UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Geopolitics of “New World Order”

Nov 14, 2023

1. What is the ‘New World Order’? The term often refers to a significant shift in global power dynamics and international relations, potentially leading to the establishment of new global governance structures or power hierarchies. 2. How do current conflicts impact the global order? Ongoing conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, can exacerbate global divisions, influence power balances, and potentially catalyze shifts in international alliances and structures. 3. What role does China play in the changing global o... Read More...

Overview of India’s Food Security and Nutritional Challenges: Beyond PMGKAY

Nov 14, 2023

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of the free foodgrain scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for an additional five years, aiming to provide food security to 80 crore individuals. Key Insights: 1. Economic Context: India’s ambition to become a $5-trillion economy by 2025 contrasts with its continued reliance on subsidized/free food schemes. 2. Budget Allocation: The Department of Food and Public Distribution allocated Rs.2,05,514 crore for FY24, with food subsidy being the largest expenditure. Read More...

Explainer: Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis

Nov 14, 2023

Why is Delhi’s Pollution a Topic of Concern? Record Levels: Delhi consistently records high air pollution, breaking its own records. AQI Measurement: The Air Quality Index (AQI) categorizes air quality from good to hazardous (0-500 scale). Delhi’s AQI often falls into the hazardous category. Global Ranking: According to IQ Air, Delhi ranks as the most polluted city globally, with other Indian cities like Kolkata and Mumbai also in the top 10. Is Stubble Burning a Major Cause? Read More...

India-Taiwan Economic Relations: Employment Mobility Agreement

Nov 14, 2023

Overview: India is moving towards strengthening economic ties with Taiwan by sending a significant number of Indian workers to the island, potentially straining relations with China. Key Details: 1. Workforce Exchange Plan: Taiwan plans to hire up to one lakh Indian workers for various sectors including factories, farms, and hospitals. 2. Upcoming Agreement: Both countries are expected to sign an employment mobility agreement as early as December. 3. Taiwan’s Demographic Challenge: Taiwan, becoming a “sup... Read More...

India’s Solar Manufacturing Base Steps Up

Nov 14, 2023

Q1: What initiatives has India taken to boost its solar manufacturing base? A1: India has implemented several initiatives, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which incentivizes manufacturers to increase solar PV (photovoltaic) module production. Additionally, the government has been promoting domestic manufacturing through policies like the Approved List of models and manufacturers (ALMM) order. Q2: How does the PLI scheme contribute to the growth of solar manufacturing? A2: The PLI scheme offers financial incentives to manufacturers for enhancin... Read More...

Labor Productivity in India

Nov 14, 2023

Q1: What is labor productivity and why is it significant for India? A1: Labor productivity measures the output per worker or per hour worked. It is significant for India as higher productivity can lead to economic growth, better wages, and improved living standards. Q2: How does India’s labor productivity compare globally? A2: India’s labor productivity remains below international standards, impacting its competitive edge in the global market. Q3: What factors contribute to low labor productivity in India? Read More...

Antiquities Repatriation and Cultural Heritage

Nov 14, 2023

Q1: What is antiquities repatriation? A1: Antiquities repatriation involves the return of cultural artifacts, often of historical and heritage significance, to their country of origin or the community from which they originated. Q2: Why is the repatriation of antiquities important? A2: Repatriation is crucial for preserving cultural heritage, respecting the historical and emotional significance of artifacts, and correcting historical wrongs where items were removed under dubious circumstances. Q3: What international conventions gove... Read More...

India’s Energy Transition:Current Status

Nov 14, 2023

Q1: What is energy transition? A1: Energy transition refers to the global shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption — including oil, natural gas, and coal — to renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydropower. Q2: Why is energy transition necessary? A2: Transitioning to renewable energy is essential for reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, ensuring energy security, and creating sustainable economic growth. Q3: What is the current progress of India’s energy transit... Read More...

“From the River to the Sea” in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Nov 14, 2023

"Q1: What is the significance of the phrase “from the river to the sea” in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? A1: This phrase historically represents the Palestinian nationalist claim to land extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, the area covering both Israel and Palestine. Q2: How has the phrase “from the river to the sea” been interpreted differently by various groups? A2: For Palestinians, it symbolizes a call for returning to the borders under British control before 1948, reflecting their aspiration f... Read More...

Indian Rupee as a Global Hard Currency

Nov 14, 2023

What is a Hard Currency? A hard currency, also known as a strong currency, is one that is globally recognized for its stability and reliability. It is widely accepted around the world as a form of payment and is often preferred in international transactions. Benefits of Having a Hard Currency: Stable Exchange Rates: Hard currencies usually experience less fluctuation in the forex markets. Lower Interest Rates: Can often borrow at lower interest rates internationally. Investment Inflows: Attracts foreign investment du... Read More...

Crop Diversification Away from Paddy

Nov 14, 2023

Q1: Why is there a push for crop diversification away from paddy cultivation? A1: Crop diversification is encouraged to address environmental concerns like soil depletion, water table reduction, and to combat the air pollution crisis exacerbated by paddy stubble burning. Q2: How can crop diversification benefit farmers and the environment? A2: It promotes sustainable agriculture, reduces dependency on a single crop, conserves water, improves soil health, and decreases the incidence of crop burning and related pollution. Q3: What ste... Read More...

Food Systems and Climate Negotiations at COP28

Nov 14, 2023

Q: What is the focus of COP28 regarding food systems? A: COP28 will dedicate a day to recognizing the role of food systems in climate change, focusing on the impact of food production, transportation, and storage on carbon emissions and their vulnerability to climate changes. Q: What have global organizations requested from the UNFCCC? A: Around 80 organizations, including WWF and the Food Systems Partnership, have urged the UNFCCC to acknowledge the importance of transforming food systems to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. Read More...

Bertrand Russell’s Moral Philosophy

Nov 13, 2023

Bertrand Russell, a prominent 20th-century philosopher, contributed significantly to moral philosophy. His views can be simplified as follows: 1. Human-Centric Approach: Russell believed in placing human welfare at the core of moral philosophy. He argued that happiness and the reduction of suffering are fundamental moral objectives. 2. Empirical Skepticism: He was skeptical of absolute or divine moral laws, advocating instead for a rational, empirical approach to ethics. 3. Liberal Values: He championed individual liberty, freedom of thought, and democratic governance as crucial for moral developme... Read More...

Hannah Arendt on Totalitarianism

Nov 13, 2023

Hannah Arendt, a notable political theorist, provided profound insights into the nature of totalitarianism. Her views can be summarized as follows: 1. Ideology and Terror: Arendt emphasized that totalitarian regimes rely heavily on a dominant ideology and the use of terror to control and manipulate populations. 2. Loss of Individual Freedom: She highlighted how these regimes obliterate individual freedoms and personal liberties, imposing a monolithic form of governance. 3. The Banality of Evil: A key concept from Arendt is the ‘banality of evil,’ suggesting that ordinary people can comm... Read More...

Push-pull trains

Nov 13, 2023

Push-pull trains, a home-grown technology for faster trains, is in the final stages of roll-out after four years. Push-pull trains have two engines, hard-wired to act as one, which provide additional power and reduce acceleration and deceleration times. The first push-pull trains will be composed of non-air-conditioned coaches of General and Sleeper classes only. The trains will have a maximum speed of 130 kmph and will have less detention time at stations, making for faster turnarounds. The cost of a push-pull rake is estimated to be in the vicinity of Rs 50 crore. A total of 10 such trai... Read More...