UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Shravanabelagola Monuments, Hassan and Lakkundi Monuments, Gadag

Nov 29, 2023

Shravanabelagola Monuments, Hassan Shravanabelagola, nestled in Karnataka’s Hassan district, is a significant Jain pilgrimage site renowned for its colossal statue of Lord Bahubali, which stands as one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world. The site exemplifies unique architectural mastery and religious reverence, dating back to the 10th century. This ancient town is dotted with a myriad of Jain temples, inscriptions, and sculptures, each narrating tales of Jain heritage and cultural richness. The inclusion of Shravanabelagola monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list would not only recogn... Read More...

Gati Shakti for Holistic Development

Nov 29, 2023

Foundations of Gati Shakti Plan The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan serves as a transformative tool that central ministries and states utilize for strategic project planning. It leverages a digital platform to provide a comprehensive view of infrastructural and logistical assets through GIS mapping. Strategic Planning for Educational Infrastructure States are employing the Gati Shakti master plan to pinpoint optimal locations for new educational institutions. This is informed by a multitude of data layers, offering insights into accessibility, surrounding facilit... Read More...

The Tax-to-GDP Ratio Trend

Nov 28, 2023

Trend Over the Decade The tax-to-GDP ratio, a key indicator of economic health, has shown an upward trend in recent years. This signifies the efficiency of tax collection and the broadening of the tax base, reflecting a robust fiscal environment. Direct vs. Indirect Taxes Direct tax collection has seen significant improvements, indicating a stronger direct tax-to-GDP ratio. However, indirect taxes, despite the implementation of GST, have shown fluctuations that suggest room for optimization. Expansion of Tax Base Read More...

Rat Hole Mining in India

Nov 28, 2023

What is Rat Hole Mining? Rat hole mining is an unconventional practice of coal mining prevalent in the northeastern regions of India, notably Meghalaya. It involves digging small tunnels into the ground, resembling rat holes, where miners crawl to extract coal. Why is Rat Hole Mining a concern in India? This method poses significant risks, including fatal accidents, environmental degradation, and exploitation of labor. The unscientific nature of this mining can also lead to water contamination, land subsidence, and loss of biodiversity. Read More...

Government’s Crop Insurance Scheme

Nov 29, 2023

What is the Government’s Crop Insurance Scheme? The Government’s Crop Insurance Scheme is a program designed to protect farmers against losses due to crop failure as a result of natural calamities, pests, and diseases. It provides a safety net by compensating for the losses, thereby stabilizing farmers’ incomes. How has the Crop Insurance Scheme evolved? The scheme has evolved to incorporate technological advancements such as satellite imagery, remote sensing technology, and mobile apps to improve the accuracy and speed of claims processing, risk as... Read More...

Mt. Etna's Eruption in Sicily, Italy

Nov 29, 2023

1. What is Mt. Etna? Mt. Etna, located in Sicily, Italy, is Europe's most active volcano, known for its frequent eruptions and significant volcanic activity. 2. Why is Mt. Etna's Eruption Notable? The eruption from a snow-covered Mt. Etna is a striking geological event, showcasing the contrast between the fiery volcanic activity and the icy surroundings. 3. How Often Does Mt. Etna Erupt? Mt. Etna is known for its frequent and varying levels of eruptive activity, often erupting multiple times a ye... Read More...

Rise in Anti-Semitism in Europe Post Israel-Palestine Conflict

Nov 29, 2023

1. What has been the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict in Europe? The conflict has led to a notable increase in anti-Semitic incidents across Europe, with heightened fears and concerns among Jewish communities. 2. Why is there a surge in anti-Semitism in Europe? The surge is partly attributed to the fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict, exacerbating long-standing anti-Jewish sentiments in a continent with a history of such prejudice. 3. How are European Jews responding to the rise in anti-Semitism? Read More...

