UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Madhya Pradesh Set to Host India's First UNESCO Geopark

Mar 29, 2024

Dinosaur Fossil National Park located in Bagh, Madhya Pradesh India is on the verge of attaining its first UNESCO Global Geopark, a significant achievement that underscores the nation’s rich geological heritage and the efforts to garner international recognition for the same. The focal point of this effort is the Dinosaur Fossil National Park located in Bagh, Madhya Pradesh, a site of profound paleontological significance. This site stands out not only as the oldest dinosaur site in Asia but a... Read More...

INDIA’S GEOHERITAGE SITES: JHAMARKOTRA AND ZAWAR

Mar 29, 2024

What Is Geoheritage? Geoheritage encompasses sites of significant geological interest that provide insights into the Earth’s evolution, including its life forms, natural processes, and geological features. These sites are valuable for scientific research, education, and increasing public awareness of geodiversity. Why Are Jhamarkotra and Zawar Significant? Jhamarkotra is home to a fossil park with stromatolites dating back... Read More...

BASMATI RICE DISPUTE BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN

Mar 29, 2024

What is the Basmati Rice Dispute Between India and Pakistan? The dispute centers on India’s application for an exclusive trademark granting it sole ownership of the basmati title in the European Union. Pakistan opposes this, arguing that it also produces basmati rice and is a major exporter to the EU. Why is Basmati Rice Important to India and Pakistan? Read More...

UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024

Mar 29, 2024

Published for the first time in 2021, the UNEP Food Waste Index Report seeks to track country-level progress to halve food waste by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3. The United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Food Waste Index Report, published in March 2024, reveals a concerning global trend: approximately 19% of all food produced worldwide in 2022 was wasted, amounting to around 1.05 billion metric tons. This alarming figure comes at a time when 783 million people globally are facing chronic hunger, highlighting a significant... Read More...

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Mar 29, 2024

WTO’S INVESTMENT FACILITATION NEGOTIATIONS At the heart of recent discussions within the World Trade Organization (WTO) is the debate over the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, particularly spotlighted during the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi. The negotiation of the IFD Agreement marks a critical juncture in the evolution of global trade and investment norms, reflecting broader trends towards integrating investment facilitation within the framework of internati... Read More...

India's Bioeconomy: Opportunities & Challenges

Mar 29, 2024

Introduction to India’s BioEconomy India’s BioEconomy encapsulates a diverse and rapidly evolving sector that leverages biological resources, such as organisms, cells, and biological processes, to create a wide array of products and services. This encompasses industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, bio-industry, bio-information technology (bio-IT), and bio-services. Over the past eight years, India’s BioEconomy has experienced su... Read More...

INDIA’S NATIONAL MISSION ON NATURAL FARMING

Mar 29, 2024

What is the National Mission on Natural Farming? The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is an initiative by the Government of India designed to promote natural farming practices. This includes minimizing the use of chemical inputs, enhancing soil health through organic matter, and fostering a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem. Read More...

Indian Government Bonds Enter Global Indexes

Mar 29, 2024

What Are Government Bonds? Government bonds are securities issued by a government to raise funds from the public to finance its projects and manage its financial needs. Investors buy these bonds, lending money to the government, in return for periodic interest payments and the return of the bond’s face value at maturity. Why Is Inclusion in Global Indexes Important? Inclusi... Read More...

Future Collider: Ghost Particle Hunt

Mar 29, 2024

What is CERN’s new project about? CERN is launching the Future Circular Collider, a supercollider aimed at detecting “hidden particles” which may make up the dark matter and dark energy constituting most of the universe. How will the Future Circular Collider differ from the Large Hadron Collider? The Future Circular Collider will be 1,000 times more sensitive and will use a different method of smashing particle... Read More...

Governance Amidst Chief Minister's Incarceration

Mar 29, 2024

CAN A CHIEF MINISTER RUN THE GOVERNMENT FROM JAIL? Can a Chief Minister Run the Government While in Jail? A Chief M... Read More...

WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 2024

Mar 29, 2024

Is Singapore the Happiest Country in Asia? According to the latest World Happiness Report, Singapore is ranked as Asia’s happiest country. It holds the 30th position out of 143 countries globally. Why Do Young Singaporeans Report Lower Quality of Life? Young Singaporeans under 30 have reported a lower quality of life compared to those over 60, potentially due to challenges in achieving the “Singapore Dream” of ... Read More...

SUPREME COURT’S STAY ON GOVERNMENT’S FACT-CHECK UNIT

Mar 29, 2024

Why did the Supreme Court issue a stay on the government’s fact-checking unit? The Supreme Court issued a stay due to concerns about the freedom of speech and expression. The Court noted that the matter involves serious issues related to the freedom of speech guaranteed by Article 19 of the Constitution, and the impact of the rules on this fundamental right needed careful examination. Read More...

ATAL PENSION YOJANA (APY)

Mar 29, 2024

Introduction to Pension and APY A pension is essential for ensuring a dignified life post-retirement by providing a consistent monthly income, especially when one’s earning potential diminishes with age. The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a government-backed pension scheme in India designed specifically for the unorganised sector, offering guaranteed monthly pensions ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000 at the age of 60 based on the subscriber’s contributions. Who Can Su... Read More...

Unlocking the Potential: Northern Sea Route (NSR)

Mar 29, 2024

NORTHERN SEA ROUTE (NSR) AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SUEZ CANAL What Is the Northern Sea Route (NSR)? Read More...

SMALL MODULAR NUCLEAR REACTORS (SMRs)

Mar 28, 2024

What Are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)? SMRs are a category of nuclear reactors that are significantly smaller than traditional nuclear power plants, typically generating electricity in the range of 100-300 MW per unit. They are designed for modular construction, allowing for parts to be manufactured in a factory setting and assembled on-site, which can reduce construction times and costs. How Do SMRs Differ From Traditional Nucle... Read More...