UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Understanding HSN Codes and Rice Export Curbs: A Simplified Explanation

Feb 15, 2024

What are HSN Codes? HSN codes, or Harmonized System Nomenclature codes, are part of a standardized international system developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) for classifying traded products. These codes help in identifying products during customs check and are crucial for international trade. Each HSN code describes a specific item under a certain category, making it easier for countries to track, regulate, and tax international shipments. The Issue with Rice Exports in India India, one of the largest producers and exporters of rice, recently faced a dilemma. The government tempora... Read More...

Analyzing the Persistence of High Inflation Due to Food Prices

Feb 15, 2024

Why Food Prices May Keep Inflation High The persistence of high inflation, particularly in the food sector, can be attributed to several factors. Elevated prices of vegetables, cereals, and pulses, despite a slight downtick in food price inflation in recent months, play a crucial role. While Consumer Food Price Inflation (CFPI) saw a reduction from 9.5% in December to 8.3% in January, it remains significantly higher than October’s 6.6%, indicating a sustained pressure on overall inflation rates. Which Items Are Contributing to High Inflation The primary contributors to the high inflat... Read More...

Constitutional Elements: President's Address, Motion of Thanks

Feb 15, 2024

President’s Address, Motion of Thanks, and Messages in the Indian Constitution 1. What is the President’s Address in the context of the Indian Constitution? The President’s Address refers to a special address by the President of India to both Houses of Parliament assembled together. It occurs at the start of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session each year, outlining the government’s policy and agenda. 2. Which constitutional articles deal with the President’s Address? Articles 86 and ... Read More...

Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s Tomb: A Historical Overview

Feb 15, 2024

Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s tomb is a significant historical monument located in the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex near Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, India. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah was the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and is best known as the founder of Hyderabad and for constructing its architectural centerpiece, the Charminar, in 1591. His reign, from 1580 to 1612, is noted for its architectural, cultural, and literary accomplishments, with Hyderabad emerging as a center of cultural and architectural innovation. The Qutb Shahi Tombs, including that of Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, are remarkable examples of Indo-Islamic architecture, combining P... Read More...

Ancient India’s Innovations in Sanitation

Feb 15, 2024

Ancient India made significant advancements in sanitation, hygiene, and water management, some of which were unparalleled in their time and have influenced modern practices. These innovations were not only practical solutions to urban planning and public health but also reflected the deep-seated cultural and religious importance of cleanliness in Indian society. Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization, 3300 BCE–1300 BCE): The Harappan or Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest urban cultures, exhibited remarkable sophistication in sanitation and hygiene. Archaeological evidence from sites like... Read More...

Delhi’s Landfills: A Methane Menace

Feb 15, 2024

Delhi’s towering “trash mountains” in the neighborhoods of Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla have been identified as significant methane emission hotspots, according to satellite data. These landfills, receiving over 10,000 tonnes of the city’s waste daily, are contributing to the global issue of greenhouse gas emissions, with methane being particularly concerning due to its potent heat-trapping capabilities. Key Insights: Methane Emissions: Satellite data from Kayrros, an environmental intelligence agency, revealed that since 2020, Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla have experienced at least 124 methane “su... Read More...

Supreme Court: Reviewing Muslim Women Maintenance

Feb 14, 2024

Supreme Court to Revisit Maintenance Rights of Divorced Muslim Women under CrPC The Supreme Court of India is set to deliberate on a significant legal question regarding the entitlement of a divorced Muslim woman to file a maintenance petition under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). This inquiry stems from a Muslim man's challenge to an interim maintenance order in favor of his divorced wife, issued by a Family Court and upheld by the High Court of Telangana, albeit with a reduced maintenance amount. Case Background: The petitioner contested the Family Court's order, which directe... Read More...

Mimas: Saturn’s Newly Discovered Subterranean Ocean Moon

Feb 14, 2024

Mimas, one of Saturn’s moons, has recently been recognized as harboring a subterranean ocean, making it a part of an exclusive group of celestial bodies within our solar system known to possess underground oceans. This group includes notable moons such as Saturn’s Titan and Enceladus, along with Jupiter’s Europa and Ganymede. Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Mimas and its newly discovered feature. 1. What is Mimas? Mimas is a moon of Saturn, often referred to as an “ice ball” due to its icy composition and surface. With a diameter of approximately 250 mi... Read More...

