UPSC Daily Current Affairs

G20 Adopts Crypto Regulation Roadmap: India’s Presidency Concludes with Significant Decision

Oct 17, 2023

During the fourth and final meeting of the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBGs) under India’s G20 Presidency, held in Marrakech, Morocco, the G20 unanimously adopted a critical roadmap for regulating cryptocurrencies. This decision reflects the commitment to achieving macroeconomic and financial stability through comprehensive regulatory oversight rather than a blanket ban on crypto-assets. The adopted Synthesis Paper outlines a detailed and action-oriented roadmap, emphasizing the need for effective, flexible, and coordinated implementation of the comprehensive policy framework for crypto-assets. The G20 has ca... Read More...

Historic Decision: T20 Cricket at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics!

Oct 17, 2023

In a groundbreaking move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially “accepted” the recommendation to include T20 cricket for both men and women at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. This momentous decision was made during the IOC’s executive board meeting held in Mumbai on a historic Friday. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the world of cricket, as the sport will now have a presence on the grand Olympic stage, bringing together nations and athletes to compete for Olympic glory. The inclusion of T20 cricket at the 2028 Olympics is a testament to the sport’s global popularity ... Read More...

Cryptocurrencies: The Need for Regulation and G20 Communique

Oct 17, 2023

Cryptocurrencies and Their Impact: Cryptocurrencies have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential to disrupt traditional financial systems. While they offer various benefits such as decentralization and financial inclusion, they also pose several challenges and risks: Lack of Regulation: The cryptocurrency market operates with minimal regulatory oversight, leading to concerns about fraud, scams, and illegal activities. Volatility: Cryptocurrencies are known for their price volatility, making them risky investments and potentially affecting financial stabilit... Read More...

Conserving India’s Avian Diversity: Insights from the State of India’s Birds (SoIB) Report

Oct 17, 2023

Introduction: India’s rich biodiversity is home to a diverse avian population, playing a crucial role in ecological balance and signaling the health of our ecosystems. Recent findings from the State of India’s Birds (SoIB) report have highlighted significant insights into the conservation of these feathered inhabitants. Key Insights from SoIB: The SoIB report, based on over 30 million bird observations from birdwatchers on eBird, reveals important trends: Habitat-Specific Decline: While 39% of assessed bird species have experi... Read More...

Ecomark Scheme for Eco-Friendly Products

Oct 17, 2023

The Ministry of Environment has introduced the revamped Ecomark Scheme, aimed at promoting eco-friendly products and enabling consumers to make informed choices. Here’s what you need to know: Revised Ecomark Notification: The new Ecomark Scheme, which came into effect on October 13, 2023, replaces the previous notification issued on February 21, 1991. This update aligns with modern environmental standards and practices. Accreditation and Labeling: Under the Ecomark Scheme, household and consumer products meeting specific environmental criteria are eligible for accreditation and labeling. This labeling indicates th... Read More...

Understanding the Green Credit Programme in India

Oct 17, 2023

Question: What is the Green Credit Programme? Answer: The Green Credit Programme is a national-level initiative in India aimed at leveraging a competitive market-based approach to incentivize voluntary environmental actions by various stakeholders. It encourages environmentally sustainable and responsive actions by individuals, companies, local bodies, and other entities. Role of ICFRE: The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Green Credit Programme: Monitoring Impl... Read More...

SRIRAM’s Take: Unveiling the Metal Giant in Space - NASA’s Psyche Mission

Oct 17, 2023

When did Psyche launch and how? Psyche launched on Oct. 13, 2023, at 10:19 a.m. EDT. It took off from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. What’s unique about this asteroid? Psyche is special because it’s more metal than rock or ice. This is NASA’s first mission focusing on a metal-rich asteroid. When will Psyche reach its destination? The spacecraft will be captured by the asteroid’s gravity in late July 2029. The prime... Read More...

