UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India's Leap in Quality Seed Production: A Cooperative Approach

Oct 30, 2023

Introduction Home Minister Amit Shah recently announced that India is taking substantial steps to improve crop production through quality seeds. To set a global benchmark in this arena, a new cooperative society, Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), has been established. The primary aim is to provide farmers across the nation with certified and scientifically prepared seeds. Collaboration Among Key Players Multiple prominent organizations such as: Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) Krishak Bharati Cooperati... Read More...

Workforce in the AI Era: Adaptation is Key

Oct 30, 2023

The Uncertain Landscape Artificial Intelligence (AI) and industrial automation are drastically transforming the job market. While it's difficult to fully predict the evolution of work in the AI era, significant disruptions are anticipated. According to a McKinsey Global Institute analysis, while some job sectors are seeing a rise in demand, others, especially in developed economies, are in decline. Upskilling and Reskilling Workers must prioritize continuous learning to adapt to these changes. Skills such as emotional intelligence, which AI systems ... Read More...

Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

Oct 30, 2023

It is a paperless, cashless, and system-driven e-marketplace designed to facilitate the procurement of common-use goods and services with minimal human interaction. GeM was established based on recommendations from two Groups of Secretaries in January 2016. These recommendations proposed the creation of a dedicated e-marketplace for goods and services purchased or sold by the government and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The goal was to modernize procurement practices and reduce the need for the Director-General of Supply and Disposal (DGS&D). The platform was developed with technical support from the National e... Read More...

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and its historical significance:

Oct 30, 2023

The mosque has been restored by the Archeological Survey of India 1. Who sponsored the construction of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque? Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque was sponsored by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk dynasty in India. 2. What was the origin of Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the sponsor of the mosque? Qutb-ud-din Aibak was born as a slave in Turkey but rose to prominence as a general during Muhammed Ghari’s invasion of India in the 1180s. 3. Why is the Mamluk dynasty sometimes disparagingly called the “Slave Dynast... Read More...

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: India’s Earliest Surviving Mosque

Oct 30, 2023

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, located in the Qutb Minar enclosure in Delhi, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving mosque in India. Its construction commenced in 1193 under the rule of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi and the founder of the Slave Dynasty. Within four years, it was completed, and subsequent Sultans in the 13th and 14th centuries made further additions. This historical mosque was erected on the grounds of Rai Pithora’s Hindu temple, utilizing materials salvaged from 27 other Hindu and Jain temples. Intriguingly, the recycled masonry still bears traces of carved Hindu motifs, including... Read More...

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Unraveling its Complex History

Oct 30, 2023

Located within the Qutb complex in Delhi, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a monument with a complex and controversial history. While the nearby Qutb Minar is celebrated as an architectural icon, the mosque bears the haunting legacy of destruction, trauma, and fanaticism. Here’s a glimpse into the intricate history and naming of this mosque: 1. Foundations of the Congregational Mosque: The mosque’s history traces back to Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, who laid its foundations after defeating Prithviraj Chauhan. It was constructed on the site of the former Hindu rulers’ bastion, Rai Pithora. The mosque’s construction ut... Read More...

Understanding Dark Patterns in Airline Sales Tactics

Oct 30, 2023

What is a Dark Pattern? A "Dark Pattern" is a manipulative design strategy used on websites and apps to mislead users into making decisions they did not initially intend. This tactic can be considered a form of cybercrime or unfair trading practices under specific legal frameworks. Meeting Agenda on November 9 The Ministry of Civil Aviation will convene a crucial meeting on November 9. The meeting will involve stakeholders like airlines, online travel agents, and consumer NGOs to discuss complaints. Topics will include unfair charges for seat ... Read More...

India's Diplomatic and Strategic Avenues for Naval Veterans Sentenced in Qatar

Oct 30, 2023

Eight Indian Naval veterans were recently sentenced to death in Qatar on charges of espionage. As the Ministry of External Affairs awaits the detailed judgment, various experts have proposed multiple paths that India could take to negotiate the release or repatriation of the convicted individuals. Multiple Avenues for Intervention According to Syed Akbaruddin, a former Indian envoy to the United Nations, India has several options for intervention beyond just legal appeals. For instance, the final say on the sentence could rest with Qatar’s head of state, providing an additional ro... Read More...

