UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and its historical significance:

Oct 30, 2023

The mosque has been restored by the Archeological Survey of India 1. Who sponsored the construction of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque? Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was sponsored by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk dynasty in India. 2. What was the origin of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the sponsor of the mosque? Qutb-ud-din Aibak was born as a slave in Turkey but rose to prominence as a general during Muhammed Ghari’s invasion of India in the 1180s. 3. Why is the Mamluk dynasty sometimes disparagingly called the “Slave Dynast... Read More...

Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

Oct 30, 2023

It is a paperless, cashless, and system-driven e-marketplace designed to facilitate the procurement of common-use goods and services with minimal human interaction. GeM was established based on recommendations from two Groups of Secretaries in January 2016. These recommendations proposed the creation of a dedicated e-marketplace for goods and services purchased or sold by the government and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The goal was to modernize procurement practices and reduce the need for the Director-General of Supply and Disposal (DGS&D). The platform was developed with technical support from the National e... Read More...

Workforce in the AI Era: Adaptation is Key

Oct 30, 2023

The Uncertain Landscape Artificial Intelligence (AI) and industrial automation are drastically transforming the job market. While it's difficult to fully predict the evolution of work in the AI era, significant disruptions are anticipated. According to a McKinsey Global Institute analysis, while some job sectors are seeing a rise in demand, others, especially in developed economies, are in decline. Upskilling and Reskilling Workers must prioritize continuous learning to adapt to these changes. Skills such as emotional intelligence, which AI systems ... Read More...

India's Leap in Quality Seed Production: A Cooperative Approach

Oct 30, 2023

Introduction Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced that India is taking substantial steps to improve crop production through quality seeds. To set a global benchmark in this arena, a new cooperative society, Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), has been established. The primary aim is to provide farmers across the nation with certified and scientifically prepared seeds. Collaboration Among Key Players Multiple prominent organizations such as: Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) Krishak Bharati Cooperati... Read More...

National Forest Certification: A Step Towards Sustainable Management

Oct 30, 2023

Introduction The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, has proposed a national forest certification program to mitigate wildfire risks and improve forest management in India. This comes in the backdrop of forest fires posing a significant threat to the country's green cover and affecting livelihoods. The Need for Forest Certification According to the Forest Survey of India, around 50% of the country's forest areas are prone to wildfires, affecting approximately 3.73 million hectares annually. Globally, about... Read More...

Divergence of CPI-WPI Inflation

Oct 30, 2023

Introduction The latest inflation numbers present an intriguing picture, showing a decreasing Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a rising Wholesale Price Index (WPI). This divergence can be puzzling for analysts, policymakers, and the general public. Key Differences: CPI vs WPI Scope and Coverage: CPI: Measures retail prices affecting consumers. WPI: Focuses on wholesale prices impacting manufacturers. Basket of Goods: CPI: Heavily weighted tow... Read More...

Tribunalisation and Article 323 of the Indian Constitution

Oct 30, 2023

Introduction "Tribunalisation" refers to the shift from traditional judicial procedures to specialized tribunals for resolving specific types of disputes. Article 323 of the Indian Constitution provides the legislative framework for the establishment of administrative tribunals and plays a crucial role in the process of tribunalisation in India. Article 323: An Overview Article 323 is divided into two sections: Article 323-A: Deals with Administrative Tribunals and allows Parliament to establish tribunals for public servi... Read More...

Security Concerns Regarding Shi Yan 6's Docking at Colombo Port

Oct 30, 2023

Why is India concerned about the Shi Yan 6 docking in Sri Lanka? India is worried that the Shi Yan 6, a Chinese research vessel, could potentially snoop on its defense assets. The ship conducts seabed surveys, which are instrumental for submarine operations, a key concern for India's security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). What are seabed surveys and why are they important? Seabed surveys are investigations of the underwater topography. They are important for understanding oceanic conditions, which in turn are crucial for submarine operations. In the ca... Read More...

Different Forms of Intelligence Gathering

Oct 30, 2023

Intelligence gathering encompasses a wide range of methods and techniques used to collect information for various purposes, including national security, law enforcement, and decision-making. Here are some forms of intelligence gathering: 1. Human Intelligence (HUMINT): HUMINT involves gathering information through human sources. Intelligence officers may use espionage, informants, interviews, and debriefings to collect valuable insights and data. 2. Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): SIGINT focuses on intercepting and analyzing electronic si... Read More...

India’s Intelligence Institutional Network

Oct 30, 2023

In India, the intelligence institutional network plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security and interests. This network consists of several key components: 1. Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): RAW is India’s primary foreign intelligence agency. It specializes in collecting intelligence related to external threats and activities that can impact India’s security. RAW operates covertly and conducts espionage, counter-terrorism, and counter-proliferation activities. 2. Intelligence Bureau (IB): The IB is the internal intelligence ag... Read More...

SRIRAM's Historical Overview British Colonial Rule and Famines in India

Oct 28, 2023

During the British colonial rule in India, spanning from the mid-18th to mid-20th centuries, the nation witnessed several devastating famines. The relationship between British policies and these famines has been a subject of historical debate and scrutiny. Here's a brief overview: 1. Economic Policies: The British economic policies, such as heavy taxation, the promotion of cash crops over subsistence crops, and the transformation of India into a colonial market for British goods, made the Indian peasant class vulnerable. Reduced food production meant the locals were ill-equipped to handle po... Read More...

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

Oct 28, 2023

1. What is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations? • The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international agreement that codifies crucial aspects of international law. It serves as a framework for diplomacy between independent countries and outlines diplomatic immunity privileges. 2. What are the primary functions defined by the Vienna Convention for diplomatic missions? • The Vienna Convention emphasizes the efficient performance of diplomatic missions, including representation, protection of interests, negotiati... Read More...

The Battle of Colachel

Oct 28, 2023

The Battle of Colachel was a historic naval battle fought on August 10, 1741, between the Kingdom of Travancore, led by its ruler Maharaja Marthanda Varma, and the Dutch East India Company. This battle took place near the coastal town of Colachel, which is now in the Indian state of Kerala. Key points about the Battle of Colachel: 1. Background: The Dutch East India Company had established a fort in Colachel and sought to expand its influence in the region. The Kingdom of Travancore, under Maharaja Marthanda Varma, viewed the Dutch presence as a threat to its s... Read More...

Tamil Nadu's Drive for EV Leadership: The Role of MSMEs

Oct 28, 2023

Tamil Nadu is aiming to become a global epicenter for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. With almost ₹40,000 crore in investments already in motion, the state accounts for over 40% of all registered EVs in India. A significant part of this growth equation is the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, which already contributes significantly to the state's GDP and is integral to the automotive components industry. Financial Vulnerabilities & Technological Upgradation MSMEs in Tamil Nadu are financially fragile and mostly dependent on fossil-based energy. ... Read More...

Brazil's Cerrado: The Forgotten Savanna in Environmental Conservation

Oct 28, 2023

Brazil's Cerrado is often overshadowed by the Amazon Rainforest in environmental discourse. Known as the "cradle of waters," this biodiverse savanna is vital for its rivers and aquifers but is rapidly disappearing due to large-scale agriculture and deforestation. Experts caution that neglecting the Cerrado can have catastrophic consequences, not just for Brazil but for the global climate. It has been dubbed a "sacrificial ecosystem," losing ground to farming ventures supported by global commodity giants. Irrigation and soil degradation are taking a toll, leading to decreasing river flows and long-term sustainability concerns. &nb... Read More...