UPSC Daily Current Affairs

JUSTICE K.G. BALAKRISHNAN COMMISSION EXAMINING SCHEDULED CASTE STATUS FOR DALIT CONVERTS

Nov 04, 2024

JUSTICE K.G. BALAKRISHNAN COMMISSION EXAMINING SCHEDULED CASTE STATUS FOR DALIT CONVERTS The Justice K.G. Balakrishnan Commission was established by the Government of India in 2022 to examine the feasibility of granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalits who have converted to religions other than Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Led by former Chief Justice of India Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, this three-member panel is assessing whether Dalit converts to Islam and Christianity should receive SC benefits. The Commission’s work includes analyzing socio-economic conditions, conducting public consultations, and evaluating ongoing caste-based discrimination. Its findings ar... Read More...

2025 Census and Its Importance

Nov 04, 2024

2025 Census and Its Importance What is the Census? The Census of India is a massive undertaking to count and collect detailed information about every person residing in the country. It's conducted every 10 years, with the last one held in 2011. Why is the 2025 Census Important? The 2025 Census is especially significant due to its role in three key initiatives: Caste Enumeration: For the first time since 1931, the Census will include detailed caste enumeration. This data will provide crucial insights into the social fabric of India, helping to ... Read More...

Nepal's New Currency Note Might Upset India

Nov 04, 2024

Nepal's New Currency Note Might Upset India Key Points: Disputed Territories on Currency: Nepal's redesigned 100 rupee note features a map that includes the disputed areas of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, which are also claimed by India. This has led to diplomatic tension between the two countries. China's Involvement: The contract to print the new banknotes was awarded to a Chinese state-owned company, raising concerns in India about China's growing influence in Nepal. Strategic Importance: The disputed areas are strategically significant due ... Read More...

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)

Nov 04, 2024

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) What is ZBNF? ZBNF is a farming method that aims to drastically reduce the cost of inputs by relying on natural resources found on the farm itself. It emphasizes building healthy soil, using locally available materials, and working with nature's processes. What are the key practices of ZBNF? Jeevamrutha: A fermented microbial culture used as a soil and seed treatment. It's made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil. Bijamrutha: A seed treatment made from similar ingredients to Jee... Read More...

MUGHAL FLOWER PAINTINGS :JAHANGIR

Nov 04, 2024

MUGHAL FLOWER PAINTINGS :JAHANGIR 1. How Did Flower Painting Emerge as a Significant Art Form During the Mughal Period? Flower painting became notable during the reign of Emperor Jahangir in the 17th century. Influenced by Persian art, Mughal artists developed flower painting as a unique sub-genre, depicting detailed floral designs in miniature style with intricate borders. 2. What Role Did Emperor Jahangir Play in Promoting Floral Paintings? Emperor Jahangir was a known patron of the arts and had a profound love for nature. He encouraged artists to create detailed, decorative representations of flowers... Read More...

HOKERSAR: THE QUEEN OF WETLANDS AND KASHMIR’S AVIAN AIRPORT AT RISK

Nov 04, 2024

HOKERSAR: THE QUEEN OF WETLANDS AND KASHMIR’S AVIAN AIRPORT AT RISK 1. What makes Hokersar Wetland unique in Kashmir? Hokersar, often called the “queen of wetlands,” is one of the largest and most ecologically important wetlands in Kashmir. Known as an “avian airport,” it supports nearly half a million migratory birds each year, providing them with an ideal habitat from October to April. 2. Why is Hokersar referred to as the “avian airport”? This title highlights Hokersar’s role as a major stopover for migratory birds traveling from Siberia, China, Russia, and Europe.... Read More...

COP16 BIODIVERSITY SUMMIT,COLOMBIA : SUCCESSES AND SETBACKS

Nov 04, 2024

COP16 BIODIVERSITY SUMMIT,COLOMBIA : SUCCESSES AND SETBACKS FAQs 1. What were the main achievements of COP16? The summit reached a historic agreement to create a global levy on products derived from nature’s genetic data, forming one of the largest biodiversity funds globally. Additionally, Indigenous communities gained formal representation in UN biodiversity decision-making, which marks a significant inclusion of local voices in global conservation efforts. 2. What caused COP16 to end in disarray? The conference faced significant logistical issues, with many countries leaving early due to inf... Read More...

INDIA’S FIRST ANALOGUE SPACE MISSION:LADAKH

Nov 04, 2024

INDIA’S FIRST ANALOGUE SPACE MISSION:LADAKH 1. What is an analogue space mission? An analogue space mission is a simulated space environment created on Earth to replicate conditions found on other planets or in space. It helps scientists study human and equipment responses to challenges like isolation, low gravity, and extreme weather, which are similar to those encountered on extraterrestrial bodies. 2. What is the objective of India’s first analogue space mission? This mission aims to simulate extraterrestrial conditions to understand how humans can adapt to the challenges of extended space miss... Read More...

