UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SKILLS GAP IN INDIA AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Nov 23, 2024

SKILLS GAP IN INDIA AND RECOMMENDATIONS India is making concerted efforts to transform into a global skills hub by integrating skill development into its educational framework. Through progressive policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023, the government is emphasizing skill-based learning in schools. These initiatives aim to create a workforce that is not only educated but also industry-ready, addressing gaps in employability and productivity across sectors. To complement these efforts, the World Bank’s ‘Jobs at Your Doorstep’ Report has identified critical action areas for si... Read More...

CRYPTOCURRENCY AND CBDC- CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY

Nov 22, 2024

CRYPTOCURRENCY AND CBDC- CENTRAL BANK DIGITAL CURRENCY 1. WHAT IS CRYPTOCURRENCY? Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that exists only in electronic form. It operates independently of a central authority like banks or governments and uses blockchain technology to maintain a secure, public ledger of transactions. 2. HOW DOES CRYPTOCURRENCY WORK? • Blockchain Technology: This is a decentralized network where all transactions are verified and recorded. Once recorded, these transactions cannot be altered, ensur... Read More...

HIGH COURT BENCHES IN INDIA:PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING

Nov 22, 2024

HIGH COURT BENCHES IN INDIA:PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING 1. Constitutional and Legal Framework • Article 214 of the Constitution mandates that each state must have a High Court. • Section 51(2) of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, empowers the President of India to establish additional High Court benches after consultations. 2. Role of State Government or Legislative Assembly • A proposal or resolution recommending a new bench can originate from the state government or legislative assembly. • Example: The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly recently passed a resolu... Read More...

GLOBAL ALLIANCE AGAINST HUNGER AND POVERTY: EXPLAINER

Nov 22, 2024

GLOBAL ALLIANCE AGAINST HUNGER AND POVERTY: EXPLAINER 1. What is the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty? The Global Alliance is a collaborative initiative launched at the Brazil G20 Summit in 2024. Its primary focus is on uniting countries, organizations, and experts to combat hunger, poverty, and malnutrition through innovative policies and actionable programs. 2. What prompted the launch of the Alliance? Despite global commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, poverty and hunger persist. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly in developing nations, ... Read More...

ANDHRA PRADESH SCRAPS TWO-CHILD POLICY FOR LOCAL BODY POLLS

Nov 22, 2024

ANDHRA PRADESH SCRAPS TWO-CHILD POLICY FOR LOCAL BODY POLLS SYNOPSIS The Andhra Pradesh government has revoked the decades-old law barring individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections. This decision aims to address the state’s declining fertility rate and aging population. The policy, introduced in the 1990s to curb population growth, was repealed as it is now seen as counterproductive to demographic and developmental goals. FAQs 1. WHAT IS THE TWO-CHILD POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF LOCAL BODY ELECTIONS? The two-child policy disallowed indivi... Read More...

INDIA-UAE BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATY: HIGHLIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS

Nov 22, 2024

INDIA-UAE BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATY: HIGHLIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS SYNOPSIS The India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), set to replace the 2014 treaty, introduces significant changes to align with India’s Model BIT 2015 while addressing investor concerns. Key changes include a reduced waiting period for investor-state dispute settlements, redefined investment criteria, and provisions ensuring host state regulatory rights. Despite some continuity with India’s BIT policy, the treaty excludes taxation and the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause, sparking debates on its broader implications. FAQs ... Read More...

AI IN GOVERNANCE

Nov 22, 2024

AI IN GOVERNANCE FAQs 1. What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and why is it relevant to governance? AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines to perform tasks like learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. In governance, AI can improve decision-making, enhance service delivery, and tackle challenges in areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. 2. How is AI currently used in governance in India? • Healthcare in Tamil Nadu: AI-enabled mobile X-ray vans are deployed in remote and inaccessible areas for tuberculosis detection. These v... Read More...

NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ACT, 1985 (NDPS ACT)

Nov 21, 2024

NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES ACT, 1985 (NDPS ACT) 1. What is the NDPS Act? The NDPS Act, 1985, is a comprehensive law enacted to regulate and control operations related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, aiming to curb drug abuse and trafficking in India. 2. What are the primary objectives of the NDPS Act? • Prohibit manufacturing, possession, sale, purchase, and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. • Control and regulate licit operations involving such substances. • Implement international conventions related to drug contr... Read More...

