UPSC Daily Current Affairs

EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and India's Challenge at the WTO

Sep 06, 2023

What is the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)? The CBAM is a proposed tariff that the European Union plans to impose on imports of goods that are associated with high carbon emissions. The aim is to discourage carbon-intensive production methods outside the EU, to prevent 'carbon leakage' (where companies relocate production to regions with laxer emissions regulations), and to promote greener practices. How Much is the Proposed Tariff? The EU's proposal is to impose tariffs ranging from 20% to 35% on imports of hig... Read More...

Primer on Cloud Seeding

Sep 06, 2023

Cloud seeding is a form of weather modification that aims to enhance precipitation by introducing agents into clouds to stimulate the precipitation process. Here's a concise overview: What is Cloud Seeding? It involves the dispersion of substances (like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or crushed dry ice (solid carbon dioxide)) into the air that act as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. These particles encourage the growth of larger cloud droplets, eventually leading to precipitation. How is it done? Read More...

Non-Tariff Barriers: A Primer

Sep 06, 2023

Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are policy measures, other than tariffs, that restrict international trade. While they can take many forms, their main effect is to make imports more expensive or to limit their quantity. Let's explore NTBs with a few examples, both from the Indian context and other countries: Standards and Regulations: Countries might set strict standards for product quality or safety. For instance, India's exports of certain food items face challenges in the EU due to high pesticide levels. Similarly, the EU's strict standards for toys, electrical equipment, and other goo... Read More...

BRICS Bloc: Expansion, Impact, and Future Prospects

Sep 06, 2023

Understanding the Evolving Dynamics of Emerging Economies What is the BRICS bloc? BRICS is an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Its objectives include reforming global financial structures, supporting inclusive growth, promoting regional trade, and fostering South-South cooperation. How has the BRICS bloc expanded recently? The BRICS bloc has recently added six new countries: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, often ... Read More...

Happy Raksha Bandhan Day

Sep 06, 2023

History and Sociology of Raksha Bandhan History of Raksha Bandhan Q: What is the history of Raksha Bandhan? A: Raksha Bandhan finds its origins in ancient India and is woven into historical and mythological narratives. One such tale revolves around Lord Krishna and Draupadi, where Krishna protected Draupadi by providing her with an endless cloth. Another legend features Rajput queen Karnavati sending a rakhi to Emperor Humayun for protection. These stories epitomize the festival's essence of care and saf... Read More...

Government's Decision to Cut Domestic LPG Prices

Sep 05, 2023

Q: Why did the government decide to reduce the price of domestic LPG? A: The government's decision to lower the price of domestic LPG by ₹200 per cylinder aims to combat kitchen inflation and provide immediate relief to households. This move comes ahead of important state elections and is aligned with the government's commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens, particularly those in the lower and middle-income brackets. Q: What significance does this decision hold? A: The reduction in LPG prices is being viewed as a tho... Read More...

Lightning and its Environmental Impact

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is lightning? A1: Lightning is a natural electrostatic discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It consists of a visible flash of light and the accompanying sound of thunder. Lightning is caused by the buildup of electric charges in the atmosphere, leading to the rapid discharge of these charges between clouds or between clouds and the ground. Q2: How is lightning caused? A2: Lightning is caused by the separation of positive and negative charges within a thunderstorm cloud. This separation creates an electric field, and when the el... Read More...

Puri Temple Access for PwDs

Sep 05, 2023

1. What changes are being made to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri for PwDs (Persons with Disabilities)? The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has approved the construction of a ramp near the northern gate of the temple to facilitate the entry of differently-abled devotees. 2. Who proposed the construction of the ramp at the temple? The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) proposed the idea, and it received approval from ASI. 3. Have there been previous attempts to provide barrier-free a... Read More...

Fukushima Waste Water Release

Sep 05, 2023

1. What is the Fukushima waste water issue? Following the 2011 tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan has accumulated treated waste water at the plant. The plan to discharge this water into the Pacific Ocean has caused international and local concern. 2. Why is there waste water at Fukushima? To cool the damaged nuclear reactors after the disaster, the power plant company, Tepco, has been using water. This has resulted in the production of contaminated water daily, which is stored in massive tanks on-site. ... Read More...

Crackdown on NGOs in India

Sep 05, 2023

1. What is the FCRA in Indian NGO regulations? The FCRA, or Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, is an Indian act governing the acceptance and use of foreign contributions by NGOs in India. Essential for NGOs, it ensures transparency in foreign funding. 2. Why are Indian NGOs losing FCRA licences recently? Over 100 NGOs faced FCRA license cancellations recently due to enhanced disclosure requirements, tighter fund usage norms, and various regulatory amendments aimed at financial transparency. 3. How ... Read More...

BRICS:Reassessing China's

Sep 05, 2023

1. What defines a "developing country"? A developing country is distinguished by metrics like a lower GDP per capita, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a reduced Human Development Index (HDI). Understanding these benchmarks is key to evaluating nations like China. 2. Key indicators for a country's "developing" status? Common indicators include: GDP per capita trends Industrialization metrics ... Read More...

15th BRICS Summit:Expansion and More

Sep 05, 2023

1. What took place at the BRICS summit? The summit was a three-day event attended by Brazil, India, China, and South Africa's leaders in person, with Russia's leader attending virtually. The focus of discussions included terrorism, multilateral reform, digital economy, trade, and food security. Leaders from several developing countries and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were present. 2. What were the summit's significant outcomes? The primary outcome was BRICS' expansion, incorporating Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, S... Read More...

Understanding India's Anti-Defection Law and its Implications:Reform the Law

Sep 16, 2023

1. What is the Anti-Defection Law? The Anti-Defection Law is located in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It was introduced to curb the frequent switching of legislators between parties. 2. How does the Anti-Defection Law operate? The law mandates that a legislator can be deemed to have defected if they voluntarily renounce their party's membership or disobey party directives without obtaining prior permission. 3. What was the historical context behind its introduction? Read More...

Biofuels and the Ethanol Blending Initiative by Indian Sugar Millers

Sep 05, 2023

1. Why is the ethanol blending programme significant in the context of biofuels? The programme champions the use of ethanol, a renewable biofuel, aiming to blend it with petrol, which reduces carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. 2. What biofuel-related target have the sugar millers proposed? Sugar millers are eyeing a 50% average ethanol blending with petrol by 2030, enhancing the role of biofuels in India's energy mix. 3. How does the E-100 flex fuel vehicle fit into the biofue... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):Financial Inclusion and Empowerment

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)? A1: PMJDY was launched on August 28, 2014, with the goal of providing universal banking services. It aims to open zero-balance bank accounts for every unbanked household, aligning with the principles of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, and funding the unfunded. Q2: How has PMJDY impacted direct benefit transfers? A2: The PMJDY scheme, entering its ninth year, has been instrumental in allowing the government to transfer benefits directly to verified bank accounts, thereby elim... Read More...