UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Certificate of Deposit (CD):

Sep 18, 2023

What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)? A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a financial product offered by banks , where the investor deposits a lump sum amount for a fixed period at a pre-negotiated interest rate. It is generally considered a low-risk investment. At the end of the term, the investor receives the amount deposited plus the accrued interest. Current Scenario In the period between April and August 2023, banks, predominantly public sector banks, have been increasingly issuing CDs to meet the growing credit demand, which has surpassed ... Read More...

Parliament Special Session Agenda

Sep 18, 2023

Legislative Agenda Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023 Status: Passed by the Lok Sabha, listed for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha. Post Office Bill, 2023 Status: Introduced in the previous session, listed for discussion and potential passage in both houses. Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Co... Read More...

Sovereign Credit Rating Agencies and India

Sep 18, 2023

They are organizations that assess the creditworthiness of countries, essentially evaluating their ability to repay debts. The "Big Three" agencies globally are S&P, Fitch, and Moody's, all based in the United States. These agencies use a combination of quantitative and qualitative assessments to determine a country's credit rating, considering factors such as economic performance, fiscal policies, external drivers, and structural elements of the economy. How They Rate The rating process involves a comprehensive analysis of the country's economic and p... Read More...

Opium Wars and the Rise of West: Amitav Ghosh in Smoke and Ashes: a Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories (HarperCollins, 2023)

Sep 16, 2023

Until half a century ago, the conventional Western view of the West's (mostly Europe and US) remarkable economic rise since 1700 was explained in terms of scientific progress, technological innovations, entrepreneurship, and relatively free movement of goods, capital, and labor. Fifty years of scholarship and revisionist historiography since then has pointed to other significant contributory factors, including imperial conquests and colonialism, the genocidal expropriation of land from native “Indians” in America by immigrants from Europe, and the deployment of millions of slaves, shipped brutally across the Atlantic ... Read More...

Sustainable Aviation Fuel(SAF) Fly to LBSNAA Sustainably with SRIRAM's - Leading the Way in IAS Coaching!

Sep 16, 2023

What is SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)? A: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of aviation fuel derived from sustainable and renewable feedstocks, which can include used cooking oil, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, non-food crops, forestry residue, and more. SAF is designed to have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional jet fuels, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for aviation. How is SAF different from traditional jet fuels? A: SAF is distinct from conventional jet fuels because it is produced from sust... Read More...

Hoysala Temples: An Overview

Sep 16, 2023

SRIRAM'S: The Ultimate Temple for IAS Aspirants Hoysala temples are a collection of remarkable religious structures built by the Hoysala dynasty in Karnataka, India, during the 11th to 14th centuries. They are celebrated for their: Intricate Sculpture Work: Renowned for their intricate sculptures, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. Star-shaped Base: Characterized by a unique star-shaped base, adding to their complex and elegant aesthetics. Hoysala Emblem: Many temples feature the Hoysala dynasty emblem, ... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Your journey to success shines even brighter when you choose SRIRAM'S.

Sep 16, 2023

What is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)? A1: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme in India aimed at providing access to clean cooking fuel, particularly liquified petroleum gas (LPG), to households that were traditionally dependent on more polluting and harmful cooking fuels like firewood and cow dung. The scheme was launched by the Indian government to improve the health and well-being of women and children by reducing indoor air pollution caused by the use of traditional cooking fuels. How does the PMUY scheme work? A2: Under the ... Read More...

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India: Definition, Role, and Controversies

Sep 16, 2023

What is the Leader of the Opposition in India? A1: The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India is a prominent political figure who leads the largest opposition party in either the Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the two houses of the Indian Parliament. The LoP's role is defined under the Salaries and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. How is the Leader of the Opposition determined? A2: The Leader of the Opposition is typically the leader of the largest political party in opposition to the government... Read More...

Stubble Burning in India: Causes, Effects, Solutions, and Challenges

Sep 16, 2023

What is Stubble Burning? Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to crop residue left in the field after harvesting, primarily rice and wheat straw. It is a common agricultural practice in India, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana. Causes: Short Window for a:Farmers often resort to stubble burning due to the short duration between harvesting one crop (e.g., paddy) and sowing the next (e.g., wheat). Pest and Weed Control: Removing crop residue through burning is seen as a quick way to control pests and weeds for the upcoming cr... Read More...

Farmer Suicides in India: Causes and Solutions

Sep 16, 2023

Why are farmer suicides happening? Farmer suicides in India are a tragic issue caused by a combination of factors. Erratic monsoons, leading to crop losses, high interest rates from private moneylenders, exploitation by middlemen, and overwhelming debts are some primary reasons. These struggles often result in mental health problems and family conflicts. The Statistics: In 2021, nearly 10,881 people from the farming sector, including farmers and laborers, died by suicide. In Karnataka alone, 251 farmers took their lives from April to September 2022. Read More...

India and Saudi Arabia Elevate Ties with Eight Significant Agreements

Sep 16, 2023

Overview In a monumental move, India and Saudi Arabia have taken their bilateral relations to a new height with the signing of eight pivotal agreements during the inaugural leaders' summit of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. The summit, held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, saw the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Leaders Exchange Agreements Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman exchanging agreements in New Delh... Read More...

Cloning FAQ

Sep 16, 2023

What is cloning? Cloning is the scientific technique of creating a genetically identical copy of a biological entity, leveraging the DNA of the original organism. This process can be applied to various biological levels, including cells, tissues, or entire organisms. Who was Dolly the sheep? Dolly was the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell, marking a groundbreaking achievement in biotechnology. She was created by Ian Wilmut and his team at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland, and born on July 5, 1996. Read More...

Evolution of Ganesh Puja

Sep 16, 2023

What were the causes of the communal riot in Mumbai in August 1893 The riot was triggered by tensions between Gujarati Hindus and Muslims after ceremonial music was played at the Hanuman temple at Pydhonie in Mumbai’s south. Who played a significant role in addressing the communal conflict during the 1893 riots in Mumbai? Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the editor of ‘Kesari’ and ‘Mahratta’ publications, played a significant role in addressing the conflict and advocating for the rights of Hindus. What was ... Read More...

Urbanisation and Environmental Balancev

Sep 16, 2023

Urban Flooding What is urban flooding? Urban flooding is a type of flooding that occurs in cities and urban areas due to heavy rain or other factors. Unlike traditional floods, urban flooding is sudden, local, and often catches people off guard. What causes urban flooding? Urban flooding is caused by various factors, including inadequate stormwater drainage systems, poor maintenance of existing drainage infrastructure, excessive concreting of open spaces, uncontrolled urban expansion, and the loss of wetlands. Read More...

Coal Gasification

Sep 16, 2023

What Is the Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme? The Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme is a government initiative in India designed to promote and incentivize coal gasification projects. Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into fuel gas, offering a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to burning coal directly. The scheme aims to encourage the adoption of this technology and reduce carbon emissions associated with coal use. The scheme encompasses three main components: PSU-Led Gasification Projects: This category fo... Read More...