UPSC Daily Current Affairs

2+2 Dialogue and Visit by US Officials

Nov 03, 2023

1. What is the 2+2 dialogue? The 2+2 dialogue is an annual India-US meeting that includes discussions between both nations’ ministers of external affairs and defense. 2. Who will be visiting India for the dialogue this year? US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin will be participating in the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi. 3. What are the main areas of discussion in this dialogue? The talks will focus on a wide range of issues, including the strategic India-US relat... Read More...

Sardar Patel’s Historical Role and Legacy

Nov 03, 2023

Founding Father of the Indian Republic: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, was a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence and the subsequent unification of the country. He served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. Unification of Princely States: Patel’s most enduring legacy is his role in the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union. Using a mix of diplomacy, realpolitik, and the threat of force where necessary, he managed to meld the disparate state... Read More...

Gig Economy and Worker Wages

Nov 03, 2023

Q: What is the difference between a minimum wage and a living wage? A: The minimum wage is the lowest wage that employers can legally pay their workers, as mandated by the state. A living wage is an unofficial benchmark that reflects the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs, including housing, healthcare, and education. Q: Why don’t all gig platforms guarantee a living wage? A: Gig platforms often classify workers as independent contractors, not traditional employees, which can exclude them from certain legal wage protections. There&r... Read More...

Historical Commemoration of Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka

Nov 03, 2023

Context: Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka, historically referred to as Malaiyaha Tamils, are observing two centuries of their presence on the island. Originating from their arduous journey as indentured laborers brought by the British for plantation work, their history is marked by significant challenges including disenfranchisement and labor exploitation. Event Significance: A landmark event, Naam 200, is scheduled with key Indian and Sri Lankan dignitaries such as Nirmala Sitharaman and Shashi Tharoor to recognize this community’s contribution and str... Read More...

Nasovac S4 : Flu Vaccine in India

Nov 03, 2023

Q: What is Nasovac S4, and who developed it? A: Nasovac S4 is India’s first nasal vaccine against influenza. It was developed by the vaccine maker Serum Institute of India and launched by the Pune-based diagnostic company Mylab Discovery Solutions. Q: What does Nasovac S4 protect against? A: Nasovac S4 is a live quadrivalent influenza vaccine designed to protect against four flu virus strains. It covers two influenza Type A virus strains (A/H1N1 and A/H3N2) and two Type B virus strains (Victoria and Yamagata lineage), which are the types responsible for seasona... Read More...

Understanding Electoral Bonds: Features, Use, and Challenges

Nov 03, 2023

What are Electoral Bonds? Electoral Bonds are interest-free bearer bonds or money instruments that can be purchased by companies and individuals in India from authorized branches of the State Bank of India (SBI). What are the denominations of Electoral Bonds? Electoral Bonds are sold in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore. How can Electoral Bonds be used? These bonds can be purchased through a KYC-compliant account to make donations to a political party. The political ... Read More...

Increasing Soil Organic Carbon and Combating Climate Change:

Nov 03, 2023

Q1: Why is increasing organic carbon in soils considered important for combating climate change? A1: Increasing organic carbon in soils is crucial because it helps sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas levels, which in turn mitigates climate change. Additionally, it enhances soil fertility and crop yields. Q2: How does increasing soil organic carbon improve soil fertility? A2: Soil organic carbon improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient retention. It provides a source of energy and nutrients for soil microorg... Read More...

Mumbai , The Maximum City

Nov 03, 2023

“Maximum City” is a nickname often used to refer to the city of Mumbai, India. Mumbai is known by this moniker due to its many superlatives and unique characteristics. Here are some associated aspects of Mumbai: 1. Economic Hub: Mumbai is the financial capital of India and is home to the country’s major stock exchanges, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). It hosts numerous multinational corporations, banks, and financial institutions. 2. Business Opportunities: The city offers a wide range of business opportunities, attracting entrepreneurs, professionals, and job seekers from across India and a... Read More...

Draksharamam and Ahobilam Temples

Nov 03, 2023

Q: What is the significance of the Eastern Ghats in South India’s history? A: While the Western Ghats are often more prominently featured in historical narratives, the Eastern Ghats have played a crucial role in the history of South India, particularly in the fertile plains of Andhra Pradesh. They were patronized by emperors of Vijayanagara in the 16th century and were noted by Mughal courtiers. Recently, a Mughal painting depicting a Chenchu couple from the Eastern Ghats was sold for a significant amount. Q: How have the people of the Eastern Ghats contributed to the evolution of H... Read More...

Financialization:Advantages and Disadvantages

Nov 03, 2023

Q1: What is financialization? A1: Financialization is the process by which financial markets, financial institutions, and financial motives become increasingly important in the operation of the economy and the way society organizes itself. Q2: What are some key aspects of financialization? A2: Key aspects of financialization include the growth of financial markets, the increasing influence of financial institutions, the rise of financial products and services, and the prioritization of financial motives over other economic goals. Q3... Read More...

ADR and GDR and Direct Listings 2023

Nov 02, 2023

Q1: What is an ADR (American Depository Receipt)? A1: An ADR, or American Depository Receipt allows U.S. investors to invest in foreign companies which issue receipts instead of shares which are almost the same. Non-US companies through this mechanism can get listed on US stock exchanges. Q2: What is a GDR (Global Depository Receipt)? A2: A GDR, or Global Depository Receipt, is similar to an ADR but is issued and traded in international markets outside the United States. GDRs also represent shares in a foreign company and enable international investors to invest in t... Read More...

India International Exchange (INX)

Nov 02, 2023

The India International Exchange (INX) is the country’s first international exchange located at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). INX is a specialized exchange designed to facilitate international financial transactions and provide a platform for various financial instruments. Key features and functions of INX include: 1. International Jurisdiction: INX operates within the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) framework, which allows it to have a global jurisdiction, making it attractive for international in... Read More...

Introduction to Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

Nov 02, 2023

What is PMI? The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an economic indicator derived from monthly surveys of private sector companies. It provides information about prevailing business conditions in the manufacturing and service sectors. The Significance of the Number 50 in PMI The threshold of 50 is critical in PMI readings. A PMI above 50 indicates an expansion of the industry sector compared to the previous month. Below 50 indicates a contraction, and exactly 50 indicates no change. Analysis of I... Read More...

India-Mozambique LNG Project: A Strategic Energy Collaboration

Nov 02, 2023

India and Mozambique are discussing the restart of a significant $20 billion Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) project. The project, situated in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, holds strategic importance for India’s energy security, as three Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) hold a 30% stake. Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, recently engaged in diplomatic discussions to revitalize the project, which had been halted due to militant attacks and force majeure claims by TotalEnergies, the primary operator. Key Points: 1. Strategic ... Read More...

Gen AI and Global Governance: A Brief Overview

Nov 02, 2023

Generative AI presents a global challenge that calls for comprehensive regulation. Traditional data privacy laws are inadequate for controlling the wide-ranging implications of this technology. Furthermore, relying solely on tech companies for ethical oversight is a limited approach. Key Issues: 1. Insufficient Laws: Current laws focus on data privacy but do not adequately address Generative AI’s specific needs. 2. Corporate Responsibility: Companies cannot be solely trusted to regulate AI, given their commercial interests. 3. Data Collection: ... Read More...