UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA'S NATIONAL LOGISTICS POLICY 2022

Oct 01, 2024

INDIA'S NATIONAL LOGISTICS POLICY 2022 The National Logistics Policy (NLP) introduced by the Indian government is designed to enhance logistics efficiency and reduce the logistics cost across the country. Here are the key elements of the NLP: Infrastructure Improvement: Upgrading and expanding transport infrastructure across all modes — road, rail, air, and waterways — to streamline the movement of goods. Cost Reduction Initiatives: Targeting a reduction in logistics costs from 13-14% of GDP to below 10%, making Indian products more competitive globally. Digital Inn... Read More...

INDIA and RUSSIA-UKRAINE PEACE-MAKING

Oct 01, 2024

INDIA and RUSSIA-UKRAINE PEACE-MAKING As global dynamics shift, India’s strategic interactions and potential involvement in peace-making efforts between Russia and Ukraine have gained prominence. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent diplomatic engagements, India is positioning itself as a potential mediator in this ongoing conflict. FAQs: 1. What recent actions has India taken regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Prime Minister Modi has recently visited both Moscow and Kyiv, engaging in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky... Read More...

Growth-Inflation Trade Off-Soft Landing vs. Hard Landing: Fed's Balancing Act

Oct 01, 2024

Growth-Inflation Trade Off-Soft Landing vs. Hard Landing: Fed's Balancing Act The recent Federal Reserve interest rate cut has sparked hopes for a "soft landing," but concerns about a "hard landing" persist. Understanding these two scenarios is key to interpreting the Fed's actions and their potential implications for the U.S. economy. Soft Landing Definition: A soft landing occurs when the central bank successfully slows down a rapidly growing economy to curb inflation without triggering a recession. Goal: Read More...

SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS AND FEDERALISM

Oct 01, 2024

SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS AND FEDERALISM The Union government's decision to implement simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies has sparked considerable debate. This initiative, advocated by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, proposes a systemic overhaul of the electoral process in India. Here, we explore how this change may challenge the federal structure of the country. FAQs: 1. What are simultaneous elections? Simultaneous elections refer to the proposal of holding Lok Sabha, State Assembly, and local body elections at the same time, ... Read More...

Impact of the Fed Rate Cut on India

Oct 01, 2024

Impact of the Fed Rate Cut on India Synopsis The U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate cut by half a percentage point or 50 basis points-is expected to have a muted impact on India. While the cut could be positive for emerging economies in general, it's not a game-changer due to other global factors like geopolitical conflicts and the upcoming U.S. elections. Key Points and Implications for India Macroeconomics: The rate cut could slightly improve India's macroeconomic outlook, as lower U.S. interest rates may lead to som... Read More...

INDIA’S SEMICONDUCTOR ECOSYSTEM: SIMPLIFIER

Oct 01, 2024

INDIA’S SEMICONDUCTOR ECOSYSTEM: SIMPLIFIER 1. What is India’s semiconductor ecosystem, and why is it important? India’s semiconductor ecosystem is a rapidly growing network of policies, industries, and partnerships aimed at developing a robust semiconductor manufacturing base. This ecosystem is critical because semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics, driving industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and defense. India aims to become a global semiconductor hub, reducing its dependency on imports and strengthening its position in the global supply chain. The government’s Rs 76,00... Read More...

ONE NATION, ONE ELECTION: ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA’s LOGISTICS CHALLENGES

Oct 01, 2024

ONE NATION, ONE ELECTION: ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA’s LOGISTICS CHALLENGES 1. What is the concept of One Nation, One Election (ONOE)? One Nation, One Election (ONOE) is a proposal to hold simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and urban and rural local bodies across India. The idea aims to streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and minimize disruptions caused by frequent elections. The concept is not new; simultaneous elections were held until 1967, after which they were discontinued due to various assemblies dissolving before their term ended. Currently, only a few state assemblies, such as Andhra Pra... Read More...

ESCALATING GAZA WAR: RISKS OF A WIDER CONFLICT IN WEST ASIA

Oct 01, 2024

ESCALATING GAZA WAR: RISKS OF A WIDER CONFLICT IN WEST ASIA 1. What triggered the recent escalation in the Gaza war? The conflict intensified after Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of 250 hostages. Israel responded with massive military action, including airstrikes and ground operations, aimed at Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, and about 1,000,000 have been displaced, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. This latest round of violence has become the deadliest in recent years, ... Read More...

