UPSC Daily Current Affairs

RBI’s Measures to Regulate Unsecured Loans

Nov 22, 2023

1. What prompted the RBI’s recent action on unsecured loans? The RBI increased the risk weight for consumer and credit card loans to slow the rapid growth of unsecured credit and address unscrupulous recovery methods. 2. How does increasing the risk weight impact lenders and borrowers? Lenders must reserve more capital for these loans, raising their costs, which they may pass to borrowers through higher interest rates, ultimately discouraging unsecured loans. 3. What are unsecured loans? Unsecured ... Read More...

Gaza War’s Economic Impact on Israel

Nov 22, 2023

What is the estimated economic impact of the Gawar on Israel? Analysts expect the conflict to have a substantial negative effect, particularly in labor supply, technology, and tourism sectors, with a potential $1 billion loss in exports. How have credit rating agencies reacted to the conflict? Credit rating agencies, including Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P, have signaled potential downgrades to Israel’s debt rating, citing economic risks from the conflict. What were the initial events of the conflict and its effects? ... Read More...

US-China Summit- Thaw in the New Cold War?

Nov 22, 2023

1. What is the ‘new cold war’? The term refers to the recent period of heightened tensions and rivalry between major powers, particularly the U.S. and China, characterized by trade disputes, technological competition, and differing governance ideologies. 2. What signs indicate a possible thaw in U.S.-China relations? Indications of a thaw may include renewed diplomatic talks, agreements on specific issues, or a reduction in the rhetoric and sanctions that have characterized relations in recent years. 3. Why is a thaw in ... Read More...

Right to Repair Movement

Nov 22, 2023

What is the ‘Right to Repair’? It’s a consumer-driven movement demanding that manufacturers make their products repairable and provide access to repair information, parts, and tools. Why is ‘Right to Repair’ important for consumers? It empowers consumers to fix their own products, potentially extending the life of products and reducing waste. How does ‘Right to Repair’ affect product obsolescence? It can slow down obsolescence by allowing consumers to repair rath... Read More...

India-Myanmar Border Conflict

Nov 22, 2023

What has caused the recent escalation in conflict near the India-Myanmar border? The recent conflict escalation is a result of resistance groups intensifying their efforts against the Myanmar military junta, which has been in power since the coup d’état in February 2021. Who are the main groups involved in the conflict? Various ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) are involved, including the Kachin Independence Army and the Arakan Army, among others that have formed alliances against the junta. What are the consequences for the local population? Read More...

Unearthing the Mysteries of Sinauli: India’s Largest 4000-Year-Old Burial Site

Nov 22, 2023

Discovery of Sinauli In 2005, a farmer in Sinauli village, Uttar Pradesh, accidentally stumbled upon an incredible archaeological site while ploughing his field. This discovery led to the uncovering of a burial site that has left archaeologists and historians astounded. Ancient Artefacts and Skeletons The initial excavation revealed a treasure trove of ancient artefacts, including copper pots, skeletons, chariots, and more. Among the findings was a copper helmet, possibly the world’s oldest, dating back to around 2000 BCE. The remarkable preservation of wooden ... Read More...

Snakebite Prevention and Treatment in India

Nov 22, 2023

Snakebite is a pressing issue in India, with an estimated 58,000 people succumbing to snakebites annually, and many left with permanent disabilities. Despite the availability of antivenom, misuse of snake venom as a recreational drug has surfaced as a concern. Outdated Antivenom Manufacturing Protocols Manufacturing antivenom in India has followed the same protocols for over a century, resulting in low efficacy. Antivenom is produced by isolating antibodies from horses injected with venom from the ‘big four’ snakes. These antibodies sometimes prove insufficient and can lead to complicatio... Read More...

Achieving a ‘Just’ Decarbonised Economy

Nov 22, 2023

What is a ‘Just’ Decarbonised Economy? A ‘Just’ Decarbonised Economy aims to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring equity and fairness in the socioeconomic impacts of the transition. Why is a ‘Just’ Transition Urgent? The urgency for a ‘Just’ transition stems from climate goals , like achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, and the need to address related social and economic challenges. What Challenges Accompany a ‘Just’ Transition? Challenges in... Read More...

India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

Nov 21, 2023

What is the IMEC The India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a strategic development initiative aimed at establishing a trade and infrastructure link from India to the Middle East and Europe. Why is IMEC being developed? IMEC’s development is to position India as a key trade partner across Asia and Europe, diversifying trade routes and reducing dependency on traditional paths dominated by other countries. How does IMEC affect India’s trade dynamics? Upon completion, IMEC is expec... Read More...

Red Sanders Trade and Conservation in India

Nov 21, 2023

India’s Green Light for Red Sanders Trade India has been permitted to trade Red Sanders (Red Sandalwood) from plantations, a development following the International Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding’s findings that unique climatic and geological factors contribute to the tree’s limited natural distribution. Global Distribution and Importing Nations The Red Sanders species, covering 82% of the wild area, is endemic to the Southern Eastern Ghats of India. Key importing countries include: Europe: Germany, France, Netherlands... Read More...

Red Sanders Wood: India’s Trade and Conservation Efforts

Nov 21, 2023

Overview of Red Sanders Wood Scientific Significance: Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), known as ‘Red Sandalwood’, is a unique tree endemic to Southern Eastern Ghats of India. Ecological Footprint: Its distribution is limited, with specific numbers found in regions like Kadapa, Rajampet, Proddatur, and Chittoor East. Harvesting Conditions: It thrives in dry climate, requires average temperatures (20-800 mm) and grows to about 27 years to reach harvestable size. Global Usage and Trade Uses: Red Sanders is utilized in tradi... Read More...

'Satoyama’ Initiative in Odisha’s Badrama Sanctuary

Nov 21, 2023

Understanding ‘Satoyama’ for Conflict Management: What is ‘Satoyama’? ‘Satoyama’ is a Japanese concept focusing on forest management and harmonious living between humans and nature, emphasizing sustainable practices. How is ‘Satoyama’ implemented in Badrama Sanctuary? The initiative involves community participation in forest conservation activities, eco-tourism, and alternative livelihoods to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. What are the key successes of the ‘Satoyama’ init... Read More...

HPV Vaccine Adoption in India: Tackling Cervical Cancer

Nov 21, 2023

Key Points on HPV Vaccine Introduction in India: What is the significance of the HPV vaccine? The HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine targets cervical cancer, which is a curable disease if detected early and treated adequately. How prevalent is cervical cancer in India? Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, contributing to 6-29% of all cancers in women. What has India done in response to cervical cancer? India has introduced the HPV va... Read More...

Vajra Prahar’ Indo-US Joint Military Exercise

Nov 21, 2023

Exercise Overview: Objective: To strengthen the traditional bond of friendship and defense cooperation through joint special forces exercises focusing on counter-terrorism, airborne and special operations. Key Highlights: Duration: The ‘Vajra Prahar’ exercise spans over a 21-day period. Edition: This will be the 14th iteration of the exercise, with the previous one conducted in Himachal Pradesh’s Bakloh and the 12th in the US. Phases: The first phase includes combat conditioning and tactical-level special mission traini... Read More...

Maitree Super Thermal Power Project: Enhancing India-Bangladesh Connectivity

Nov 21, 2023

What is the main goal of the India-Bangladesh connectivity project? The project aims to strengthen transportation and power connectivity between the two countries, enhancing trade and bilateral ties. What are the recent developments in this project? The inauguration of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Project and the announcement of the second phase of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant signify recent progress. How does this project benefit India and Bangladesh? It facilitates bilateral trade and passe... Read More...