UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SEA CUCUMBERS IN INDIA: LEATHERY BOTTOM-DWELLERS

Jun 29, 2024

Overview Sea cucumbers are fascinating marine animals known for their leathery skin and unique body structure. They belong to the class Holothuroidea and are distantly related to starfish and sea urchins, sharing the... Read More...

PM GATI SHAKTI SCHEME

Jun 29, 2024

Overview The PM Gati Shakti scheme has significantly impacted India’s infrastructure development. This initiative focuses on integrating 16 ministries for coordinated infrastructure planning and emphasizes mult... Read More...

CORAL BLEACHING IN INDIA: IMPACT AND REMEDIES

Jun 29, 2024

Overview Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 islands and a Union Territory of India, has been severely affected by coral bleaching. This environmental issue is part of the fourth global coral bleaching event, the most severe recorded to date. Key Findings • Global Impact: Since January 1, 2023, more than 70.7% of coral reefs worldwide have experienced bleaching-level heat stress. • Lakshadweep’s Condition: The latest survey in Lakshadweep sh... Read More...

EXTREME WEATHER IN INDIA: SIMPLIFIER

Jun 29, 2024

What’s Happening? India is experiencing extreme weather patterns, with recent events highlighting these shifts. New Delhi, for instance, endured one of its worst heatwaves followed by the heaviest rainfall in decades. The city’s main weather station recorded 228.1 mm of rain in 24 hours, the highest in June in 88 years. This deluge caused significant disruptions, including a fatal airport roof collapse, flight delays, metro station closures, and massive traffic jams. Why the Extre... Read More...

The Four Phases of Disaster Management

Jun 29, 2024

Disaster management is a comprehensive approach involving four key phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Each phase plays a crucial role in minimizing the impact of disasters and ensuring effective recovery. Mitigation Definition: Measures taken before and after a disaster to reduce its impact and prevent future occurrences. Indian Example: • Flood Management in Bihar: The government has implemented measures such as constructing embankments, rese... Read More...

FOURTH MASS CORAL BLEACHING UNDERWAY

Jun 29, 2024

What is coral bleaching and why is it a concern? Coral bleaching occurs when rising ocean temperatures cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, that live in their tissues. These algae provide essential nutrients to the corals, and their loss leaves corals vulnerable to starvation, disease, and death. The current global coral bleaching event, the fourth since 1998, is more severe and widespread, affecting corals in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. How are coral reefs i... Read More...

NATIONAL TESTING AGENCY:(NTA)

Jun 29, 2024

What is the National Testing Agency (NTA)? The National Testing Agency (NTA) is an autonomous organization under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, India. Established in November 2017, it conducts entrance examinations for admissions and recruitment in higher education institutions across disciplines like engineering, medicine, management, and pharmacy. How did the NTA come into existence? The concept of the NTA originated from a 2... Read More...

Yadnya Kasada Festival at Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Jun 29, 2024

What is the Yadnya Kasada Festival? The Yadnya Kasada Festival is an annual religious ceremony celebrated by the Tenggerese Hindu community in East Java, Indonesia. It is held at Mount Bromo, an active volcano in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Who are the Tenggerese Hindus? The Tenggerese are an ethnic group in East Java who follow a unique form of Hinduism that has been preserved for centuries. They are known for their devout adherence to ritual... Read More...

REFORMS: PROGRESS AND FUTURE STEPS

Jun 29, 2024

What recent reforms has the GST Council implemented? • Hostel Accommodation: Exemption from GST for hostel accommodations costing up to ₹20,000 a month. • Railway Services: GST exemption for railway services availed by passengers. • Uniform Tax Rates: A uniform 12% GST rate for packing cartons, milk cans, and solar cookers to eliminate classification confusion. • Interest and Penalty Waiver: Waiver of in... Read More...

KENYAN CRISIS: SIMPLIFIER

Jun 29, 2024

What triggered the current crisis in Kenya? The crisis was triggered by the Kenyan government’s attempt to pass an IMF-backed finance Bill that proposed increasing taxes on various goods, including imported sanitary pads, tyres, bread, and fuel. The Bill aimed to raise an additional 200 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately $1.55 billion) to service the country’s debt. Why did the Kenyan government propose this Bill? The government sought to increase t... Read More...

ISRO’S PLANS FOR THE REST OF 2024

Jun 29, 2024

Key Missions and Launches 1. GSAT-N2 Launch: • Concept: A communication satellite aimed at enhancing broadband services. • Everyday Uses: Improved internet connectivity and in-flight Wi-Fi services. 2. NISAR Mission: • Concept: A joint mission with NASA to study Earth’s surface changes using radar technology. • Everyday Uses: Monitoring natural disasters, agricultural developm... Read More...

INDIA -SRI LANKA:ISSUES OF BOTTOM TRAWLING

Jun 29, 2024

What is bottom trawling, and why is it problematic? Bottom trawling is a fishing method where heavy nets are dragged across the sea floor, causing significant damage to marine ecosystems and habitats. Why is there a dispute between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen? The dispute arises due to Indian fishermen crossing the maritime boundary into Sri Lankan waters, leading to conflicts and arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy. Wha... Read More...

REASI: CROSS-BORDER TERRORISM IN INDIA

Jun 28, 2024

What was the Reasi terrorist attack? The Reasi attack occurred on June 9, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third-term oath-taking ceremony, leading to the deaths of nine pilgrims and injuring 41 others. What similarities are there between the Reasi and Herat attacks? Both attacks aimed to embarrass and provoke India during significant political events related to Prime Minister Modi’s inaugurations. What i... Read More...

NEW CURRENCY SWAP FRAMEWORK FOR SAARC COUNTRIES

Jun 28, 2024

What is a currency swap arrangement? A currency swap arrangement is a financial agreement between two countries to exchange currencies, allowing them to settle trade and investment transactions without needing to convert their currencies through foreign exchange markets. What are the main features of the RBI’s revised framework for SAARC countries? 1. Introduction of INR Swap Window: The RBI has introduced a separate Indian Rupee (I... Read More...

INDIA’S ROOFTOP SOLAR POTENTIAL SIMPLIFIER

Jun 28, 2024

What is the current status of India’s rooftop solar (RTS) capacity? • As of March 31, 2024, India’s installed RTS capacity is 11.87 GW, with a significant increase of 2.99 GW in the year 2023-2024. Read More...