UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Fed Rates and Debt Crisis in the Developing Countries

Aug 12, 2023

The whole of the fiscal year 2022-23 Indian rupee was under pressure as the Fed rates were going up to deal with the US inflation and foreign currency was leaving India in search of yield-yielding US dollar. RBI used up much forex defending the rupee. India is not alone. Most developing countries went into a sovereign debt crisis-Sri Lanka and Pakistan in our neighbourhood. The link between Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rates and potential debt crises in developing countries is an interconnected phenomenon that can have far-reaching economic implications. The relationship between these two factors highlights th... Read More...

India's Policy towards Myanmar's Crisis

Aug 11, 2023

India-Myanmar India’s Security Concerns India's policy towards Myanmar is significantly influenced by its security concerns in the northeast region and its strategic considerations vis-à-vis China. This is evident through various actions and initiatives undertaken by India: • Northeast Insurgency: India shares a long and porous border with Myanmar, which has been used as a sanctuary by various insurgent groups operating in India's northeastern states. The Indian government is concerned about cross-border movement of these groups, arms sm... Read More...

Collegium Bill for Election Commissioners

Aug 11, 2023

Bill was introduced in the Parliament that seeks to replace the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the committee responsible for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners. Background: A Constitution Bench led by Justice K.M. Joseph, now retired, had included the Chief Justice in the selection committee for the CEC, in line with a recommendation from a committee headed by the then Law Minister Dinesh Goswami in 1990.(Read on) The goal of this recommendation was to introduce electoral reforms and enh... Read More...

Sedition Replaced Revamping Colonial-Era Criminal Laws: Key Changes Explained

Aug 11, 2023

The colonial-era Indian Penal Code of 1860 is being replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Code of Criminal Procedure is being replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Indian Evidence Act is being replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya. Q: What changes have been announced for the colonial-era criminal laws in India? A: The Indian government has introduced a comprehensive overhaul of these laws, including the replacement of the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act with n... Read More...

India and the Indo-Pacific

Aug 11, 2023

What is India's approach to the Indo-Pacific region? India is increasingly engaging in the Indo-Pacific region to counterbalance China's influence and contribute to regional stability and security. It has taken various diplomatic and military actions, such as sending warships to visit countries like Papua New Guinea, supporting nations in territorial disputes with China, and participating in military exercises with partners like Australia. Q: How has India engaged with specific countries in the Indo-Pacific? India has gifted an active ... Read More...

Digital Data Protection and Privacy:

Aug 11, 2023

Consent and Deemed Consent Consent and deemed consent are two different concepts related to data protection and privacy regulations: 1. Consent: Consent refers to the explicit and voluntary agreement given by an individual for the processing of their personal data. It involves a clear and affirmative action where the individual is fully aware of what they are consenting to. Consent should be specific, informed, and unambiguous. Organizations are required to obtain consent before collecting, using, or sharing an individual&... Read More...

Quit India Movement and the British Response

Aug 11, 2023

The Quit India Movement marked a significant turning point in India's fight for freedom, showcasing the country's strong determination to break away from British colonial rule. Causes The Quit India Movement was ignited by various factors and triggers that led to its emergence. It stemmed from the growing discontent with British colonial rule and was prompted by the circumstances of World War II. The Cripps Mission's failure to address India's demands and its inability to provide a clear roadmap for independence fueled public support for the... Read More...

Cross-Border Electricity Trade: India and South Asia

Aug 11, 2023

Neighbourhood Policy India's Vision for Cross-Border Electricity Trade: India aspires to significantly enhance its cross-border electricity trade by establishing connections with countries across South Asia, BIMSTEC, and Southeast Asia. This strategic initiative builds upon the existing cross-border power trade within the Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Myanmar sub-regional grouping. Furthermore, there are plans to extend this cooperative effort to include Sri Lanka. In pursuit of this goal, India's power ministry has engaged in discussions with va... Read More...

Bilateral Investment Treaties and India: Status, Criteria, Motives, and Disputes

Aug 11, 2023

Status of BITs (Bilateral Investment Treaties) in India: Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) are agreements between two countries that provide legal protection and framework for foreign investments. India has been engaged in signing BITs since 1994, aiming to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. However, India's approach to BITs has evolved over time, leading to changes in its negotiation strategy and the model BIT text. Criteria and Motives for Signing BITs: India's criteria for signing BITs have historically inclu... Read More...

Gaddar: A Revolutionary Artist's Legacy

Aug 10, 2023

Introduction Gaddar (1949-2023), a prominent Dalit Telugu revolutionary poet, singer, and folk performer, left an indelible mark on Indian cultural and political history. Known for his evocative songs and performances, Gaddar used popular culture to ignite a mass movement against oppression and to transform ideology into song. His commitment to revolutionary cultural politics and his unique persona made him a significant figure in the Telangana statehood movement. Revolutionary Cultural Icon 1. Mass Mov... Read More...

India's Drone Thrust

Aug 10, 2023

1: Introduction 1.1 What is the history of drone technology development? Drone technology has its origins in military applications and dates back to the 19th century. The earliest recorded use was in 1849 when unmanned balloons loaded with explosives were used for an attempted attack on Venice. Over the years, drones have evolved and found applications in defense, surveillance, and reconnaissance. 1.2 How has drone technology evolved in recent years? While initially developed for military purposes, dr... Read More...

India:Blue Economy and Seafood Exports

Aug 10, 2023

1. What is the current status of India's seafood exports? India exported 17,35,286 tonnes of seafood worth ₹63,969 crore in the fiscal year 2022-23. The major contributor to these exports is shrimp, which accounted for 11.84 lakh tonnes and ₹43,135 crore in export value. 2. What is India's goal for seafood exports by 2025? India aims to increase its seafood export earnings to $15 billion by 2025, up from $7.76 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22. 3. How does India rank in shrimp exports? Read More...

RBI Data Localisation Rules

Aug 10, 2023

1. What are RBI Data Localisation Rules? RBI Data Localisation Rules require certain categories of sensitive personal and financial data to be stored and processed within the borders of India, and not transferred or processed internationally. 2. Why Did RBI Introduce Data Localisation Rules? RBI introduced data localisation rules to enhance the security and privacy of sensitive financial and personal data. The rules aim to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential misuse of such information by ensuring it remains within India&#... Read More...

Consumer Confidence

Aug 10, 2023

Understanding Consumer Confidence: Factors Influencing Low or High Confidence Consumer confidence, which reflects the public's outlook on economic conditions, is influenced by various factors. A recent study conducted by Home Credit India sheds light on the financial habits and sentiments of low-income consumers in urban and semi-urban centers, providing insights into the reasons behind their optimism. Income Expectations: A Key Driver Income Anticipation: Low-income consumers in urban and semi-urban areas are remarkably opt... Read More...

Ukraine:India's Role in the Jeddah Peace Meet

Aug 10, 2023

The recent peace summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, convened on Ukraine and attended by over 40 countries, marks a significant shift in global power dynamics. The summit aimed to find a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis and provided a platform for India to offer its unique perspective on the matter. Recognition of India's Diplomatic Influence Shift in Hosting: The choice of Saudi Arabia as the host, rather than a Western nation, highlighted the kingdom's expanding clout in the region. This elevation is further fueled by Saudi Arabia's recent peace effort... Read More...