UPSC Daily Current Affairs

MONEY BILLS AND THEIR SPECIAL PROCEDURE

Jul 26, 2024

WHAT IS A MONEY BILL? A money Bill is a specific type of bill defined by the Constitution of India that deals exclusively with financial matters. According to Article 110(1)(a) to (f), a money Bill contains provisions that address: • Taxation • Government borrowing • Custody and withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund or Contingency Fund • Appropriation of funds from the Consolidated Fund • Expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund • Receipts and ... Read More...

PAKODANOMICS: SIMPLIFIER

Jul 26, 2024

Origin and Definition The term “Pakodanomics” originated from a comment made by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, in January 2018. Modi suggested that street food vendors (selling pakodas and similar foods) should be included in employment statistics, implying that unemployment in the country is actually much lower than what is reported. This sparked a debate about the nature of employment and economic policies in India. Employment Concerns in India Read More...

NEUTRINOS: FUNDAMENTAL PARTICLES

Jul 26, 2024

1. WHAT ARE NEUTRINOS? Neutrinos are tiny, almost invisible particles with no electric charge and very little mass. They belong to a group of particles known as leptons. They are the second most common particles in the univ... Read More...

GENE-EDITED PIG ORGANS FOR HUMAN TRANSPLANTS

Jul 26, 2024

WHAT IS XENOTRANSPLANTATION? Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs or tissues from animals to humans. It aims to address the shortage of human organs available for transplant by using genetically modifi... Read More...

Black Swan Events

Jul 26, 2024

1. What is a Black Swan event? A rare, unexpected event with severe consequences that is rationalized in hindsight. 2. Where does the term come from? Coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his 2007 book "The Black Swan." 3. What are some examples? - 9/11 terrorist attacks - 2008 financial crisis - COVID-19 pandemic 4. Key cha... Read More...

Madhava of Sangamagrama

Jul 26, 2024

1. Who was Madhava of Sangamagrama? Madhava of Sangamagrama was an Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 14th century (c. 1350 – c. 1425) in Kerala, South India. He is considered the founder of the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics. Read More...

FOOD INFLATION & INDIA’S INFLATION TARGETING FRAMEWORK

Jul 26, 2024

INTRODUCTION The Economic Survey for 2023-24 has raised a pertinent question about India’s inflation targeting framework, suggesting it might be worth exploring the exclusion of food inflation. The current framework mandates the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to target a headline retail inflation rate of 4% with a band of plus or minus 2%. Given the significant weight of food prices in the consumer price index, this proposal aims to address the challenges posed by food price volatility. Here are the simplified argu... Read More...

SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT

Jul 26, 2024

Introduction Spiritual Quotient (SQ) is an emerging concept that measures an individual’s spiritual intelligence, which goes beyond emotional and intellectual intelligence. SQ involves the ability to connect with one’s inner self, understand the deeper purpose of life, and navigate through existential challenges. This guide explores the significance, components, and applications of Spiritual Quotient. FAQS ON SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT ... Read More...

SINAULI, UTTAR PRADESH: BRONZE AGE SETTLEMENT

Jul 26, 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the significance of Sinauli? Sinauli is a significant Bronze Age settlement in Uttar Pradesh, dating back to 2000-1800 BC. What unique artifacts were discovered at Sinauli? The site is renowned for copper-decorated carts found in burial chambers, alongside other artifacts and human remains. Why are the carts significant? These carts are the oldest physical evidence of such ve... Read More...

U-WIN: GOVERNMENT’S NEW ONLINE VACCINE PORTAL

Jul 26, 2024

What is U-WIN and how does it function? U-WIN is a government initiative aimed at managing childhood vaccination through a digital platform, similar to the CoWIN system used during the COVID-19 pandemic. It registers childr... Read More...

Goleman's Mixed Model of Emotional Intelligence

Jul 26, 2024

Introduction Daniel Goleman’s Mixed Model of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is one of the most widely recognized frameworks for understanding emotional intelligence. This model integrates emotional skills with personality traits and competencies, emphasizing their role in personal and professional success. This guide explores the key components of Goleman’s Mixed Model of EI. FAQS ON DANIEL GOLEMAN’S MIXED MODEL OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE Read More...

Northeast Indian 'Maidam'

Jul 26, 2024

1. What are Maidams? Maidams are the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty, who ruled parts of Assam for about 600 years (1228-1826 CE). These are tumulus-like mounded burials with a hemispherical dome on a circular base, similar in shape to Buddhist stupas. 2. Location: The Charaideo Maidams are located in Charaideo district of Assam, about 30 km from Sivasagar town. 3. Historical Significance: - The Maidams represent the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community ... Read More...

RAJASTHAN: INDIGENOUS SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Jul 26, 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What event highlighted the role of Rajasthan’s indigenous communities in sustainable development? The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development at the United Nations headquarters in New York. What is the theme of the forum? “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and Eradicating Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises: The Effective Delivery of Sustainable, Resilient and Innovative Solutions.” What did the ministerial declaration at the forum emphasize? Th... Read More...

Bagmati River and its significance:

Jul 26, 2024

The Bagmati River: 1. Origin and Course: - The Bagmati originates in the Shivapuri Hills of Nepal, north of Kathmandu. - It flows through the Kathmandu Valley, then southwards through the Terai region of Nepal. - After entering India, it flows through Bihar before joining the Koshi River, a tributary of the Ganges. 2. Cross-border Nature: - The Bagmati is a transboundary river, flowing from Nepal into India. - This cross-border nature makes it important in Indo-Nepal relations, particularly regarding water manage... Read More...

Amoebic Brain Infection Management:FAQs

Jul 25, 2024

1. What is the current situation in Kerala? Five cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis, including three deaths, have been reported in adolescents in the past three months. 2. What organism is causing these infections? In most cases, the causative organism is Naegleria fowleri. One case involved Vermamoeba vermiformis. 3. What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)? PAM is a rare but lethal central nervous system infection caused by free-living amoebae found in freshwater sources. 4.... Read More...