Current Affairs 12 June 2026
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Science and Technology
India Has Potential for 102 GW of Floating Solar Capacity
The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) has released the first comprehensive assessment of India’s floating solar energy potential, estimating that the country’s reservoirs can support approximately 102 GW of floating solar capacity.
Highlights
- The report titled “Solar PV Potential of India (Floating Solar)” identifies floating solar as a solution to land constraints faced by conventional solar projects.
- NISE estimated a feasible floating solar potential of 102.18 GW after applying several technical and geographical filters.
- The assessment considered:
- Reservoirs larger than 10 hectares
- Water availability for at least 11 months per year
- Water depth between 3 and 30 metres
- Solar irradiance above 4.5 kWh/m²/day
- Proximity to roads and substations
Top States by Floating Solar Potential
- Maharashtra – 16.28 GW
- Madhya Pradesh – 14.89 GW
- Karnataka – 13.69 GW
- Odisha – 12.81 GW
- Telangana – 10.72 GW
Largest Floating Solar Project
- India’s largest floating solar project is the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park. It’s current capacity is 278 MW and 600MW more under expansion. This solar park is located on the Narmada River.
Significance
Floating solar can help India achieve its target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 while reducing pressure on land resources and improving renewable energy generation.
Committees and Conferences
11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog Held in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, New Delhi. 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog theme is “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@20247”.
Highlights
- The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers, Lt. Governors, and Administrators from 28 States and 5 Union Territories.
- It was the first time that Chief Ministers of all 28 States participated in a NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting.
- Prime Minister emphasised Cooperative Federalism as the foundation for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
- The Prime Minister called for increasing the number of Lakhpati Didis from 3 crore to 6 crore.
- Monitoring district-level progress through the Aspirational Districts Programme.
- Identifying 100 agriculture-focused districts for accelerated agricultural transformation.
Miscellaneous
ICAR Launches ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’, India’s first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory service for oilseed farmers.
This is developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR). This service covers major oilseed crops such as Groundnut, Mustard, Soybean, Sesame, Sunflower, and Niger.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Q1. According to the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), India’s reservoirs have the potential to generate approximately how much floating solar power?
A. 52 GW
B. 78 GW
C. 102 GW
D. 150 GW
Show Answer
Answer: C. 102 GW
Explanation: The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) estimated that India’s reservoirs can support about 102.18 GW of floating solar capacity, making floating solar an important component of India’s renewable energy expansion strategy.
Q2. Which of the following institutions developed the ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ WhatsApp-based AI advisory service for oilseed farmers?
A. ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
B. ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad
C. ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad
D. National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad
Show Answer
Answer: C. ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad
Explanation: ‘Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra’ is India’s first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory service for oilseed farmers. It was developed by ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, and provides multilingual, research-based crop advisory services 24×7.
Q3. What was the theme of the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog held in 2026?
A. Atmanirbhar Bharat through Innovation
B. Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047
C. Cooperative Federalism and Digital India
D. Sustainable Growth for Amrit Kaal
Show Answer
Answer: B. Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047
Explanation: The 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was held under the theme “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047”, focusing on cooperative federalism, youth empowerment, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is floating solar energy, and why is it important for India?
Floating solar energy refers to solar photovoltaic panels installed on floating platforms over reservoirs, lakes, and other water bodies. It helps overcome land acquisition challenges, reduces water evaporation, improves panel efficiency through natural cooling, and supports India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.
Which is the largest floating solar project in India?
The Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park on the Narmada River is currently India’s largest floating solar project. It has an operational capacity of 278 MW and is planned to be expanded further.
What is the Governing Council of NITI Aayog?
The Governing Council is the highest decision-making body of NITI Aayog. It consists of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers of all States, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories, and other representatives. It promotes Cooperative Federalism and facilitates Centre-State collaboration on development priorities.
What is the theme of the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog?
The theme of the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog was “Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047”.
What is Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra?
Oilseeds Kisaan Mitra is India’s first nationwide WhatsApp-based AI advisory service for oilseed farmers.
Disclaimer: This article is prepared for competitive exam preparation using publicly available information.
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