UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Your journey to success shines even brighter when you choose SRIRAM'S.

Sep 16, 2023

What is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)? A1: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme in India aimed at providing access to clean cooking fuel, particularly liquified petroleum gas (LPG), to households that were traditionally dependent on more polluting and harmful cooking fuels like firewood and cow dung. The scheme was launched by the Indian government to improve the health and well-being of women and children by reducing indoor air pollution caused by the use of traditional cooking fuels. How does the PMUY scheme work? A2: Under the ... Read More...

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India: Definition, Role, and Controversies

Sep 16, 2023

What is the Leader of the Opposition in India? A1: The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India is a prominent political figure who leads the largest opposition party in either the Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the two houses of the Indian Parliament. The LoP's role is defined under the Salaries and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. How is the Leader of the Opposition determined? A2: The Leader of the Opposition is typically the leader of the largest political party in opposition to the government... Read More...

Stubble Burning in India: Causes, Effects, Solutions, and Challenges

Sep 16, 2023

What is Stubble Burning? Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to crop residue left in the field after harvesting, primarily rice and wheat straw. It is a common agricultural practice in India, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana. Causes: Short Window for a:Farmers often resort to stubble burning due to the short duration between harvesting one crop (e.g., paddy) and sowing the next (e.g., wheat). Pest and Weed Control: Removing crop residue through burning is seen as a quick way to control pests and weeds for the upcoming cr... Read More...

Farmer Suicides in India: Causes and Solutions

Sep 16, 2023

Why are farmer suicides happening? Farmer suicides in India are a tragic issue caused by a combination of factors. Erratic monsoons, leading to crop losses, high interest rates from private moneylenders, exploitation by middlemen, and overwhelming debts are some primary reasons. These struggles often result in mental health problems and family conflicts. The Statistics: In 2021, nearly 10,881 people from the farming sector, including farmers and laborers, died by suicide. In Karnataka alone, 251 farmers took their lives from April to September 2022. Read More...

India and Saudi Arabia Elevate Ties with Eight Significant Agreements

Sep 16, 2023

Overview In a monumental move, India and Saudi Arabia have taken their bilateral relations to a new height with the signing of eight pivotal agreements during the inaugural leaders' summit of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. The summit, held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, saw the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Leaders Exchange Agreements Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman exchanging agreements in New Delh... Read More...

Cloning FAQ

Sep 16, 2023

What is cloning? Cloning is the scientific technique of creating a genetically identical copy of a biological entity, leveraging the DNA of the original organism. This process can be applied to various biological levels, including cells, tissues, or entire organisms. Who was Dolly the sheep? Dolly was the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell, marking a groundbreaking achievement in biotechnology. She was created by Ian Wilmut and his team at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland, and born on July 5, 1996. Read More...

Evolution of Ganesh Puja

Sep 16, 2023

What were the causes of the communal riot in Mumbai in August 1893 The riot was triggered by tensions between Gujarati Hindus and Muslims after ceremonial music was played at the Hanuman temple at Pydhonie in Mumbai’s south. Who played a significant role in addressing the communal conflict during the 1893 riots in Mumbai? Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the editor of ‘Kesari’ and ‘Mahratta’ publications, played a significant role in addressing the conflict and advocating for the rights of Hindus. What was ... Read More...

Urbanisation and Environmental Balancev

Sep 16, 2023

Urban Flooding What is urban flooding? Urban flooding is a type of flooding that occurs in cities and urban areas due to heavy rain or other factors. Unlike traditional floods, urban flooding is sudden, local, and often catches people off guard. What causes urban flooding? Urban flooding is caused by various factors, including inadequate stormwater drainage systems, poor maintenance of existing drainage infrastructure, excessive concreting of open spaces, uncontrolled urban expansion, and the loss of wetlands. Read More...

Coal Gasification

Sep 16, 2023

What Is the Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme? The Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme is a government initiative in India designed to promote and incentivize coal gasification projects. Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into fuel gas, offering a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to burning coal directly. The scheme aims to encourage the adoption of this technology and reduce carbon emissions associated with coal use. The scheme encompasses three main components: PSU-Led Gasification Projects: This category fo... Read More...

Global Biofuels Alliance

Sep 16, 2023

Global Biofuels Alliance: The Global Biofuels Alliance is a collaborative initiative involving 19 countries and 12 international organizations. It aims to promote and define sustainable biofuels, encourage international cooperation, and facilitate the adoption of biofuels globally. Impact on India is Biofuel Production: The Alliance is expected to boost India is biofuel production by fostering international cooperation and creating a virtual marketplace for biofuels. This will likely result in increased production and trade of biofuels. Economic... Read More...

Exploring Economic Corridors: Key Concepts and Distinctive Features

Sep 16, 2023

What are some renowned economic corridors? Historically, the Silk Road, spanning 6,400 km and connecting East and West for over a millennium, stands as an exemplary model. Apart from the Belt and Road Initiative, other notable corridors include the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Corridor, linking Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, and the corridor connecting Almaty in Kazakhstan with Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is another significant example How do economic corridors function? Economic corridors, a ... Read More...

Unlocking the Genome of the Indian Oil Sardine: A Milestone in Marine Fisheries

Sep 16, 2023

A significant scientific achievement was reached as the genome of the Indian oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps), a popular food fish, was successfully decoded by researchers at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). This marks the first instance of a marine fish species from the Indian subcontinent having its genome decoded. This milestone is a crucial development in Indian marine fisheries, offering valuable insights into the biology, ecology, and evolution of the oil sardine. The decoded genome is expected to aid in the development of improved conservation a... Read More...

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF):Essentials

Sep 15, 2023

Introduction: The 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity concluded with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Aim: Amidst a dangerous decline in nature threatening the survival of 1 million species and impacting the lives of billions of people, the GBF aims to halt and reverse nature loss. Framework Components: The framework consists of global targets to be achieved by 2030 and beyond to safeguard... Read More...

Ecology and Environment

Sep 15, 2023

Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs): Conserving Vital Ecosystems Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) encompass an extensive geographical expanse, featuring diverse ecosystems such as: Mangroves: For instance, the Sundarbans mangrove forest in the Indian state of West Bengal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a critical ESA. It serves as a habitat for the Bengal tiger, saltwater crocodile, and numerous bird species. The preservation of this mangrove forest is vital for biodiversity conservation and protection against coastal erosion. Coral Reefs: India... Read More...

Food Inflation in India

Sep 15, 2023

Inflate Expectations, Not Prices: Learn with SRIRAM'S IAS What is the current food inflation rate in India? A: As of August 2023, India's food inflation stands at 9.9%, down from its recent peak of 11.5% in July. Why has food inflation been on the rise? A: Adverse weather conditions, supply chain disruptions, increased transportation costs, and global commodity price fluctuations have contributed to the recent rise in food inflation. How does food inflation impact the economy? A: High food ... Read More...