UPSC Daily Current Affairs

BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATE (BEC)

Apr 25, 2024

What is a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)? A Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) is a state of matter formed when particles known as bosons are cooled to temperatures near absolute zero. Under these conditions, the particles clump together and enter the same energy state, exhibiting quantum phenomena on a macroscopic scale. How is a BEC created? Creating a BEC involves cooling a cloud of atoms (usua... Read More...

AERIAL DEFENCE SYSTEMS of INDIA

Apr 25, 2024

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE AERIAL DEFENCE SYSTEMS INDIA POSSESSES? India has a variety of systems including the S-400 air defense system, multi-layered air defense network, and the indigenous Akash and Barak-8 systems. HOW IS INDIA PLANNING TO ENHANCE ITS AERIAL DEFENSE SYSTEMS? India is looking to upgrade its capabilities with new technologies, including the enhancement of radar systems and int... Read More...

RISING SHIPPING COSTS and INDIA'S ECONOMY

Apr 25, 2024

The rising shipping costs, particularly due to disruptions like those in the Red Sea, impact economies such as India.Here is a list of key factors and their implications: Increase in Shipping Costs: Read More...

PMO:EVOLUTION OF THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE IN INDIA

Apr 25, 2024

1. What led to the establishment of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (PMS)? The PMS, later known as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), was established by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on June 16, 1964, with the objective of providing secretarial assistance to the Prime Minister. This decision was aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Prime Minister’s decision-making process. 2. How did the role of the Cabinet Secretary change a... Read More...

INDIA’S THORIUM-BASED NUCLEAR ENERGY

Apr 25, 2024

1. What is thorium, and why is it important for India’s nuclear energy? Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in large quantities in India, particularly in Kerala and Odisha. It is seen as a potentially sustainable energy source because it is more abundant than uranium and produces less nuclear waste during energy production. 2. How does thorium work as a nuclear fuel? Thorium itself is not fissile and cannot sustain a nuclear chain re... Read More...

India-Bangladesh Enclave Exchange: History & Challenges

Apr 25, 2024

The complex issue of enclaves between India and Bangladesh dates back to the partition of India in 1947, which left many small pockets of land isolated within the territory of the neighboring country. These enclaves were essentially landlocked territories that belonged to one country but were completely surrounded by the territory of another. Over the decades, these enclaves created significant administrative and humanitarian issues, as they lacked proper governance and access to basic s... Read More...

India's Heat Action Plans (HAPs)

Apr 25, 2024

1. How does the India Meteorological Department (IMD) define heatwaves? The IMD defines a heatwave based on the maximum temperature recorded at a station. For the plains, a heatwave occurs when temperatures reach 40°C or more, for coastal a... Read More...

India and Public Stockholding at the WTO

Apr 25, 2024

1. What is public stockholding an... Read More...

Israel-Iran Conflict: Impact on India's Economy

Apr 25, 2024

The Israel-Iran military conflict poses significant economic threats to India, primarily driven by the potential for surging crude oil prices and a depreciating rupee. Here’s an analysis of how these factors might affect India’s economy: 1. Increase in Crude Oil Prices: India heavily relies on oil imports, particularly from the Middle East. Any escalation in conflict in this region typically leads to a rise in oil prices due to fears of supply disruptions. For example, Brent crude oil prices reached their highest level since Octobe... Read More...

ICET: India-U.S. Initiative for Critical & Emerging Technologies

Apr 25, 2024

What is the India-U.S. Critical and Emerging Technologies Initiative (iCET)? iCET is a collaborative framework established by India and the U.S. to enhance cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, aiming to create open, secure, and resilient tech ecosystems. This initiative focuses on areas like semiconductors, telecommunications, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. What are the goals of the iCET? Th... Read More...

10 Years of Corporate Social Responsibility in India

Apr 25, 2024

1. What is the historical background of CSR in India? CSR in India has roots in philanthropy during the industrialization period (1850-1914) and evolved post-independence as a tool for social development. The “mixed economy” period (1960-1980) further emphasized regulatory frameworks, including for public-sector undertakings (PSUs). 2. When did the concept of CSR officially start? The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility was officially c... Read More...

Viksit Bharat by 2047

Apr 25, 2024

The blueprint for India to become a developed country by 2047, with a focus on sustainability, inclusion, and women-led growth: Economic Growth: Read More...

FLOOD PLAINS in INDIA

Apr 25, 2024

What are Flood Plains? Flood plains are flat or nearly flat land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences occasional or periodic flooding. They extend from the banks of the water body to the base of the enclosing valley walls and are formed by the natural movement of a water course during flooding. Why are Flood Plains Important? Natural Floo... Read More...

RUPEE DEPRECIATION: BASICS

Apr 25, 2024

What is Currency Depreciation? Currency depreciation refers to the decline in value of one currency relative to another. For instance, if the exchange rate of the Indian rupee against the US dollar increases (meaning it takes more rupees to buy one dollar), the rupee is said to have depreciated. Why Does Currency Depreciation Happen? Currency depreciation can occur due to several factors including: • Economic Fundamentals: Is... Read More...

E-SHRAM PORTAL FOR UNORGANIZED WORKERS

Apr 25, 2024

1. What is the eShram portal? The eShram portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in August 26, 2021, serves as a comprehensive national database for unorganized workers in India. It allows these workers to register themselves across 400 occupations in 30 broad sectors on a self-declaration basis.300 millions are registered by mid-2024 2. How can unorganized workers register on the eShram portal? Registration on the eShram portal is ... Read More...