UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017

Nov 09, 2023

What is the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017? ECBC 2017 sets standards for energy efficiency in commercial buildings, with the aim of promoting energy conservation and sustainable building practices. Why was ECBC 2017 introduced? ECBC was introduced to address the growing energy consumption in India’s building sector, which is projected to skyrocket with the rapid urbanization and economic growth. What are the key features of ECBC 2017? It includes norms for walls, roofs, windows, lig... Read More...

Project Cheetah’s First Year

Nov 09, 2023

Project Cheetah is a significant conservation effort in India, aimed at reintroducing cheetahs to the country after their local extinction. In its first year, the project has experienced a mix of progress and setbacks. Project Goals and Ideals: The project envisioned the cheetahs acclimatizing in the wild for a substantial part of the year. For Namibian cheetahs, the ideal time spent in the wild was 30 days for males and 45 days for females, while for South African cheetahs, it was 60 days for males and 42 days for females. Actual Time Spent in the Wi... Read More...

Dynamics of Female Labor Force Participation

Nov 09, 2023

The topic revolves around the complexities and nuances of the female labor force participation rates, which have shown a fluctuating trend in recent years. Here’s a breakdown: Trend Analysis: There has been an observable increase in the female labor force participation rate (LFPR), which has seen a rise from earlier statistics. Rural areas have seen a more significant rise in female LFPR compared to urban areas, indicating a shift in gender dynamics within the workforce. Economic and Social Indicators: Employment und... Read More...

The Role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India

Nov 09, 2023

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is pivotal in enhancing transparency and accountability in the governance of India. Here are the frequently asked questions that outline the roles, responsibilities, and significance of CAG: What is the role of CAG in Indian democracy? CAG is a constitutional authority tasked with auditing all receipts and expenditures of the Government of India and the state governments, including those bodies or authorities substantially financed by the government. The CAG ensures that public funds are being used efficiently and for the intended purposes. Read More...

INDUS-X Initiative and the India-US Defence Relationship

Nov 09, 2023

The INDUS-X initiative represents a significant collaborative step in the defence sector between India and the United States. Here’s a rundown of FAQs that can help explain the context and implications of this initiative: What is INDUS-X? INDUS-X is a collaboration between India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative under the Ministry of Defence and the United States’ Defence Innovation Unit (DIU). It aims to bring together startups, MSMEs, incubators, and academia from both nations to foster innovation in the defence sector. Read More...

Informal Economy:Understanding the Annual Survey on Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE)

Nov 09, 2023

What is ASUSE? The Annual Survey on Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) is a statistical endeavor by the Indian government to collect and analyze data on unincorporated enterprises, especially in the informal sector, encompassing manufacturing, trade, and other service firms. Why is ASUSE important? ASUSE plays a crucial role in filling the data gap for small and unregistered enterprises that significantly contribute to the economy, employment, and gross domestic product (GDP) but remain outside the purview of formal data collection mechanisms. Read More...

US Investment in Adani’s Sri Lanka Port Project

Nov 09, 2023

What is the significance of the US investment in Adani’s Sri Lanka Port? The US, through its Development Finance Corporation (DFC), is investing $553 million in Adani Ports & SEZ’s Colombo West International Terminal project. This investment is crucial as it not only enhances Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure but also signals strong international confidence in the project. How much is the US investing and for how long? The DFC is providing a project-backed loan of $553 million with a tenure of 20 years, indicating a long-term commitment... Read More...

Bletchley Declaration on AI Regulation

Nov 09, 2023

What is the Bletchley Declaration? The Bletchley Declaration is an agreement signed by 28 nations at the AI Safety Summit in the UK, aiming to regulate artificial intelligence globally. It calls for intensified cooperation to mitigate AI risks and act accordingly. What potential harms of AI does the Declaration address? The Bletchley Declaration points to potential AI risks in cybersecurity, biotechnology, and privacy, emphasizing the need for robust regulation. What economic impact does AI have, according to PwC? Read More...

