UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Breakthrough in Sickle Cell Disease Treatment

Nov 06, 2023

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Overview: Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic disorder causing abnormally shaped red blood cells that can lead to severe health complications. Affected individuals suffer from symptoms like pain, infections, stroke, and other serious issues due to the crescent-shaped cells disrupting blood flow. Potential Gene Therapy Cure: Upcoming FDA Review: A gene therapy, possibly the first to use CRISPR in the US, is under review by FDA advisors. Treatment Mechanism: The therapy aims to edit the DNA in blood cells to produce h... Read More...

Demographic Transition in India: Addressing Elderly Care

Nov 06, 2023

The demographic shift towards an ageing population in India necessitates a multifaceted approach to ensure dignified elder care. The Vienna International Plan of Action on Ageing and the United Nations Principles for Older Persons set the framework for nations, including India, to develop policies that support an independent and dignified life for the elderly. The India Ageing Report 2023 highlights India’s specific challenges in this arena, such as the feminisation, ruralisation, and ageing of the aged. With a significant portion of the elderly being women, who often face greater vulnerabilities, there is an urgent call for gen... Read More...

Navayana Buddhism

Nov 06, 2023

Navayana Buddhism, also known as Neo-Buddhism, is a modern Buddhist movement. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent social reformer and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, initiated Navayana Buddhism. On 14th October 1956, he converted to Buddhism, denouncing the caste system and seeking an egalitarian alternative in Buddhism. Navayana Buddhism diverges from traditional Buddhism in various ways. It rejects rituals and ceremonies that are not aligned with rational thought and emphasizes social equality and justice, reflecting Ambedkar’s efforts to address social discrimination. The movement reinterprets Buddhist teaching... Read More...

Food Safety in India: A Decline in Standards

Nov 06, 2023

Indian States and Food Safety Concerns The State Food Safety Index (SFSI) for 2022-23, compiled by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), indicates a worrisome decline in food safety standards across most Indian states. The FSSAI began this evaluation in 2018-19, and the trend has been a downward shift in food-safety scores over five years. Key Findings of SFSI Significant findings include a marked drop in the SFSI scores of major states, with prominent food industry players like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh witnessing their scores near... Read More...

OPEC+ and Oil Output Strategy

Nov 06, 2023

Understanding OPEC+ The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is an intergovernmental organization of oil-exporting nations. OPEC+ refers to the alliance of OPEC members with non-OPEC oil producers like Russia. This coalition coordinates their oil production to manage the supply in the global market, which can affect oil prices. Strategic Cuts by Saudi Arabia and Russia Amidst global demand fluctuations and economic concerns, Saudi Arabia and Russia have agreed to maintain their voluntary oil production cuts. Saudi Arabia is continuin... Read More...

Digital Rupee

Nov 04, 2023

e₹-W and Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Benefits, Opportunities, and Challenges Understanding e₹-W and CBDC Developments in India. 1. What is e₹-W? e₹-W is a variant of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) initiated by India in November 2022. It functions as a wholesale, central bank digital currency mainly used for interbank settlement. 2. Why was e₹-W introduced? The RBI launched e₹-W to enhance the efficiency of the interbank settlement system, reduce the co... Read More...

India’s Palm Oil Industry and Sustainable Farming

Nov 04, 2023

Title: Palm Oil Production in India: Opportunities, Challenges, and Models 1. Why is palm oil significant in India? Palm oil has become an essential component in India’s edible oil sector due to its affordability and high yield potential. Presently, India imports nearly 65% of its cooking oil needs. 2. How has palm oil farming changed over the past two decades? Two decades ago, farmers like M.V. Ramoji Rao began shifting to oil palm due to its regular income potential and the support provided by companies such as palm re... Read More...

India’s GST Revenue Buoyancy

Nov 04, 2023

Understanding the Buoyancy of GST Revenues in India 1. What is GST, and why is it significant for India? Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive tax levy on the manufacture, sale, and consumption of goods and services. It serves as an indicator of economic growth in India and aims to simplify the tax structure by eliminating cascading tax effects. 2. How have monthly GST collections trended over the years? GST collections have shown varying trends: The average monthly GST collection during the first half... Read More...

Land Acquisition Legislation in India

Nov 04, 2023

Title: Delving Into India’s Land Acquisition Laws 1. What sparked the controversy around Tata Motors in West Bengal? Tata Motors had secured an arbitration award against the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation over a dispute at their Singur plant. The project was ultimately scrapped due to protests against land acquisition by the local populace. 2. What has been the evolution of land acquisition laws in India? The land acquisition laws in India have undergone various changes. Historically, the focus was on acq... Read More...

Plants Thrive in Low Gravity on the Moon

Nov 04, 2023

Plants on the Moon? Chang'e 4's lunar experiment shows surprising results When Chang'e 4 landed on the Moon in 2019, it carried seeds to test plant growth in low gravity. Recent findings reveal that low gravity might actually benefit plant growth, with some intriguing insights. Let's explore the details! Lunar Growth: The lunar seedling faced extreme conditions, including -52°C temperatures during the night. Yet, it remained green and upright when the light returned, while Earthly counterparts perished. Low gravity seems to trigger ... Read More...

Lab-Grown Diamonds in India

Nov 04, 2023

Understanding Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are genuine diamonds produced in controlled environments using cutting-edge technology that replicates the natural diamond-growing process. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. Production Process: Two primary methods are used to create lab-grown diamonds: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT): Mimics the natural process of diamond formation, subjecting carbon to high temperatures and pressures. Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)... Read More...

Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)

Nov 04, 2023

Sustainable Future The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), introduced at the G20 Summit in Delhi in 2023, has sparked discussions about biofuels worldwide. This alliance aims to promote biofuels as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. However, selecting the right biofuel technologies is paramount to prevent inadvertently contributing to climate change. Biofuels, derived from biomass, can offer energy security for countries dependent on fossil fuel imports. Yet, improper choices can lead to indirect land use changes, food security concerns, and increased carbon emissions. The GBA’s role is ... Read More...

CTBT: Global Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and Security

Nov 04, 2023

What is the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)? The CTBT is a global treaty adopted by the UN General Assembly, prohibiting all nuclear explosions.It is not in force. Why is the CTBT important? It aims to eliminate nuclear testing, thereby reducing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and advancing disarmament. Why did Russia revoke its ratification of the CTBT? Russia’s move is seen as a reciprocal response to the U.S. not ratifying the treaty. How does... Read More...

Financialization:Advantages and Disadvantages

Nov 03, 2023

Q1: What is financialization? A1: Financialization is the process by which financial markets, financial institutions, and financial motives become increasingly important in the operation of the economy and the way society organizes itself. Q2: What are some key aspects of financialization? A2: Key aspects of financialization include the growth of financial markets, the increasing influence of financial institutions, the rise of financial products and services, and the prioritization of financial motives over other economic goals. Q3... Read More...

Draksharamam and Ahobilam Temples

Nov 03, 2023

Q: What is the significance of the Eastern Ghats in South India’s history? A: While the Western Ghats are often more prominently featured in historical narratives, the Eastern Ghats have played a crucial role in the history of South India, particularly in the fertile plains of Andhra Pradesh. They were patronized by emperors of Vijayanagara in the 16th century and were noted by Mughal courtiers. Recently, a Mughal painting depicting a Chenchu couple from the Eastern Ghats was sold for a significant amount. Q: How have the people of the Eastern Ghats contributed to the evolution of H... Read More...