Moral Dilemmas in Pregnancy: Dealing With Complex Choices

Oct 17, 2023

Moral Dilemma: Prenatal Testing Reveals Severe Anomaly Terminate the Pregnancy Reasons: Relieve potential child suffering. Emotional and financial burden. Ethical quality of life concerns. Continue the Pregnancy Reasons: Ethical or religious opposition to termination. Possibility of medical improvements. Intrinsic value of life. Moral Dilemma: High Health Risk to Mother Read More...

Shola Forests: The Jewel of Sky Islands

Oct 17, 2023

Shola forests are unique montane ecosystems located in the high-altitude regions of India's Western Ghats. Characterized by dense vegetation, these evergreen forests serve as "Sky Islands," isolated by natural grasslands and fragmented by human activities. They are biodiversity hotspots, home to numerous endemic species of plants, birds, and other wildlife. Critically, they function as water catchment areas, being the source of many South Indian rivers. Despite their ecological importance, Shola forests face challenges from deforestation, unregulated tourism, and exotic plant invasions. They are a focal point for conservation efforts d... Read More...

Caste-Based Census in India: A Step for Social Justice

Oct 16, 2023

Q1: What is the significance of the Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana (caste-based survey)? A: It provides accurate data on caste distribution and socio-economic status, aiding evidence-based policymaking and targeted interventions. Q2: How does accurate caste-based data benefit social justice efforts? A: It helps in designing effective welfare programs, tracking progress, ensuring fair representation, promoting transparency, and preventing misuse of caste certificates. Q3: Why is a caste-based census controversial? Read More...

World Arthritis Day: Common Conditions

Oct 16, 2023

What is arthritis? Arthritis refers to joint pain or joint disease, characterized by inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Who can be affected by arthritis? A: Arthritis can affect people of all ages, sexes, and races, not just senior citizens. What are the common types of arthritis? Two common types are osteoarthritis (affecting cartilage) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammatory arthritis). How prevalent is osteoarthritis in India? Read More...

Evolution of Hand Hygiene Post-COVID-19

Oct 16, 2023

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, hand hygiene has transformed from a routine practice to a crucial defense mechanism. Initially, a meticulous ritual, handwashing has now faded into a custom as the immediacy of the pandemic wanes. Yet, it remains a powerful tool against contagious diseases. Correct handwashing, using soap and water, effectively eliminates not only visible dirt but also invisible pathogens like viruses and bacteria. This practice has the potential to halve child mortality in low and middle-income countries. To promote hand hygiene, schools play a vital role. By integrating handwashing initiatives into the curricul... Read More...

Global Hunger Index & India's Objections

Oct 16, 2023

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a crucial tool for assessing and tracking hunger worldwide. It is compiled by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in partnership with Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. The GHI combines four key indicators: Undernourishment: This measures the proportion of the population with insufficient caloric intake to meet their dietary energy requirements. Child Stunting: This indicates the percentage of children under the age of five who suffer from low height-for-age, reflecting chronic undernutrition. Child Wasting: This assesses the percentage of ... Read More...

Intensified Mission Indradhanush

Oct 16, 2023

The "Intensified Mission Indradhanush" (IMI 5.0), a nationwide campaign aimed at ensuring routine immunization services reach children and pregnant women who missed vaccine doses or dropped out of their vaccination schedule, is set to conclude on October 14. The campaign, conducted across India, extended its focus to include children up to five years of age, as opposed to previous campaigns that included children up to two years only. As of September 30, the campaign had already administered doses to over 34,69,705 children and 6,55,480 pregnant women during the first two rounds, with a special emphasis on improving measles and rubella vac... Read More...

Tamil Author Sivasankari Honored with 'Saraswati Samman' for Memoir 'Surya Vamsam'

Oct 16, 2023

Tamil author Sivasankari has been honored with the 'Saraswati Samman' for 2022, awarded for her memoir titled "Surya Vamsam. " The prestigious award, presented by former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily, includes a citation, a plaque, and prize money of Rs.15 lakh. "Surya Vamsam" is a two-volume memoir that not only traces the journey of an innocent child becoming a celebrated author but also reflects the societal changes over seven decades. Sivasankari, with a literary career spanning over five decades, has made significant contributions to Indian literature, including her four-volume work "Knit India Through Litera... Read More...