UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Fully Sequencing the Human Y Chromosome

Aug 29, 2023

1. What is the Y chromosome? The Y chromosome is one of the sex chromosomes found in humans. It typically determines male characteristics and development. 2. Why is sequencing the Y chromosome important? Sequencing the Y chromosome helps us understand the genetic basis of male development, inheritance, and various health conditions that are influenced by genes on this chromosome. 3. Why was fully sequencing the Y chromosome challenging? The Y chromosome contain... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Aug 29, 2023

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit program introduced by the Government of India. It was launched on January 1, 2017, and aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers to support their health and nutrition during the early stages of motherhood. Under the PMMVY, eligible women receive a cash incentive directly into their bank accounts in three installments: First Installment: This installment is provided when the woman registers her pregnancy at an Anganwadi center ... Read More...

India and the Clean Fuels:Bird's Eye View

Aug 29, 2023

1. Why is there a global movement to reduce carbon emissions? There is a worldwide effort to bring down carbon emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, petrol, and diesel. This is driven by the need to address climate change and promote sustainable energy sources. 2. What role does green hydrogen play in emission reduction? Green hydrogen is crucial for decarbonizing heavy industries, freight, shipping, and aviation. It's produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources and is seen as a game changer... Read More...

Integrated Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) of Coal Ministry

Aug 29, 2023

Integrated Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) Transportation for Efficient Coal Movement 1. What is the Ministry of Coal's initiative regarding coal transportation? The Ministry of Coal has introduced a unique initiative to integrate Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation for the efficient movement of domestic coal. This multimodal transportation system facilitates the seamless movement of coal from mines to ports and then to end-users, enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing transportation costs. 2. Why is a well-planned coal evacuation system impor... Read More...

Chandrayaan-3: Geopolitical Lift for India

Aug 29, 2023

1. What is the historical geopolitical importance of lunar missions from an Indian standpoint? Lunar missions have historically held significant geopolitical importance for nations, including India. These missions symbolize a country's technological capabilities, scientific prowess, and global ambitions, showcasing its position in the race for space exploration. 2. How have lunar landings by countries like the USA, Soviet Union/Russia, and China influenced India's lunar exploration approach? The successful lunar landings by these natio... Read More...

Starlink's Broadband Services in India

Aug 29, 2023

1. What is the current status of Starlink's application for a GMPCS license in India? SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, has applied for the Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) license with the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) in India. The application is currently under consideration by the authorities. 2. When is the expected decision date for the GMPCS license application? People close to the development have indicated that the DoT officials are likely to convene on September 20, 2023, to decide whether t... Read More...

Chandrayaan-3:Development of 5-Watt Signal Amplifier for Space Missions

Aug 29, 2023

1. What role does the 5-watt signal amplifier play in space missions? The 5-watt signal amplifier is a critical component in space missions as it facilitates communication between different elements of the mission, such as the lander, rover, and satellites. It enables the transmission of data and messages over long distances, ensuring effective communication. 2. Why did ISRO need to create its own amplifier? ISRO needed a specialized 5-watt signal amplifier for its space missions, but it faced challenges in sourcing one from other countries. T... Read More...

Neighbourhood First policy

Aug 29, 2023

India's Rice Export to Bhutan and Mauritius 1. Why did India decide to export rice to Bhutan and Mauritius? India made the decision to allow the export of non-basmati rice to Bhutan and Mauritius in response to requests from these friendly nations. Bhutan sought rice shipments due to India's ban on non-basmati rice exports, which caused global rice prices to rise. Similarly, Mauritius appealed for exemption from the export prohibition to secure essential rice supplies for its population. 2. How did Bhutan and Mauritius request rice exports ... Read More...

New Development Bank (NDB) :'BRICS Bank'

Aug 29, 2023

Q1: What is the New Development Bank (NDB)? A1: The New Development Bank (NDB) is an international financial institution formed by the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). It aims to provide financing for infrastructure projects in member countries and reduce reliance on Western-led institutions. Q2: Will the NDB announce new member countries during the upcoming BRICS Summit? A2: No, according to Leslie Maasdorp, the NDB's Chief Financial Officer, the bank is not planning to unveil new member countries during the f... Read More...

Understanding Bank Credit Growth:Fundamentals

Aug 29, 2023

The expected credit growth of around 13-13.5% for FY24 among India's scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) isn't just a number. It's all about how different factors work together to shape this prediction: Economic Growth Boosts Credit Demand: As the economy grows, businesses and people need money to invest and spend. This leads to a higher demand for credit from banks. The strong credit growth of 16.2% in Q1FY24 shows how economic growth and credit demand are connected. Business Investment Matters: When bu... Read More...

Education Revolution: New Board Exam Reforms in India

Aug 29, 2023

Board Exams Twice a Year The Ministry of Education's new National Curriculum Framework (NCF) in India recommends conducting board exams twice a year. Students can take the exams multiple times, with only the best score being retained. The move aims to assess analytical understanding over rote learning and reduce the stress associated with high-stakes single exams. Changes in Language Study Students in Classes 11 and 12 will study two languages... Read More...

Indian Chess Revolution: Rising to the Top in a Digital Era

Aug 29, 2023

A Star-Studded Team's Quest for Gold India's chess team, including prodigies D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Raunak Sadhwani, and B Adhiban, secured a historic bronze at the Chennai Chess Olympiad. Powered by their remarkable achievement, both the male and female teams aimed for gold, reflecting their determination and aspirations. Youthful Brilliance on Display Praggnanandhaa, at just 18 years old, faced World Number 1 Magnus Carlsen in the FIDE World Cup finals, having defeate... Read More...

India's Trade Policies and Industrial Strategy:Protectionism and Import Substitution:Pros and Cons

Aug 29, 2023

1. What are the recent trade policy measures introduced by India? India has implemented licensing requirements for imports of electronic goods, coupled with high tariffs and non-tariff measures in certain sectors. It has also adopted the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to stimulate domestic manufacturing. 2. How do India's trade policies compare to those of developed economies? While developed economies often use targeted subsidy programs, India's protectionist policies appear to be more widespread, affecting multiple industri... Read More...

Minimum Export Price (MEP) in India:Fundamentals

Aug 29, 2023

1. What is the Minimum Export Price (MEP) in India? The Minimum Export Price (MEP) is a mechanism implemented by the Indian government to regulate the export of certain commodities. It sets a minimum price below which the export of these commodities is not allowed. 2. Why is the Minimum Export Price (MEP) imposed? The MEP is imposed to ensure that essential commodities, especially food items, remain available at reasonable prices in the domestic market. It prevents excessive exports that could lead to shortages or price hikes within the countr... Read More...

Impact of Late Monsoon on Agriculture

Aug 29, 2023

What impact does a long dry spell in August have on farmers and crops? A prolonged dry spell in August can lead to significant challenges for farmers as their crops become more vulnerable to pest and insect attacks. This susceptibility can result in reduced yields and increased expenditures for farmers. Which crops are most susceptible to pest and disease attacks during a patchy monsoon? Crops like cotton, paddy (rice), and to some extent, pulses are particularly vulnerable to pests and diseases when the monsoon is inconsistent and patchy thro... Read More...