UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Connection Between Close Relative Marriages and Genetic Diseases

Oct 10, 2023

What is Consanguinity? Consanguinity refers to the practice of marrying close relatives. It's a tradition that still exists in many parts of the world, including Asia and West Africa. Why is it Important to Study? Marrying close relatives can increase the risk of certain genetic diseases. Scientists use modern tools to study how closely related individuals are and what that means for their health. How Did Scientists Learn About This? Earlier, much of what we knew came from studying royal families who often married close relative... Read More...

Phonotaxis: How Animals Use Sound to Move and Communicate

Oct 10, 2023

What is Phonotaxis? Phonotaxis is the movement of an animal in response to a sound. It's a behavior commonly seen in crickets, frogs, moths, and some other animals. Why Do Animals Use Phonotaxis? Animals use phonotaxis for various reasons, such as attracting mates or avoiding predators. It's a way for them to communicate and navigate their environment. What are the Types of Phonotaxis? There are two main types: positive and negative. Positive phonotaxis is used to attract, like when female frogs ... Read More...

RBI's Decision on Interest Rates: A Balancing Act Between Growth and Inflation

Oct 10, 2023

What did the RBI recently decide about interest rates? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to keep interest rates unchanged, despite concerns about rising inflation. Why is this decision significant? The decision shows that the RBI is trying to balance two conflicting goals: controlling inflation and supporting economic growth. What is inflation and why is it a concern? Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power. High inflation ca... Read More...

Toofan Al-Aqsa and Its Impact on West Asia: A Simple Guide

Oct 10, 2023

What is Toofan Al-Aqsa? Toofan Al-Aqsa is a military operation by Hamas against Israel. It has led to significant fighting and tension in the region. Who are Hamas and what do they want? Hamas is a Palestinian militant group. They are fighting against Israel and are based in Gaza. They want to establish their own state and do not recognize Israel. Is Israel in danger because of this operation? While there is fighting on Israeli territory, the general belief is that Israel will ultimately push back Hamas,... Read More...

Understanding the Sikkim Flood

Oct 10, 2023

What caused the flood in Sikkim? The flood was caused by a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), where a lake formed by melting glaciers suddenly broke free, causing massive flooding. What is a Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)? A GLOF occurs when a lake formed by melting glaciers suddenly breaks its natural barriers, releasing a large amount of water and causing flooding. How many people were affected? More than 25 people have been confirmed dead, and many are missing. Infrastructure like dams and bridge... Read More...

The Digital India Act 2023: What It Means for India's Cyber Future

Oct 10, 2023

What is the Digital India Act 2023 (DIA)? The DIA is a proposed law aimed at updating India's digital and cyber regulations. It's designed to replace the outdated Information Technology Act of 2000 and address the challenges and opportunities of today's digital landscape. Why do we need a new act? The old IT Act was created when the internet was still new and had only 5.5 million users in India. Now, with over 850 million users and new challenges like cyberstalking and trolling, an update is essential. What are the key f... Read More...

Climate Change, GDP, and Infrastructure: A Deep Dive into Future Risks

Oct 10, 2023

What’s the financial impact of climate change risks on global infrastructure? Estimated yearly financial loss: $732 billion to $845 billion, roughly 14% of global GDP growth in 2021-22. Source: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) report. What is the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI)? A novel model estimating the annual investment needed to tackle the infrastructure deficit for UN’s sustainable goals: $9.2 trillion. $2.84 trillion to $2.9 trillion of this should come ... Read More...

Critical Minerals & India’s Progressive Approach

Oct 10, 2023

Introduction to Critical Minerals: Central to modern life including LED lights, electric cars, batteries, and more. Recognized globally for strategic importance with roots in the US’ 1939 Act. India’s Stance: Mining is pivotal to India’s economy. June 2023: India joined the Minerals Security Partnership with major global economies. Comprehensive list of 30 critical minerals released. August 2023: Amendment to the Mines and Minerals Act, enhancing private sector involvement. Read More...

