorbed seismic shocks and enhanced structural stability. This engineering experimentation, along with the use of lightweight floating bricks, made the temple highly earthquake resistant, showcasing the Kakatiyans’ deep understanding of construction technology and indigenous knowledge systems.
Source: The Indian Express
Relevance:
Climate change, Sustainable development, Energy transition
Important Keywords for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Paris Agreement, UNFCCC, NDCs / INDCs, Kyoto Protocol vs Paris Agreement, Global Stocktake, CBDR–RC, Climate Finance / NCQG, CBAM
For Mains:
- Global groupings, international agreements, Sustainable development, climate change, energy transition, Global climate governance, equity, climate finance, development vs mitigation
Why in News?
- The Paris Agreement completed 10 years in November 2025.
- Triggered a global re-evaluation due to:
- US exit in early 2025
- Finance and equity dissatisfaction among developing nations
- Shift in negotiating power at COP30 (Belém, Brazil)
- Growing debate on whether the Paris framework can deliver real climate outcomes.
Background: What is the Paris Agreement?
- Adopted in 2015 at COP21, Paris
- Operates under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- Legally binding framework, but national targets are voluntary
- Replaced the Kyoto Protocol, which applied only to developed nations
Objectives of the Paris Agreement
- Limit global temperature rise to:
- Well below 2°C, and
- Preferably 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
- Strengthen:
- Mitigation
- Adaptation
- Climate finance
- Promote low-carbon, climate-resilient development
Working Mechanism
- Bottom-up approach through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- Every 5 years, countries must:
- Submit updated NDCs
- Increase ambition progressively
- Global Stocktake every 5 years:
- Assesses collective progress
- First completed at COP28 (2023)
- Paris Rulebook:
- Finalised at COP24 (Katowice) and COP26 (Glasgow)
- Sets rules for transparency, reporting, and verification
Key Achievements (2015–2025)
1. Universal Climate Participation
- 194 countries + European Union committed under a single framework
- First truly global climate agreement
2. Institutionalisation of Climate Action
- Climate policy mainstreamed into:
- National budgets
- Development planning
- Domestic laws
- Examples:
- EU Green Deal
- India’s Mission LiFE
3. Climate Finance Architecture
- Developed countries committed USD 100 billion/year till 2025
- COP29 (2024) adopted New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG):
- At least USD 300 billion annually by 2035
4. Equity Recognition
- Embedded Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR–RC)
- Acknowledges:
- Historical emissions
- Differing national capacities
5. Expansion of Climate Markets
- Growth of:
- Green bonds
- Carbon trading
- Climate-aligned investments
- However, scale remains insufficient
India and the Paris Agreement
India’s Commitments
- Submitted INDC in 2015, later adopted as NDC
- Key targets:
- 45% reduction in emissions intensity (from 2005 levels) by 2030
- ~50% electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030
- Carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂
- Promotion of Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)
- Long-term goal: Net Zero by 2070
India’s Achievements
- Achieved 50% non-fossil electricity capacity in 2025, 5 years early
- Global leadership via:
- International Solar Alliance (ISA)
- Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
- Mission LiFE
- Climate strategy aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047
Major Concerns Regarding the Paris Agreement
1. Voluntary Commitments
- Shift from legally binding targets (Kyoto) to voluntary NDCs
- Weak enforcement and accountability
2. Equity Deficit
- Uniform expectations dilute CBDR
- Historical responsibility of developed nations under-addressed
- LDCs and SIDS face existential climate risks
3. Climate Finance Gap
- USD 300 billion NCQG seen as inadequate
- India and Global South demand:
- USD 1.3 trillion annually
- At least USD 600 billion as grants
4. Mitigation-Centric Bias
- Adaptation and resilience underfunded
- Problematic for climate-vulnerable countries
5. Development Constraints
- Trade tools like CBAM restrict policy space
- Limits industrialisation options of developing nations
6. Insufficient Ambition
- Current NDCs lead to 2.5–2.9°C warming
- Far from Paris targets
Shift in Global Climate Narrative (2025)
- Developing countries assert developmental sovereignty
- At COP30 (Belém):
- Fossil-fuel phase-out language resisted
- Equity and adaptation prioritised
- US withdrawal created leadership vacuum
- China, India, Brazil emerged as influential actors
China Model in Climate Action
- Development-first pathway
- Emissions rose during rapid industrialisation
- Parallel investments in:
- Renewables
- Electrification
- Clean technologies
- Commitments:
- Peak emissions before 2030
- Net zero by 2060
- Shows alternative sequencing: growth → decarbonisation
Way Forward: Strengthening Climate Governance
- From Voluntary to Enforceable Action
- Sector-wise carbon budgets
- Legally backed national targets
- Equal Focus on Adaptation
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Agriculture, water, early-warning systems
- Bridging Climate Finance Gap
- Fulfil developed-country obligations
- Reform MDBs
- Scale green bonds and blended finance
- Reinforcing Climate Justice
- CBDR–RC as guiding principle
- Fairness in carbon border measures
- Technology Access
- Renewables, storage, green hydrogen
- Patent pooling and South-South cooperation
- Strong Climate Governance
- Transparent MRV systems
- Credible climate science
Conclusion
The Paris Agreement succeeded in universalising climate action, but its voluntary nature, finance shortfalls, and equity gaps limit its effectiveness. The next phase of global climate governance must reconcile climate ambition with development justice. India’s approach—linking climate action with growth and resilience—offers a pragmatic and equitable pathway forward.
