UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Lunar Day

Sep 09, 2023

The duration of a single day on the Moon, from sunrise to sunrise, is approximately 29.5 Earth days. However, this is broken down into roughly 14.75 days of daylight followed by 14.75 days of nighttime, due to the Moon's synchronous rotation with Earth. When we refer to the "life of one lunar day" in the context of a moon mission, it usually pertains to the duration of sunlight (daytime) that the mission equipment can operate within. This is because most moon missions, including rovers and landers, rely on solar panels for power. During the lunar night, temperatures can drop drastically (to below m... Read More...

NEP 2020: Embracing Mother Tongue

Sep 09, 2023

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 brings a vibrant shift in education, cherishing the beauty of mother tongues in the learning journey. Let's explore the colorful provisions that celebrate linguistic diversity: Medium of Instruction: NEP puts mother tongue at the heart of early education. Learning begins best when guided by the language closest to our hearts - our mother tongue. Bilingual Brilliance: The NEP embraces bilingual magic. Starting with mother tongue, it gently introduces new languages like English, ensuring ... Read More...

Gaganyaan Mission: Core FAQs

Sep 09, 2023

What is the Gaganyaan mission? The Gaganyaan mission is India’s ambitious endeavor to send humans into space. It aims to launch a three-person crew on a three-day voyage in a 400-km orbit around Earth and ensure their safe return. First Indian in Space? Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel to space in 1984. Gaganyaan aims for an indigenous mission with Indian astronauts. Challenges Ahead Technical hurdles include a human-certified l... Read More...

Invasive Species:Caribbean False Mussel

Sep 09, 2023

Caribbean False Mussel and Its Origin The Caribbean false mussel (Mytilopsis sallei) is a mussel species originally from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South and Central America. Impact in Kerala, India The Caribbean false mussel has caused significant issues in Kerala, India. It has led to the depletion of local clams and oysters, which are vital food sources for local fishermen. How Did It Arrive? The mussel likely arrived on ships and was further spread ... Read More...

'Adopt a Heritage' Program by ASI:

Sep 09, 2023

The ‘Adopt a Heritage’ program, launched by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, encourages corporate stakeholders to use their CSR funds to enhance historically-important monuments. This initiative promotes responsible tourism, improves visitor amenities, and contributes to heritage conservation. Monuments Adopted Under the Program: Examples of monuments under the 'Adopt a Heritage' program include: Qutub Minar, New Delhi: Ad... Read More...

G20 and Crypto Asset Regulation in Emerging Economies:Risks and Remedies

Sep 09, 2023

Q1: What areas of concern surround crypto assets in emerging economies within the G20 context? Response: Several areas of concern have emerged: Systemic Risk: The interconnectedness between crypto assets and traditional finance might lead to systemic risks. Monetary Policy: Legitimizing crypto assets could impact the effectiveness of monetary policies. Resource Leakage: Crypto assets might lead to outflows of domes... Read More...

The Budget Preparation Process Gets Underway 24-25

Sep 09, 2023

The Budget preparation process involves various stages and considerations to ensure effective allocation of funds and financial planning. Here's a breakdown of key components: Article 112 and Annual Financial Statement (AFS): Article 112 of the Constitution of India mandates the presentation of the Annual Financial Statement (AFS), commonly known as the Budget, before the Parliament. The AFS comprises estimates of revenue and expenditure for the upcoming fiscal year. It includes the Consolidated Fund of India, Contingency Fund, and Public Account. Read More...

ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit

Sep 09, 2023

1. What is the ASEAN-India Summit? The ASEAN-India Summit is a high-level meeting between leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries and India. It aims to enhance cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations on various fronts, including trade, security, and regional integration. 2. What is the East Asia Summit (EAS)? The East Asia Summit (EAS) is a regional forum comprising 18 member countries, including ASEAN member states, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United S... Read More...

Invasive Alien Species: A Global Threat to Biodiversity and Beyond

Sep 09, 2023

What are invasive alien species? Invasive alien species are non-native organisms that have been introduced to new environments either through global trade, travel, or climate change. These species often outcompete native species, leading to biodiversity loss, disruptions in food supply chains, and potential public health risks. How do invasive alien species impact biodiversity? Invasive alien species pose a severe threat to local biodiversity by displacing native species. They contribute to the majority of... Read More...

Sahay-GeM Ecosystem

Sep 09, 2023

What is GeM? GeM, the Government e-Marketplace, is a pioneering platform launched in 2016 to facilitate transparent and efficient e-procurement of commonly used goods and services by government entities, public sector units, and states. It connects buyers and sellers, streamlining the procurement process. The Sahay-GeM Ecosystem is a cutting-edge digital platform that empowers sellers within the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to access unsecured, short-tenure loans, known as Sahay Loans. This innovative initiative seamlessly connects willing sellers with willing lenders, foster... Read More...

Gig Economy and Its Challenges in India

Sep 09, 2023

Q: What is the gig economy and why are gig workers in India facing challenges? A: The gig economy is a work arrangement where individuals take on short-term or freelance jobs, known as “gigs,” instead of traditional long-term employment. This model offers flexibility and is common in sectors like food delivery and ride-sharing. However, a study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) found that food delivery workers in India are earning less in 2022 compared to 2019. The average monthly income has fallen, and workers are working longer hours to compensate. The reduced income is attributed to f... Read More...

Shadow Banks in India

Sep 09, 2023

What are Shadow Banks? Shadow banks, also known as Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), are financial institutions that provide services similar to traditional banks, such as lending and investment, but operate outside the regulatory framework of traditional banking. They are called "shadow banks" because they operate in the shadows of the traditional banking system without the same level of regulatory oversight. Why are They Called Shadow Banks? Shadow banks are termed as such because they perform banking-like activities but are... Read More...

Public Private Partnerships(PPP) for Infrastructure

Sep 08, 2023

NHAI's Road Development Strategies: BOT, HAM, and EPC Models What is NHAI planning for the next fiscal year? The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) intends to allocate approximately one-tenth of its road awards for the upcoming fiscal year through the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) route. This initiative was highlighted by Union road minister as an efficient model for infrastructure development. What is the BOT model? In BOT projects, private investors undertake the responsibility of ... Read More...

Where Do Farmers Get Their Income From?:Read On

Sep 08, 2023

In the wake of the year 2000, a discernible transformation has taken place in the primary income sources for agricultural households in India. Extracted from the Situation Assessment Surveys (SAS) conducted during 2003, 2014, and 2019, the data portrays a shifting landscape in income distribution across crucial categories—crop production, livestock farming, non-farm activities, and wages/salaries. This analysis offers a glimpse into the changing patterns of income allocation, emphasizing the significance of crop production, the role of livestock farming, the influence of non-farm activities, and the growing reliance on wages and salaries. The dataset pro... Read More...

India-China Relations: Points of Convergence and Divergence

Sep 08, 2023

Q1: What are points of convergence in India-China relations? A1: Points of convergence refer to areas where India and China share common interests or goals. These can include economic cooperation, diplomatic engagement, and addressing global challenges. Q2: What are points of divergence between India and China? A2: Points of divergence are areas where India and China have disagreements or conflicting interests. These can include unresolved territorial disputes, strategic competition, and differing geopolitical ambitions. Read More...