INDIA’S BIOFUEL JOURNEY: SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

Nov 04, 2024

INDIA’S BIOFUEL JOURNEY: SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY INDEPENDENCE FAQs 1. What Are Biofuels and Why Are They Important for India? • Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from organic materials like sugarcane, crop residues, and food waste. For India, they are vital in reducing dependency on fossil fuel imports, ensuring energy security, and addressing environmental concerns by lowering greenhouse gas emissions. 2. What Are the Types of Biofuels and Their Unique Characteristics? • First-Generation Biofuels: Made from food crops like sugarcane and corn, such as et... Read More...

INDIA JOINS ARIN-AP:ASSET RECOVERY INTER-AGENCY NETWORK FOR ASIA-PACIFIC (ARIN-AP), CARIN

Nov 02, 2024

INDIA JOINS ARIN-AP:ASSET RECOVERY INTER-AGENCY NETWORK FOR ASIA-PACIFIC (ARIN-AP), CARIN FAQs 1. What is ARIN-AP? The Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network Asia-Pacific (ARIN-AP) is a multi-agency network aimed at tracking and recovering assets obtained through criminal activities in the Asia-Pacific region. It is part of the global CARIN (Camden Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network) and includes 28 member countries and nine observers. 2. Why has India joined ARIN-AP’s Steering Committee? By joining the steering committee, India can contribute to ARIN-AP’s decision-making and help sh... Read More...

UNPAID WORK IN INDIA:CARE ECONOMY IN INDIA-RECOGNIZING ITS ECONOMIC VALUE

Nov 02, 2024

UNPAID WORK IN INDIA:CARE ECONOMY IN INDIA-RECOGNIZING ITS ECONOMIC VALUE FAQs 1. What is unpaid work, and why is it significant? Unpaid work includes domestic chores, caregiving, and other household responsibilities typically performed without monetary compensation, primarily by women. This labor is vital for social and economic well-being but remains invisible in formal economic metrics like GDP, limiting its recognition and support in policy-making. 2. How does unpaid work contribute to India’s economy? Recent studies estimate that unpaid work in India contributes approximately... Read More...

CHOGM:2024 COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING (CHOGM): SAMOA

Nov 02, 2024

CHOGM:2024 COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING (CHOGM): SAMOA 1. What is the Commonwealth of Nations? The Commonwealth of Nations, commonly known as the Commonwealth, is an international association of 56 member countries, primarily former British colonies. It promotes shared values like democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. Member states are connected by the English language and historical-cultural ties. The Commonwealth Secretariat oversees intergovernmental relations, while the Commonwealth Foundation supports non-governmental cooperation. 2. What is CHOGM, and where was it held in 2024? The... Read More...

PARAS-2 Spectrograph

Nov 02, 2024

PARAS-2 Spectrograph What is PARAS-2? PARAS-2 stands for "PRL Advanced Radial-velocity All-sky Search-2." It's a highly advanced spectrograph designed and built by scientists at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India. A spectrograph is an instrument that splits light into its different wavelengths, like a prism creating a rainbow. By analyzing the patterns in this light, scientists can learn a lot about distant objects, including stars and exoplanets. How does PARAS-2 work? PARAS-2 is specifically designed to detect exoplanets using the "radial v... Read More...

NATURE CONSERVATION INDEX:INDIA @ 176

Nov 02, 2024

NATURE CONSERVATION INDEX:INDIA @ 176 1. What Is the Nature Conservation Index and India’s Rank? The Nature Conservation Index is an international evaluation that ranks countries on conservation efforts across four pillars: protected area management, biodiversity threats, governance, and future trends. India ranked 176th out of 180 countries, scoring 45.5 out of 100. 2. Which Areas Contributed to India’s Low Score? India scored zero in marine conservation, including marine protected area management and protection of marine species. Its limited marine conservation efforts were identified as a sig... Read More...

ELECTORAL COLLEGE TO ELECT US PRESIDENT

Nov 02, 2024

ELECTORAL COLLEGE TO ELECT US PRESIDENT 1. What is the Electoral College? The Electoral College is a body of electors chosen by each state to formally elect the U.S. President. Instead of directly electing the President, U.S. voters cast ballots for electors representing their preferred candidate. These electors then vote to decide who becomes President. 2. How are electoral votes assigned to each state? Each state’s electoral votes are based on its population size. States with larger populations have more electoral votes. For example, California has the highest with 54 votes, followed by Texas with 40. In to... Read More...