UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Naval Fleet

Dec 06, 2023

Q: Who is considered the father of the Indian Navy? A: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is often referred to as the father of the Indian Navy due to his strategic establishment of a naval fleet to protect the Maratha Empire. Q: What was the significance of the Sindhudurg Fort? A: The Sindhudurg Fort, located off the coast of Maharashtra, served as a naval base and watchpoint to safeguard the Maratha Empire from foreign invaders using the sea route, particularly the Portuguese and the British. Q: How did Shivaji Maharaj contribute to nava... Read More...

The New Space Race: Private Ventures and Global Ambitions

Dec 06, 2023

What is the new space race? The contemporary space race involves private companies and multiple countries, including India, striving to achieve significant milestones in space exploration. Unlike the past, dominated by state-led programs, today’s race features private entities and international collaborations aiming for the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Why is there a new space race? Advancements in technology, decreasing costs, and increased interest in space resources have reignited the space race. Nations and companies are pursuing scientific discovery, national p... Read More...

Understanding UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Dec 06, 2023

What is UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List? UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List is designed to recognize and protect various traditions, practices, and arts that are considered cultural staples within different societies around the world. These elements are not physical objects but include performing arts, social practices, rituals, and methods of craftsmanship that are passed down through generations. Why is the Intangible Heritage List important for India? For India, a country rich in cultural diversity, the list serves to highlight and p... Read More...

North and South India:Demarcation

Dec 06, 2023

Historical Roots North India was predominantly influenced by Indo-Aryan cultures and witnessed a series of invasions and empires, notably the Mughal Empire and British colonial rule. South India, on the other hand, has its roots in Dravidian cultures, with enduring empires such as the Chola and Vijayanagara and regions like Kerala engaging in early foreign trade due to their coastal positions. Geographical Diversity The North is characterized by a landlocked, diverse topography with the Himalayas and the Gangetic plains as significant features. In contrast, the South is a peninsula with a long coastline,... Read More...

Suicide Trends and Mental Health Support in India

Dec 06, 2023

Q: What is the trend of suicide in India and who is most affected? A: Suicide is a rising concern in India, with a daily average of 50 reported cases. Young adults, particularly in the 18-30 age group, are significantly impacted, comprising nearly 35% of these cases. Q: What factors are contributing to the suicide crisis in India? A: The crisis is linked to three main gaps: inadequate mental health infrastructure, deficient laws addressing the issue, and societal taboos that hinder people from seeking mental health support. Q: What ... Read More...

Understanding the Importance of NPK Ratio in Agriculture Soil

Dec 06, 2023

1. What is the NPK ratio in agriculture soil, and why is it important? NPK Ratio in Soil: A Fundamental Aspect of Agriculture Answer: The NPK ratio refers to the relative proportions of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the soil. It’s vital because these nutrients are essential for plant growth and crop productivity. 2. What is the desirable NPK ratio, and why does it matter? The Ideal NPK Ratio: Balancing Nutrients for Healthy Soil Answer: The desirable NPK ratio is typically 4:2:1 (N:P:K). This balanced ratio ens... Read More...

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in India’s Context

Dec 06, 2023

Concept and Relevance to India: 1. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): This technology involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes, using it in various applications, and storing it safely to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. Given India’s substantial greenhouse gas emissions from its heavy reliance on fossil fuels, CCUS is critical for mitigating climate impacts while supporting economic growth. 2. Alignment with Climate Goals: India, committed to the Paris Agreement, aims to reduce its carbon footprint. CCUS is pivotal in achie... Read More...

Post Office Bill, 2023: Balancing Modernization and Accountability

Dec 06, 2023

The Post Office Bill, 2023, marking a transformative shift from the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, heralds significant changes in India’s postal service regulation. Its introduction is a stride towards modernizing the legislative framework to align with contemporary digital advancements. Yet, it brings to the fore critical issues concerning fundamental rights, accountability, and differentiation between public and private postal entities. Key Highlights of the Bill: 1. End of Exclusive Privilege: The Bill ends the government’s monopoly on letter conveyance, inviting private sector particip... Read More...

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)

Dec 06, 2023

Q: What is the NFRA? A: The National Financial Reporting Authority is a regulatory body in India tasked with overseeing the quality of financial reporting by companies to ensure transparency and accuracy in corporate financial statements. Q: When was the NFRA established? A: The NFRA was constituted on October 1, 2018. Q: Under which law was the NFRA set up? A: It was set up under Section 132(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. Q: Why was the NFRA created? Read More...

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and India

Dec 06, 2023

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free trade agreement involving Asia-Pacific countries, creating the largest trade bloc in history as of its signing in November 2020. It encompasses around 30% of the world's population and global GDP, signifying a major economic shift with substantial implications for global trade dynamics. Q: What is the RCEP? A: The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a free trade agreement among Asian countries aimed at creating a unified market to enhance trade and investment in the region. Q: Why did In... Read More...

Demographic Dividend and Women Empowerment

Dec 06, 2023

Q: What is a demographic dividend? A: A demographic dividend is the economic growth potential that results from shifts in a population’s age structure, typically when the working-age population is larger than the non-working segments. Q: How is a demographic dividend related to women’s empowerment? A: Women’s empowerment, particularly in education and employment, can significantly enhance a country’s demographic dividend by increasing the productivity and economic contributions of half of the population. Q: W... Read More...

Interest-Free Loans to States

Dec 05, 2023

Q: What are interest-free loans to states? A: Interest-free loans to states are financial supports provided by the central government to state governments, which require repayment of the principal amount but incur no interest charges. Q: Why does the central government offer these loans? A: These loans are intended to boost capital expenditure in states, funding projects in vital sectors like health, education, infrastructure, water supply, and railways. Q: How large are the interest-free loans currently? Read More...

OUP “Rizz”: The New Buzzword of the Year

Dec 05, 2023

What Oxford Says The big dictionary folks at Oxford picked “Rizz” as the top word for 2023. What It Means It’s all about having that special something – call it charm or style. How It Was Chosen People got to vote on it, and “Rizz” came out on top. Why It Matters Shows how new words can catch on and become popular. Who Made It Popular The youn... Read More...

India Infrastructure Report 2023 and Urban Development Challenges

Dec 05, 2023

1. What is the India Infrastructure Report 2023? The India Infrastructure Report 2023 is a comprehensive study focusing on urban planning and development in India. It’s a collaborative effort by the Infrastructure Development Finance Company Foundation, Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Limited, and the National Institute of Urban Affairs. 2. What are the Report’s Key Findings on Urban Sprawl? The report highlights flawed urban planning and restrictive development-control norms as primary drivers of urban sprawl and slum creation in India... Read More...

Gujarat's State Fish: The Black-Spotted Croaker (Ghol)

Dec 05, 2023

Gujarat has recently highlighted the black-spotted croaker, locally known as Ghol, by designating it as the state fish. This decision places the Ghol in the limelight over more commonly known fish species like Pomfret, Bombay Duck, and Ribbonfish. The primary reasons for this selection are its rarity and high economic value, derived largely from its medicinal properties. Key Highlights Economic and Medicinal Value: Ghol, often referred to as 'Sea Gold', is highly valued for its body parts which possess culinary and medicinal properties. Rich in nutrients like magnesium, iodine, Omega-3, and i... Read More...