UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Right to Information (RTI) Act @20: Stocktake

Oct 22, 2024

Right to Information (RTI) Act @20: Stocktake What is the Right to Information (RTI) Act? The RTI Act, passed in 2005, is a landmark law that empowers Indian citizens to seek information from public authorities. It's a powerful tool for transparency and accountability, allowing citizens to hold the government responsible. How does the RTI Act work? Filing an application: Citizens can file an RTI application to any public authority, requesting specific information. Respon... Read More...

GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX 2024 and INDIA

Oct 21, 2024

GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX 2024 and INDIA The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a critical tool used to evaluate countries on four key indicators of hunger and undernutrition. Understanding the weight each criterion holds is essential for grasping the severity and scope of hunger within a country. Here’s a detailed look at how each indicator is weighted in the GHI calculation: 1. Undernourishment (33.3% of the total score): • This measures the proportion of the population that has an insufficient caloric intake, reflecting chronic food deprivation. It is a major component, accounting for one-third of the total GHI score. Read More...

ASEAN CENTRALITY & REGIONAL SECURITY: SIMPLIFIER

Oct 21, 2024

ASEAN CENTRALITY & REGIONAL SECURITY: SIMPLIFIER 1. What is ASEAN? • The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organization founded in 1967 that comprises 10 Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Its main objectives are to promote economic growth, regional stability, and cooperation among its member states. 2. What does ASEAN centrality mean? • ASEAN centrality refers to the organization’s role as the core driver in shaping regional cooperation and security in Southeast Asia... Read More...

Real Wages in India: Everything That An Aspirant Should Know

Oct 21, 2024

Real Wages in India: Everything That An Aspirant Should Know What are real wages? Real wages are wages adjusted for inflation. They reflect the actual purchasing power of workers' earnings, taking into account the rising cost of goods and services. What is the significance of real wage growth? Standard of living: Real wage growth indicates whether workers' purchasing power is increasing or decreasing. It's a key measure of changes in living standards. Consumer demand: Rising real wages boost consumer spending, which drives econom... Read More...

Maharatna CPSEs: HAL,The 14th Gem

Oct 21, 2024

Maharatna CPSEs: HAL,The 14th Gem What is a Maharatna CPSE? Maharatna is the highest status granted to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in India. These are large, profitable companies owned by the Indian government. Think of them as the "champions" among public sector companies. What are the criteria for Maharatna status? To become a Maharatna, a CPSE must meet several criteria: Navratna status: It must already be a Navratna CPSE. Listed on stock exchange: It must be listed on an Indi... Read More...

Hurricane Milton & Climate Change

Oct 21, 2024

Hurricane Milton & Climate Change 1. What made Hurricane Milton unusual? • Hurricane Milton intensified rapidly from a Category 1 storm to a Category 5 hurricane (wind speeds of over 252 km/h) in just 12 hours. This quick transformation, from October 6 to 7, and its landfall as a Category 3 storm, is highly rare. The storm also dropped more than 45.72 cm of rain on St. Petersburg, Florida, which represents a more than 1-in-100-year rainfall event. 2. How severe was the impact of Hurricane Milton? • The storm killed at least 12 people in eastern Florida, destroyed homes, knocked out power to more ... Read More...

From Spin Glasses to ChatGPT: How Hopfield and Hinton Laid the Foundation for Modern AI

Oct 21, 2024

From Spin Glasses to ChatGPT: How Hopfield and Hinton Laid the Foundation for Modern AI FAQs What are artificial neural networks (ANNs)? ANNs are computer systems inspired by the human brain. They consist of interconnected nodes (like brain cells) that can learn to recognize patterns and make decisions. Think of them as simplified computer models of how our brains work. Who are John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, and why did they win the Nobel Prize? Hopfield and Hinton are pioneers in the field of artificial intelligence. They won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for t... Read More...

INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU)

Oct 21, 2024

INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) 149th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Geneva 2024 October. The theme: "Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for a more peaceful and sustainable future" 1. What is the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)? The Inter-Parliamentary Union is an international organization composed of national parliaments. Established in 1889, it aims to promote democratic governance, accountability, and cooperation among its members. The IPU advocates for gender parity in legislatures, youth participation in politics, and sustainable development. 2. How many members are in the IP... Read More...

