UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Enhancing Maritime Safety and Countering Terrorism

Dec 09, 2023

Colombo Security Conclave’s 6th Meeting FAQs on the 6th Colombo Security Conclave Meeting 1. What is the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)? CSC is a regional security forum comprising India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Maldives, focusing on maritime safety, counter-terrorism, transnational crime, cyber security, and disaster relief. 2. Where and when was the 6th CSC meeting held? The 6th CSC meeting was held in Mauritius on December 7, 2023. 3. Who attended the 6th CSC meeting? National ... Read More...

Household Biomedical Waste Management

Dec 09, 2023

Basics of Biomedical WasteBiomedical waste, comprising materials used in healthcare and related activities, includes items like expired medicines, used syringes, bandages, and diagnostic kits. This type of waste poses health risks due to its potentially infectious and toxic nature. Household Biomedical WasteTraditionally, the focus has been on biomedical waste from healthcare facilities. However, with the rise in home healthcare, the amount of biomedical waste generated in households has increased. This includes waste from chronic disease management, home treatments, and self-medication. Environmental Impact of Improper DisposalWh... Read More...

Free Will vs. Determinism: Indian Context

Dec 09, 2023

The debate between free will and determinism is a central theme in philosophy, exploring the extent of human freedom and the role of fate or predetermined events. In the Indian context, this debate is intricately woven into the fabric of its cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions. Free Will in Indian Philosophy 1. Hinduism and Karma: Hindu philosophy, particularly the concept of Karma, reflects a blend of free will and determinism. Karma implies actions and their consequences, suggesting that while one’s current life may be influenced by past actions (determinism), individuals have t... Read More...

Photosynthetic pathways

Dec 09, 2023

Photosynthetic pathways are essential mechanisms in plants for converting sunlight into chemical energy. There are three main types of photosynthetic pathways: 1. C3 Pathway: Mechanism: This is the most common pathway, involving the fixation of CO2 into a 3-carbon compound (3-phosphoglycerate) via the enzyme Rubisco. Occurrence: Found in most plants, particularly in cooler, wetter climates. Efficiency: Less efficient in hot, dry conditions due to higher rates of photorespiration. 2. C4 Pathway: Mechanism: CO2 is initially fixed into a 4-carbon compound, which i... Read More...

C4 Grasses

Dec 09, 2023

C4 Grasses: An Overview C4 grasses represent a unique group of plants that have evolved a specialized mechanism of photosynthesis. This mechanism is more efficient under conditions of high light intensity, high temperatures, and limited water supply. Key Characteristics of C4 Grasses: 1. Photosynthetic Pathway: C4 grasses utilize the C4 photosynthetic pathway, which effectively concentrates carbon dioxide in specialized cells, reducing photorespiration. 2. Leaf Anatomy: They possess a distinct leaf anatomy known as Kranz anatomy, characterized by a rin... Read More...

Ancient Sculptures Unearthed Near Assam-Mizoram Border

Dec 09, 2023

Summary of the Discovery: Ancient Sculptures Identified: Researchers from a university in Assam have discovered sculptures dating back to the 8th century, showcasing Hindu and Buddhist influences, at a hill area near the Assam-Mizoram border. Location and Cultural Context: The sculptures were found in a village in Mizoram’s Mamit district, bordering Assam. This area is home to the Reang Tribes who have a tradition of worshiping Hindu deities. Details of the Discovery: Journey to the Site: The discovery involved traversing through forests from Ass... Read More...

‘White Lung Syndrome’

Dec 09, 2023

Overview: Term Origin: ‘White lung syndrome’ is a non-medical term emerging from recent respiratory illness outbreaks, primarily affecting children in several countries. Current Context: This syndrome is not new. It represents a symptomatic manifestation of viral or bacterial lung infections. What is White Lung Syndrome? Imaging Appearance: In chest X-rays or CT scans, healthy lungs appear black due to air allowing radiation passage. Infections or other pathologies make parts of the lungs appear white, hence the term ‘white lung syndr... Read More...

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India

Dec 08, 2023

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? Digital Public Infrastructure refers to essential digital platforms like digital identity, payment systems, and data exchange solutions, which enable the delivery of services to the public and foster digital inclusion. How is DPI fueling innovation in India? India’s DPI ecosystem is accelerating the rise of new startups by providing a foundation upon which they can create and innovate, challenging established market players. What impact does DPI have on startups? Read More...

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India

Dec 08, 2023

What are Global Capability Centres (GCCs)? GCCs are specialized centers set up by multinational companies in different countries to tap into local talent and resources for various business functions such as IT, R&D, marketing, and legal services. Why are GCCs important for India? GCCs are significant for India as they contribute to the country’s GDP, create employment, and help in the transfer of global business practices and technological advancements. They also foster innovation by leveraging local talent and industry expertise. Read More...

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India

Dec 08, 2023

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? DPI is like the digital equivalent of physical public amenities, such as roads and electric grids. It’s a network of online systems and tools that support digital activities like verifying identities (think digital Aadhaar ID), making payments (like using UPI to transfer money), and many other online services. Why is DPI important for India? DPI is crucial for India as it helps in connecting people to the digital economy, especially those who previously didn’t have access to banking or online services. It makes... Read More...

The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: India's Position and Response

Dec 08, 2023

Q: What is the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)? The European Union's CBAM is a policy designed to impose a carbon price on certain imported goods to prevent carbon leakage and encourage cleaner production. It effectively acts as a carbon tax on imports like iron, steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, and electricity. Q: When will the CBAM take effect, and what are its preliminary actions? The full effect of the CBAM is set for January 1, 2026. However, starting October 1 of the current year, there are provisions that companies in c... Read More...

India's Refugee Challenge

Dec 08, 2023

Northeast India's Refugee Situation and Policy Responses Q: What is the current refugee situation in Northeast India? Northeast India is witnessing an influx of refugees from Myanmar, with the state of Mizoram receiving a significant number due to its proximity to the Myanmar border. This has put a strain on local resources and called for a nuanced refugee policy. Q: How has Mizoram responded to the refugee crisis? Local civil society and church groups in Mizoram have stepped in to assist, showcasing the region's cultu... Read More...

Women's Participation in Indian Elections: An Overview

Dec 08, 2023

Q: What notable achievement did women in Rajasthan accomplish in recent elections? Women in Rajasthan have consistently turned out in higher numbers than men in the recent assembly elections, reversing a trend and showcasing increased political engagement among women. Q: How has women's voter turnout changed over time in India? The gender gap in turnout has significantly reduced from 17 percentage points in 1962 to less than 1.5 percentage points, with women surpassing men in voter turnout in many states as of 2019. Q: What is t... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)

Dec 08, 2023

India’s Journey to Universal Health Care Q: What does the inauguration of the 10,000th 'Jan Aushadhi Kendra' signify for India’s health care system? It signifies a major milestone for the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), reflecting the Indian government's dedication to making health care more accessible by offering generic medicines at significantly lower prices compared to branded drugs. Q: How does the 'Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana' aim to alleviate health care costs for Indian fam... Read More...

India’s Defence Exports and LCA Tejas

Dec 08, 2023

What is the current status of India’s defence exports? India’s defence exports have achieved a significant milestone, recording an all-time high of nearly Rs. 16,000 crore in FY 2022-23. This marks a substantial increase from Rs. 686 crore in FY 2013-14, demonstrating a 23-fold growth. Which countries are showing interest in India’s indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas? Talks are in progress with six countries including Argentina, the Philippines, and Nigeria, among others, showing interest in the Tejas aircraft. Read More...