UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Informal Economy:Understanding the Annual Survey on Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE)

Nov 09, 2023

What is ASUSE? The Annual Survey on Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) is a statistical endeavor by the Indian government to collect and analyze data on unincorporated enterprises, especially in the informal sector, encompassing manufacturing, trade, and other service firms. Why is ASUSE important? ASUSE plays a crucial role in filling the data gap for small and unregistered enterprises that significantly contribute to the economy, employment, and gross domestic product (GDP) but remain outside the purview of formal data collection mechanisms. Read More...

INDUS-X Initiative and the India-US Defence Relationship

Nov 09, 2023

The INDUS-X initiative represents a significant collaborative step in the defence sector between India and the United States. Here’s a rundown of FAQs that can help explain the context and implications of this initiative: What is INDUS-X? INDUS-X is a collaboration between India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative under the Ministry of Defence and the United States’ Defence Innovation Unit (DIU). It aims to bring together startups, MSMEs, incubators, and academia from both nations to foster innovation in the defence sector. Read More...

The Role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India

Nov 09, 2023

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is pivotal in enhancing transparency and accountability in the governance of India. Here are the frequently asked questions that outline the roles, responsibilities, and significance of CAG: What is the role of CAG in Indian democracy? CAG is a constitutional authority tasked with auditing all receipts and expenditures of the Government of India and the state governments, including those bodies or authorities substantially financed by the government. The CAG ensures that public funds are being used efficiently and for the intended purposes. Read More...

Dynamics of Female Labor Force Participation

Nov 09, 2023

The topic revolves around the complexities and nuances of the female labor force participation rates, which have shown a fluctuating trend in recent years. Here’s a breakdown: Trend Analysis: There has been an observable increase in the female labor force participation rate (LFPR), which has seen a rise from earlier statistics. Rural areas have seen a more significant rise in female LFPR compared to urban areas, indicating a shift in gender dynamics within the workforce. Economic and Social Indicators: Employment und... Read More...

Project Cheetah’s First Year

Nov 09, 2023

Project Cheetah is a significant conservation effort in India, aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to the country after their local extinction. In its first year, the project has experienced a mix of progress and setbacks. Project Goals and Ideals: The project envisioned the cheetahs acclimatizing in the wild for a substantial part of the year. For Namibian cheetahs, the ideal time spent in the wild was 30 days for males and 45 days for females, while for South African cheetahs, it was 60 days for males and 42 days for females. Actual Time Spent in the Wi... Read More...

Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017

Nov 09, 2023

What is the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017? ECBC 2017 sets standards for energy efficiency in commercial buildings, with the aim of promoting energy conservation and sustainable building practices. Why was ECBC 2017 introduced? ECBC was introduced to address the growing energy consumption in India’s building sector, which is projected to skyrocket with the rapid urbanization and economic growth. What are the key features of ECBC 2017? It includes norms for walls, roofs, windows, lig... Read More...

Understanding Deepfakes and Their Implications

Nov 09, 2023

What are Deepfakes? Deepfakes are synthetic media, often videos or audio recordings, manipulated using artificial intelligence to appear as real footage. This technology can alter facial expressions, voice, and actions, creating content that can deceive viewers. Why are Deepfakes a Concern? Deepfakes present ethical challenges, as they can be used for misinformation, harassment, and undermining trust in media and public figures. They can distort reality, manipulate opinions, and threaten the integrity of information. How Do Deepfake... Read More...

India’s Anti-Missile Defense Progress and Challenges

Nov 09, 2023

India’s defense strategy, particularly regarding missile defense, has been evolving in response to regional security dynamics. The indigenous development of anti-missile systems gained traction after the Kargil conflict, reflecting the need to counter threats from neighboring countries. The S-400 Triumph, acquired from Russia, is a multi-tiered missile defense system offering a mix of short- to long-range capabilities (up to 400 km). Its deployment is seen as a critical component in India’s strategic defense against aerial threats, including those from ballistic and cruise missiles. The indigenous efforts have led to the ... Read More...

Friend-shoring and India’s Strategic Economic Alliances

Nov 09, 2023

“Friend-shoring” refers to the concept of diversifying supply chains by moving production and sourcing to countries that are politically stable, economically aligned, and often share strategic interests. India, with its large economy and strategic location, becomes a significant player in this approach. India’s Role in Friend-shoring: 1. Economic Alignment: India, as a rapidly growing economy with a stable democratic setup, presents a viable option for countries looking to diversify away from unreliable or politically challenging sources. 2. Strategic Partne... Read More...

Indo-Bhutan Relations and Regional Impact

Nov 08, 2023

India has reaffirmed its commitment to Bhutan’s socioeconomic development during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The talks culminated in enhanced bilateral cooperation across several domains: 1. Socio-economic Development: Modi’s assurance to Bhutan underlines the long-standing partnership, aligning with Bhutan’s development goals. 2. Infrastructure and Connectivity: The consensus on a train link survey between Kokrajhar (Assam) and Gelephu (Bhutan) reflects growing connectivity initiatives. 3. Trade and Energy: Read More...

Indian States’ Climate Vulnerability

Nov 08, 2023

Cross Dependency Initiative’s report identifies high climate risk to infrastructure in 9 Indian states by 2050, with a focus on Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, and Assam. These states are part of the 80% of the top 50 vulnerable global provinces, alongside regions in China and the US. Mumbai, India’s economic powerhouse, is notably highlighted for its high risk. The risk ranking takes into account eight climate-induced hazards, including flooding, extreme heat, and forest fires. The report suggests a stark increase, up to 110%, in damage risk... Read More...

Climate Benefits of Biochar

Nov 08, 2023

Biochar’s Role in Climate Action: Climate Mitigation: Biochar, created from organic waste like crop residues, has the capacity to capture atmospheric CO2, aiding in climate change mitigation. Soil Health: It also contributes to improving soil fertility and can enhance plant growth, with the carbon sequestration effect lasting for hundreds of years. Potential for Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Long-term Stability: A substantial portion of this sequestered carbon would remain in the soil over a century, offsetting a major fraction of agri... Read More...

India’s Embrace of Generative AI

Nov 08, 2023

Generative AI is emerging as a transformative force within India’s digital economy, with applications spanning education to healthcare. The Indian government recognizes its potential, underpinning the digital economy’s growth. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence outlines a research and adoption ecosystem for AI. “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India” encapsulates the drive to create AI solutions that are inclusive and beneficial across sectors. India’s National Program on Artificial Intelligence, endorsed by MeitY, and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS... Read More...

Bharat Organics by NCOL: Empowering Farmers & Organic Growth

Nov 08, 2023

‘Bharat Organics’ by National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL) 1. What is ‘Bharat Organics’? ‘Bharat Organics’ is a brand under National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL), targeting a trusted position in the Indian and international organic market. 2. What is the purpose of NCOL? NCOL, standing for National Cooperative Organics Ltd, is dedicated to supporting organic growers by managing the supply chain of organic products through cooperatives. 3. How will NCOL benefit farmers? Read More...

India’s Leap in AI

Nov 08, 2023

India is advancing rapidly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), influencing diverse sectors from agriculture to manufacturing, with the support of government policies and initiatives. Significant investments in innovation and digital transformation are driving this change, positioning India as a notable player in the global AI landscape. Key Points: Government support through the National AI Mission enhances AI’s role in economic and social sectors. AI is being integrated into healthcare, agriculture, and other critical areas for improved efficiency and problem-so... Read More...