Dam Safety and Vulnerabilities

Oct 10, 2023

Dams & Natural Calamities: Dams might be vulnerable to damages from floods and cloudbursts. The recent Chungthang dam incident in Sikkim was caused by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). Impact on Hydropower: India aims to increase its hydropower capacity to 78GW by 2030 from 52GW in FY23. Despite recent incidents, mega projects continue, though with increased caution. Global Dam Failures: As of 2021, 4,000 large dam failures have been reported across 84 countries. Read More...

Understanding the Mediation Act, 2023

Oct 10, 2023

Introduction: The Mediation Act, 2023 is a pivotal advancement in India’s legal landscape, aiming to streamline and institutionalize the mediation process, which historically operated on an informal, ad-hoc basis. Key Features of the Act: Mediation Council of India (MCI): A body responsible for regulating and supervising mediation proceedings. Confidentiality Assured: Proceedings and records of mediation are kept confidential, promoting trust among parties. Recognition of Mediation Institutes: Structured instit... Read More...

Federal Dimension: NMC’s New Guideline on Medical Seats

Oct 10, 2023

Introduction: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has laid down a key federal guideline: each state or Union Territory should ensure a ratio of 100 MBBS seats for every 10 lakh of its population when setting up new medical colleges. Federal Implications: State Autonomy vs Central Oversight: This centralized decision potentially treads on the autonomy states traditionally hold in educational matters. States with a higher doctor-patient ratio may feel encroached upon. Re... Read More...

Hangzhou Asian Games - India’s Performance

Oct 10, 2023

Expectations vs. Reality: Expected > 70 medals (Jakarta games tally) Achieved 107 medals - 28 , 38 , and 41 Ranking: 2018: 8th 2023: 4th (After China, Japan, and Korea) Dominance: China & Japan - Major players from Tokyo 2020 Olympics India - Surprisingly strong, rising from 48th at Olympics to 4th Key Achievements: Athletics - Highest medals (29), includes Neeraj Chopra’s gold in javelin Archery, Shooting, Badminton, Wrestling, Boxing, Hockey - Significant medal hauls Hockey - Men’s gold, dominant win against Pakistan, 3rd world ranking after Olympic bronze Badminton Doub... Read More...

India-Israel Trade Ties (2019-2023)

Oct 10, 2023

Trade Growth: 2019: $5.5 billion 2023: $10.5 billion (93% increase) Trade Balance: Favorable for India. June 2019: Exports exceeded imports by $1.9 billion. June 2023: Exports exceeded imports by $5.7 billion. Imports: Largely stagnant. 2013: $2.5 billion (4-quarter rolling) 2023: $2.4 billion (4-quarter rolling) Exports: 2013: $3.7 billion... Read More...

FAQ: Israel 'at war' as Hamas Attack Leaves 200 Dead

Oct 09, 2023

What happened in the recent attack by Hamas on Israel? Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing at least 200 people. The attack involved gunmen crossing into Israel and firing rockets from Gaza. Hamas also claimed to have taken dozens of hostages, including senior Israeli officials. What has been Israel's response? Israel has retaliated with air strikes into Gaza, resulting in at least 198 Palestinian deaths and 1,610 injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is in a war and vowed that the enemy will pay a heavy p... Read More...

52nd GST Council Meeting - Outcomes and Rationale

Oct 09, 2023

What were the main decisions made during the meeting? Tax Rates on Millet-Based Products:Lowered Age-Related Norms for GST Appellate Tribunals: Tweaked Taxation Rights on Extra Neutral Alcohol: Ceded to States 28% Tax on Online Betting: Affirmed, effective from October 1 Tax Demands on E-Gaming Firms: Discussed but clarified as not retrospective Future Perspective Plan: Discussed imposing a cess or surcharge on top of GST levies after March 2026 Treatment of Guarantees: Clarified ... Read More...