UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Is AI's Autonomy a Concern?

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: Is there a prevalent fear regarding AI's autonomy? A1: Yes, a common apprehension is that AI might evolve beyond human control, develop its own consciousness, and make independent decisions that might not always align with human interests. Q2: Are concerns about AI developing its own consciousness justified? A2: As of current understanding and technological development, AI operates based on algorithms and data provided to it. It doesn't possess emotions, desires, or consciousness like humans. The fear stems more from speculative fi... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 'Housing for All' Mission? A1: Launched in June 2015, PMAY-U is an initiative by the Government of India to provide pucca houses to all eligible urban beneficiaries. The mission aims to address India's urban housing shortage. Q2: Has the mission achieved its objectives so far? A2: As of 23 August 2023, 1.19 crore houses have been sanctioned out of the initial target of two crore houses. There is still a gap between needs, demand, and supply, indicating challenges in fulfilli... Read More...

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): An Overview and Recent Changes

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? A1: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to initiatives and practices undertaken by corporations to contribute positively to society. This includes a range of activities, from donating money to nonprofits to implementing environmentally-friendly policies in the workplace. Q2: When was the CSR regime introduced in India? A2: The CSR regime was introduced in India in 2013 as part of the Companies Act. Q3: Why was there a need for CSR regulation... Read More...

The Mediation Bill 2023: Aims, Provisions, and Benefits

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the primary aim of the Mediation Bill 2023? A1: The Mediation Bill 2023 aims to codify, institutionalize, and promote the mediation process by establishing the Mediation Council of India, recognizing mediation service providers, and providing for the registration of mediators. Q2: Can you provide a list of the main provisions of the Mediation Bill 2023? A2:Key provisions: 1.Establishment of the Mediation Council of India. Read More...

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India: Aadhaar, Instruments, Institutions, and Policies

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? A1: DPI represents the digital platforms and tools developed by the government to catalyze India's transition from an offline, fragmented micro-economy to a consolidated online, high-productivity mega economy. Q2: How does Aadhaar play a role in DPI? A2: Aadhaar, a unique digital identity card issued to residents of India, acts as a foundational pillar for DPI. It serves as a verification tool across various digital platforms, ensuring secure and seamless transactions. Read More...

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Launch

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: When and where was the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launched? A1: The IBCA was launched on 9th April 2023 in Mysuru, Karnataka, during an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger. Q2: What is the primary purpose of the IBCA? A2: The IBCA was initiated to bolster conservation efforts for seven big cats – Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Q3: How many countries does the IBCA aim to collaborate with? A3: The all... Read More...

Cheetah Conservation Efforts in India

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: Why is South Africa sending cheetahs to India? A1: South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, stated at the BRICS Summit that South Africa is willing to donate more cheetahs to India, acknowledging India's dedication to feline conservation. Q2: How many cheetahs has South Africa sent to India so far? A2: South Africa sent 12 cheetahs to India in February, following the eight big cats that Namibia sent in November 2022. Q3: What has been the survival rate of these cheetahs? Read More...

DRDO, Its Achievements, and DARPA

Sep 05, 2023

Q1. What is the primary role of the DRDO? A1. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India's premier agency responsible for the development of technology for defense purposes. Q2. What are some notable achievements of DRDO? A2. DRDO has achieved numerous milestones, including: •Development of the Agni and Prithvi missile series. •Creation of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) - Tejas. Read More...

India-Egypt Military Exercise:Exercise Bright Star-23

Sep 05, 2023

The Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced its participation in Exercise Bright Star-23, a 21-day multilateral triservice exercise in Egypt, marking its debut in the event. The exercise, running from August 27 to September 16 at Cairo (West) Air Base, also includes contingents from the USA, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar. The main goal is to hone the planning and execution of joint operations and bolster strategic relations. The IAF has deployed five MiG-29 combat jets, six transport aircraft, and a special forces team. This includes personnel from the IAF’s Garud Special Forces and Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 S... Read More...

Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS) for MGNREGS Workers:

Sep 05, 2023

1. What is ABPS? Answer: The Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) is a mechanism that mandates receiving wages for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) via an Aadhaar-linked bank account. 2. Why is it being introduced? Answer: The aim is to streamline wage payments and ensure transparency, reducing the chances of fraud. 3. Who is eligible for ABPS wage payments? Answer: To be eligible for APBS wage payments, a wor... Read More...

China's 'Border Settlement Villages',LCA and PLA: Strategic Implications and India's Response

Sep 04, 2023

The Scenario: China's recent activity near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India involves the establishment of 'border settlement villages', also referred to as 'Xiaokang' in Chinese. These establishments, reportedly rapidly increasing in number, are strategically positioned in several sensitive zones. The motive, ostensibly rooted in the 19th Party Congress decisions from October 2017, is perceived as a bid to create a buffer zone that facilitates surveillance and strengthens territorial claims. Significance of the Locations: Read More...

Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) in India

Sep 04, 2023

1. What are Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs)? Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) are large-scale logistics facilities designed to streamline and integrate various modes of transportation, such as roads, railways, and waterways, in a single location. They offer comprehensive services to enhance the efficiency of the supply chain. 2. How do MMLPs contribute to reducing logistics costs? MMLPs bring together multiple transportation modes, reducing the need for goods to be transported separately between different facilities. This consolidation ... Read More...

Darknet and Bitcoin

Sep 04, 2023

1. What is the Darknet, and how does it differ from the regular internet? The Darknet, or Dark Web, is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specialized software to access. It operates anonymously and is known for hosting both illicit and legitimate activities. 2. What is Bitcoin, and why is it often associated with the Darknet? Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that operates independently of government control. It offers a level of privacy and difficulty in tracing transactions, making... Read More...

Separation of Powers in a Parliamentary Democracy:How to Strengthen the Legislature

Sep 04, 2023

Applying the concept of the separation of powers effectively in a parliamentary democracy with a dominant executive requires a multi-pronged approach that safeguards democratic principles and maintains a system of checks and balances: Strengthening the Independence of the Judiciary: Ensuring that the judiciary is independent and free from political influence is crucial. This includes transparent and merit-based appointments, security of tenure, and safeguarding the judiciary's ability to interpret and uphold the constitution. Empowerin... Read More...

India Nutrition Challenge

Sep 04, 2023

1. What is the Global Hunger Index (GHI), and how does India rank in it? The Global Hunger Index (GHI) measures hunger and malnutrition levels worldwide. India ranks 107th out of 121 countries in the GHI 2022, indicating a significant malnutrition problem. 2. What are the primary indicators of malnutrition in Indian children? Key indicators of malnutrition in Indian children include stunting (retarded growth), wasting (insufficient weight for height), and child mortality due to malnutrition. 3. What ... Read More...