SATYENDRA NATH BOSE :CONTRIBUTIONS TO QUANTUM PHYSICS

Nov 21, 2024

SATYENDRA NATH BOSE :CONTRIBUTIONS TO QUANTUM PHYSICS FAQs 1. What is Satyendra Nath Bose’s major contribution to science? Bose introduced the concept of particle indistinguishability, which laid the foundation for what is now known as Bose-Einstein Statistics. This concept is used to explain the behavior of bosons, a type of particle that follows these statistics. Everyday Example: Imagine identical marbles in a bag. Unlike classical particles, where you could label each marble, bosons are like marbles that lose their identity when jumbled—making them behave as a collective rat... Read More...

UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS IN INDIA

Nov 21, 2024

UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS IN INDIA 1. WHO ARE UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS? Undertrial prisoners are individuals who are accused of committing a crime but are yet to be convicted by a court. They remain in jail while their case is under investigation or trial. 2. WHY ARE UNDERTRIAL PRISONERS IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS? Undertrials make up a significant portion of India’s prison population. Long detention without conviction raises questions about justice, human rights, and the efficiency of the judicial system. 3. WHAT DOES SECTION 479 OF THE BHARATIYA NAGRIK SURAKSHA SANHITA (BNSS) SAY? Se... Read More...

GM CROPS:PROS AND CONS

Nov 21, 2024

GM CROPS:PROS AND CONS 1. WHAT ARE GM CROPS? Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose genetic material has been altered using biotechnology to achieve desirable traits such as pest resistance, higher yield, or tolerance to herbicides. 2. HOW DO GM CROPS BENEFIT FARMERS? • Reduced Pesticide Use: Some GM crops, like Bt cotton, are resistant to pests, minimizing the need for chemical pesticides. • Higher Yields: These crops often produce more output compared to traditional varieties. • Cost Efficiency: Farmers... Read More...

PRISON REFORMS IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND INITIATIVES

Nov 21, 2024

PRISON REFORMS IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND INITIATIVES 1. WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CHALLENGES IN INDIAN PRISONS? Indian prisons face severe overcrowding, with occupancy rates exceeding 130%. Other major issues include inadequate healthcare, poor sanitation, lack of legal aid, understaffing, and frequent reports of abuse and violence against inmates. 2. WHAT ROLE DOES OVERCROWDING PLAY IN THE PRISON CRISIS? Overcrowding leads to insufficient space, strained resources, and poor living conditions. With a total capacity of 4.36 lakh, housing over 5.73 lakh prisoners results in increased health risks, delayed trials, and comprom... Read More...

PM VIDYALAXMI SCHEME: FEATURES AND UNIQUENESS

Nov 21, 2024

PM VIDYALAXMI SCHEME: FEATURES AND UNIQUENESS 1. What is the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme? The PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme is a new central sector initiative aimed at providing financial support to meritorious students pursuing higher education. It offers collateral-free and guarantor-free loans from banks and financial institutions, covering tuition fees and other course-related expenses. 2. Who is eligible for the scheme? Eligibility is limited to students admitted to higher education institutions ranked under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) or those accredited by NAAC or NBA. 3. What ... Read More...

EARTH’S TEMPORARY MINI-MOON: ASTEROID 2024 PT5

Nov 21, 2024

EARTH’S TEMPORARY MINI-MOON: ASTEROID 2024 PT5 1. What is the “mini-moon”? It’s an asteroid, named 2024 PT5, temporarily caught in Earth’s gravitational pull. It orbits Earth for 57 days, acting like a small second moon. 2. How big is this asteroid? The asteroid is about 10 meters wide—roughly the size of a double-decker bus. 3. When was it discovered? It was discovered on August 7, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in South Africa. 4. What are Apollo asteroids? 2024 PT5... Read More...

SOIL DEGRADATION IN INDIA: SIMPLIFIER

Nov 21, 2024

SOIL DEGRADATION IN INDIA: SIMPLIFIER 1. What is the extent of soil degradation in India? Around 30% of India’s soil is degraded, primarily due to overuse of chemical fertilizers, unsustainable farming methods, and poor soil management practices. 2. Why is soil health important for sustainable development? Soil health is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like: • Zero Hunger: Healthy soil increases crop yields. • Climate Action: Soil acts as a carbon sink, reducing greenhouse gases. &bull... Read More...