Gupteswar Forest in Odisha Declared as Biodiversity Heritage Site

Feb 14, 2024

The Gupteswar Forest, located adjacent to the Gupteswar Shiva temple in Koraput district of Odisha, has been officially declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the Odisha state government , making it the fourth such site in the state. This declaration is aimed at preserving the forest’s rich biodiversity and enhancing the cultural connection between the local communities and their natural heritage. Key Highlights: Area and Importance: The designated BHS spans over 350 hectares, encompassing sacred groves that are traditionally revered by the local community. This area is home to a wide array of flora and fauna,... Read More...

Chiastolite: A Mineral of Symbolism and Strength

Feb 14, 2024

Chiastolite, often referred to as “cross stone” or “andalusite cross,” is a distinctive and intriguing variety of the mineral andalusite. It is celebrated for its unique cross-shaped pattern visible in cross-sections, making it a mineral of both scientific interest and spiritual significance. Here, we delve into the basic characteristics, geological formation, mineral composition, and uses of chiastolite. Basic Characteristics of Chiastolite: Cross-Shaped Pattern: The hallmark of chiastolite is its natural cross-shaped pattern. This pattern can vary in size and clarity across specimens but consistently ... Read More...

Marine National Park (MNP), India

Feb 14, 2024

India’s Marine National Park (MNP) is a unique and biodiverse conservation area located in the Gulf of Kutch, off the coast of Gujarat. Established in 1982, it was the country’s first marine national park. This park spans an area of approximately 162.89 square kilometers, including 42 islands, each varying in their ecological environments, and offers a protected marine habitat to a rich variety of marine life. Key Features of Marine National Park: Biodiversity: The MNP is home to a diverse range of marine species including corals, mangroves, various species of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and crustaceans. It also s... Read More...

Himalayan Hydropower: Sustainability vs. Ecological Stability

Feb 14, 2024

Himalayan Hydropower: Sustainable Energy vs. Ecological Stability The Himalayan region, adorned with numerous dams and hydropower projects, stands at the forefront of India’s pursuit of clean and sustainable energy. As of 2023, hydropower contributes approximately 14% to India’s power generation capacity, underscoring its role in the nation’s energy mix. However, this pursuit is not without its ecological and environmental ramifications. Experts’ Concerns: The ecological sensitivity of the Himalayas is well-documented, with experts highlighting the significant impact that dams and hydro projects have on... Read More...

Hydrogel Innovations for Beginners

Feb 14, 2024

What is a hydrogel? A hydrogel is a water-based substance that contains a network of polymer chains capable of holding a large amount of water while maintaining its structure. It's like a super sponge made at a microscopic level. How are these new hydrogels made? Researchers have developed a technique where tiny cubes of metal-organic compounds self-assemble into hydrogels with the help of molecular binders. The specific properties of the hydrogel, like shape and charge, depend on the binder used in the process. What makes these... Read More...

Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem Initiative in India

Feb 14, 2024

1. What is the purpose of the semiconductor and display manufacturing initiative announced by the Indian government? The initiative aims to develop a sustainable semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India. It targets positioning India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing, with semiconductors and displays serving as foundational elements. The program seeks to enhance technological leadership, economic self-reliance, and integration into the global value chain. 2. When was the semiconductor and display manufacturing initiative approved? The Uni... Read More...

Leveraging FTAs for FDI in India

Feb 14, 2024

India’s recent engagement in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) presents a strategic opportunity to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows and stimulate economic growth. Here’s how: Significance of FTAs: India’s FTAs with Mauritius, UAE, and Australia, along with ongoing negotiations with the EU and UK, are pivotal for achieving its ambitious export target of US$2 trillion by 2030. Increasing FDI: By leveraging FTAs, India can attract FDI by offering preferential market access to its partners, especially those with contrasting endowments and different stages of development. Declining FDI Trend: Despi... Read More...