DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS ANALYSIS

25.02.2025

• News 1: Srisailam Left Bank Canal Project (SLBC)

GS-3 Environment

About The News:                                                 

• Rescue teams could not achieve a breakthrough till late on Sunday evening in tracking eight persons trapped for over 30 hours in an under-construction tunnel in Nagarkurnool district of Telangana.

Key points for prelims

Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC):

• The Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) is a major irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh, India.

• Part of the larger Srisailam Project, which includes irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

• Essential for providing water to drought-prone areas and supporting agriculture and industry.

• Purpose of Srisailam Left Bank Canal

• Irrigation: Aims to irrigate around 1.5 lakh acres of land, primarily in Nalgonda and Prakasam districts.

• Drinking Water: Supplies potable water to nearby regions.

• Industrial Use: Provides water for industrial applications, boosting economic activities.

• Project Specifications

• Canal Length: Approximately 116 km.

•Command Area: Covers a significant agricultural region, enhancing water availability.

• Water Source: The canal draws water from the Srisailam Reservoir on the Krishna River.

• Key Components of SLBC

• Tunnel: The project includes a long tunnel to transport water from the reservoir to the canal.

• Regulating Structures: Various structures help control water flow along the canal.

• Advanced Infrastructure: Utilizes modern engineering techniques to enhance efficiency.

• NEWS 2: USAID: U.S. Agency for International Development

GS-2 International Organisation

About The News:

• U.S. President Donald Trump took another swipe on Sunday at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and India for an alleged grant of millions for “voter turnout” during Indian elections.

Key points for prelims:

United States Agency for International Development (USAID):

• USAID is a U.S. government agency established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy.

• It is responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.

• The agency aims to promote global development, alleviate poverty, and support democratic governance worldwide.

• Key Functions of USAID

• Economic Development: Supports infrastructure, trade, and business environments.

• Global Health: Focuses on infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and nutrition.

• Humanitarian Assistance: Provides aid during natural disasters and conflicts.

• Democracy and Governance: Promotes democratic institutions and human rights.

• Education: Advocates for literacy, vocational training, and education for women and children.

• Environmental Sustainability: Addresses climate change and biodiversity.

• Food Security: Implements hunger reduction and agricultural productivity programs.

• Notable Initiatives by USAID

• PEPFAR: President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

• Feed the Future: Combats global hunger.

• Power Africa: Expands access to electricity in Africa.

• USAID Responds: Emergency aid for crises like the Haiti earthquake and COVID-19 pandemic.

• Organizational Structure of USAID

• Administrator: Appointed by the U.S. President and confirmed by the Senate.

• Bureaus and Offices: Specialized for geographic regions and thematic areas.

• Key areas include global health, democracy, conflict resolution, and humanitarian assistance.

GS-1 Geography

About the news:

• Volcanic steam and ash rise from Mount Etna, Italy, on February 12.
• Tourists climbing Europe’s highest and most active volcano at night in sneakers and light clothing to get a close-up view of an ongoing eruption may be risking their lives, rescuers warned.

Key points for prelims:  

Mount Etna:

• Situated in Eastern Sicily, Italy, near Catania and Messina.

• Elevation: Approximately 3,357 meters (11,014 feet), varies due to eruptions.

• Largest volcano in Europe, spanning over 1,190 square kilometers.

• Geological Characteristics

• Type: Stratovolcano with layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.

• Volcanic Activity: One of the world’s most active volcanoes.

• Eruptions: Almost continuous, featuring both explosive eruptions and lava flows.

• Tectonic Setting

• Formed by the subduction of the African Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.

• Complex geology influenced by the Apennine-Maghrebian fold and thrust belt.

• This geological setting contributes to its frequent volcanic activity.

• Historical and Cultural Significance

• Greek Mythology: Home of Hephaestus, the god of fire, and the forges of the Cyclops.

• Human Interaction: Fertile volcanic soil supports vineyards and orchards.

• Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 for geological importance.

• Hazards and Impact

• Eruptions: Can cause lava flows, ash clouds, and seismic activity.

• Nearby Areas at Risk: Catania and surrounding villages often affected by ash fall and lava flows.

• Balancing Tourism: While a popular attraction, requires monitoring for safety.