UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ELECTRONIC NEGOTIABLE WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS (E-NWR)

Sep 30, 2024

ELECTRONIC NEGOTIABLE WAREHOUSE RECEIPTS (E-NWR) 1. What is an e-NWR? An electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR) is a digital document issued by a registered warehouse that acknowledges the deposit of agricultural produce. It is used as proof of ownership and can be used for trading, loans, and transfers of the commodities stored. 2. How does e-NWR work? The e-NWR is stored in an electronic repository, which serves as a secure and centralized platform for managing and tracking these receipts. The e-NWR is linked to the shelf-life of the commodity or until the commodity is withdrawn from the warehouse.... Read More...

Scottish Independence: Simplifier

Sep 30, 2024

Scottish Independence: Simplifier Synopsis The question of Scottish independence has been a recurring theme in UK politics for decades, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) advocating for a sovereign Scotland. A referendum held in 2014 resulted in a "No" vote, but the issue has regained momentum due to Brexit and ongoing political disagreements between the Scottish and UK governments. Key points of contention include Scotland's economic viability as an independent nation, its currency, its relationship with the EU, and the division of shared resources like North Sea oil. F... Read More...

PETN (PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE): FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sep 30, 2024

PETN (PENTAERYTHRITOL TETRANITRATE): FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What is PETN? PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate) is a powerful and highly explosive chemical compound used in both military and industrial applications. It is one of the most potent explosives and is known for its high detonation velocity and stability. 2. What are the primary uses of PETN? PETN is commonly used in military-grade explosives, detonating cords, booster charges, and in the manufacture of plastic explosives like Semtex. It is also used in some medical applications, such as treating certain heart conditions, in the form of tablets to ma... Read More...

INDIA’S OCEAN ENERGY ATLAS AND BLUE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Sep 30, 2024

INDIA’S OCEAN ENERGY ATLAS AND BLUE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES 1. What is the Ocean Energy Atlas developed by INCOIS? The Ocean Energy Atlas is a comprehensive mapping tool developed by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). It identifies and assesses the potential sites along India’s coastline that can generate energy from blue renewable sources such as tidal waves, ocean currents, salinity gradients, and ocean thermal energy. 2. What are blue renewable energy sources? Blue renewable energy sources refer to the energy derived from marine environments, including tidal power, w... Read More...

FAQs ON SECTION 498A OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE

Sep 30, 2024

FAQs ON SECTION 498A OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE 1. What is Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code? Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) is a legal provision introduced in 1983 to protect married women from cruelty by their husbands or in-laws. The section covers acts of physical and mental abuse, harassment, and dowry-related cruelty. Violations under this section are punishable by imprisonment for up to three years and a fine.(Sections 85 and 86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)are significant as they replicate the provisions of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 2. Why was Section 498A introdu... Read More...

Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission in Tribal Populations in India

Sep 30, 2024

Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission in Tribal Populations in India 1. What is sickle cell disease (SCD)? • SCD is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin (HbS), which causes red blood cells to assume a sickle shape, leading to increased hemolysis, blockages in blood vessels, and various complications. 2. How common is sickle cell disease among tribal populations in India? • The prevalence of the sickle gene among tribal populations ranges from 1-40%. It is notably higher in regions like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. 3... Read More...

CREAMY LAYER IN DALIT QUOTA:SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT

Sep 30, 2024

CREAMY LAYER IN DALIT QUOTA:SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT In a landmark judgment in State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh & Ors. (2020), the Supreme Court of India upheld the concept of sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) quotas. The Court emphasized that the benefits of reservations should reach the “most deserving” sections among these communities. Some judges also recommended adding a creamy layer exclusion, restricting reservations to the more economically disadvantaged individuals within these groups.However, the observations on creamy layer for Dalit reservation are in the nature of orbiter dicta-comments wh... Read More...

MINI-MOON 2024 PF15

Sep 30, 2024

MINI-MOON 2024 PF15 1. What is a mini-moon? A mini-moon is a small asteroid that gets temporarily captured by Earth’s gravity and orbits the planet for a short period of time before eventually escaping back into space. Mini-moons are rare and usually very small, only a few meters wide. 2. What is 2024 PF15? 2024 PF15 is a small asteroid recently discovered by scientists. It is expected to be captured temporarily by Earth’s gravity around late September 2024, staying for about two months before flying off into space. 3. How often do mini-moons occur? Mini-moons are ... Read More...

