UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Strengthening Border Surveillance: Indian Army’s Thermal Imagers

Dec 07, 2023

FAQs on Army’s Induction of Thermal Imaging Surveillance Devices Q: What is the Indian Army’s plan regarding thermal imaging devices? A: The Indian Army plans to induct approximately 10,000 Hand Held Thermal Imager-Uncooled (HHTI-UC) devices to enhance night and day surveillance capabilities. Q: What are the specifications of the HHTI-UC devices? A: These devices will have the latest technology enabling soldiers to conduct surveillance up to 3,000 meters and will come equipped with laser range finders for distance assessment. Read More...

National Cooperative Societies for Agriculture Products

Dec 07, 2023

Q: What is the purpose of setting up national level cooperative societies for agriculture products? A: The primary objective is to promote large-scale agricultural outputs, including crops and seeds, streamline the distribution process, and ensure the marketing of certified organic products under a unified brand. Q: Which national level cooperative societies have been established? A: Three multi-state cooperative societies have been set up: 1. National Cooperative Exports Limited 2. National Cooperative Organics Limited 3.... Read More...

Enhancing Flood Resilience in Indian Cities: Strategies and Examples

Dec 07, 2023

To mitigate flooding in Indian cities, various measures can be adopted: 1. Urban Planning: Implement regulations like those in Surat after the 2006 floods, which improved zoning and land use to avoid construction in low-lying areas. 2. Drainage Systems: Upgrade drainage infrastructure similar to the Storm Water Drainage Project undertaken in Mumbai. 3. Water Bodies Restoration: Revive lakes and rivers as done with the restoration of Lake Pashan in Pune, enhancing the city’s water absorption capacity. 4. Green Infrastructure: Expand urban green belts and create spaces like the Sabarmati Riverfront i... Read More...

SWAMIH I: Last-Mile Funding for Housing Projects

Dec 06, 2023

Q: What is SWAMIH I? A: SWAMIH I (Special Window for Completion of Construction of Affordable and Mid-Income Housing Projects) is a government-backed initiative managed by SBICAP Ventures. It’s designed to provide last-mile financing to support the completion of affordable and mid-income housing projects in India. Q: How does SWAMIH I function? A: SWAMIH I offers financial assistance to housing projects that are near completion but are stalled due to funding shortages. This initiative aims to bridge the financial gap, ensuring these projects are completed and d... Read More...

Generative AI in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

Dec 06, 2023

Q: What is Generative AI and how is it transforming healthcare? A: Generative AI refers to advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques that can generate novel data or patterns. In healthcare, it’s revolutionizing drug discovery by accelerating the identification of new drug candidates, predicting drug interactions, and optimizing clinical trials. Q: How does Generative AI aid in drug discovery? A: Generative AI analyzes vast biological datasets to uncover patterns and relationships, leading to the identification of new drug targets. It also designs mole... Read More...

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Naval Fleet

Dec 06, 2023

Q: Who is considered the father of the Indian Navy? A: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is often referred to as the father of the Indian Navy due to his strategic establishment of a naval fleet to protect the Maratha Empire. Q: What was the significance of the Sindhudurg Fort? A: The Sindhudurg Fort, located off the coast of Maharashtra, served as a naval base and watchpoint to safeguard the Maratha Empire from foreign invaders using the sea route, particularly the Portuguese and the British. Q: How did Shivaji Maharaj contribute to nava... Read More...

The New Space Race: Private Ventures and Global Ambitions

Dec 06, 2023

What is the new space race? The contemporary space race involves private companies and multiple countries, including India, striving to achieve significant milestones in space exploration. Unlike the past, dominated by state-led programs, today’s race features private entities and international collaborations aiming for the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Why is there a new space race? Advancements in technology, decreasing costs, and increased interest in space resources have reignited the space race. Nations and companies are pursuing scientific discovery, national p... Read More...

