UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Digital India

Sep 02, 2023

Digital Transformation in Agriculture and Rural Areas: Need, Challenges, and Benefits with a Focus on Indian Examples Introduction: With the rapidly progressing technological landscape in India, agriculture, the backbone of the country, is also witnessing a wave of digital transformation. Initiatives like Kisan drones, eChoupal, and eNAM are testimonials to the fact that digital advancements can redefine the future of agriculture in India, making it more efficient and sustainable. Need for Digital Transformation: Read More...

North-East Development and Sagaramala

Sep 02, 2023

The North-Eastern region of India, characterized by its strategic location and rich biodiversity, has always held immense potential for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. However, it has historically been hampered by infrastructural and connectivity challenges. Recognizing the significance of this region, especially in the context of India's Act East Policy, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) has taken several initiatives. The Sagarmala Project: Under the broader ambit of the Sagarmala project, the development of port infrastructure not only serves coastal regio... Read More...

Understanding State Capacity in India:Faster and More Inclusive Growth

Sep 02, 2023

Definition: State capacity refers to the government's ability to implement policies, execute projects, and provide essential services to its citizens. Key Strategies to Enhance State Capacity: Institutional Reforms: Streamlining bureaucratic processes, reducing red tape, and enhancing transparency. Human Resource Development: Upskilling of civil servants and administrators for better decision-making. Read More...

Understanding Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy

Sep 02, 2023

Definitions: Resource Efficiency: Maximizes the value of resources by minimizing waste. It emphasizes getting more from fewer resources. Circular Economy: Focuses on recycling, reusing, and repurposing to close the product lifecycle loop, decreasing the need for fresh raw materials. Importance: Supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Decouples resource utilization from economic growth, ai... Read More...

Art.75-Collective Responsibility to the Lok Sabha: An Overview

Sep 02, 2023

1. Definition and Essence: Collective responsibility refers to the principle where the entire council of ministers, including the Prime Minister, is accountable for the decisions and actions of the government. Every minister, irrespective of their portfolio, bears joint responsibility for government policies, actions, and performance. 2. Significance in the Parliamentary System: This principle is foundational in parliamentary democracies. Read More...

Melting Glaciers and Increasing Glacial Lakes in the Himalayas:Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

Sep 02, 2023

Q1: Why are Himalayan glaciers melting at an accelerated pace? A1: Himalayan glaciers are rapidly melting due to global warming and climate change, causing increased temperatures which lead to accelerated ice and snow melt. Q2: What happens when glaciers in the Himalayas melt? A2: The melting of Himalayan glaciers results in the formation of glacial lakes. The overflow or breach of these lakes can lead to catastrophic glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Q3: Which Indian regions are vulnerable to gl... Read More...

Finance Commission Disaster Risk Index (FCDRI)

Sep 01, 2023

Q1: What is the Finance Commission Disaster Risk Index (FCDRI)? A1: The FCDRI is a tool developed by the Indian government to gauge the vulnerability of its states and union territories to natural disasters. Q2: Why was the FCDRI created? A2: The FCDRI was instituted to facilitate the Finance Commission in fund allocation for disaster management to various states and union territories. It is also utilized by agencies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for strategizing and executing disaster management plans. ... Read More...

Tackling Climate Change in Cities

Sep 01, 2023

Q1: What is climate change? A1: Climate change refers to long-term alterations in weather patterns, including fluctuations in global temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather events. Q2: Why should cities be concerned about climate change? A2: Due to their dense populations and infrastructure, cities are particularly susceptible to climate change effects, such as rising temperatures, flooding, and heatwaves. It's vital to address these concerns to protect inhabitants, ecosystems, and city infrastructure. Read More...

One Health in India: A Holistic Approach to Well-being

Sep 01, 2023

In an era where boundaries between human habitats and wildlife are blurring, and where environmental changes affect both, the health of humans and animals is intrinsically linked. India, with its vast biodiversity, dense human population, and varying environmental conditions, is particularly at risk for health challenges that span these interconnected realms. The One Health approach offers a comprehensive strategy to these complex problems. Interconnectedness of Life Human, animal, and environmental health are not isolated; they are part of a complex ecosystem. A diseased anima... Read More...

Data Embassy

Sep 01, 2023

A data embassy is a unique and innovative approach to data storage and protection where a country creates a backup of its critical digital assets in another country. This is done in a manner similar to how countries have physical embassies in foreign lands. The primary purpose of a data embassy is to provide additional resilience against digital threats and ensure continuity of a nation's digital operations in case of major disruptions or cyber-attacks.India is allowing it from 2023-24. Several reasons drive countries to adopt the data embassy model: Read More...

Digital Competition Law

Sep 01, 2023

Q: What is Digital Competition Law? A: Digital Competition Law refers to the legal framework that addresses competition-related issues in digital markets. It aims to ensure fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in online platforms and spaces where goods, services, or data are exchanged electronically. Q: Why is Digital Competition Law important? A: Digital markets have unique characteristics that can lead to rapid market dominance by a few players, potentially harming competition and consumers. Digital Competition Law is esse... Read More...

The Abraham Accords and India's Middle East Strategy

Sep 01, 2023

The Abraham Accords, inked in 2020, are landmark agreements that have normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. Backed by the United States, these agreements signal a tectonic shift in Middle East geopolitics. The accords, while primarily focusing on the countries directly involved, have wider implications, including for countries like India that have significant stakes in the region. India's Response to the Abraham Accords India, with its diplomatic finesse, welcomed the agreements. New Delhi... Read More...

Biosequestration: Nature's Carbon Capture Mechanism Agroforestry in India

Sep 01, 2023

Biosequestration refers to the process through which living organisms, primarily plants, capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). This is mainly achieved through photosynthesis, where plants absorb CO2 and sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. The carbon from the CO2 is then incorporated into plant tissues such as stems, roots, and leaves. Over time, this results in significant carbon storage, thereby acting as a buffer against the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, which are responsible for global warming and climate change. Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems have historically... Read More...

India's `Neighbourhood First` Policy:

Sep 01, 2023

Sri Lanka's Geopolitical Realignment After the Crisis The crisis in Sri Lanka had ramifications beyond its borders, directly affecting the region's geopolitical dynamics, especially concerning Sri Lanka's relations with its neighbors, India and China. 1. India's Renewed Role: The crisis allowed India to mark its footprint more vividly in the regional landscape. Witnessing Sri Lanka's economic distress, India was quick to offer both financial aid and diplomatic backing, underlining its status as a formidable regional player. ... Read More...

Doctrine of Proportionality: Rights Can Only be Restricted Reasonably

Sep 01, 2023

Understanding Proportionality with Examples Proportionality ensures that restrictions on fundamental rights are balanced, only going as far as necessary. Let's break this down with a few scenarios: 1. Freedom of Speech: Let's say someone shouts "fire!" in a crowded place, causing panic. To prevent harm, the government might restrict such false alarms. But if the government bans discussing fire safety altogether, that's going too far. The rule should match the risk. 2. Right to A... Read More...