UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India’s Solar Module Manufacturing Growth

Nov 08, 2023

Q: What is the expected growth in India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity by 2025? A: India’s solar PV module manufacturing capacity is anticipated to grow from the current 37 GW to 60 GW by 2025. Q: How might the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme affect future capacity? A: The PLI scheme is expected to potentially increase the capacity to nearly 100 GW. Q: What is the role of the PLI scheme in solar manufacturing? A: The PLI scheme is designed to encourage the setup of integ... Read More...

India’:Decline in Maternal Mortality Ratio

Nov 08, 2023

Q: How has India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio changed since 1990? A: India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has dropped significantly from 556 per lakh live births in 1990 to 97 in 2020, marking an 82.5 percent decrease. Q: What measures contributed to the decrease in India’s MMR? A: Government efforts such as promoting institutional births, improving emergency transportation, and focusing on healthcare quality for mothers have been pivotal. Programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) encouraged institutional deliveries combined with cash assistance an... Read More...

SVAMITVA: A Transformative Rural Land Ownership Initiative

Nov 08, 2023

SVAMITVA, which stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas, is a scheme launched by the Government of India aimed at providing an integrated property validation solution for rural India. Through the use of advanced surveying methods, including drone technology, the scheme intends to create accurate land records and property maps. It helps in ensuring that property rights are clearly defined, which in turn aids in resolving disputes and improving transparency in rural land records. By mapping rural inhabited lands using drones, SVAMITVA seeks to create a comprehensive rural property registry in the f... Read More...

Introduction of Specialization: Welcoming Lateral Entries to Indian Administration

Nov 08, 2023

The opening section should set the stage by discussing the government’s initiative to infuse fresh talent into India’s bureaucracy through lateral entries, explaining how this approach aims to enhance the administrative machinery by recruiting specialists. Historical Context: Reflecting on the Industrial Management Pool of 1957 This part should provide a historical perspective, reflecting on the Industrial Management Pool initiative and its objectives, drawing parallels with contemporary efforts, and analyzing the lessons learned from the past. Current S... Read More...

China’s Belt and Road Initiative Debt Accumulation

Nov 08, 2023

Debt Trap Diplomacy The reported accumulation of over $1 trillion in debt owed to China through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) positions the nation as the world’s largest debt collector. This development has significant implications: 1. Financial Distress in Borrowing Countries: With an e stimated 80 percent of the loans reportedly supporting countries already in financial distress, there is a heightened risk of default and economic instability in these regions. 2. Shift in Global Financial Dynamics: China’s role as a principal lender may alter the balance of financial i... Read More...

India’s Patent Application Growth

Nov 08, 2023

India has experienced a remarkable 31.6% increase in resident patent applications in 2022, the highest among all countries, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This growth signifies India’s rising innovation capabilities and emphasis on intellectual property rights. To elaborate: India filed 55,718 resident patent applications in 2022. This growth rate is part of a broader trend of increasing emphasis on research and development in India. The number of patents granted also rose by 10.5% to 28,391. China leads the volume ... Read More...

India’s Leap in AI

Nov 08, 2023

India is advancing rapidly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), influencing diverse sectors from agriculture to manufacturing, with the support of government policies and initiatives. Significant investments in innovation and digital transformation are driving this change, positioning India as a notable player in the global AI landscape. Key Points: Government support through the National AI Mission enhances AI’s role in economic and social sectors. AI is being integrated into healthcare, agriculture, and other critical areas for improved efficiency and problem-so... Read More...

Bharat Organics by NCOL: Empowering Farmers & Organic Growth

Nov 08, 2023

‘Bharat Organics’ by National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL) 1. What is ‘Bharat Organics’? ‘Bharat Organics’ is a brand under National Cooperative Organics Ltd (NCOL), targeting a trusted position in the Indian and international organic market. 2. What is the purpose of NCOL? NCOL, standing for National Cooperative Organics Ltd, is dedicated to supporting organic growers by managing the supply chain of organic products through cooperatives. 3. How will NCOL benefit farmers? Read More...

India’s Embrace of Generative AI

Nov 08, 2023

Generative AI is emerging as a transformative force within India’s digital economy, with applications spanning education to healthcare. The Indian government recognizes its potential, underpinning the digital economy’s growth. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence outlines a research and adoption ecosystem for AI. “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India” encapsulates the drive to create AI solutions that are inclusive and beneficial across sectors. India’s National Program on Artificial Intelligence, endorsed by MeitY, and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS... Read More...

Climate Benefits of Biochar

Nov 08, 2023

Biochar’s Role in Climate Action: Climate Mitigation: Biochar, created from organic waste like crop residues, has the capacity to capture atmospheric CO2, aiding in climate change mitigation. Soil Health: It also contributes to improving soil fertility and can enhance plant growth, with the carbon sequestration effect lasting for hundreds of years. Potential for Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Long-term Stability: A substantial portion of this sequestered carbon would remain in the soil over a century, offsetting a major fraction of agri... Read More...

Indian States’ Climate Vulnerability

Nov 08, 2023

Cross Dependency Initiative’s report identifies high climate risk to infrastructure in 9 Indian states by 2050, with a focus on Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, and Assam. These states are part of the 80% of the top 50 vulnerable global provinces, alongside regions in China and the US. Mumbai, India’s economic powerhouse, is notably highlighted for its high risk. The risk ranking takes into account eight climate-induced hazards, including flooding, extreme heat, and forest fires. The report suggests a stark increase, up to 110%, in damage risk... Read More...

Indo-Bhutan Relations and Regional Impact

Nov 08, 2023

India has reaffirmed its commitment to Bhutan’s socioeconomic development during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The talks culminated in enhanced bilateral cooperation across several domains: 1. Socio-economic Development: Modi’s assurance to Bhutan underlines the long-standing partnership, aligning with Bhutan’s development goals. 2. Infrastructure and Connectivity: The consensus on a train link survey between Kokrajhar (Assam) and Gelephu (Bhutan) reflects growing connectivity initiatives. 3. Trade and Energy: Read More...

Balancing Welfare and Fiscal Prudence

Nov 07, 2023

As political parties in various Indian states make pre-poll promises, concerns arise about the long-term fiscal impact. Both major parties in Chhattisgarh, and other states, have offered schemes that could strain state finances, including cash transfers, subsidized amenities, and free education. National Fiscal Implications Prime Minister Modi’s extension of the free foodgrain distribution scheme, originally a pandemic relief measure, now takes on a near-permanent status with significant annual costs. This decision sets a precedent not just for state elections but also for the upcoming Lok Sabh... Read More...

India’s National Security Strategy Adoption: Importance and Context

Nov 07, 2023

What is a National Security Strategy? A framework that defines a nation’s security objectives, the threats it faces, and the methods to address these concerns. It guides the nation’s defense and security actions and policies. Why is India adopting a National Security Strategy now? India is formulating this strategy to systematically address the evolving array of threats, establish clear objectives, and ensure coordinated action across various defense and security departments. Which countries have a National Security Stra... Read More...

Kozhikode: UNESCO City of Literature

Nov 07, 2023

What does the UNESCO City of Literature tag signify for Kozhikode? The UNESCO City of Literature designation for Kozhikode represents the city’s ability to embrace diversity and humanize through its cultural and literary strength. How does Kozhikode maintain its cultural and literary ethos? Kozhikode maintains its culture through robust publishing sectors, over 500 public libraries, and free-flowing discussions on politics and the arts. What is the importance of urban planning in preserving cultural identity? Read More...