UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ONGC Videsh Upgraded to a 'Navratna'

Aug 08, 2023

Oil India Ltd (OIL) Upgraded to Maharatna status Q1: What is the significance of ONGC Videsh being upgraded to a 'Navratna' CPSE? A: The upgrade to 'Navratna' status means that ONGC Videsh will have more autonomy in terms of investment, setting up joint ventures, and making other financial decisions. It will enjoy greater operational and financial freedom within the framework of a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). Q2: How many Navratna companies does India currently have? A: Ind... Read More...

Organ Shortage,Organ Donation and Laws in India

Aug 08, 2023

1.What is the current situation of organ shortage in India? There is a significant shortage of organs for transplant in India, with over three lakh patients waiting for organ transplants. 2.How has the number of organ donors changed over the years? Between 2014 and 2022, the number of donors (including cadavers) increased from 6,916 to 16,041. 3.Why is there a need to improve the cadaver donation rate? Cadaver donations are essential to meet the growing demand ... Read More...

Parliamentary panel says reduce the minimum age for contesting elections in India

Aug 08, 2023

Q:What does the parliamentary panel propose regarding the minimum age for contesting elections in India? A: The parliamentary panel suggests reducing the minimum age required to run in national elections, particularly Assembly elections, from 25 to 18 years. Q: How is the current minimum age requirement for standing in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections different from the voting age in India? A: The current minimum age to stand for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections is 25 years, while the voting age is 18 years. Read More...

Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing and IT Hardware

Aug 08, 2023

1. What is the objective of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing? The PLI scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the electronics sector, specifically mobile phone manufacturing and specified electronic components, including Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) units. It seeks to create a level playing field for the domestic electronics hardware manufacturing sector, promote self-reliance, and position India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM). 2. Wha... Read More...

QR Code Convenience and Concerns

Aug 08, 2023

QR codes offer various conveniences for citizens, including faster ticketing, access to information, and feedback mechanisms. However, it is essential to address security and inclusivity concerns to ensure the effective and safe implementation of QR code technology in various services across cities. 1. What is the QR code-based ticketing system in the Delhi Metro? The QR code-based ticketing system in the Delhi Metro allows passengers to buy tickets online and scan the QR code on their mobile phones at the automatic fare collection (AFC) gate for entry without the need to stand... Read More...

Short Duration Varieties of Rice and Stubble Burning Reduction

Aug 08, 2023

1. What are short duration varieties of rice? Short duration varieties of rice are rice cultivars that have a shorter growth cycle and maturity period compared to traditional varieties. These varieties reach maturity and are ready for harvest in a relatively shorter span of time. 2. How does the use of short duration rice varieties impact stubble burning? Short duration rice varieties mature earlier and produce less residual crop stubble after harvest. This reduction in stubble minimizes the need for burning to clear fields for the next crop. ... Read More...

The Amazon Rainforest - Importance, Threats, and Solutions

Aug 08, 2023

1. What is the size of the Amazon rainforest, and how many countries does it span? The Amazon rainforest is twice the size of India and spans across eight countries and one territory.The Amazon rainforest is a vast biome that spans across eight countries in South America: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. Additionally, it includes French Guiana, which is an overseas territory of France. 2. What is a biome? A biome refers to a large geographic region characterized by a distinct climate, vegetation, and w... Read More...

Urban Infrastructure Development Fund

Aug 08, 2023

For Tier 2 & 3 Cities: 1. What is the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF)? UIDF aims to supplement efforts of the State Governments/UTs for urban infrastructure development work implemented through Public/State Agencies, Municipal Corporations, Urban Local Bodies in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities by providing a stable and predictable source of financing.Simple terms:UIDF is a fund of Rs 10,000 crore operationalized by the central government for creating infrastructure in tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India. 2. Which cities are covered ... Read More...

China's Double Standards on Terrorism

Aug 07, 2023

India's Proposal for UN Counter-Terrorism Sanctions Regime Q. What is India's proposal regarding UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime within BRICS? India has proposed that BRICS nations should jointly prepare a list of terrorists and their proxies under the UN counter-terrorism sanctions regime. The objective is to ensure a fair and unbiased approach to countering terrorism within BRICS countries and avoid the use of double standards in dealing with terrorist entities. Q. How has China responded to the proposal? Read More...

Carbon Market in India

Aug 07, 2023

Indian Carbon Market (ICM) The Indian government has released a draft framework for a carbon market in India. The market will be called the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) and will be based on the Energy Conservation Act. The ICM will be a hybrid market, with both compliance and voluntary components. The governing body of the ICM will be the ICM Governing Board (ICMGB), which will be co-chaired by the secretaries of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ministry of Power (MoP). The ICMGB wi... Read More...

Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute

Aug 07, 2023

Q. What is the Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute? A. The Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute is a legal and historical controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. The dispute involves claims and counterclaims regarding the origins of the mosque and whether it was built on the site of the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Q. When did the Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute reach the Supreme Court? A. In 2022 Q. What are the main issues in the Gyanvapi Mosque Dispute? ... Read More...

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022 and Changes to Drugs and Cosmetics Act

Aug 07, 2023

Q: What is the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2022, and what does it aim to do? A: The Jan Vishwas Bill, 2022, decriminalizes about 180 minor offenses across 42 central laws in various sectors, including pharma, media, agriculture, environment, and industry. It converts or "compounds" prison sentences into fines and penalties, providing businesses with more leniency for minor deviations. Q: What has been the recent debate around the Bill, particularly concerning the Drugs and Cosmetics Act? A: The recent... Read More...

Licensing Requirement for Importing Laptops, Tablets, and All-in-One PCs

Aug 07, 2023

Q: What is the recent notification issued by the Directorate-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)? A: The DGFT issued a notification imposing a licensing requirement for the import of laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, and ultra-small form factor computers and servers falling under HSN 8741, effective immediately. Q: What is the purpose of imposing the licensing requirement? A: The move aims to address India's security concerns, especially regarding items shipped from China, and to boost local manufacturing. The government aims to encourage dome... Read More...

Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

Aug 07, 2023

Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023: Reasons for the Bill Q1: Why was the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 introduced? A1: The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 was introduced to address new challenges in forest conservation, ecological preservation, and tackling climate change at both national and international levels. The aim is to strengthen the country's commitment to preserving forests, biodiversity, and achieving carbon neutrality. Q2: What are the key reasons behind proposin... Read More...

Rating Agencies and Fitch Ratings

Aug 07, 2023

Q: What is a rating agency? A: A rating agency is an independent organization that evaluates the creditworthiness and risk associated with debt securities, bonds, or other financial instruments issued by governments, corporations, or other entities. They assign credit ratings to these instruments, indicating the likelihood of the issuer defaulting on their obligations. Q: What are credit ratings? A: Credit ratings are grades assigned by rating agencies to debt securities or issuers. These ratings assess the creditworthiness and risk of default... Read More...