UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

Maoism & Naxalism: A Guide to History and Ideologies

Apr 25, 2024

What is Maoism? Maoism, also known as Mao Zedong Thought, is a variant of Marxism-Leninism derived from the teachings of the former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. It emphasizes the role of the peasantry in revolution, the use of guerrilla warfare in the process of revolutionary struggle and the establishment of a left wing dictatorship. What is Naxalism? ... Read More...

India's Women's Self-Help Groups: An Overview

Apr 25, 2024

Self-help groups (SHGs) are a vital part of India’s strategy to enhance economic empowerment and social cohesion among women, particularly in rural areas. These groups function on the principle of collective action for development, providing their members with economic opportunities and a platform for social interaction. Here’s an overview tailored for beginners: What is a Self-Help Group (SHG)? An SHG is a voluntary group of typically 10-20 local women who pool their resources to become financially stable and self-r... Read More...

WINDFALL TAX IN INDIA

Apr 25, 2024

What is a Windfall Tax? A windfall tax is a temporary levy imposed by governments on businesses that earn exceptionally high profits due to favorable market conditions that are typically unexpected and not the result of changes in company strategy or business investment and operations. It is designed to redistribute extraor... Read More...

Green Ammonia Production and Use

Apr 25, 2024

1. What is green ammonia? Green ammonia is produced through a process that uses 100% renewable and carbon-free sources. It involves generating hydrogen from water electrolysis and extracting nitrogen from the air, then synthesizing the ... Read More...

Cloud Seeding and Flooding in the UAE

Apr 25, 2024

1. What is cloud seeding? Read More...

GEOPOLITICS OF THE TRIANGLE: INDIA, CHINA, AND RUSSIA

Apr 25, 2024

What is the strategic relationship between Russia, India, and China? Russia, India, and China form a complex triangle in global geopolitics where each country holds significant strategic importance to the others. Russia maintains robust relationships with both India and China, balancing its interests to maximize its geopolitical influence. Why does Russia value its relationship with India? Russia views India as a pivotal strateg... Read More...