UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Patent Law Draft Changes

Sep 25, 2023

What is a Patent? A patent is a form of intellectual property that gives an inventor exclusive rights to their invention for a set period, usually 20 years. This allows the inventor to prevent others from making, selling, or using their invention without permission. Current Law: Pre-Grant Opposition in India As of now, India's Patents Act allows "any person" to file a pre-grant opposition. This is a legal step where anyone can oppose the grant of a patent before it is issued. The aim is to prevent unwarranted monopolies and protect ... Read More...

Discovering Carbon Dioxide on Europa's Surface

Sep 25, 2023

What was the Discovery? Two independent studies using the James Webb Space Telescope have observed carbon dioxide ice on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons. Where Does the Carbon Dioxide Come From? The carbon dioxide is believed to come from Europa's subsurface ocean, indicating an abundance of carbon there. What Instrument was Used for this Discovery? The James Webb Space Telescope was used for these observations. Why is Europa Special? Read More...

Global Reach and Dangers of Babbar Khalsa International

Sep 25, 2023

Pro-Khalistani Group: Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is back in the news, as India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) offers a Rs.10 lakh reward for information on key operatives. Origins & Leadership: Formed post-1978 Amritsar clashes, it is based in Lahore, Pakistan, under the alleged patronage of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Wadhawa Singh currently heads the BKI. Global Reach: BKI has expanded its operations beyond India and Pakistan to Canada, the U.S., and Europe, often collaborating with other banned groups like the Internation... Read More...

Women's Reservation Bill(Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) 2023

Sep 25, 2023

Constitution(One Hundred and Sixth)Amendment Act 2023 Main Issues: Link to Delimitation: The bill's enactment is contingent on a periodical delimitation exercise, which adjusts the territorial boundaries of constituencies. This procedural requirement could postpone the quota's activation for years. 2031 Census: According to the current guidelines, the delimitation process is aligned with the decadal Census. Given that the next Census has been delayed and is expected post-2024, the quota may not be implemented until the 2... Read More...

India-Canada Relations Dive

Sep 25, 2023

The deterioration in relations between India and Canada has multiple layers that require unpacking for a comprehensive understanding: Allegations Against India: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announced that he believes agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, labeled a terrorist by India. The allegation came after Trudeau's visit to India and is deemed significant, yet controversial, because the investigation is still ongoing. India's Accusations: Indi... Read More...

Celebrating Teej: Lambadas' Monsoon Rituals for Harvest and Hope

Sep 25, 2023

Community: Lambadas of Telangana, also known as Banjaras, a nomadic tribe. Time: 9-day festival during the month of Sravanam in the Indian calendar. Intention: Prayers for a bountiful harvest and a prosperous life. Festive Activities: Song and dance in traditional Banjara attire, relatives visiting from afar. Rituals: Young girls and women carry wheat seedlings in twig baskets, water them three times a day, and immerse them in local streams. Worship: Devotion to Sevalal Maharaj and Mera Mayadi (Goddess Parvathi), seeking blessings for good harvest ... Read More...

Global Debt Crisis

Sep 25, 2023

Why is Global Debt Rising? Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic led to economic downturns, requiring governments to spend heavily on healthcare and fiscal stimulus. This increased both public and private debt levels. Ukraine War: Geopolitical conflicts like the Ukraine war require large military and humanitarian expenditures, thus contributing to debt. Additionally, wars disrupt global trade, affecting the economy. Economic Investments: Countries borrow to invest in infrastructure, education, and other developmental projects, hoping future growth will offset the current debt. Read More...

IBSA: History, Importance, and Recent Developments

Sep 25, 2023

Brief History: IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) is a trilateral alliance aimed at fostering cooperation among emerging economies in the Global South. Established in 2003, the forum promotes inclusive development and aims to voice the concerns of the Global South in international governance matters. Importance: Political Unity: IBSA facilitates the sharing of policies and strategies among the member countries, particularly in matters like UN reforms and international security. Economic Collaboration: The for... Read More...

Global Capability Centers: The Shift to Tier-II and Tier-III Cities

Sep 25, 2023

What are GCCs (Global Capability Centers)? GCCs, also known as global in-house centers or captives, are offshore units of large multinational companies that perform designated technology operations. They serve as centers for driving innovation and delivering world-class technology solutions from countries like India. How many GCCs and employees are in India as of 2022-23? As of 2022-23, India had 1,580 GCCs with 1.66 million employees. Which cities in India are preferred for setting up GCCs? Tier-I citie... Read More...

1st Elephant Census with DNA Profiling Elephant Census with DNA Samples

Sep 25, 2023

For the first time in India, a census of elephants has been conducted using DNA samples. The Wildlife Institute of India conducted this census in all the country's sanctuaries, using DNA samples collected from elephant dung and camera traps to aid in the calculation. Census Report Submission The census report has been submitted to the Central government and is expected to be released soon by the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment. Statement from Director Virendra Tiwari Speaking at the 34th annual two-day research workshop at the Wildlife Institute of Indi... Read More...

Digital Agriculture in India

Sep 25, 2023

What is digital agriculture (DA)? Digital agriculture, or DA, refers to the use of digital technologies, data-driven solutions, and advanced tools in agriculture to enhance productivity and address various challenges in the farming sector. Why is digital agriculture important? DA is crucial as it can improve crop yields, provide better access to markets for farmers, and help agriculture become more resilient to climate change. What are some examples of digital agriculture technologies? Examples include s... Read More...

Decoding the Y Chromosome: Unveiling Male Genetics

Sep 25, 2023

What is the significance of sequencing the Y chromosome? Definition: The Y chromosome sequencing is crucial for completing the human genome and understanding male-specific genetic traits. Impact: It enables the exploration of genetic variations affecting human traits and diseases related to male fertility. Process: Advanced sequencing and bioinformatic algorithms were used to decode the Y chromosome’s repetitive sequences, making it readable. Why was the Y chromosome challenging to sequence? Challenge: The Y chromosome ... Read More...

India:Gross and Net Domestic Financial Savings

Sep 25, 2023

What is Gross Financial Savings? Gross Financial Savings refers to the total amount of savings by individuals, businesses, and the government before accounting for any deductions or liabilities. What is Net Financial Savings? Net Financial Savingsvtakes into account deductions, liabilities, and debts, providing a more accurate picture of available savings after financial obligations. Why is Gross Financial Savings important? Gross Financial Savings measures the total savings in an economy, reflecting its... Read More...

Digital Public Infrastructure and Women :India

Sep 25, 2023

What's DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure)? DPI is the digital backbone offering essential services and information, enabling citizens to engage with government services and access digital resources. DPI's Impact on Women? DPI bridges the gender... Read More...

I2U2 and Its Strategic Implications

Sep 23, 2023

1. What's I2U2? I2U2 is a collaboration between India, Israel, the US, and the UAE, aiming for economic partnerships. 2. Recent Launch by I2U2? They unveiled a business coalition, promoting public-private partnerships. 3. Where Was the Launch? The launch occurred during the UN General Assembly (UNGA). 4. Domains Covered by I2U2 Projects? Seven domains: water, climate/energy,... Read More...