KODUVAYUR HILL DISCOVERY: LINKING MESOLITHIC AND IRON AGE PERIODS IN KERALA

Oct 01, 2024

KODUVAYUR HILL DISCOVERY: LINKING MESOLITHIC AND IRON AGE PERIODS IN KERALA 1. What was discovered at Koduvayur Hill? Archaeologists uncovered an unusually large number of megalithic urn burials on top of Kundlikkad Hill, also known as Malampalla or Malappuram Hill, in the Kollengode range of the Nenmara forest division, Kerala. The site may date back more than 2,500 years, bridging the Mesolithic and Iron Age periods. These findings were uncovered accidentally during a rainwater harvesting project initiated by the Koduvayur grama panchayat, where about 60 pits were dug on the hill, revealing these significant burial sites. 2. Wha... Read More...

ISLAND GIGANTISM AND DWARFISM: THE ISLAND RULE

Oct 01, 2024

ISLAND GIGANTISM AND DWARFISM: THE ISLAND RULE 1. What is the Island Rule in evolution? The Island Rule describes the evolutionary tendency of animals living on islands to evolve into either giants or dwarfs compared to their mainland relatives. Small species often grow larger, while large species tend to shrink. 2. Why do animals evolve into giants or dwarfs on islands? On islands, limited resources and space often cause large animals to become smaller (dwarfism) due to the need to adapt to scarcity. Conversely, smaller animals may grow larger (gigantism) because of reduced competition and a lack of predators. Read More...

EUROPA CLIPPER MISSION: EXPLORING LIFE UNDER JUPITER’S MOON ICE

Oct 01, 2024

EUROPA CLIPPER MISSION: EXPLORING LIFE UNDER JUPITER’S MOON ICE 1. What is the main goal of the Europa Clipper mission? The Europa Clipper mission aims to explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa, to determine if the ocean beneath its icy crust could potentially support life. 2. How will the Europa Clipper study Europa? The spacecraft will perform 49 flybys of Europa, coming as close as 25 km, to map almost the entire moon. It will use cameras, spectrometers, ice-penetrating radar, and a magnetometer to gather data on the moon’s surface, atmosphere, and subsurface ocean. 3. What is th... Read More...

THE HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION: A CENTURY OF DISCOVERY

Oct 01, 2024

THE HARAPPAN CIVILIZATION: A CENTURY OF DISCOVERY The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, unveiled by John Marshall in 1924, marks a cornerstone in South Asian archaeology, representing a sophisticated Bronze Age society that rivaled its contemporary civilizations in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Discovery and Initial Exploration: In 1921, archaeologist Daya Ram Sahni began excavations at Harappa, located in modern-day Pakistan, uncovering numerous artifacts including seals, pottery, and beads. Concurrently, Rakhal Das Banerji started excavations at Mohenjo-daro in 1922, where he found similar items, sugge... Read More...

DIRECT SEEDED RICE (DSR) AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: ADVANTAGES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Oct 01, 2024

DIRECT SEEDED RICE (DSR) AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: ADVANTAGES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE PROSPECTS 1. What Is Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and How Does It Work? • DSR is a modern agricultural technique where rice seeds are sown directly into the field without the need for traditional transplanting. This method avoids the labor-intensive process of flooded fields, reducing water and resource consumption, and making rice cultivation more sustainable. 2. How Does DSR Contribute to Water Conservation? • Traditional rice cultivation consumes significant water resources, typically around 1,800 liters per kilogram o... Read More...

GLACIERS of the WORLD : FROM SIACHEN TO PERITO MORENO

Oct 01, 2024

GLACIERS of the WORLD : FROM SIACHEN TO PERITO MORENO 1. Siachen Glacier, India • Location: Eastern Karakoram range, Himalayas. • Key Features: One of the largest glaciers outside the polar regions, spanning over 76 kilometers. Known as the highest battlefield in the world due to the ongoing military presence between India and Pakistan. Siachen Glacier is not a tourist spot but is a remarkable landmark. 2. Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina • Location: Los Glaciares National Park, Southern Argentina. • Key Fea... Read More...

SIXTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION AND URBAN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: FAQs

Oct 01, 2024

SIXTEENTH FINANCE COMMISSION AND URBAN LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: FAQs 1. What Is the Role of Urban Local Governments (ULGs) in Economic Development? • ULGs play a crucial role in India’s economic growth, contributing nearly 60% of the country’s GDP. Urban centers are engines of growth, with each percentage increase in urban population associated with a 2.7% rise in district GDP. 2. What Are the Key Sources of Funds for Urban Local Governments? • ULGs generate revenue from multiple sources: property taxes, user charges, fees, and rents from municipal assets. However, these own sources of revenue are o... Read More...