UPSC PYQ
Q. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (2016)
(a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East
(b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change
(c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals
Answer: (b)
CARE MCQ
The Paris Agreement differs fundamentally from the Kyoto Protocol because it:
(a) Imposes legally binding emission reduction targets on all countries
(b) Applies only to developed countries
(c) Follows a bottom-up approach based on Nationally Determined Contributions
(d) Excludes climate finance from its framework
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
- The Paris Agreement operates through voluntary, nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
- This marks a shift from the top-down, legally binding targets of the Kyoto Protocol, which applied only to developed countries.
Source: The Indian Express
Relevance:
GS Paper III – Agriculture, Fisheries, External Trade, Food Processing, Export Competitiveness
GS Paper II – India–US Trade Relations, Trade Diversification Strategy
Important Keywords
For Prelims:
- Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), Vannamei Shrimp, Aquaculture, Anti-dumping Duty, Countervailing Duty, Tariff Barriers, Frozen Shrimp, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
For Mains:
- Agricultural Exports, Trade Diversification, Supply Chain Resilience, Fisheries Sector Reforms, Export Competitiveness, Market Access, Protectionism, Blue Economy
Why in News?
India’s marine product exports recorded a 16% increase in value and 12% growth in volume during April–October 2025, despite a decline in exports to the United States caused by very high tariffs on Indian shrimp, highlighting the sector’s growing resilience and successful export diversification.
India’s Seafood Sector: Scale and Structure
India has one of the largest and most diversified seafood sectors globally, supported by:
- A coastline of over 7,500 km
- Extensive inland water resources
- A strong aquaculture base
The sector plays a vital role in:
- Employment generation and coastal livelihoods
- Foreign exchange earnings
- Food and nutritional security
India is the 3rd largest fish producer and the 2nd largest aquaculture producer in the world.
Export Profile and Major Markets
- Shrimp, particularly frozen Vannamei shrimp, dominates export value and volume
- Other exports include frozen fish, cuttlefish, squid, crabs, and value-added products
Traditionally, major markets have been:
- United States
- China
- Japan
- European Union
In recent years, India has actively pursued market diversification to reduce over-dependence on a single destination.
Recent Export Performance (FY 2025–26)
- Export value:
- $4.87 billion (Apr–Oct 2025)
- Up from $4.19 billion in the same period of 2024
- Export volume:
- Increased from 9.62 lakh MT to 10.73 lakh MT
- April–November 2025–26:
- Marine exports rose over 16% to $5.75 billion
Impact of US Tariffs
- Effective US duties on Indian shrimp rose to nearly 60%, including:
- Anti-dumping duties
- Countervailing duties
- Additional tariff measures
- As a result:
- Exports to the US declined by 4% in value and 11% in quantity
- India faced a disadvantage compared to Ecuador, Vietnam, and Thailand
Despite this, the US remains India’s single largest seafood market, underscoring the need for balanced engagement.
Diversification and Emerging Markets
India successfully offset US losses through expansion into alternative markets:
- China: Exports rose to $845.67 million
- Vietnam: Over 100% growth in value and 90% growth in volume
- Belgium: Nearly 90% increase
- Other markets: Germany, Malaysia, Japan, UK, Russia, Canada
This reflects a strategic eastward and European pivot in export destinations.
Institutional Support and Policy Measures
- MPEDA plays a central role in:
- Quality control and traceability
- Export promotion and market access
- PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has strengthened:
- Fisheries infrastructure
- Processing and cold-chain capacity
- Sustainability and compliance standards
Regular consultations by Fisheries and Commerce Ministries have helped exporters overcome non-tariff barriers.
Challenges Ahead
- Shrimp-centric export dependence
- Empty US order pipeline beyond mid-January 2026
- Global logistics volatility and price pressures
- Need for higher value addition
Way Forward
- Deepen export diversification while retaining key markets
- Promote value-added seafood processing
- Strengthen trade negotiations on tariff and non-tariff barriers
- Enhance cold-chain, logistics, and compliance infrastructure
- Align fisheries growth with Blue Economy objectives
Conclusion
India’s seafood sector has demonstrated strong resilience, adaptability, and competitiveness amid global trade disruptions. The successful diversification away from excessive US dependence marks a structural shift in India’s export strategy. Sustained policy support, value addition, and market expansion will be crucial to ensuring long-term growth and stability of India’s marine exports.
UPSC PYQ
- Warm and cold atmospheric currents meet
- Rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea
- Warm and cold oceanic currents meet
- Continental shelf is undulating
Answer: C
Explanation:
The world’s richest fishing grounds are located in regions where warm and cold ocean currents converge. This convergence leads to:
- Upwelling of nutrient-rich cold waters, which brings nitrates and phosphates from the ocean depths to the surface.
- High plankton productivity, as phytoplankton thrive on these nutrients and form the base of the marine food chain.
- Abundant fish populations, since plankton supports zooplankton and subsequently large shoals of fish.
Classic examples include:
- Grand Banks of Newfoundland (meeting of the warm Gulf Stream and cold Labrador Current)
- Waters off Japan (meeting of the warm Kuroshio and cold Oyashio currents)
CARE MCQ
Q. What is ReALCRaft?
- A satellite-based monitoring system for tracking fishing vessels at sea
- A web-based digital platform for online registration and licensing of fishing vessels
- A mobile application for real-time fish stock assessment and forecasting
- A blockchain-based system for export certification of marine products
Answer: B
Explanation:
ReALCRaft is an open-source, web-based application developed to digitise fisheries governance. It enables online registration of fishing vessels and issuance of Registration Certificates (RC) and Licence Certificates (LC) through a fully digital workflow, including e-payments.
While verification is largely digital, applicants are required to visit the office only for biometric capture and physical document verification. Beyond licensing, ReALCRaft also facilitates ownership transfer, addition of hypothecation, and modification of vessel details, making it a comprehensive digital platform for fisheries administration.
