UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Indian Chess Revolution: Rising to the Top in a Digital Era

Aug 29, 2023

A Star-Studded Team's Quest for Gold India's chess team, including prodigies D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Raunak Sadhwani, and B Adhiban, secured a historic bronze at the Chennai Chess Olympiad. Powered by their remarkable achievement, both the male and female teams aimed for gold, reflecting their determination and aspirations. Youthful Brilliance on Display Praggnanandhaa, at just 18 years old, faced World Number 1 Magnus Carlsen in the FIDE World Cup finals, having defeate... Read More...

India's Trade Policies and Industrial Strategy:Protectionism and Import Substitution:Pros and Cons

Aug 29, 2023

1. What are the recent trade policy measures introduced by India? India has implemented licensing requirements for imports of electronic goods, coupled with high tariffs and non-tariff measures in certain sectors. It has also adopted the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to stimulate domestic manufacturing. 2. How do India's trade policies compare to those of developed economies? While developed economies often use targeted subsidy programs, India's protectionist policies appear to be more widespread, affecting multiple industri... Read More...

Minimum Export Price (MEP) in India:Fundamentals

Aug 29, 2023

1. What is the Minimum Export Price (MEP) in India? The Minimum Export Price (MEP) is a mechanism implemented by the Indian government to regulate the export of certain commodities. It sets a minimum price below which the export of these commodities is not allowed. 2. Why is the Minimum Export Price (MEP) imposed? The MEP is imposed to ensure that essential commodities, especially food items, remain available at reasonable prices in the domestic market. It prevents excessive exports that could lead to shortages or price hikes within the countr... Read More...

Impact of Late Monsoon on Agriculture

Aug 29, 2023

What impact does a long dry spell in August have on farmers and crops? A prolonged dry spell in August can lead to significant challenges for farmers as their crops become more vulnerable to pest and insect attacks. This susceptibility can result in reduced yields and increased expenditures for farmers. Which crops are most susceptible to pest and disease attacks during a patchy monsoon? Crops like cotton, paddy (rice), and to some extent, pulses are particularly vulnerable to pests and diseases when the monsoon is inconsistent and patchy thro... Read More...

Art.370 and Art.371:Comparison

Aug 29, 2023

Article 370 and Article 371 are distinct provisions in the Indian Constitution that address special provisions for certain states or regions within India. While they both provide special status and autonomy to specific areas, they apply to different regions and have different historical backgrounds. Here's a comparison between Article 370 and Article 371: Article 370: Special Status for Jammu and Kashmir Background: Article 370 was a temporary provision included in the Indian Constitution to provide special autonomy to the state of... Read More...

Second Thomas Shoal Incident

Aug 29, 2023

Philippines vs China in the South China Sea What is Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea? Second Thomas Shoal is a location within the hotly contested South China Sea. It is an area where multiple countries, including China and the Philippines, have overlapping territorial claims. The sovereignty over this shoal has been a source of ongoing tension and disputes in the region. What recent incident occurred at Second Thomas Shoal? In a recent incident, eight Chinese ships engaged in a pursuit of a... Read More...

Reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories

Aug 29, 2023

Did Parliament have the authority to split J&K into two Union Territories (UTs)? The decision to convert Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into two Union Territories raises the question of Parliament's power in this matter. The move transforms a State with an elected legislature into UTs with one UT being denied legislature alrtogether and another with limited legislative powers.It can impact the democratic participation of the people. How does this transformation affect governance in J&K? The transformation leads to significant changes ... Read More...

Ethical AI?

Aug 28, 2023

1. What is Ethical AI? Ethical AI refers to the integration of ethical considerations and principles into the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence systems. It involves ensuring that AI technologies align with moral values, avoid biases, and promote fairness and transparency. 2. How is AI used in decision-making and governance? AI is increasingly employed in decision-making processes within governance. It assists in analyzing complex data patterns, predicting outcomes, and providing recommendations to aid in more informed... Read More...

UK-India Trade and Partnership: A Snapshot

Aug 28, 2023

1. What is the significance of India hosting the G-20? India's hosting of the G-20 underscores its role on the global stage for fostering international cooperation and addressing critical global issues. 2. How does the UK view trade with India? The UK values trade as a driver of growth and prosperity, advocating for free and fair trade globally. The UK seeks to strengthen its trade relationships, including with India, by forging trade deals and collaborating on various trade-related aspects. 3. W... Read More...

Addressing India's Social Security Gap: A Call for Comprehensive Reforms

Aug 28, 2023

Introduction: Social security encompasses a range of government programs and policies designed to provide financial assistance, healthcare, and other forms of support to individuals and families facing various life challenges. It aims to alleviate poverty, ensure access to basic needs, and promote economic and social stability. Social security programs can include pensions for retirees, unemployment benefits, disability support, healthcare coverage, family allowances, and more. These initiatives play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of citizens, protecting vulnerable populations, and fostering a more equitable society... Read More...

Understanding the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)

Aug 28, 2023

What is the NCF? The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) is a roadmap for education in India. It guides how schools design lessons, tests, and teaching methods. Key Changes in the New NCF: Languages: Students in Classes 9 and 10 will learn three languages, two of them Indian. In Classes 11 and 12, they'll study two languages, one Indian. Language Skills: The NCF wants students to become good at least one Indian language. Read More...

Prime Minister Modi's Possible Visit to Indonesia for East Asian Summit

Aug 28, 2023

1. What event might bring Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping face-to-face again? Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping could meet again at the East Asian Summit (EAS) and meetings with the ASEAN countries in Indonesia, following the BRICS summit. The dates under consideration are September 6-7. 2. What is the East Asian Summit (EAS)? The East Asian Summit (EAS) is an annual forum that brings together leaders from the ASEAN countries and its partners to discuss regional and global issues. It includes discussion... Read More...

Article 371 and the North Eastern States

Aug 28, 2023

Article 371 of the Indian Constitution includes special provisions for certain states in the northeastern region of India. These provisions are designed to address the unique historical, cultural, and social circumstances of these states while ensuring their integration with the Indian Union. Here's an overview of Article 371 and its application to the northeastern states: Background: Article 371 is a set of provisions that aim to provide specific safeguards and autonomy to certain states within India. The provisions under Article 371 are tailored to each state's distin... Read More...

India's Role in Representing the Global South

Aug 28, 2023

1. What is the Global South? The Global South refers to developing countries primarily located in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These nations face economic, social, and political challenges and are distinct from the economically advanced countries of the Global North. 2. How is India fulfilling its promise to represent the Global South? India actively advocates for the concerns of developing countries on the international stage. It participates in forums like the United Nations, engages in initiatives such as its G20 presidency, and h... Read More...

Rohini Commission Report and OBC Sub-Categorization

Aug 28, 2023

1. What is the Rohini Commission Report? The Rohini Commission Report is a document submitted by the Rohini Commission, a government-appointed body, that addresses the issue of sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India. The report focuses on the equitable redistribution of reservation and other benefits among different OBC communities. 2. What is the purpose of sub-categorization of OBCs? Sub-categorization involves classifying OBCs into different groups based on factors like economic status and social backwardness within th... Read More...