UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Coral Reefs and Marine Heat Waves

Aug 14, 2023

1. What are marine heatwaves? Marine heatwaves refer to extended periods of unusually high sea surface temperatures in a specific area of the ocean. These heatwaves are distinct from regular seasonal temperature variations and can have significant and often adverse impacts on marine ecosystems. 2. How do marine heatwaves affect coral reefs? Marine heatwaves can have severe and detrimental effects on coral reefs. When ocean temperatures rise above normal levels for an extended period, corals experience a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. Cor... Read More...

Restrictions on Importing Electronic Goods:For and Against

Aug 14, 2023

What did the government do? The government restricted the import of certain electronic products, including laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers. These products fall under the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) 8471 category, which includes automated data processing machines and units. The import of these items will be restricted from November 1, and a valid license will be required to import them for sale to consumers. What is the purpose of the move? The primary goal of restricti... Read More...

Assam Rifles:All You Need to Know for

Aug 14, 2023

1. What are the Assam Rifles? The Assam Rifles is one of the oldest paramilitary forces in India. It was originally raised by the British in 1835 as the 'Cachar Levy' to protect settlements from tribals in hilly areas. 2. What is the primary area of operation for the Assam Rifles? The northeast region of India is the primary area of operation for the Assam Rifles. 3. How has the Assam Rifles evolved over the years? The force expanded from its initial fo... Read More...

Article 370:The Legal and Historical Context

Aug 14, 2023

What is Article 370? Article 370 was a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the state to have its own constitution, flag, and autonomy over various matters except foreign affairs, defense, and communications. Why was Jammu and Kashmir given special status? Jammu and Kashmir was granted special status due to the circumstances of its accession to India after Independence. The state's ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, sought India's help to fend off m... Read More...

MRI Scanners

Aug 14, 2023

What are MRI scanners? MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI scanners are advanced medical devices used to create detailed images of the internal structures of the body. These images provide valuable information about organs, tissues, and various medical conditions. How do MRI scanners work? MRI scanners use a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body. When a patient enters the MRI machine, the magnetic field aligns the hydrogen atoms in their body. Radio waves are the... Read More...

Preserving India's Manuscript Heritage: The National Manuscripts Bill, 2023

Aug 14, 2023

Introduction to the Bakhshali Manuscript: The Bakhshali manuscript, an ancient mathematical text inscribed on birch bark, stands as an early example of the use of zero. Dating back to the third or fourth century AD, this significant artifact is housed in the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford. A National Endeavor: Introducing the National Manuscripts Bill, 2023: In a move to safeguard India's cultural heritage, the government plans to introduce the National Manuscripts Bill, 2023, during the Winter Session of Parliament. The pr... Read More...

NCERT Books

Aug 14, 2023

Q1: What is the purpose of the committee formed by the Union Education Ministry? The committee has been formed to prepare new textbooks for Classes 3 to 12 in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP). This initiative aims to develop a modern curriculum framework and teaching materials for school education. Q2: Who are the key members of the committee? M.C. Pant, the Chancellor of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), is the Chairperson of the National Syllabus and Teaching Learning Material Commi... Read More...

Ladakh Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG):Border Infrastructure

Aug 14, 2023

Q1: What is the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) expansion project? The Nyoma ALG expansion project involves extending the runway at Nyoma, located in eastern Ladakh, to over 9,000 feet. This expansion aims to make the ALG capable of accommodating fighter jets and enhancing the Indian Air Force's operational capabilities in the region. Q2: Why is the expansion of Nyoma ALG significant? The expansion of Nyoma ALG is significant because it is located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, an area of strategic importance. It will... Read More...

Climate Change Threatens Antarctica: Implications and Concerns

Aug 12, 2023

Antarctica, the icy land at the bottom of the world, is facing a big problem – climate change. This problem is causing the ice around Antarctica to melt, and that's bad news for all of us. Let's see why this is happening and what it means. Less Ice in Antarctica: People who study Antarctica have noticed something worrying. The ice that usually floats around the continent is disappearing faster than before. This is happening even during the time when it's supposed to be growing. This is not normal and could lead to big changes. Read More...

Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 :Benefits and Criticism

Aug 12, 2023

The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 was enacted on December 20, 2021, by the Parliament of India to oversee and regulate the operations of assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics and ART banks in the country. The Act addresses concerns related to the rapid proliferation of ART clinics and the need to ensure the rights and well-being of individuals undergoing fertility treatments, including surrogacy. Benefits and Significance: 1. Regulation and Oversight: The Act aims to supervise and regulate the functioning of ART clinics and ART b... Read More...

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and India

Aug 12, 2023

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a new economic initiative launched by the United States in May 2022. It is designed to promote economic growth, resilience, and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The IPEF is built around four pillars: • Trade: The trade pillar will focus on reducing tariffs and other barriers to trade, promoting fair and equitable trade, and strengthening supply chains. • Supply Chains: The supply chains pillar will focus on making supply chains more resilient and secure, and on promoting cooperatio... Read More...

Importance of Exports to Indian Economy:Steps Necessary

Aug 12, 2023

Q: Why is trade important for India's economic growth? A: Trade has historically played a significant role in driving India's economic growth. It's a way for the country to sell its products and services to other countries, boosting its economy. Q: What are the three pillars for India's trade growth? A: The article mentions three pillars: Global Value Chains (GVCs): India should reduce tariffs, simplify trade policies, and integrate better into the global production... Read More...

Addressing Ecological Destruction in the Himalayan Region

Aug 12, 2023

Q: What is the central bank's proposal regarding the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)? A: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put forward a proposal to integrate conversational payments into the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) using artificial intelligence (AI). Q: How has the industry responded to this proposal? A: The industry has shown a swift and positive response to the proposal. It recognizes that this step could accelerate the widespread adoption of the UPI digital platform across the country. Read More...

Addressing Ecological Destruction in the Himalayan Region

Aug 12, 2023

Q: What are the concerns related to the Himalayan region's ecological health? A: The Himalayan region is facing challenges due to various factors, including uncontrolled tourist activities, over-exploitation of natural resources, and illegal constructions, all of which threaten its delicate ecosystem. Q: What has been suggested to address these concerns? A: The parliamentary standing committee on science and technology, environment, forests, and climate change has recommended that the Union environment ministry take proactive steps to tack... Read More...

Reserve Bank of India's MPC Decision Incremental CRR August 2023

Aug 12, 2023

Reserve Bank of India's MPC Decision: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India has unanimously kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.5%. Inflation Projection: The MPC raised the retail inflation projection for the current fiscal year by 30 basis points to 5.4% due to rising vegetable prices and potential El Niño weather conditions. Withdrawal of Accommodation: The MPC, with a majority of 5 out of 6 members, aims to withdraw accommodation gradually to align inflation with the target while supporting economi... Read More...