UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant Water Release:Clarified

Aug 30, 2023

Imagine a big building that makes electricity using a special kind of energy called nuclear energy. This building is called the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, and it's in Japan. Now, sometimes, this kind of plant creates something called "radioactive water." This water needs to be carefully taken care of because it has some stuff in it that can be harmful to nature. But here's the thing: the plant has too much of this water, and they need to make space for it to keep the place safe. So, they decided to release this water into the nearby ocean, but they're doing it in a very careful ... Read More...

Reits and InvITs:Sebi Changes

Aug 30, 2023

Q: What are Reits and InvITs? A: Reits (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and InvITs (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) are investment vehicles that pool funds from investors to invest in real estate and infrastructure projects, respectively. They operate similarly to mutual funds but focus on these specific asset classes. Q: How do Reits and InvITs function? A: Reits invest in income-generating real estate properties, such as office parks and shopping malls. InvITs invest in infrastructure projects like transportation, energy, and communication.... Read More...

Green Hydrogen:Concepts and Prospects

Aug 30, 2023

Q: What is green hydrogen? A: Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. It's considered environmentally friendly as it emits no greenhouse gases during production or combustion. Q: Why is green hydrogen significant? A: Green hydrogen has the potential to replace fossil fuels in various sectors, contributing to decarbonization and reducing carbon emissions. It can be used as a clean fuel for industries, transportation, and energy storage.... Read More...

School Exam Reforms: Shaping Holistic Education

Aug 30, 2023

Q: What's the focus of the New Curriculum Framework (NCF)? A: The NCF, aligned with the New Education Policy (NEP) of 2020, aims to address long-standing gaps in the school education system and adopt global best practices. Q: What are the shortcomings of the current assessment framework? A: The current system promotes rote learning and relies heavily on annual exam performance, neglecting holistic development. Board exams for classes X and XII have become stressful for students. Q: How does the n... Read More...

Managing Dams: Ensuring Safety and Preparedness Dam Safety Act, 2021

Aug 30, 2023

Q: What's the current concern regarding dam management? A: Recent floods in Punjab, caused by excess water release from Bhakra and Pong dams due to heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh, have raised questions about water discharge timing and regulation. The spotlight is on the Dam Safety Act, 2021, which aims to prevent dam failure-related disasters. Q: What does the Dam Safety Act entail? A: The Act mandates surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of dams to ensure safe functioning. Dam owners, often state governments and public sec... Read More...

Controversy Around Declaring Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve

Aug 30, 2023

Q: What is the controversy surrounding the declaration of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) as a tiger reserve? A: The 'in-principle' approval to declare Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as a tiger reserve has sparked controversy due to concerns from indigenous tribes like Bhil, Garasia, and Raika pastoralists. They fear displacement, and there is no documented history of tiger presence in the area. Q: Why are indigenous tribes and communities against the idea of a tiger reserve in KWS? A: The indigenous tribes and communities such as... Read More...

Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and FIDE Chess World Cup

Aug 30, 2023

In an impressive achievement, young Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa's runner-up finish at the FIDE Chess World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, was hailed by various dignitaries. Praggnanandhaa's remarkable tournament run ended with a tie-break loss to world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, following a draw in the classical games. His exceptional skills and challenging match against Carlsen were acknowledged. Carlsen managed to secure victory in the tie-breaks after facing a tough challenge. FIDE stands for the "Fédération Internationale des Échecs," which is French for the Internationa... Read More...

Rice Fortification in India

Aug 29, 2023

Q: What is the goal of rice fortification in India? A: The goal is to achieve rice fortification (enrichment with essential vitamins and minerals) in all districts of the country by the end of the current fiscal year. This initiative aims to address nutritional deficiencies and improve the overall health of the population. Q: How does rice fortification work? A: Rice fortification involves adding essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to rice during the processing stage. This enhances the nutritional content ... Read More...

Liquidity Crunch

Aug 29, 2023

A liquidity crunch is a situation in which there is a shortage of available funds in the financial system. It can lead to difficulty in borrowing and lending, potentially causing higher borrowing costs and impacting overall economic and financial activities. Q: What's causing the banking system's liquidity crunch? A: Multiple factors contribute, including the Incremental Cash Reserve Ratio (I-CRR) introduction, tying up bank deposits, GST payments, and high credit demand, creating a liquidity deficit. Q: How are banks and NBFC... Read More...

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...