UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Agroecology in India

Oct 21, 2023

1. What is agroecology? Agroecology is an approach that leverages science and social movements to develop local, adaptive, and sustainable agriculture. It aims to empower marginalized farmers by promoting sustainability and creating fresh value chains in agriculture. 2. What are the key goals of agroecology? Agroecology seeks to address major agricultural challenges such as soil degradation, environmental depletion, and the empowerment of small-scale farmers both economically and socially. It offers an alternative to the monoculture-based and ... Read More...

SRIRAM's Classroom Understanding the Unseen Impact of COVID-19

Oct 21, 2023

COVID-19 and Mental Health in India: A Silent Crisis The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of individuals in India, as it has globally. Here are some key points highlighting its effect: 1. Rising Anxiety and Stress: With the uncertainty of the pandemic, job losses, and health concerns, there's been a marked increase in anxiety-related disorders among the general population. 2. Isolation and Loneliness: Lockdowns and social distancing measures, though necessary, ... Read More...

Sri Lanka's Economic Difficulties and India's Assistance

Oct 21, 2023

Q1: What has been the impact of economic difficulties on Sri Lanka? A1: Sri Lanka's economy contracted by 8% in 2022, leading to significant challenges such as unemployment, reduced incomes, inflation, and rising poverty levels. Q2: How is Sri Lanka managing its economic crisis? A2: Sri Lanka has received financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), but the removal of subsidies as part of the IMF package has added to the hardship faced by vulnerable sections of the population. Read More...

Genetically Modified Crops (GMOs): FAQs

Oct 21, 2023

What did the Supreme Court rule on GM crops? The Supreme Court of India conditionally approved the cultivation of Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH-11), a genetically modified (GM) crop, but raised concerns about its impact on ecology and the environment. What are GM crops? Genetically modified (GM) crops are created by altering the DNA of existing crop plants, resulting in genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This can include adding, altering, or deleting genes to introduce new traits or abilities not found in the original plant. Read More...

India's Self-Employment : Challenges and Implications

Oct 21, 2023

Why is self-employment on the rise in India? Factors contributing to the growth of self-employment in India include uneven recovery from pandemic disruptions and limited formal job opportunities, especially for women and in rural areas. Who is most affected by self-employment trends? Women and rural workers are disproportionately impacted by self-employment, which often results in lower incomes compared to regular-wage work. Are there regional variations in self-employment? Read More...

India's aging population and its potential impact on the economy and society:

Oct 21, 2023

Q1: What is the current demographic situation in India? India is still a relatively young nation, with a significant population under the age of 65. It is not considered "super-aged" yet. Q2: How fast is India's population aging? India's population is aging at an accelerated pace, with projections indicating that one in five Indians will be over 60 years old by 2050. Q3: What are the potential challenges posed by an aging population? An aging ... Read More...

Vizhinjam International Sea Port: A Beacon of Economic Progress - FAQs

Oct 21, 2023

1. What is the significance of the Vizhinjam International sea port? The Vizhinjam International sea port is envisioned as a transformative infrastructural initiative, with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore. Positioned strategically, this port aims to put the region on the global maritime map, offering a plethora of opportunities for both local and global trade. 2. What economic benefits does the Vizhinjam port promise? The port is projected to generate half a million jobs, significantly bolstering the local employment landscape. Additionally, ... Read More...

National Education Policy 2020: Flexibility in Higher Education

Oct 21, 2023

Introduction: The National Education Policy 2020 introduces the concept of multiple entry and exit options in higher education, aiming to create a more inclusive and student-centric system. Key Features and Benefits: 1. Flexibility in Learning: The multiple entry and exit system (MEES) offers students the choice to learn at their own pace, without committing to a full degree program. 2. Addressing Dropout Rates: Read More...

Hezbollah: Origins and Geopolitics

Oct 21, 2023

Q1: What is Hezbollah? Answer: Hezbollah, translating to “Army of God” , is a Shiite political party with a military wing based in Lebanon. Q2: How did Hezbollah originate? Answer: During the Lebanese civil war from 1975 to 1990, Hezbollah emerged mainly due to the discontent caused by the Palestinian Liberation Organisation's (PLO) significant armed presence in Lebanon. Post the 1979 Iranian revolution, it was founded by Lebanese Shiites funded by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to resist Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 198... Read More...

Stricter Reporting Norms under PMLA: An Overview Money Laundering Rules Tightened

Oct 21, 2023

New Delhi: The government took a decisive step on Tuesday, reinforcing the regulations related to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The key amendments necessitate that: 1. Reporting entities must now ascertain the identity of their clients through dependable, independent identification sources. 2. They are required to gather information regarding the intended purpose and character of the business relationship. 3. Efforts must be made to comprehen... Read More...

EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Its Impact on India

Oct 21, 2023

1. What is the EU carbon tax or CBAM? The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU initiative aimed at equalizing the carbon cost between EU and non-EU producers. It imposes a tax on carbon-intensive imports from non-EU countries, ensuring that both domestic and foreign producers are subject to a similar carbon price. 2. When will CBAM be implemented? CBAM's transitional phase began on October 1, 2023, and will last until the end of 2025. During this time, Indian exporters must provide data on embedded emissions in their products... Read More...

India's Export Trends Amid Global Economic Shifts

Oct 21, 2023

Global Economic Outlook: Recent assessments from the International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development suggest that the global economy is showing resilience, but the growth forecast remains weak. The only positive aspect noted is the relatively low inflation rate. Impact of External Conflicts: The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict poses a threat to these forecasts. A prolonged conflict could destabilize the global economy, especially if ties between Israel and major Arab nations deteriorate. ... Read More...

Understanding Marine Cloud Brightening: A Hope for Coral Reefs?

Oct 21, 2023

What is “Marine Cloud Brightening”? Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB) is a proposed geoengineering technique aimed at mitigating the effects of global warming. The method involves spraying fine droplets of seawater into the atmosphere to enhance the reflectivity (albedo) of marine clouds, making them whiter and brighter. This increased albedo helps reflect more sunlight back into space, potentially cooling the ocean surface below. How does it work? MCB uses water cannons or specialized vessels to spray tiny seawater droplets into the ... Read More...

The Evolution of India-Israel Relations: From Hesitation to Strategic Partnership

Oct 20, 2023

Introduction India’s stance towards Israel has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. In this comprehensive overview, we delve into the historical evolution of India-Israel relations, focusing on their burgeoning defense partnership. This transformation was notably influenced by various geopolitical factors, including the dissolution of the USSR, India’s need for defense supplies, the influence of the United States, intelligence sharing concerning the “Islamic bomb,” and the recognition of their shared interests, which positioned them as natural allies. Read More...

Rural Women Empowerment

Oct 20, 2023

Empowering Rural Women for a More Inclusive Society Question: Why is the empowerment of rural women crucial, and what initiatives have been introduced to promote their well-being and equality in society? Answer: Rural women play a pivotal role in feeding their families, yet they often lack access to the same nourishment for their personal health and well-being. This disparity is evident from the fact that a young woman from a remote district in Rajasthan realized the benefits of eating hot food only after attending a nutritional and mental health aware... Read More...