UPSC Daily Current Affairs

75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Dec 11, 2023

Introduction: The 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) offers a moment for global reflection. Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, this landmark document aimed to establish a baseline of fundamental human rights for all humanity, shaped by the aftermath of World War II. Accomplishments of the UDHR: The UDHR has provided a framework for international human rights law, influencing numerous national legislations and international treaties. It catalyzed the decolonization process and bolstered movements fi... Read More...

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

Dec 11, 2023

BNPL Growth Factors and RBI’s Influence Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Growth Reasons: 1. Convenience: Easy to use, often with a simple approval process. 2. Accessibility: Provides credit to underserved communities and those with little credit history. 3. Flexible Repayment: Offers a structured, often interest-free repayment plan. 4. Market Demand: Increasing consumer preference for deferred payment options. Advantages (+): 1. Inclusive Credit Access: BNPL models expand financial access, particularly... Read More...

CoP 28: Adaptation Targets

Dec 11, 2023

What are the adaptation targets set to be achieved by 2030? 1. Enhance Resilience: Improve the ability of communities, especially those in high-vulnerability areas, to adapt to climate change impacts. 2. Reduce Vulnerabilities: Lower risks associated with climate extremes and disasters. 3. Poverty and Livelihoods: Substantially reduce poverty and protect livelihoods in the face of climate risks. 4. Sustainable Infrastructure: Ensure new infrastructures are resilient to climate impacts. 5. Climate-Related Hazards: Develop adaptive strategies to minimize the impacts of climate-related risks. 6. Water Access: Ensure universal access... Read More...

Uniform Charging Standards: India’s Initiative

Dec 11, 2023

Overview: India is on track to implement uniform Type-C charging for devices by March 2025, following the European Union’s lead to standardize charging ports by 2024. The Rule: Mandate: All electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets must be equipped with Type-C charging ports. Impact: Simplifies charging across a wide range of devices, potentially eliminating the need for multiple chargers. E-Waste Challenge: Statistics: India generated 1.6 million tonnes of e-waste in a recent fiscal year. EU Chargers: 11,000 tonnes of unu... Read More...

Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation

Dec 11, 2023

The United Nations is spearheading a new initiative to create a global framework for international tax cooperation. This initiative is a response to the inadequacies of the current tax system, which often fails to prevent tax evasion and does not adequately serve the interests of developing nations. Key Issues Addressed: The global tax system has been criticized for enabling tax avoidance and not capturing the full tax obligations of multinational corporations. Developing countries often lack the resources to implement measures that curb tax evasion, leading to significant revenue loss... Read More...

Kala Azar Elimination in India

Dec 11, 2023

What is Kala azar? Kala azar, also known as visceral leishmaniasis, is a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies, characterized by fever, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen and liver. How is India combating Kala azar? India has implemented strategies like effective indoor residual spraying, construction improvements to prevent breeding of sandflies, and the use of the antimicrobial drug amphotericin B for treatment. What was India’s target year for Kala azar elimination? The initial target was ... Read More...

Government’s Bharat Atta Initiative

Dec 11, 2023

The Modi government’s Bharat Atta initiative, launched to combat inflation, has seen a significant uptake among consumers. The scheme, which makes wheat flour available at a subsidized rate of Rs.27.50 per kg, is a part of a broader strategy to offer essential commodities at affordable prices. The initiative has been well-received, prompting public interest in extending similar subsidies to other products like tea, vegetable oils, and more pulses. Key Highlights Scheme Execution: Approximately 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of wheat were allocated to NAFED, NCCF, and Kendriya Bhandars by the government... Read More...

K-Shaped Recovery: Economic Disparities Unveiled

Dec 11, 2023

What is a K-shaped recovery? A K-shaped recovery occurs when different parts of the economy recover at different rates or magnitudes post a downturn. In such a scenario, certain industries or sectors bounce back quickly and grow while others continue to decline or recover at a much slower pace. Can you give an example of a K-shaped recovery? An example is visible in consumer behavior post-Covid. Demand for luxury goods and premium products has soared, especially in urban areas, indicating economic recovery and growth for high-end industries. Conversely, sales of entr... Read More...

Energizing India’s Green Future with Advanced Battery Technology

Dec 11, 2023

Q: How are batteries shaping India’s energy landscape? A: Batteries are at the forefront of India’s energy transition, serving as essential storage solutions that enable the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. By storing energy from renewables, batteries help stabilize the supply, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support India’s ambitious goals to achieve significant emissions reductions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2070. Q: What advancements are propelling the battery industry forward in India? A: The battery i... Read More...

India’s Push for Self-reliance in Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACCs)

Dec 11, 2023

Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACCs) are the fundamental components of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage solutions. In the context of India’s green initiatives, ACCs play a vital role in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy by enabling the storage of renewable energy and powering electric vehicles, which are essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, India’s ACC manufacturing capabilities are minimal, leading to heavy reliance on imports to meet the domestic demand for these cells. Recognizing the strategic importance of developing domestic production capabilities f... Read More...

Parliamentary Privileges

Dec 11, 2023

Main Privileges of Parliament The Parliament of India, a pivotal entity in the nation's democratic framework, is endowed with specific privileges that are crucial for its functioning. Each House of Parliament, its Committees, and members have special rights and protections essential for their effective functioning. These privileges ensure Parliament's freedom, authority, and dignity.These privileges are enshrined in the Constitution, other statutes, and parliamentary procedures. Here's a detailed look at the key privileges: Freedom of Speech in Parliament (Article 105(1)): This ensures that membe... Read More...

Vladimir Putin’s Political Career and Russian Presidency

Dec 11, 2023

Q: When did Vladimir Putin first become President of Russia? A: Vladimir Putin first became President of Russia on December 31, 1999, after President Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation and named Putin, the then-Prime Minister, as acting president. Q: Has Putin served terms as Prime Minister as well? A: Yes, Putin served as Prime Minister of Russia from 1999, before his first presidential term, and again from May 8, 2008, after being barred from running for a third consecutive term as President, with Dmitry Medvedev taking the presidential role. Read More...

Climate Change Performance Index 2023

Dec 11, 2023

The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) is a collaborative effort compiled by Germanwatch, the NewClimate Institute, and the Climate Action Network. It provides a means to assess and compare the climate performance of various countries. The index is instrumental in highlighting the efforts of nations like India, which, despite environmental challenges, have shown progress in climate action, earning it a commendable ranking. Key Components of the CCPI: GHG Emissions (40%): This category gauges a country’s emissions level, considering both absolute figures and per capita data, as well as emis... Read More...

Revitalizing Traditional Water Conservation: The Khadeen System of Rajasthan

Dec 09, 2023

The ancient water harvesting structures known as khadeens in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan represent a traditional wisdom of conserving scarce rainwater in arid lands. These structures have supported agriculture for centuries by capturing and storing rainwater, thus enabling the cultivation of crops like wheat, gram, and mustard in a region with minimal rainfall. However, the shift to canal irrigation led to a decline in the use of khadeens, resulting in the loss of both the structures and the knowledge of maintaining them. Now, efforts are underway to revive these systems, recognizing their value in biodiversity conservation, prevention of f... Read More...

Museums: Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage

Dec 09, 2023

Museums serve as a crucial repository for a nation’s culture, showcasing the evolution of its heritage and values. India, rich in history and diversity, houses nearly 1,000 museums across the country. These range from those managed by the Central and State Governments to district-level entities, university museums, and private collections. Museum Development in India The Ministry of Culture plays a pivotal role in the development and enhancement of museums throughout India. Prestigious institutions like the National Museum in New Delhi, the Indian Museum and Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, a... Read More...