Public Libraries: Nurturing Knowledge and Community

Nov 29, 2023

The Renaissance of Public Libraries In India’s quest to forge smart cities, public libraries are undergoing a significant makeover. Modernization efforts are focused on digitizing archives, revamping physical spaces, and enhancing user experiences. This transition aims to position libraries as dynamic centers for learning and community engagement. Infrastructure and Access Upgrades in infrastructure, such as the development of the Modern Doon Library, showcase the commitment to providing contemporary amenities while increasing accessibility for all community me... Read More...

Zoonotic Disease Surveillance Understanding the Threat and Precautionary Measures

Nov 29, 2023

1. What is the current global health concern regarding respiratory outbreaks? Clusters of respiratory outbreaks in China are raising concerns about a new pandemic, highlighting the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases. 2. Why is the threat of zoonotic diseases significant? Increased human mobility and human-wildlife conflicts elevate the risk of viruses transferring from animals to humans, especially with habitat destruction and climate change. 3. What challenges does surveillance of zoonotic diseases pose in India? Read More...

Establishment of Southeast Asia’s First Dark Sky Reserve in Eastern Ladakh

Nov 29, 2023

1. What is a Dark Sky Reserve? A Dark Sky Reserve is a designated area where natural night sky conditions are protected and preserved for astronomical observations and reducing light pollution. 2. Where is Southeast Asia’s first Dark Sky Reserve being established? It is being established in Eastern Ladakh, India. 3. Who is collaborating to set up this Dark Sky Reserve? The initiative is a collaborative effort between the local administration of Ladakh, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengal... Read More...

National Pollution Response Exercise by the Indian Coast Guard

Nov 29, 2023

1. What was the objective of the National Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX)? The exercise aimed to test and enhance the preparedness and coordination between various agencies in responding to marine oil spills. 2. Who participated in the NATPOLREX exercise? Over 31 foreign observers, 80 delegates, various Indian ministries, departments, and agencies including the Coast Guard, and other stakeholders participated in this exercise. 3. Where and when was the NATPOLREX exercise conducted? It was conduct... Read More...

Sant Tukaram: The Saint Poet of Bhakti Movement

Nov 29, 2023

1. Who was Sant Tukaram? Sant Tukaram was a 17th-century poet-saint from the Indian state of Maharashtra, renowned for his devotional poetry and his role in the Bhakti Movement. 2. What is Sant Tukaram known for? He is known for his Abhangas, devotional poetry dedicated to Lord Vitthal (a form of Krishna), which express a deep personal devotion and a call for social equality. 3. What was the essence of Tukaram’s teachings? His teachings emphasized the importance of a pure heart and devotion to God ... Read More...

AI and Financial Inclusion

Nov 29, 2023

1. How can AI contribute to financial inclusion? AI can enhance access to banking and financial services, especially for those traditionally excluded due to various barriers, by personalizing services and identifying needs through data analysis. 2. What are the ethical concerns associated with AI in financial services? AI systems may unintentionally widen the economic gap by favoring segments of society with more digital access or data representation, potentially excluding minorities or the underprivileged. 3. What are the potential... Read More...

Common Respiratory Infections and Their Causes

Nov 29, 2023

Influenza : Caused by the Influenza virus, this highly contagious respiratory illness leads to symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat. Common Cold : Rhinoviruses are the most frequent culprits behind the common cold, causing nasal congestion and sneezing. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) : A common virus in children, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Adenoviral Infections : Stemming from the Adenovirus, these infections range from cold-like symptoms to more severe conditions like pneumonia. Pneumonia : Mycoplasma pneumoniae is known for causing atypical... Read More...

Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs)

Nov 29, 2023

1. What are DAOs? DAOs are blockchain-based organizations that operate autonomously, guided by smart contracts and community consensus. 2. How Do DAOs Work? Governed by smart contracts on blockchain networks, DAOs enforce rules automatically, enabling trust and collaboration without centralized control. 3. Why are DAOs Significant? They represent a shift in governance and collaboration, allowing transparent, democratic decision-making and resource allocation in various sectors. Read More...