Understanding the IMF Quota Increase for Developing Nations

Nov 09, 2023

What has the IMF Board decided regarding quotas? The IMF Board has approved a proposal for a 50% increase in quotas for member countries, which would bolster their influence within the organization. Why are quotas important in the IMF? Quotas in the IMF determine a country’s financial contribution, voting power, and access to financing; they are essential in reflecting the economic position of member nations in the organization. What is India’s position in terms of IMF quotas? India is currently the eighth-largest quota-... Read More...

Bharat Atta Scheme: 5 Takeaways

Nov 09, 2023

1. Scheme Launch and Purpose: Government Initiative: Ahead of Diwali, the Centre introduced the Bharat Atta scheme. Subsidised Wheat Flour: Wheat flour is being sold at Rs.27.50 per kg under this scheme, a significant reduction from the usual market rates of Rs.36-70 per kg. Objective: This initiative aims to offer financial relief to consumers amid high market prices. 2. Wheat Allocation and Pricing: Allocation by FCI: Approximately 2.5 lakh tonnes of wheat will be supplied by the Food Corporation of India (F... Read More...

Status of Women and Population Growth in India: An In-Depth Look

Nov 09, 2023

Nitish Kumar's comment on status of women and population stabilisation can be considered in a macro context as follows: 1. Impact of Women's Status on Population Growth Education & Empowerment: Higher education and empowerment levels among women lead to lower fertility rates, slowing population growth. Reproductive Autonomy: Increased status grants women more control over reproductive choices, often resulting in smaller family sizes. Health Awareness: Educated women are more informed about healthcare services, influencing family planning decision... Read More...

The Evolution from Pusa-44 to Pusa-2090 Rice Varieties

Nov 09, 2023

Background on Pusa-44 Pusa-44 is a rice variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. Its key characteristics are: Long Duration: It takes about 155-160 days to mature from nursery sowing to grain harvest. Sowing and Harvesting Timeline: Typically sown in nurseries in May, transplanted in mid-June, and ready for harvest by late October. Impact on Subsequent Crops: Its late harvesting leaves little time for farmers to prepare fields for the next wheat crop, which ideally should be sown by mid-November. ... Read More...

Border Security: Technology and Human Presence

Nov 08, 2023

Lessons from October 7 On October 7, a significant incident involving the Iron Dome highlighted the limitations of relying solely on technology for national defense. The Iron Dome is an advanced missile defense system developed by Israel, designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells. However, on this particular day, the system faced challenges that emphasized the importance of human intervention alongside technological defenses. Despite its high success rate, the Iron Dome isn't infallible, and the events of October 7 served as a reminder that even the most sophisticated tec... Read More...

India and China Plus One Strategy

Nov 08, 2023

The China Plus One strategy is a risk mitigation concept that businesses are adopting to diversify their manufacturing and sourcing strategies beyond China. The approach arose from the recognition of potential risks associated with over-reliance on a single country for manufacturing, such as supply chain disruptions, increasing labor costs, and geopolitical tensions. Companies implementing China Plus One continue to operate in China but also establish manufacturing capabilities in alternative countries. This helps in reducing dependency on China and spreading out risks. India, with its large workforce, growing infrastructure, and supportive governm... Read More...

India’s Agricultural Crisis: Soil Degradation Threatens Food Security and Livelihoods

Nov 08, 2023

As an agrarian country, India’s soil health is pivotal for its food security and economic stability. With 146.8 million hectares of soil degraded, this environmental issue is no longer on the horizon—it’s at the doorstep. Soil degradation undercuts not only the agricultural productivity but also the very fabric of India’s food sovereignty, jeopardizing the nation’s ability to feed its burgeoning population. Key Factors of Soil Degradation: Excessive use of chemical inputs during the Green Revolution era. Over-irrigation and resultant water table dep... Read More...