UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

Chandrayaan-3:Development of 5-Watt Signal Amplifier for Space Missions

Aug 29, 2023

1. What role does the 5-watt signal amplifier play in space missions? The 5-watt signal amplifier is a critical component in space missions as it facilitates communication between different elements of the mission, such as the lander, rover, and satellites. It enables the transmission of data and messages over long distances, ensuring effective communication. 2. Why did ISRO need to create its own amplifier? ISRO needed a specialized 5-watt signal amplifier for its space missions, but it faced challenges in sourcing one from other countries. T... Read More...

Neighbourhood First policy

Aug 29, 2023

India's Rice Export to Bhutan and Mauritius 1. Why did India decide to export rice to Bhutan and Mauritius? India made the decision to allow the export of non-basmati rice to Bhutan and Mauritius in response to requests from these friendly nations. Bhutan sought rice shipments due to India's ban on non-basmati rice exports, which caused global rice prices to rise. Similarly, Mauritius appealed for exemption from the export prohibition to secure essential rice supplies for its population. 2. How did Bhutan and Mauritius request rice exports ... Read More...

New Development Bank (NDB) :'BRICS Bank'

Aug 29, 2023

Q1: What is the New Development Bank (NDB)? A1: The New Development Bank (NDB) is an international financial institution formed by the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). It aims to provide financing for infrastructure projects in member countries and reduce reliance on Western-led institutions. Q2: Will the NDB announce new member countries during the upcoming BRICS Summit? A2: No, according to Leslie Maasdorp, the NDB's Chief Financial Officer, the bank is not planning to unveil new member countries during the f... Read More...

Understanding Bank Credit Growth:Fundamentals

Aug 29, 2023

The expected credit growth of around 13-13.5% for FY24 among India's scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) isn't just a number. It's all about how different factors work together to shape this prediction: Economic Growth Boosts Credit Demand: As the economy grows, businesses and people need money to invest and spend. This leads to a higher demand for credit from banks. The strong credit growth of 16.2% in Q1FY24 shows how economic growth and credit demand are connected. Business Investment Matters: When bu... Read More...

Education Revolution: New Board Exam Reforms in India

Aug 29, 2023

Board Exams Twice a Year The Ministry of Education's new National Curriculum Framework (NCF) in India recommends conducting board exams twice a year. Students can take the exams multiple times, with only the best score being retained. The move aims to assess analytical understanding over rote learning and reduce the stress associated with high-stakes single exams. Changes in Language Study Students in Classes 11 and 12 will study two languages... Read More...