UPSC Daily Current Affairs

PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION SIMPLIFIER

Jun 14, 2024

WHAT IS PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION? Proportional Representation (PR) is an electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them. Unlike the First Past the Post (FPTP) system, where the candidate with the most votes in a constituency wins, PR ensures that political representation is more closely aligned with the overall vote share of each party. COUNTRIES USING PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION Countries that follow PR include: Read More...

THE RELEVANCE OF NOTA IN ELECTIONS

Jun 14, 2024

WHAT IS NOTA? NOTA stands for “None of the Above.” It is an option on Indian ballots that allows voters to reject all the candidates in the fray. Introduced in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, NOTA enables voters to express their disapproval of all the candidates standing for election. WHY IS NOTA USED? Voters may choose NOTA for various reasons, including dissatisfaction with the candidates or political parties, to protest against the political system, or ... Read More...

INDO-U.S. TRADE DISPUTE ON POULTRY:RESOLUTION

Jun 14, 2024

THE ISSUE For over a decade, India and the U.S. were embroiled in a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning import restrictions on poultry products. Initiated by the U.S. in 2012, the dispute challenged India’s restrictions due to avian influenza concerns, which the U.S. argued did not comply with international standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health. THE SETTLEMENT In March this year, India a... Read More...

DIGITAL PAYMENTS INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM SIMPLIFIER

Jun 14, 2024

WHAT IS THE RBI’S DIGITAL PAYMENTS INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM? The RBI’s Digital Payments Intelligence Platform is a proposed initiative to enhance the security and reliability of digital payments, aiming to boost consumer confidence and mitigate fraud risks. WHO IS LEADING THE COMMITTEE FOR THIS INITIATIVE? The committee is led by A P Hota, who will provide recommendations within two months. WHAT TECHNOLOGI... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: PRIVATE BIOSPHERE IN UTTARAKHAND

Jun 14, 2024

Who are the environmentalists behind the Rajaji Raghati Biosphere? Jai Dhar Gupta, a New Delhi-based entrepreneur and clean air activist, and Vijay Dhasmana, an ecologist known for restoring the Aravalli landscapes, are the key figures behind the Rajaji Raghati Biosphere project. What is the Rajaji Raghati Biosphere? The Rajaji Raghati Biosphere (RRB) is a 35-acre private forest initiative in Uttarakhand, located next to the Rajaji National Park. It aims... Read More...

ARAL SEA’S TRANSFORMATION INTO THE ARALKUM DESERT

Jun 14, 2024

Decline of the Aral Sea The Aral Sea, located on the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border, has drastically shrunk due to the diversion of its inflowing rivers, Amu Darya and Syr Darya, for agricultural use. Over the past 60 years, this lake has reduced to about 10% of its original size, leading to the creation of the Aralkum Desert. Impact of River Diversion Once the world’s fourth-largest lake, the Aral Sea’s shrinkage has resulted in the formatio... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: CERN’S LARGE HADRON COLLIDER (LHC)

Jun 14, 2024

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN is a sophisticated particle accelerator designed to explore the fundamental particles of the universe by accelerating and colliding subatomic particles. Accelerator An accelerator is a machine that increases the energy of a particle beam by passing it through a series of devices, each with increasing energy levels. The LHC is the final stage in this sequence, achieving the highest energy levels for the particles. Collider Read More...

ISRO and RLV: REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLES

Jun 14, 2024

The Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Programme The Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) programme by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) represents a significant leap in space technology. The primary goal of the RLV programme is to develop reusable spacecraft to reduce the cost of access to space, enhance mission efficiency, and promote sustainable space exploration. Benefits of RLVs 1. Cost Efficiency: • Reusable la... Read More...

Heat Health Action: Safeguarding Public Health from Heat

Jun 14, 2024

Immediate Implementation The Heat Health Action Plan (HHAP) has been mandated for urgent implementation to protect public health and ensure the readiness of healthcare systems to manage heat-related illnesses. Key Components of the Heat Health Action Plan 1. Healthcare Facility Preparedness: • Assessment: All healthcare facilities must assess their preparedness to handle heat-related emergencies. Read More...

MODI 3.0: GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

Jun 14, 2024

Enhanced Global Stature Narendra Modi’s re-election for a rare third term as India’s Prime Minister continues to elevate the country’s position on the global stage. Modi’s administration has positioned India and its fast-growing economy as crucial players in addressing global issues such as climate change, development, and international security. Shifting Political Landscape Unlike his previous terms, Modi’s Bharatiya Jana... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: CPEC 2.0 , PAKISTAN AND CHINA. IMPLICATIONS for INDIA

Jun 14, 2024

What is the recent agreement between Pakistan and China regarding CPEC? Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and advance its development into a second phase. This decision was made during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking Mr. Sharif’s first official visit to China since assuming office in 2024. What is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)? Read More...

URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT IN KOLKATA: SIMPLIFIER

Jun 14, 2024

Why is Kolkata experiencing such high temperatures and humidity levels? Kolkata is currently facing extreme heat and humidity due to the delay in monsoon arrival. The city’s relative humidity is around 90%, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C. What is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect? The Urban Heat Island effect occurs when urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities. This is caused by incre... Read More...

HIGH SEAS TREATY 2023

Jun 13, 2024

The High Seas Treaty, also known as the agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or ‘BBNJ’, was signed in New York on 20 September during the United Nations High-Level Week. Numerous countries signed the treaty, marking a significant step towards global ocean governance. Key Provisions of the High Seas Treaty The treaty aims to: 1. Promote Equity and Fairness: Ensure that all nations benefit from the resources and opportunities of the high seas. ... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: NATIONAL HEALTH CLAIM EXCHANGE

Jun 13, 2024

What is the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)? The NHCX is a digital platform launched by the Health Ministry and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to facilitate the exchange of claims-related information among insurance companies, healthcare service providers, and government insurance scheme administrators. It aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in the health insurance ecosystem. Will the platform help patients access healthcare easily?... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: GREATER ADJUTANT STORKS IN ASSAM

Jun 13, 2024

Q: What is the greater adjutant stork? A: The greater adjutant stork is one of the most endangered bird species, primarily found in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, India. These birds are known for their large size, some reaching almost five feet in height. Q: Where are greater adjutant storks found in Assam? A: They are mostly found in the districts of Guwahati, Morigaon, and Nagaon. Historically, Guwahati had the largest concentration of these storks in the country. ... Read More...