UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Spiritual Confluence: Harmonious Gaya and Bodh Gaya

Oct 28, 2023

Gaya and Bodh Gaya, separated by a mere 15 km, serve as stunning emblems of India's rich spiritual heritage. Gaya resonates with Hinduism and the folklore of Ram and Sita, while Bodh Gaya stands as the epicenter of Buddhism. The Phalgu river silently links these twin cities, holding a fable of its own. The Phalgu River: A Mythical Marvel The Phalgu River is historically significant, interwoven with a tale involving Ram and Sita. It is believed that the river chose to go underground due to a curse by Sita, becoming a silent, unseen flow, yet continuing to enrich the spiritua... Read More...

Gender Pay Gap

Oct 28, 2023

Gender Earnings Gap in India: A Deep Dive into Disparities and Work Hours The gender earnings gap remains a stark reality in India, despite some strides towards equality. Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) indicate that the gap varies across different types of employment and is heavily influenced by societal norms and individual choices. Key Findings: Overall Gap: As of 2023, men earned 24% more than women in regular wage jobs, with male self-employed workers earning 2.8 times that of women. Read More...

Israel's Economic Dominance Over Palestinian Territories:Gaza

Oct 28, 2023

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has economic dimensions that extend beyond political and military strife, painting a grim picture of the Palestinian territories' economic subservience to Israel. While Israel has built a strong and diverse economy, the West Bank and Gaza remain stifled by a lack of industries and high levels of unemployment. This economic disparity is deepened by the fact that Israel controls major aspects of the Palestinian economy, including employment, trade, and essential services like water and electricity. Key Points: Employment Gap: ... Read More...

White Phosphorus: Navigating the Legal and Ethical Minefield

Oct 28, 2023

Nabeela Siddiqui, an Assistant Professor of Law, discusses the complex legal landscape around the use of white phosphorus in military conflicts. Despite its varied applications in military strategy, the use of this substance has raised serious ethical and legal questions, particularly when it impacts civilian populations. Toxic Substance & International Concerns White phosphorus, often used for smoke screens or as an incendiary weapon, poses significant risks to human health and the environment. It has been subject to scrutiny from bodies like the United Nations and Human R... Read More...

Street Fight for Health: A Call to Action for Urban India

Oct 28, 2023

Dr. Sanjay Rajagopalan outlines the alarming health challenges facing urban India—sky-high levels of pollution, unhealthy food access, and sedentary lifestyles that amplify risks for heart disease and diabetes. The situation requires an urgent paradigm shift in public health strategies, focusing not just on single issues like air pollution but embracing a holistic approach. Urban Health Crisis in India Urban areas in India are booming economically but failing in health and well-being. Issues range from air and noise pollution to lack of parks and active transportation opt... Read More...

Understanding LFPR and Why It's Low for Women: A Comprehensive Review

Oct 28, 2023

What is LFPR? Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) refers to the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment. It serves as an essential economic indicator, capturing the availability of labor in an economy. Why is LFPR Low for Women? Despite strides in education and social awareness, women's LFPR remains significantly lower than men's. Societal norms, educational attainment, family obligations, and workplace biases often serve as obstacles, preventing women from entering or staying i... Read More...

India, Bhutan, and the Warming Ties with China

Oct 28, 2023

The recent diplomatic maneuvers by Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji in China are historic. These developments bear particular significance for India given its special relationship with Bhutan. Understanding the layered dynamics of this international triangle can help India safeguard its interests without alienating its long-standing ally, Bhutan. Unprecedented Developments: The visit of Bhutan's Foreign Minister to China marks the first of its kind. Given that Bhutan and China have not maintained formal diplomatic relations, the move signifies a shift in Bhutan's foreign policy ... Read More...

Unveiling Antarctica's Ancient Landscape: A Geological Time Capsule

Oct 28, 2023

Scientists have stumbled upon a remarkable discovery beneath the ice of Antarctica: an ancient, once-thriving landscape covering an area as large as Belgium. Using cutting-edge satellite technology and ice-penetrating radar, researchers have unveiled this hidden gem, offering invaluable insights into Earth's past climatic conditions and the life that once existed there. Snapshot of the Past: Located in Wilkes Land, East Antarctica, this subglacial landscape reveals valleys and ridges likely shaped by rivers before being covered by ice. This landscape dates back to at least 14 million years a... Read More...

Proposed Change from "India" to "Bharat" in Textbooks: Controversies and Implications

Oct 28, 2023

Recent Proposal The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has set up a high-level committee for curriculum revision, which has suggested renaming the country from "India" to "Bharat" in school textbooks. NCERT's Response NCERT clarified that the recommendation has not been approved yet, stating it's too premature to comment as the new syllabus is still in development. Public Reactions The proposal has sparked ... Read More...

Dhordo Village in Kutch Recognized by UNWTO as 'Best Tourism Village 2023'

Oct 28, 2023

Dhordo village in Kutch, Gujarat, has achieved international recognition from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2023. It has been included in the list of 'Best Tourism Villages 2023,' 'becoming the sole village in India to earn this distinction among 54 villages worldwide. UNWTO's Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development The UNWTO launched this initiative in 2021 with the aim of promoting sustainable tourism development on a global scale. The award is granted to villages that excel in rural development while preserving landscapes, cu... Read More...

United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Oct 27, 2023

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism on a global scale. Here are some key points about UNWTO: 1. Establishment: UNWTO was established in 1975 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. It serves as the leading international organization in the field of tourism. 2. Mandate: UNWTO’s primary mission is to promote and facilitate tourism as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. It works towards making tourism a positive force for people, communiti... Read More...

Simultaneous Elections Till 1967 When Election Cycle Changed

Oct 27, 2023

Before and in 1967, there were significant developments in India’s election cycle and political landscape: Before 1967 (Pre-1967 Era): 1. Single-Party Dominance: India experienced single-party dominance by the Indian National Congress (Congress Party) after gaining independence in 1947. The Congress Party was the dominant political force at both the national and state levels. 2. Simultaneous Elections: During this period, elections at the national (Lok Sabha) and state (Assembly) levels were often held simultaneously. This practice was not a constitutiona... Read More...

The Third Pole Crisis

Oct 27, 2023

What is the “Third Pole”? The Third Pole refers to the vast Hindu-Kush Himalayan mountain range and Tibetan Plateau, holding the largest freshwater reserve outside the polar regions. Why is the Third Pole significant? It’s the source of ten major rivers, providing water for nearly 2 billion people in Asia for drinking, irrigation, and power generation. What’s the concern in the Third Pole region? The region has seen a rise in aerosols, which are affecting climate, accelerating gla... Read More...

SRIRAM’s: Electrifying the Future

Oct 27, 2023

Public charging stations (PCSes) in India What is the status of public charging stations (PCSes) in India? India has seen growth in the number of PCSes, but utilization remains a challenge. Low usage and high operating costs deter investors and financiers. Why are PCSes struggling with low utilization? PCSes face low utilization due to factors like non-working chargers, lack of standardized metrics for profitability, and uncertainty about breakeven periods. Are PCSes financially viable? ... Read More...

Production Linked Incentive (PLI)

Oct 27, 2023

for Solar Revolution India’s ambitious Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for solar PV module manufacturing aims to propel the nation’s domestic production capacity beyond 70 gigawatts (GW) by 2027. This initiative, with an investment of approximately $2.5 billion, signifies India’s commitment to meeting its energy needs while contributing to the global solar market. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recognizes India’s efforts, stating that the country, which currently holds 3 percent of the global solar PV market, is poised to achieve its 2030 target of having 50 percent of its ... Read More...