UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Art.19 and the Concept of Reasonableness

Sep 01, 2023

Balancing Individual Rights and Society's Needs Every democracy values individual rights. These rights protect personal freedoms and keep the government from overstepping its bounds. But, these rights have limits, especially when they clash with the greater good or others' rights. The Indian Constitution has a term called "reasonable restrictions" in Article 19 to manage this. Understanding Reasonableness: "Reasonableness" means being fair and logical. If a rule is called "reasonable", it's well-though... Read More...

Fundamental Duties

Sep 01, 2023

Fundamental Duty of safeguarding public property and abjuring violence with examples. Fundamental Duties refer to the duties and responsibilities of the citizens towards their country. In India, these duties are enshrined in Part IV-A of the Constitution, under Article 51A. Originally, the Constitution of India did not contain these duties, but they were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. The original list comprised ten duties. An eleventh duty was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002. Read More...

Fundamental Duties

Sep 01, 2023

Art.51A Article 51A(j) of the Constitution of India states that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement. This fundamental duty is based on the principle that every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the development of the nation. It is also based on the belief that India can achieve great things if its citizens strive for excellence in all spheres of activity. ... Read More...

Dedollarization: India's Approach and Implications

Sep 01, 2023

What is Dedollarization? Dedollarization refers to the move away from using the U.S. dollar in international trade and finance. Countries may opt for dedollarization for various reasons, ranging from economic autonomy to reducing susceptibility to U.S. sanctions. Why Dedollarization? Sanctions: The U.S. uses economic sanctions as a tool, affecting countries' trade and economy. Reducing dependency on the U.S. dollar can mitigate this. Read More...

RBI's Green Deposits: A Sustainable Banking Initiative

Sep 01, 2023

What are green deposits? Green deposits are special bank accounts where your money is used only for eco-friendly projects. It's like telling your bank, "Use my money for good, green things only!" The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) started this to help the environment and reduce carbon emissions. Types of green deposits? There are different types like fixed deposits, savings accounts, and even recurring deposits – but all with a green twist! You can choose based on how you want to save or invest. Read More...

CoBRA: Overview and Latest Developments

Sep 01, 2023

What is CoBRA? CoBRA stands for Commando Battalion for Resolute Action. It's a special team that's part of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Their main job is to deal with Naxals and other extremist groups in India, especially in areas with thick forests. What's the main job of CoBRA? CoBRA is mainly focused on fighting against Naxals in areas where these extremists are active. This includes states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, among others. They use special tactics meant for fighting in jungles to get the upper ... Read More...

India:Early Harvest Deals (EHDs) in FTAs

Sep 01, 2023

What are Early Harvest Deals? When two countries are working on a big trade deal (FTA), they might agree on some things early on, before the full deal is finished. These smaller agreements are called Early Harvest Deals (EHDs). It's like enjoying the first fruits of a garden before the whole harvest is ready. Why do countries like EHDs? EHDs give quick benefits. For example, two countries might agree to remove taxes on certain goods right away. This can help businesses in both countries start trading more of those goods immediately. ... Read More...

Understanding Share Buybacks

Sep 01, 2023

1. What's a Buyback? A buyback is when a company re-buys its own shares. It's like a reverse of issuing stock. 2. Why Do Companies Do Buybacks? Companies might have too much spare cash, or they might want to boost their stock prices. It's also a way to show shareholders they care and that the company is doing well financially. 3. How Do Buybacks Boost Stock Prices? Think of it as supply and demand. If there are fewer shares around, each share become... Read More...

Grey Zone Warfare of China and Its Implications for India

Sep 01, 2023

What is Grey Zone Warfare? Grey Zone Warfare is a strategy where a country tries to gain an advantage over another without resorting to open war. Essentially, it's a series of tactics, like cyberattacks, misinformation, or economic pressures, used to subtly undermine or destabilize an opponent. China has been particularly adept at employing this strategy, notably against India and other neighbors. China's Grey Zone Tactics against India: South China Sea Activities: China uses naval and... Read More...

Blockchain in e-Governance in India: An Overview

Sep 01, 2023

Introduction: Blockchain is a decentralized, secure digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers in a network. Each transaction forms a block that's linked to the previous, ensuring transparency, immutability, and trust. Uses & Examples: General e-Governance: Governments globally use blockchain for functions like land registration, educational credentialing, health care, and identity management. Indian... Read More...

Qila Rai Pithora

Sep 01, 2023

Q1: Who built Qila Rai Pithora, and when was it constructed? A1: Qila Rai Pithora, also known as Rai Pithora's Fort, was constructed in the 12th century by the Chauhan king, Prithviraj Chauhan. Q2: What is the historical significance of Qila Rai Pithora? A2: Qila Rai Pithora served as a ruling seat for various dynasties, including the Tomar, Chauhan, and Slave Dynasty, from the 12th to the 13th century. Q3: How is Qila Rai Pithora connected to Lal Kot? A3: ... Read More...

Iron Pillar of Udayagiri

Aug 31, 2023

The Iron Pillar of Udayagiri is a remarkable ancient artifact located in Udayagiri, near Vidisha, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is an intricately crafted iron pillar that dates back to the 4th or 5th century CE, during the Gupta period. Key features of the Iron Pillar of Udayagiri: Composition: The pillar is made of nearly pure iron and stands approximately 23 feet (7 meters) tall. It weighs over 6 tons and has a diameter of about 16 inches at the base. Inscripti... Read More...

Bharat National Museum

Aug 31, 2023

Q: What is Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum? A: Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is set to become the world's largest museum. It will showcase India's civilisational culture spanning over 5,000 years. Q: Where will the museum be located? A: The museum will be built in Delhi. Q: What will the museum cover? A: The museum will have eight thematic segments, including ancient Indian knowledge, ancient to medieval periods, medieval period, modern India, c... Read More...

Q: What is the significance of the Mayiladumparai excavation in Tamil Nadu?

Aug 31, 2023

The excavation in Mayiladumparai, Tamil Nadu, revealed that the Iron Age in southern India began as early as 2172 BCE, which is approximately 4,200 years ago. This finding challenges previously held timelines and sheds light on the early use of iron in the Indian subcontinent. Q: How was the antiquity of iron in India previously understood? Earlier, the antiquity of iron in India was thought to date back to around 1000 BCE, but this understanding was pushed back to 1800 BCE based on excavations in sites like Malhar, Raja Nala ka Tila, Dadupur, and Lauhradewa in Uttar Pradesh fr... Read More...

Chennai Desalination Plant:Need and Alternatives

Aug 31, 2023

Q: What is the purpose of the fourth desalination plant in Chennai? The fourth desalination plant in Chennai, located in Perur on East Coast Road, aims to convert seawater into drinking water. It is intended to cater to the water supply needs of areas falling under Tambaram Corporation, Greater Chennai Corporation, and 20 village panchayats near the city, serving a population of around 22.67 lakh people. Q: Who is overseeing the construction of the desalination plant? The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is respons... Read More...