UPSC Daily Current Affairs

GAAR and TAX AVOIDANCE REGULATIONS IN INDIA

Jun 17, 2024

Concern Over Abusive Tax Planning Abusive tax planning is a significant concern not only globally but also in India. The Indian government has implemented measures to combat tax evasion, such as the general anti-avoidance rules (GAAR). GAAR aims to curb unacceptable tax avoidance practices and is part of India’s broader strategy to ensure tax compliance and integrity. Importance for Corporate Tax Specialists in India For corporate tax specialists... Read More...

THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND ICE AGES

Jun 17, 2024

The Solar System and the Heliosphere The Solar System consists of the Sun and eight planets, along with several dwarf planets, including Pluto. According to NASA, the entire system is enveloped by a “giant bubble” known as the heliosphere. This heliosphere is formed by solar winds, which are a continuous stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun. These solar winds can travel up to three times the distance to Pluto. The heliosphere acts as a protective shield, safeguarding the Solar System from galactic rays that have the po... Read More...

BRICS MINISTERS ON LOCAL CURRENCIES

Jun 17, 2024

The BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs convened in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, to discuss various significant topics, including the enhanced use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions among the BRICS countries. Key Discussions: 1. Local Currencies in Trade and Financial Transactions: • The ministers emphasized the importance of increasing the use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions between BRICS nations. • This move aims to ... Read More...

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROCKS AND MINERALS

Jun 17, 2024

What Are Rocks? Rocks are aggregates composed of two or more minerals. They form the solid foundation of the Earth’s crust. An example of a rock is one containing raw gold, which is a mineral. What Are Minerals? Minerals are naturally occurring solids with a definite chemical composition and an orderly, repeating crystal structure. They are the building blocks of rocks. Examples include quartz (SiO2) and halite (NaCl). Read More...

HUNTER BIDEN FOUND GUILTY IN GUN CASE

Jun 17, 2024

What Is the Case About? Hunter Biden faced three federal felony gun charges related to his purchase of a revolver in October 2018. The charges included lying about his drug use on a federal background check form and possessing a gun while addicted to, or using, illegal drugs. These laws aim to prevent drug addicts from owning firearms. What Was the Verdict? A federal jury found Hunter Biden guilty on all three charges after deliberating for just unde... Read More...

HCFC Decline: Milestone in Ozone Recovery

Jun 17, 2024

What Are HCFCs and Why Are They Important? Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are chemicals used as temporary replacements for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Although less harmful to the ozone layer than CFCs, HCFCs still contribute to ozone depletion and are potent greenhouse gases. How Have HCFCs Impacted the Environment? HCFCs contain chlorine, which depletes the ozone layer, although to a lesser extent than CFCs. The most commonl... Read More...

SOIL ORGANIC CARBON (SOC)

Jun 17, 2024

What is Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)? Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) refers to the carbon component of organic compounds found within soil. These organic compounds are derived from plant and animal residues at various stages of decomposition, soil organisms, and substances synthesized by soil organisms. SOC is a crucial part of the soil organic matter (SOM), which includes all organic components in the soil. Why is SOC Important? SOC plays a vital role in soil h... Read More...

CHINA’S CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO CPEC 2.0 WITH PAKISTAN

Jun 17, 2024

What is CPEC? The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a $62-billion infrastructure project launched in 2015. It includes the construction of the Gwadar seaport, power plants, and road networks across Pakistan. CPEC is a component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to connect Pakistan’s ports in Gwadar and Karachi to China’s Xinjiang region. What happened during Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China? Pakista... Read More...

Green Cement: Revolutionizing India's Cement Industry

Jun 17, 2024

What is the current state of India’s cement industry in terms of emissions? India’s cement industry produces emissions comparable to China’s levels in 2008, contributing approximately 7% of the country’s total CO2 emissions due to heavy reliance on coal. What are the main challenges for sustainability in the cement sector? Key challenges include managing clinker dust, wastage during manufacturing, transportation leaks, and heavy reliance on c... Read More...

UN Declares 2025 International Year of Quantum Science (IYQ)

Jun 17, 2024

Why 2025? ● Marks the 100th anniversary of Werner Heisenberg's contributions to quantum mechanics. ● Celebrates the immense impact quantum science has on our everyday lives and future technologies. What is the goal of IYQ? ● To increase public awareness of the importance of quantum science and its applications. ● To promote global collaboration in quantum research and development. ● To ensure equal access to quantum education and o... Read More...

2025 DECLARED THE YEAR OF QUANTUM SCIENCE

Jun 17, 2024

What is the significance of 2025 being declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology? The United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to increase public awareness about the importance of quantum science and its applications. This year-long, worldwide initiative will feature activities at all levels. How was the proclamation made? The initiative began with a resolution led by Mexico in May 2023. B... Read More...

Biden's Gaza Ceasefire Plan: Simplifier Analysis

Jun 17, 2024

WHAT IS JOE BIDEN’S GAZA CEASEFIRE PLAN? Joe Biden’s Gaza ceasefire plan is a three-phase proposal aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas, ensuring the release of hostages, and facilitating the reconstruction of Gaza. WHAT ARE THE THREE PHASES OF THE PLAN? 1. Immediate Ceasefire: An immediate halt to hostilities, coupled with the release of some Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. 2. Permanen... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER ON EU ELECTIONS AND FAR RIGHT INFLUENCE

Jun 15, 2024

WHAT ARE THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS? The European Parliament elections are a crucial event where citizens of the European Union (EU) elect their representatives to the European Parliament. These elections influence the laws and policies across the EU. WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME OF THE RECENT EU ELECTIONS? The hard-right and nationalist right made gains in many parts of the EU, with voters concerned about migration, inflation, and the cost of environmental reforms. ... Read More...

Far Right Influence in EU: Impact and Challenges

Jun 15, 2024

What is the far right? The far right refers to a political ideology that emphasizes nationalism, conservatism, and traditional values. Far-right parties and individuals often prioritize individual freedom, sovereignty, and security over collective well-being, social justice, and international cooperation. What are some examples of far-right parties in Europe? Some examples of far-right parties in Europe include: - National Rally (fo... Read More...