UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Coral Reefs and Marine Heat Waves

Aug 14, 2023

1. What are marine heatwaves? Marine heatwaves refer to extended periods of unusually high sea surface temperatures in a specific area of the ocean. These heatwaves are distinct from regular seasonal temperature variations and can have significant and often adverse impacts on marine ecosystems. 2. How do marine heatwaves affect coral reefs? Marine heatwaves can have severe and detrimental effects on coral reefs. When ocean temperatures rise above normal levels for an extended period, corals experience a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. Cor... Read More...

NEET Bill

Aug 14, 2023

Q: What is the recent issue in Tamil Nadu related to the NEET exemption Bill? A: There is a legal conflict in Tamil Nadu concerning the NEET exemption Bill. The Governor's decision to return the bill, expressing reservations about its impact on underprivileged students, has raised questions about the legality of his actions and the legislative process. Q: What is the role of the Governor in the legislative process? A: The Governor, as a constitutional entity, is part of the state's "Legislature." When bills are presented to t... Read More...

TB:National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (TB) elimination.India

Aug 14, 2023

1. What are the goals of India's National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (TB) elimination? India's NSP aims to eliminate TB by 2025. It focuses on early detection of TB cases using highly sensitive diagnostic tools and enhancing precision diagnostic services. 2. What were the targets set by NSP 2017-2025 for TB diagnostics? The NSP 2017-2025 aimed to reduce the number of presumptive TB cases tested through smear microscopy from over 9.1 million in 2015 to 5.8 million in 2022, while increasing molecular tests from 40,000 in 2015 ... Read More...

El Nino,La Nina and India:North and South India Variation

Aug 14, 2023

1. What is El Niño and how does it impact monsoon rainfall in India? El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This warming disrupts the normal atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to significant weather changes around the world, including India. 2. What is the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)? ENSO refers to the natural climate cycle that includes both El Niño and its opposite phase, La Niña. During El Niñ... Read More...

Islamic State-Khorasan

Aug 14, 2023

What is IS-K? IS-K, or the Islamic State – Khorasan Province, is a terrorist group that emerged in Afghanistan in 2015. It is the local affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). IS-K has carried out a number of deadly attacks in Afghanistan, including suicide bombings and mass shootings. Khorasan was a historical region and realm comprising a vast territory in what is now northeastern Iran, southern Turkmenistan, and northern Afghanistan. What are IS-K's goals? IS-K's goal i... Read More...

Social Evil:Kadu Golla community

Aug 14, 2023

In a rural village called Mallenahalli in Karnataka, a tragic incident occurred due to an age-old tradition. The Kadu Golla community practices a custom where newborns and their mothers are confined to makeshift structures called "gudlu" for a period of four to eight weeks after birth due to the belief that the postpartum period is impure (sutaka). Vasantha, a young mother from this community, lost her newborn due to this practice. Despite protests against this tradition, some within the community still enforce it. The Kadu Golla community, an OBC group, faces challenges in terms of basic facilities an... Read More...

Lignite and Neyveli Lignite Corporation of India Ltd (NLCIL)

Aug 14, 2023

What is Lignite? Lignite, also known as brown coal, is a type of coal characterized by its relatively low energy content and high moisture content. It is considered the lowest rank of coal in terms of carbon content and energy density. Lignite is formed from the remains of plants that have undergone partial decay in swampy environments over millions of years. It is the earliest stage in the coal formation process. Key Characteristics of Lignite: Low Energy Content: Lignite contains a lower amount of carbon and therefore has a lower energy cont... Read More...

Travelogues on India

Aug 14, 2023

Former Attorney General K.K. Venugopal decided to digitize and share his vast collection of antiquarian books through his digital library. Some of them are: Book 1: The Oldest Travelogue "Travels In Hindustan: The History Of The Late Revolution Of The Dominions Of The Great Mogol" by Francois Bernier, dating back to 1676, is the oldest travelogue in the collection. Book 2: Early Indian Travelogues The collection includes "Varthamanappusthakam" by Paremmakkal Thoma Kath... 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...