UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

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...