Securities Transaction Tax(STT):Simplifier

Oct 21, 2024

Securities Transaction Tax(STT):Simplifier What is the Securities Transaction Tax (STT)? STT is a direct tax levied on every purchase or/and sale of securities on the Indian stock exchanges. It's like a small fee you pay when you buy or sell stocks. Why was STT introduced? It was introduced in 2004 to curb tax evasion on capital gains and to reduce speculation. Before STT, some investors would underreport their profits from stock trading to avoid paying taxes. STT ensures that a tax is collected at the source, making it harder to evade. STT collection increased this ... Read More...

MicroRNA: The Tiny Molecules Revolutionizing Gene Regulation

Oct 21, 2024

MicroRNA: The Tiny Molecules Revolutionizing Gene Regulation The Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology 2024 was shared by Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun “for the discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation,” thereby unlocking a secret on how different types of cells develop.What is microRNA (miRNA)? MicroRNAs are tiny molecules that act like "dimmer switches" for genes. They control how much protein is made from a gene, playing a crucial role in regulating gene expression. What did Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun discover? They discovered the first micro... Read More...

FAST BREEDER REACTORS: TOWARDS ENERGY SECURITY

Oct 21, 2024

FAST BREEDER REACTORS: TOWARDS ENERGY SECURITY 1. What is the significance of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam? • The PFBR at Kalpakkam is India’s first fast breeder reactor, set to become operational after receiving approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) in July 2024. It marks a major step in India’s nuclear energy program, making it the second country in the world after Russia to operationalize such a reactor. It utilizes indigenous technology and aims to reduce India’s dependency on imported nuclear fuel by using thorium and plutonium. 2. What is India’s three-... Read More...

PM GatiShakti: Stocktake 2024 October

Oct 21, 2024

PM GatiShakti: Stocktake 2024 October What is PM GatiShakti? PM GatiShakti is a national master plan launched by the Indian government in 2021. It's essentially a digital platform that brings together 16 different ministries involved in infrastructure development. This includes ministries like Railways, Roadways, and Shipping, who can now work together seamlessly on infrastructure projects. What is the main goal of PM GatiShakti? The main goal is to create a seamless and efficient network of transportation and logistics infrastructure across India. This means better roads, railways, port... Read More...

Oropouche Virus: A Growing Threat in the Americas

Oct 21, 2024

Oropouche Virus: A Growing Threat in the Americas What is the Oropouche virus (OROV)? OROV is a virus spread by the bite of infected midges (tiny flies, often called "no-see-ums") and some mosquitoes. It causes Oropouche fever, an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever. Where is OROV found? OROV is primarily found in South and Central America and the Caribbean. It was initially confined to the Amazon Basin, but recent outbreaks have occurred in urban areas of Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Cuba. Currently, OROV is primarily fo... Read More...

2024 Nobel Peace Prize Honors Hibakusha and Their Fight for a Nuclear-Free World

Oct 21, 2024

2024 Nobel Peace Prize Honors Hibakusha and Their Fight for a Nuclear-Free World FAQs What is Hidankyo? Nihon Hidankyo, or the Japan Confederation of Atomic and Hydrogen Bomb Sufferers Organizations, is a group formed in 1956 by survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. "Hibakusha" means "bomb-affected people" in Japanese. What does Hidankyo do? Hidankyo has been a leading voice for: Supporting survivors: Providing medical care, financial assistance, and community support to hibakusha. ... Read More...

RURAL ECONOMY: AN INTRODUCTION

Oct 21, 2024

RURAL ECONOMY: AN INTRODUCTION India’s rural economy plays a vital role in the nation’s development, contributing significantly to agriculture, small industries, and employment. With more than 65% of the population residing in rural areas, this sector holds immense potential for driving inclusive growth. However, the rural economy faces multiple challenges, such as underemployment, infrastructure deficits, and limited access to finance. By addressing these issues and leveraging government programmes, rural India can unlock its full economic potential. STRENGTHS OF THE RURAL ECONOMY 1. Agricultural Backbone: Read More...