UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Addressing India's Skill Gap in 5G Technologies

Nov 01, 2023

India is gearing up for a transformation led by 5G technologies. By 2025, the nation will need a whopping 22 million skilled workers in 5G-focused sectors like cloud computing, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This data comes from a joint study by the Telecom Sector Skill Council (TSSC) and Draup, an Artificial Intelligence platform. Talent Crunch Issues Currently, there is a glaring telecom talent gap of 2.41 million in India. This figure is projected to magnify by 3.8 times by the year 2030. The telecom industry presently employs 11.59 million people, including 2.95 million in corporate ... Read More...

Ken-Betwa River Linking Project: A Closer Look

Nov 01, 2023

The Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, often referred to as the KBLP, is a significant and ambitious undertaking in India’s water management landscape. This project aims to link the Ken River, a tributary of the Yamuna River, with the Betwa River, a tributary of the Yamuna River, to address several critical issues, including water scarcity, irrigation, and ecological balance. Here, we delve into the key aspects of the Ken-Betwa Link Project, its objectives, benefits, challenges, and its broader implications. Objectives: 1. Water Sharing: One of the primary objectives of the K... Read More...

AI and Digital Technologies Impact on Supply Chain Management

Nov 01, 2023

AI and digital technologies have brought about a revolution in supply chain management by introducing efficiency, visibility, and optimization in various aspects of the supply chain process. Here are some key ways in which AI and digital technologies have transformed supply chain management: 1. Demand Forecasting: AI algorithms can analyze historical data, market trends, and external factors to make accurate demand forecasts. This helps in reducing overstocking and stockouts, optimizing inventory levels, and improving overall supply chain efficiency. 2. Inventory Management: Read More...

Soil Degradation in India: A Growing Crisis Threatening Food Security

Nov 01, 2023

Introduction: India, a country with an agricultural economy, is facing a grave and largely overlooked crisis – soil degradation. This issue, if left unaddressed, could have dire consequences for food security and the livelihoods of millions. Despite technological advancements that have boosted food production, the degradation of soil remains a significant challenge. The Extent of Soil Degradation: According to the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, approximately 30% of India’s soil, totaling 146.8 million hectares, is degraded. T... Read More...

Nisar: Nasa-Isro Satellite Nisar to Revolutionize Forests and Wetlands Study

Nov 01, 2023

Introduction: The Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar) satellite, scheduled for launch in early 2024, promises groundbreaking insights into Earth’s forests and wetlands, according to the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) of NASA. This collaborative mission between NASA and ISRO aims to illuminate the profound impact of ecosystem changes on the global carbon cycle and climate change. The Role of Forests and Wetlands: Forests sequester carbon within their trees, while wetlands store it in their organic soil layers. Any disruption to these ecosystems, whether ... Read More...

G7 Voluntary Code of Conduct for AI

Nov 01, 2023

What is the G7 Voluntary Code of Conduct for AI? The G7 Voluntary Code of Conduct for AI is a framework that aims to establish guidelines for companies developing advanced AI technologies. This code focuses on ensuring the development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems on a global scale. Who are the participants in this initiative? The participating entities include the leading industrial nations: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain, and the United States, as well as the European Union. What are the key points in... Read More...

India-Maldives relations

Nov 01, 2023

India-Maldives relations have historically been characterized by close geographical proximity, cultural ties, and shared interests in the Indian Ocean region. Here are some key points about these relations: 1. Geographical Proximity: India and the Maldives are both located in the Indian Ocean, which has led to natural interactions and cooperation between the two nations. 2. Historical and Cultural Ties: India and the Maldives share historical and cultural ties, including the influence of Indian languages and traditions in the Maldives. 3. Strategic Importance: The Maldives is strategically located ... Read More...

Eurasian Economic Union: An Overview

Nov 01, 2023

The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is an economic and political union primarily located in northern Eurasia. As of my last update in January 2022, the EEU consists of five member states: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. The EEU aims to optimize the flow of goods and services among its member nations by coordinating policies and regulations, thereby creating a single economic space. Key Objectives: Single Market: Creation of a unified market for goods, services, capital, and labor. Policy Coordination: Standardization of economic policies, including tax... Read More...

Post-Harvest Losses in India

Nov 01, 2023

1. What are post-harvest losses in agriculture? Post-harvest losses refer to the reduction in quantity and quality of agricultural produce that occurs after harvesting, during storage, transportation, and processing stages. 2. Why are post-harvest losses a concern in India? Post-harvest losses in India result in significant food and economic wastage. It affects farmers’ incomes and contributes to food security challenges. 3. What is the extent of post-harvest losses in India? Post-harvest losses va... Read More...

Ukraine and Gaza

Nov 01, 2023

The Economic Impact of Global Conflicts on India: A Comprehensive Overview Summary: Recent global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, have had widespread economic ramifications. India, as a major importer of crude oil and an emerging market, is not immune to these disruptions. Key areas of concern for India include inflation, fuel prices, and international trade dynamics. Inflation Pressure: Retail Inflation: Currently at 5.02% but may rise due to high fuel and commodity prices. Read More...

Seagrass beds

Nov 01, 2023

They are underwater ecosystems that consist of various species of seagrasses. They are important coastal habitats that provide a range of ecological and economic benefits. Seagrass beds in India are found along its extensive coastline, especially in regions like the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep Islands. Here are some key points about seagrass beds in India: 1. Biodiversity: Seagrass beds are rich in biodiversity and support a variety of marine species, including fish, crabs, and seahorses. They serve as nursery grounds for many commercially ... Read More...

Salt marshes in India

Nov 01, 2023

They are coastal ecosystems found in India along its extensive coastline. These ecosystems are characterized by the presence of salt-tolerant plants and are influenced by regular tidal flooding. Here are some key points about salt marshes in India: 1. Distribution: Salt marshes can be found in various coastal regions of India, including the western coast along the Arabian Sea, the eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, and in island territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep Islands. 2. Flora and Fauna: Salt marshes support a unique community of salt-tolerant plants, including various species o... Read More...

Vikram Lander and Lunar Dust

Oct 31, 2023

Organized Summary: Event Description: The Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission made a historic landing on the south pole of the moon on August 23, 2023. The landing generated a significant "ejecta halo," a bright patch of lunar dust displaced around the landing site. Study Findings: A study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing estimates that Vikram ejected and displaced about 2.06 tonnes of lunar epi regolith. The displaced material covered an area of 108.4 m² around the landing site. These f... Read More...

The Economic Lens: From Masculine to Feminine Perspectives

Oct 31, 2023

Introduction: The Male-Dominated Economics Field The field of economics has historically been male-centric, from the focus on men's contributions to the male-majority recipients of Nobel Prizes in Economics. This has overshadowed the valuable work and perspectives that women bring to the table. Breaking Barriers: Women Nobel Laureates in Economics However, there has been some breakthrough in the form of Nobel Prizes awarded to women economists like Elinor Ostrom, Esther Duflo, and Claudia Goldin. These women have shifted the narrative by bringing in unique... Read More...

China-India Partnership: Unleashing Global Potential Amidst Emerging Crises

Oct 31, 2023

Setting the Stage: Global Challenges and Queries The Ukraine crisis and new conflicts in West Asia highlight that the world is grappling with both traditional and non-traditional security threats. These challenges raise important questions about how to foster peace, development, security, and governance on a global scale. China and India: Ancient Neighbors, New Allies China and India are two Asian civilizations with ancient links and shared visions for global fairness and justice. Both nations initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence in the 1950s, which... Read More...