UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Angel Tax and Its Modifications in India

Sep 27, 2023

Q: What is Angel Tax? A: Angel tax is a tax levied on the investment made into startups at a premium over their fair market value. The tax is typically paid by the startup. Q: Why is it Imposed? A: The tax is imposed to curb money laundering and to regulate the flow of investment into startups. It aims to ensure that the capital being invested is genuine and not a means to convert black money into white. Q: Who Does It Affect? A: It primarily affects startups and their investors, especially... Read More...

Saudi Arabia,Palestinian Issue and Israel

Sep 27, 2023

Q: What Happened? A: Saudi Arabia sent a delegation to the occupied West Bank for the first time in three decades. The delegation was led by Nayef al-Sudairi, the Saudi non-resident Ambassador to the Palestinian territories. This comes amid U.S.-brokered talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel to potentially normalize relations. Q: Why is This Significant? A: This is the first visit by a Saudi delegation to the West Bank since the 1993 Oslo Accords, which were designed to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The visit is also significant becaus... Read More...

US Government Crisis

Sep 27, 2023

What is a Government Shutdown? A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to fund the federal government. Essential services may continue, but many government activities halt and federal employees are furloughed. The Legal Framework Constitutional Requirement: The U.S. Constitution requires Congress to pass laws to fund the government. Appropriations Bills: These are the specific laws that allocate money for different parts of the government. Debt Ceiling: This is the upper limit set by Congress on the a... Read More...

Antarctic Sea Ice Hits Record Low

Sep 27, 2023

Q: What is the current status of Antarctic sea ice? A: According to U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), Antarctic sea ice reached a record low surface area of 16.96 million square kilometers on September 10, 2023, at its winter maximum. Q: How significant is this low? A: This is the lowest sea ice maximum in the recorded history from 1979 to 2023. It is 1.03 million square kilometers smaller than the previous record. Q: What is the winter maximum? A: Sea ice in Antarctica typica... Read More...

Nepal-China Relations: A Balancing Act Between Development and Security

Sep 27, 2023

The recent interactions between Nepal and China as described suggest a multi-layered relationship characterized by both cautious engagement and cooperative undertakings. Below are some key points to consider: Economic Cooperation Infrastructure Development: Both countries are keen on developing cross-border connectivity projects, including railways and ports. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an overarching framework for these endeavors. Feasibility Studies: Progress has been made in studying the feasibility of various infrastructure projects, including ... Read More...

Pangolins in India

Sep 27, 2023

Q: What are pangolins? A: Pangolins are small to medium-sized mammals known for their unique protective keratin scales. They are primarily nocturnal and are experts at digging. Q: Are pangolins found in India? A: Yes, India is home to two species of pangolins: the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla). Q: Where can pangolins be found in India? A: The Indian Pangolin is widely distributed across the country, including the hills of South and Northeast India. Th... Read More...

Criminal Charges Against MPs in India

Sep 27, 2023

What does it mean for an MP to have "pending criminal charges"? A: It means that the Member of Parliament (MP) is currently under investigation or facing legal action for alleged criminal activities, but no final verdict has been reached. How common is it for MPs in India to have criminal charges against them? A: While the numbers can vary over time and across different political parties, a significant percentage of MPs have had criminal charges pending against them, including serious charges such as rape or kidnapping. Ar... Read More...

The Need for Quiet Diplomacy to Clear the Air

Sep 27, 2023

Overview India and Canada have long held differing views on bilateral matters, with a lack of constructive engagement hindering meaningful diplomacy. Issues like Canada's stance on Khalistan and misunderstandings related to governance and laws have been contentious. The Nijjar case has brought these frictions to the forefront, requiring a nuanced approach to mend fences. Historical Context: Khalistan Issue Indian frustrations with Canada concerning the Khalistan issue go back over four decades. Canada's perceived leniency towards Khalista... Read More...

"Climate Crisis & Emerging Disease Patterns: A One Health Approach"

Sep 27, 2023

Hot Topics: Climate Change & Infection Risks The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that climate change amplifies the global risk of infectious diseases, altering transmission cycles and increasing human vulnerability. Vector Chaos: Unpredictable Outbreaks Climate variabilities like temperature, precipitation, and humidity are reshaping the behavior and distribution of disease vectors like mosquitoes, leading to unpredictable outbreaks of diseases like Dengue. Human-Animal Conflict: A Pathogenic Exchange Habitat des... Read More...

Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Waheeda Rehman

Sep 27, 2023

Lifetime Excellence:The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the pinnacle of Indian cinema awards, honors Waheeda Rehman's over five decades of stellar contributions to Indian films. Iconic Roles:Known for her unforgettable performances in classics like "Pyaasa," "Guide," and "Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam," she has set a high benchmark for acting talent. Extensive Filmography:With more than 90 films to her name, her career is both expansive and impactful. Multiple Honors:Apart from this lifetime achievement award, she has received a National Film Award and the prestigious Padma... Read More...

India and Taliban:Geopolitics

Sep 27, 2023

Taliban's Request for Recognition and Monetary Aid from India What is the current issue? Answer: The Taliban has approached India for recognition and economic assistance ahead of the Moscow format discussion in Kazan, Russia. This meeting is notably significant, considering China has increased its engagement with the Taliban. What is India's stance on recognizing the Taliban? Answer: India has so far refused to recognize the Taliban's "Islamic Emirate," urging the group to respect hum... Read More...

IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023

Sep 27, 2023

Context Where:Bombay High Court When:On a recent Tuesday What:The court was hearing petitions that challenge the constitutional validity of the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023. Stakeholders and Their Arguments Bombay High Court Justices:Gautam Patel and Neela Gokhale Main Concern:Balancing public interest against fake news and the overarching powers of the government. "Political Satirist Kunal Kamra and Other ... Read More...

India's Web of Interdependencies in the Indo-Pacific Region:Geostrategy

Sep 27, 2023

Security Cooperation India collaborates with various nations, such as the United States, to tackle a myriad of security issues. This includes territorial disputes, maritime security, and combating terrorism. The 13th Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference, hosted by India, underlines India's intent for multilateral military cooperation. Trade Relations Trade partnerships with nations like Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries are vital for India's economic growth. Countering Chinese Influence Both Indi... Read More...

Punjab : Stubble Burning and Air Pollution

Sep 27, 2023

Table of Contents Introduction Key Issues and Commitments Data and Tools Related Actions and Collaboration Stubble Burning Basics Introduction By committing to substantial reductions in stubble burning, Punjab is taking a proactive stance to improve air quality and public health, while the Delhi government is also implementing parallel initiatives. Key Issues and Commitments Issue:Stubble burning in Punjab significantly contributes to air pollution in the r... Read More...

Judicial Appointments: Collegium System

Sep 27, 2023

Talent Drain in Judiciary: Supreme Court Flags Government Delays Pending Recommendations & Segregation Issues The Supreme Court raises alarm over 70 languishing recommendations for High Court judgeships, causing talent drain in the judiciary. Name Segregation: A Cloud of Uncertainty The Centre's practice of segregating names without clear reasons adds to the delays and introduces potential bias, eroding the judiciary's integrity. Legal Fraternity Calls for Action Read More...