Guru Ramdas

Oct 30, 2023

Devotees Converge in Amritsar to Celebrate Faith and Heritage The holy city of Amritsar is currently a hub of spiritual activity, drawing devotees from various religious backgrounds and from all walks of life. This pilgrimage spot is deeply rooted in religious history and traditions that go beyond just one faith. Guru Ramdas and the Sikh Faith The birth anniversary of Guru Ramdas, falling on October 30, makes this time especially significant. Guru Ramdas, originally named Jetha, was the fourth Guru of Sikhs and a profound figure in the Sikh religion. Under his... Read More...

Dhordo Village in Kutch Recognized by UNWTO as 'Best Tourism Village 2023'

Oct 28, 2023

Dhordo village in Kutch, Gujarat, has achieved international recognition from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2023. It has been included in the list of 'Best Tourism Villages 2023,' 'becoming the sole village in India to earn this distinction among 54 villages worldwide. UNWTO's Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development The UNWTO launched this initiative in 2021 with the aim of promoting sustainable tourism development on a global scale. The award is granted to villages that excel in rural development while preserving landscapes, cu... Read More...

Proposed Change from "India" to "Bharat" in Textbooks: Controversies and Implications

Oct 28, 2023

Recent Proposal The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has set up a high-level committee for curriculum revision, which has suggested renaming the country from "India" to "Bharat" in school textbooks. NCERT's Response NCERT clarified that the recommendation has not been approved yet, stating it's too premature to comment as the new syllabus is still in development. Public Reactions The proposal has sparked ... Read More...

Unveiling Antarctica's Ancient Landscape: A Geological Time Capsule

Oct 28, 2023

Scientists have stumbled upon a remarkable discovery beneath the ice of Antarctica: an ancient, once-thriving landscape covering an area as large as Belgium. Using cutting-edge satellite technology and ice-penetrating radar, researchers have unveiled this hidden gem, offering invaluable insights into Earth's past climatic conditions and the life that once existed there. Snapshot of the Past: Located in Wilkes Land, East Antarctica, this subglacial landscape reveals valleys and ridges likely shaped by rivers before being covered by ice. This landscape dates back to at least 14 million years a... Read More...

India, Bhutan, and the Warming Ties with China

Oct 28, 2023

The recent diplomatic maneuvers by Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji in China are historic. These developments bear particular significance for India given its special relationship with Bhutan. Understanding the layered dynamics of this international triangle can help India safeguard its interests without alienating its long-standing ally, Bhutan. Unprecedented Developments: The visit of Bhutan's Foreign Minister to China marks the first of its kind. Given that Bhutan and China have not maintained formal diplomatic relations, the move signifies a shift in Bhutan's foreign policy ... Read More...

Understanding LFPR and Why It's Low for Women: A Comprehensive Review

Oct 28, 2023

What is LFPR? Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) refers to the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking employment. It serves as an essential economic indicator, capturing the availability of labor in an economy. Why is LFPR Low for Women? Despite strides in education and social awareness, women's LFPR remains significantly lower than men's. Societal norms, educational attainment, family obligations, and workplace biases often serve as obstacles, preventing women from entering or staying i... Read More...

Street Fight for Health: A Call to Action for Urban India

Oct 28, 2023

Dr. Sanjay Rajagopalan outlines the alarming health challenges facing urban India—sky-high levels of pollution, unhealthy food access, and sedentary lifestyles that amplify risks for heart disease and diabetes. The situation requires an urgent paradigm shift in public health strategies, focusing not just on single issues like air pollution but embracing a holistic approach. Urban Health Crisis in India Urban areas in India are booming economically but failing in health and well-being. Issues range from air and noise pollution to lack of parks and active transportation opt... Read More...