UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Mumbai , The Maximum City

Nov 03, 2023

“Maximum City” is a nickname often used to refer to the city of Mumbai, India. Mumbai is known by this moniker due to its many superlatives and unique characteristics. Here are some associated aspects of Mumbai: 1. Economic Hub: Mumbai is the financial capital of India and is home to the country’s major stock exchanges, including the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). It hosts numerous multinational corporations, banks, and financial institutions. 2. Business Opportunities: The city offers a wide range of business opportunities, attracting entrepreneurs, professionals, and job seekers from across India and a... Read More...

Increasing Soil Organic Carbon and Combating Climate Change:

Nov 03, 2023

Q1: Why is increasing organic carbon in soils considered important for combating climate change? A1: Increasing organic carbon in soils is crucial because it helps sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas levels, which in turn mitigates climate change. Additionally, it enhances soil fertility and crop yields. Q2: How does increasing soil organic carbon improve soil fertility? A2: Soil organic carbon improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient retention. It provides a source of energy and nutrients for soil microorg... Read More...

Understanding Electoral Bonds: Features, Use, and Challenges

Nov 03, 2023

What are Electoral Bonds? Electoral Bonds are interest-free bearer bonds or money instruments that can be purchased by companies and individuals in India from authorized branches of the State Bank of India (SBI). What are the denominations of Electoral Bonds? Electoral Bonds are sold in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore. How can Electoral Bonds be used? These bonds can be purchased through a KYC-compliant account to make donations to a political party. The political ... Read More...

Nasovac S4 : Flu Vaccine in India

Nov 03, 2023

Q: What is Nasovac S4, and who developed it? A: Nasovac S4 is India’s first nasal vaccine against influenza. It was developed by the vaccine maker Serum Institute of India and launched by the Pune-based diagnostic company Mylab Discovery Solutions. Q: What does Nasovac S4 protect against? A: Nasovac S4 is a live quadrivalent influenza vaccine designed to protect against four flu virus strains. It covers two influenza Type A virus strains (A/H1N1 and A/H3N2) and two Type B virus strains (Victoria and Yamagata lineage), which are the types responsible for seasona... Read More...

Historical Commemoration of Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka

Nov 03, 2023

Context: Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka, historically referred to as Malaiyaha Tamils, are observing two centuries of their presence on the island. Originating from their arduous journey as indentured laborers brought by the British for plantation work, their history is marked by significant challenges including disenfranchisement and labor exploitation. Event Significance: A landmark event, Naam 200, is scheduled with key Indian and Sri Lankan dignitaries such as Nirmala Sitharaman and Shashi Tharoor to recognize this community’s contribution and str... Read More...

Gig Economy and Worker Wages

Nov 03, 2023

Q: What is the difference between a minimum wage and a living wage? A: The minimum wage is the lowest wage that employers can legally pay their workers, as mandated by the state. A living wage is an unofficial benchmark that reflects the minimum income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs, including housing, healthcare, and education. Q: Why don’t all gig platforms guarantee a living wage? A: Gig platforms often classify workers as independent contractors, not traditional employees, which can exclude them from certain legal wage protections. There&r... Read More...

Sardar Patel’s Historical Role and Legacy

Nov 03, 2023

Founding Father of the Indian Republic: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, was a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence and the subsequent unification of the country. He served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. Unification of Princely States: Patel’s most enduring legacy is his role in the integration of over 560 princely states into the Indian Union. Using a mix of diplomacy, realpolitik, and the threat of force where necessary, he managed to meld the disparate state... Read More...

2+2 Dialogue and Visit by US Officials

Nov 03, 2023

1. What is the 2+2 dialogue? The 2+2 dialogue is an annual India-US meeting that includes discussions between both nations’ ministers of external affairs and defense. 2. Who will be visiting India for the dialogue this year? US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin will be participating in the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi. 3. What are the main areas of discussion in this dialogue? The talks will focus on a wide range of issues, including the strategic India-US relat... Read More...

Global Pact on AI: Key Takeaways

Nov 03, 2023

1. What was the significance of the meeting at Bletchley Park? Major countries met at Bletchley Park to collaborate on minimizing risks from ‘frontier AI’, acknowledging the historical role of Bletchley Park as a codebreaking hub during World War II. 2. What is “Frontier AI”? Frontier AI is a highly capable foundational generative AI model that poses various public safety, societal, and misuse risks. 3. What is the objective of the Bletchley Park Declaration? The declaration aims ... Read More...

Navy Veterans Sentenced in Qatar: Key Insights

Nov 03, 2023

1. What is the primary issue? In June 2018, a court in Qatar sentenced several Indian Navy veterans to death. This was alarming as Qatar rarely hands out death sentences. 2. Why were they sentenced? The veterans were employees of Doha-based Dahra Global and were accused of illegal stealth sub-marines induction. However, the exact reasons for their arrest were not made public by Qatari authorities. 3. What has been India’s response? Deepak Mittal, the former Indian Ambassador to Doha, met with detai... Read More...

Bhutan’s Royal Visit amidst India-China Dynamics: Key Points

Nov 03, 2023

1. Why is the King of Bhutan visiting India? King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan is on an eight-day official visit to India. This visit comes amidst renewed efforts between Bhutan and China to resolve their boundary dispute and China’s push to enhance diplomatic ties with Thimphu. 2. What is the significance of this visit for India? The visit is seen as a “reassuring” gesture, emphasizing Bhutan’s preference for India amid Beijing’s increased overtures towards Thimphu. 3. How do India and Bhut... Read More...

16th Finance Commission

Nov 03, 2023

1. What will the 16th finance commission focus on? The commission’s main focus will be to determine how much of the tax pool the Central government shares with states and how this pool should be apportioned among states. 2. What is the current scenario with state shares? Currently, the Centre gives away 41 paise to states for every rupee of the tax pool. States argue that being closer to the people, they can use funds more efficiently. There’s a concern about the Centre’s inability to spend on national security and defense. Read More...

India’s Energy Transition Strategy: Appreciation and Challenges

Nov 03, 2023

Energy Transition Strategy of India: An Overview India’s energy transition strategy revolves around shifting from fossil fuels to cleaner and renewable sources of energy. The country has set ambitious targets, like achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and increasing the share of gas in primary energy from the current 6.3% to 15% by 2030. This shift is not just aimed at mitigating climate change but also to ensure energy security and reduce air pollution. Appreciation: 1. Ambitious Targets: India’s commitment to expand... Read More...

The blue carbon initiative in India

Nov 02, 2023

It focuses on the importance of coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and salt marshes, in combatting climate change and acting as carbon sequestration engines. These ecosystems have the potential to contribute significantly to emission reduction commitments and the blue carbon economy. Coastal states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and West Bengal hold vast potential for capitalizing on the blue carbon economy. Mangroves, in particular, are highlighted for their ability to store carbon and sequester it at high rates. Restoration and protection of blue carbon ecosystems can help reduce emissions. Read More...

Why Pollinating Insects’ Decline Poses a Threat to Crops: Implications for India

Nov 02, 2023

In a rapidly changing environment, the alarming decline of pollinators, such as bees and moths, is becoming increasingly evident in various regions of India, including Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Beekeepers like Rakesh Sharma have witnessed a dramatic reduction in honey production from once-prolific colonies. While localized studies have highlighted this issue, a recent global study, published in Science Advances, has brought the broader implications to the forefront. The research, led by experts from the University College London and the Natural History Museum, suggests that the decline in insect pollinators could jeopardize several tropical cr... Read More...