UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India Meteorological Department (IMD) and its air quality monitoring and forecasting initiatives:

Sep 06, 2023

IMD's Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting Q1: What is IMD's latest plan regarding air quality monitoring? A1: IMD plans to provide air quality early warnings through the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) to 92 more polluted cities over the next two years. Q2: What is SAFAR? A2: SAFAR, developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorological (IITM) Pune and operationalized by IMD in 2010 during the Commonwealth Games, is India's first metro air quality se... Read More...

Gati Shakti National Master Plan:Progress Report mid-2023

Sep 06, 2023

What is the Gati Shakti National Master Plan? It is a flagship project launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at transforming the planning of infrastructure projects in India. The core idea is to ensure seamless inter-ministerial coordination, thereby improving the execution of infrastructure projects. Why was the Gati Shakti initiative conceived? Historically, infrastructure projects have faced delays due to various ministries working in isolation. There were instances when the need for certain clearances arose only after the commence... Read More...

Genetically Modified (GM) Mustard: Benefits and Concerns

Sep 06, 2023

Benefits: Boost to India's Oilseed Security: One of the primary benefits put forth by proponents of GM mustard is the potential to enhance India's oilseed security. With the adoption of GM mustard, India could reduce its dependence on imports and increase domestic production. Extensive Research & History: According to scientists like Deepak Pental, the genes (barnase-barstar) used in GM mustard have been found to be environmentally friendly, and there haven’t been any reported adverse impacts since its use beg... Read More...

Deficit Rainfall:Monsoon's Ripple Effects

Sep 06, 2023

Lower Rainfall, Lower Yield: A decrease in the monsoon rains directly correlates with reduced foodgrain production. A stressed agricultural yield implies more than just a food shortage; it's a blow to the backbone of India's economy. Stressed Economy, Reduced Rural Income: The agriculture sector has been pivotal during both the pandemic and the recovery phase. Reduced foodgrain production means lower income in rural areas. Reduced Rural Income, Declining Demand: A slump in rural income inevitably leads to ... Read More...

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): Laying the Foundations

Sep 06, 2023

What are RRBs? Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), colloquially known as Gramin banks, were established to specifically cater to the banking needs of the rural populace in India. Initiated in 1975 under the Regional Rural Banks Act, their primary aim has always been to ensure the financial inclusion of the most remote and underserved segments of the Indian population. Core Objectives: Financial Inclusion: RRBs were designed to bring banking services to the doorsteps of farmers, small-scale artisans, ... Read More...

Green Transit Revolution: The PM-eBus Sewa Scheme Primer

Sep 06, 2023

The Big Picture: The Centre stands on the brink of revolutionizing public transportation, emphasizing eco-friendliness. Coming up: Guidelines for the PM-eBus Sewa scheme, underpinning a budget of ~57,613 crore. Main Points: Scheme's Overview: Announcement Date: August 16. Objective: Infusion of 10,000 e-buses across 169 cities. Read More...

Inflation Targeting & Its Implications: A Primer

Sep 06, 2023

Introduction to Inflation Targeting Inflation targeting is a monetary policy approach where the central bank commits to an explicit inflation rate objective, steering its policy measures to achieve this rate. By doing so, the bank ensures both price stability and the establishment of a predictable economic environment. India's 4% Inflation Benchmark The 4% target is a cornerstone for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This specific target underscores the need to maintain an equilibrium between sustainable ec... Read More...

EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and India's Challenge at the WTO

Sep 06, 2023

What is the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)? The CBAM is a proposed tariff that the European Union plans to impose on imports of goods that are associated with high carbon emissions. The aim is to discourage carbon-intensive production methods outside the EU, to prevent 'carbon leakage' (where companies relocate production to regions with laxer emissions regulations), and to promote greener practices. How Much is the Proposed Tariff? The EU's proposal is to impose tariffs ranging from 20% to 35% on imports of hig... Read More...

Primer on Cloud Seeding

Sep 06, 2023

Cloud seeding is a form of weather modification that aims to enhance precipitation by introducing agents into clouds to stimulate the precipitation process. Here's a concise overview: What is Cloud Seeding? It involves the dispersion of substances (like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or crushed dry ice (solid carbon dioxide)) into the air that act as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. These particles encourage the growth of larger cloud droplets, eventually leading to precipitation. How is it done? Read More...

Non-Tariff Barriers: A Primer

Sep 06, 2023

Non-tariff barriers (NTBs) are policy measures, other than tariffs, that restrict international trade. While they can take many forms, their main effect is to make imports more expensive or to limit their quantity. Let's explore NTBs with a few examples, both from the Indian context and other countries: Standards and Regulations: Countries might set strict standards for product quality or safety. For instance, India's exports of certain food items face challenges in the EU due to high pesticide levels. Similarly, the EU's strict standards for toys, electrical equipment, and other goo... Read More...

BRICS Bloc: Expansion, Impact, and Future Prospects

Sep 06, 2023

Understanding the Evolving Dynamics of Emerging Economies What is the BRICS bloc? BRICS is an association of five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Its objectives include reforming global financial structures, supporting inclusive growth, promoting regional trade, and fostering South-South cooperation. How has the BRICS bloc expanded recently? The BRICS bloc has recently added six new countries: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, often ... Read More...

Happy Raksha Bandhan Day

Sep 06, 2023

History and Sociology of Raksha Bandhan History of Raksha Bandhan Q: What is the history of Raksha Bandhan? A: Raksha Bandhan finds its origins in ancient India and is woven into historical and mythological narratives. One such tale revolves around Lord Krishna and Draupadi, where Krishna protected Draupadi by providing her with an endless cloth. Another legend features Rajput queen Karnavati sending a rakhi to Emperor Humayun for protection. These stories epitomize the festival's essence of care and saf... Read More...

Government's Decision to Cut Domestic LPG Prices

Sep 05, 2023

Q: Why did the government decide to reduce the price of domestic LPG? A: The government's decision to lower the price of domestic LPG by ₹200 per cylinder aims to combat kitchen inflation and provide immediate relief to households. This move comes ahead of important state elections and is aligned with the government's commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens, particularly those in the lower and middle-income brackets. Q: What significance does this decision hold? A: The reduction in LPG prices is being viewed as a tho... Read More...

Lightning and its Environmental Impact

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is lightning? A1: Lightning is a natural electrostatic discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It consists of a visible flash of light and the accompanying sound of thunder. Lightning is caused by the buildup of electric charges in the atmosphere, leading to the rapid discharge of these charges between clouds or between clouds and the ground. Q2: How is lightning caused? A2: Lightning is caused by the separation of positive and negative charges within a thunderstorm cloud. This separation creates an electric field, and when the el... Read More...

Puri Temple Access for PwDs

Sep 05, 2023

1. What changes are being made to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri for PwDs (Persons with Disabilities)? The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has approved the construction of a ramp near the northern gate of the temple to facilitate the entry of differently-abled devotees. 2. Who proposed the construction of the ramp at the temple? The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) proposed the idea, and it received approval from ASI. 3. Have there been previous attempts to provide barrier-free a... Read More...