Understanding UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Dec 06, 2023

What is UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List? UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List is designed to recognize and protect various traditions, practices, and arts that are considered cultural staples within different societies around the world. These elements are not physical objects but include performing arts, social practices, rituals, and methods of craftsmanship that are passed down through generations. Why is the Intangible Heritage List important for India? For India, a country rich in cultural diversity, the list serves to highlight and p... Read More...

North and South India:Demarcation

Dec 06, 2023

Historical Roots North India was predominantly influenced by Indo-Aryan cultures and witnessed a series of invasions and empires, notably the Mughal Empire and British colonial rule. South India, on the other hand, has its roots in Dravidian cultures, with enduring empires such as the Chola and Vijayanagara and regions like Kerala engaging in early foreign trade due to their coastal positions. Geographical Diversity The North is characterized by a landlocked, diverse topography with the Himalayas and the Gangetic plains as significant features. In contrast, the South is a peninsula with a long coastline,... Read More...

Suicide Trends and Mental Health Support in India

Dec 06, 2023

Q: What is the trend of suicide in India and who is most affected? A: Suicide is a rising concern in India, with a daily average of 50 reported cases. Young adults, particularly in the 18-30 age group, are significantly impacted, comprising nearly 35% of these cases. Q: What factors are contributing to the suicide crisis in India? A: The crisis is linked to three main gaps: inadequate mental health infrastructure, deficient laws addressing the issue, and societal taboos that hinder people from seeking mental health support. Q: What ... Read More...

Understanding the Importance of NPK Ratio in Agriculture Soil

Dec 06, 2023

1. What is the NPK ratio in agriculture soil, and why is it important? NPK Ratio in Soil: A Fundamental Aspect of Agriculture Answer: The NPK ratio refers to the relative proportions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil. It’s vital because these nutrients are essential for plant growth and crop productivity. 2. What is the desirable NPK ratio, and why does it matter? The Ideal NPK Ratio: Balancing Nutrients for Healthy Soil Answer: The desirable NPK ratio is typically 4:2:1 (N:P:K). This balanced ratio ens... Read More...

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in India’s Context

Dec 06, 2023

Concept and Relevance to India: 1. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): This technology involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes, using it in various applications, and storing it safely to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. Given India’s substantial greenhouse gas emissions from its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, CCUS is critical for mitigating climate impacts while supporting economic growth. 2. Alignment with Climate Goals: India, committed to the Paris Agreement, aims to reduce its carbon footprint. CCUS is pivotal in achie... Read More...

Post Office Bill, 2023: Balancing Modernization and Accountability

Dec 06, 2023

The Post Office Bill, 2023, marking a transformative shift from the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, heralds significant changes in India’s postal service regulation. Its introduction is a stride towards modernizing the legislative framework to align with contemporary digital advancements. Yet, it brings to the fore critical issues concerning fundamental rights, accountability, and differentiation between public and private postal entities. Key Highlights of the Bill: 1. End of Exclusive Privilege: The Bill ends the government’s monopoly on letter conveyance, inviting private sector particip... Read More...

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)

Dec 06, 2023

Q: What is the NFRA? A: The National Financial Reporting Authority is a regulatory body in India tasked with overseeing the quality of financial reporting by companies to ensure transparency and accuracy in corporate financial statements. Q: When was the NFRA established? A: The NFRA was constituted on October 1, 2018. Q: Under which law was the NFRA set up? A: It was set up under Section 132(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. Q: Why was the NFRA created? Read More...

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and India

Dec 06, 2023

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free trade agreement involving Asia-Pacific countries, creating the largest trade bloc in history as of its signing in November 2020. It encompasses around 30% of the world's population and global GDP, signifying a major economic shift with substantial implications for global trade dynamics. Q: What is the RCEP? A: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a free trade agreement among Asian countries aimed at creating a unified market to enhance trade and investment in the region. Q: Why did In... Read More...