UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Bharatiya Antariksha Station 2035

Oct 26, 2023

India aims to establish its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station, by 2035. There are many benefits to India setting up its own space station. Here are a few: Scientific research: A space station can serve as a platform for a variety of scientific research and experiments, including studies in biology, physics, astronomy, and materials science. For example, scientists can use a space station to study the effects of microgravity on the human body and to develop new materials that can be used in space and on Earth. Technology development: A s... Read More...

National Mission on Edible Oils (Palm Oil) - FAQ

Oct 26, 2023

What is the NMEO-OP? NMEO-OP aims to boost edible oil production in India through expanding the area for oil palm cultivation and increasing crude palm oil (CPO) production. This will help in reducing India’s dependence on imported edible oils. Where is it Implemented? This mission is active in 15 states, including six northeastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Why is Meghalaya not Participating? Meghalaya has chosen to abstain from participating ... Read More...

Farmer Producers’ Organizations (FPOs) in Indian Agriculture: A Revolution

Oct 26, 2023

What is an FPO? FPO stands for Farmer Producers’ Organization. It is a collective of farmers working in a specific geographical area and can be registered under the Companies Act or as a cooperative under the Societies Registration Act. What Challenges do FPOs Address? FPOs tackle the issue of fragmented agricultural holdings, thereby bringing economies of scale in farming operations. They facilitate agri-extension, technology adoption, and market linkage. How are FPOs Being Promoted? The Centra... Read More...

Addressing Climate Risks in Coastal Areas: Identifying Challenges and Recommendations

Oct 26, 2023

Issue Identification Climate change poses a set of unique and multi-faceted challenges to coastal communities. These have been highlighted by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). Challenges Increased frequency of cyclones leading to social and economic hardships. Coastal flooding exacerbating vulnerability of communities. Outbreaks of water-borne diseases. Fluctuations in fish harvests due to changing climate conditions. Safety concerns for fishers and loss of livelihoods. ... Read More...

The Interplay Between Microbial Communities and Soil Properties: A Comprehensive Overview

Oct 26, 2023

The Symbiotic Relationship The relationship between microbial communities and soil properties is intricate and bidirectional, impacting everything from agricultural productivity to ecosystem health. Factors Influencing Microbial Communities 1. Soil pH: Affects the types of microorganisms that can thrive. Implications: Alters nutrient availability and soil structure. 2. Soil Moisture: Dictates microbial metabolic rates. Implications: Influences decompos... Read More...

Meri Maati, Mera Desh” Campaign

Oct 26, 2023

The “Meri Maati, Mera Desh” (My Country, My Soil) campaign is a national initiative that aims to celebrate the unity and diversity of India. Launched on August 9, the campaign serves as a tribute to the brave individuals who have sacrificed their lives for the country. Basics Start Date: August 9 Objective:To honor the sacrifices of individuals who gave their lives for the nation and to celebrate India’s unity in diversity. Key Element: Collection of soil from across India, symbolizing the essence of the nation. Read More...

Focus on R&D: The Roadmap to India Becoming an Innovation Powerhouse

Oct 26, 2023

The Director of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, emphasized the critical need for India to invest more in Research and Development (R&D) during the 82nd Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Foundation Day. This call to action was backed by data from the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2022 report, which highlighted that India’s R&D expenditure was only 0.7% of its GDP in 2018. In contrast, innovation leaders like China are spending as much as 2.4% of their GDP on R&D. Key Challenges: Lack of R&D in Key Industries: In India, R&D inve... Read More...

FAQ: India’s Ambitious Semiconductor Manufacturing

Oct 26, 2023

Why is India venturing into semiconductor manufacturing? India aims to reduce its heavy reliance on semiconductor imports and boost its technological self-reliance. The government has introduced a $10 billion incentive package for this purpose. What exposed India’s vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chain? The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent global disruptions exposed the country’s dependency on imports, making it clear that domestic production capabilities are essential. How is the Indian government supporting... Read More...

Arctic Warming: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Oct 26, 2023

Why is the Arctic Warming Faster? The phenomenon known as Arctic Amplification is a major factor. Reduced ice cover means less reflection of sunlight, causing the ocean to absorb more heat. Additionally, trapped methane from melting permafrost contributes to the greenhouse effect. What Are the Global Implications? 1. Sea-Level Rise: Melting ice contributes to rising sea levels, endangering coastal communities. 2. Extreme Weather: Altered wind patterns could lead to extreme weather conditions worldwide. 3. Biodiversity Lo... Read More...

Critical Review: Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations”

Oct 26, 2023

Samuel Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations” thesis argues that future conflicts will be driven primarily by cultural and religious identities, replacing ideological and economic factors. Huntington divides the world into various ‘civilizations’ and posits that interaction between these groups will be fraught with tension and conflict. Oversimplification and Stereotyping:One of the most common criticisms is that Huntington’s model oversimplifies complex identities and cultures into monolithic blocks, fostering stereotypes. In reality, civilizations are diverse and contain mult... Read More...

Challenges to Quality of Life in Indian Cities

Oct 26, 2023

Fueled by migration and development, Indian cities are in a constant state of change, presenting unique challenges to urban governance systems. In a recent report by Janaagraha, systemic gaps affecting the quality of life in cities have come to light. Lack of Long-term Planning Growing cities require robust, long-term plans to ensure quality services and sustainable infrastructure. Surprisingly, 39% of India’s capital cities lack active spatial plans, with only nine having comprehensive plans to address key urban needs. Smaller cities face particular challenges in this regard. Read More...

Purple Revolution

Oct 26, 2023

The Lavender Revolution: A Special Project in Jammu and Kashmir Why Lavender Matters In the pretty landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, something interesting is happening. Local farmers are growing lavender, a fragrant and colorful plant, on the hillsides. Scientists from the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine are also involved. Discovering Lavender’s Benefits Lavender oil is known for its calming and stress-relieving qualities. People like its nice smell and use it in perfumes and cosmetics. Scienti... Read More...

The Purple Economy: Transforming Care Work for a Sustainable Future

Oct 26, 2023

Redefining Economics with Care: The Purple Economy, also known as the care economy, draws its name from feminist movements. It presents a fresh economic vision, emphasizing the significance of care work, women’s empowerment, and autonomy in driving economies, societal well-being, and life sustainability. Diverse Aspects of Care Work: Care work encompasses two key components—direct, personal, and relational care activities (e.g., nursing an ill partner) and indirect care activities (e.g., cooking and cleaning). It includes both paid roles like nurses, childminders, and domestic workers and unpaid work provided... Read More...

SRIRAM’s Guide to Lok Sabha Ethics Committee

Oct 25, 2023

FAQs on Lok Sabha Ethics Committee and the Mahua Moitra Case Q1: What is the current controversy surrounding TMC MP Mahua Moitra? Answer: Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra is facing an inquiry by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee over allegations of bribery and misconduct. Businessman Darshan Hiranandani has claimed that he paid Moitra to raise specific questions in the Parliament on his behalf. Q2: What is the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee and its purpose? Answer: The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is a body that investigates any comp... Read More...

SRIRAM’s Overview: Dark Energy

Oct 25, 2023

Title: Understanding Dark Energy Introduction: Dark energy is a mysterious force believed to be driving the accelerated expansion of our universe. Although it makes up approximately 68% of the universe, its nature remains one of the biggest enigmas in modern astrophysics. Key Features: 1. Cosmological Constant: Proposed by Albert Einstein, it represents a constant energy density filling space homogeneously. It was initially introduced to allow a static universe solution to his equations, but later abandoned by Einstein ... Read More...