INDIA-MYANMAR BORDER FENCING PROJECT: CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS AND FAQs

Sep 30, 2024

INDIA-MYANMAR BORDER FENCING PROJECT: CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS AND FAQs Synopsis: The Indian government has approved ₹31,000 crore to fence the 1,643-km border with Myanmar, aiming to enhance security along Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. The project, driven by ethnic violence in Manipur, has completed 30 km of fencing with ongoing work near Moreh and other areas. The government also scrapped the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allowed cross-border movement without documents. These steps reflect heightened efforts to secure the border over the past year. 1. What is the Myanmar border fencing project? Read More...

PM-AASHA:Multifaceted Approach to Agricultural Support

Sep 30, 2024

PM-AASHA:Multifaceted Approach to Agricultural Support What is PM-AASHA? Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan, or PM-AASHA, is a comprehensive initiative by the Indian government to ensure fair and stable prices for farmers while safeguarding consumers from market volatility. This scheme operates as a protective umbrella, encompassing various mechanisms aimed at addressing challenges within the agricultural sector. Key Provisions and Expansions Originally launched with three components, PM-AASHA has recently been expanded to include four crucial elements: Read More...

PM-Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

Sep 30, 2024

PM-Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) Q: What is PMJUGA? A: It's a new initiative by the Indian government to improve the lives of people living in Scheduled Tribe-majority villages. It aims to ensure that all essential government schemes reach these villages, covering various aspects like education, health, livelihood, and infrastructure. Q: How will PMJUGA work? A: PMJUGA acts as an umbrella package, bringing together existing schemes from 17 different ministries. It focuses on saturating these villages with basic services and development initiatives, ensuring that no one is left behind. Read More...

MADRASAS IN INDIA:HISTORY,TYPES, AND LAW

Sep 30, 2024

MADRASAS IN INDIA:HISTORY,TYPES, AND LAW 1. What is a Madrasa? A madrasa is an Arabic word meaning “school.” Historically, madrasas have been institutions of Islamic learning that date back to the 10th century, offering education in religious and secular subjects. Over time, they evolved into centers of learning with a focus on Islamic teachings, languages, and general education, and played a significant role in the cultural and educational development of various regions, including India, Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan. 2. Categories of Madrasas in India Madrasas in India are broadly classified into two ... Read More...

Fast-Track Courts (FTCs) in India: Simplifier

Sep 30, 2024

Fast-Track Courts (FTCs) in India: Simplifier Q: What are Fast-Track Courts (FTCs)? A: FTCs are special courts established in India to expedite the resolution of specific cases, primarily heinous crimes like sexual offenses and crimes against women and children, as well as certain civil cases. Q: Under which law were FTCs established? A: FTCs are set up under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and its successor, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023. Q: Who is responsible for setting up and funding FTCs? A: Setting up and funding FTCs falls un... Read More...

Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands: Geopolitics

Sep 30, 2024

Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands: Geopolitics The islands of Yonaguni and Iriomote, situated in Japan's Yaeyama archipelago, hold a significant place in the complex geopolitical landscape of the East China Sea. While these islands boast stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage,their proximity to the disputed Senkaku Islands (known as the Diaoyu Islands in China) amplifies their strategic importance and potential for involvement in regional tensions. Key Geopolitical Factors Proximity to Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands: The close proximity of Yonaguni and Iriomote to the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands makes them strate... Read More...

FPI (FOREIGN PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT) VS FDI (FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT) WITH INDIA EXAMPLES

Sep 28, 2024

FPI (FOREIGN PORTFOLIO INVESTMENT) VS FDI (FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT) WITH INDIA EXAMPLES 1. What is FDI and FPI? • FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) refers to a long-term investment in a company or business in another country, often involving management, technology, and expertise. Investors typically hold a controlling interest and actively manage the business. • FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investment) involves investing in a country’s financial assets, like stocks and bonds, without direct control over the business. It is typically short-term and more volatile compared to FDI. 2. How are FDI and FPI regul... Read More...