UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Green Hydrogen Economy

Oct 07, 2023

1. What is the source of grey hydrogen? • Grey hydrogen is derived from natural gas through steam methane reforming (SMR). 2. How does green hydrogen differ from grey hydrogen regarding CO2 emissions? • The carbon dioxide generated in grey hydrogen production is not captured. In contrast, green hydrogen, produced through renewable sources, does not emit CO2. 3. Why is green hydrogen considered a potential game-changer for a low-carbon economy? &... Read More...

Talakadu Excavations

Oct 07, 2023

1. Where is Talakadu located? • Talakadu is situated on the banks of the Cauvery in the Mysuru district. 2. What significant historical period is associated with Talakadu? • Its history spans from the days of the Western Gangas, from the 4th to 10th centuries CE, down to the Wadiyars' modern times. 3. What did the excavations at Talakadu reveal? • The excavations provided evidence of a culture and human habitation during the Neolithic A... Read More...

Invasive Species Conocarpus Plant Ban in Gujarat

Oct 07, 2023

1. What decision did the Gujarat government recently make about the Conocarpus plant? • The Gujarat government banned the fast-growing decorative exotic species of the Conocarpus plant. 2. Why did the Gujarat government ban the Conocarpus plant? • Conocarpus pollen can cause asthma and cough. • Its roots can damage underground pipelines and telecom wires. • It's a water guzzler and an invasive species that can overpower ind... Read More...

Project Udbhav: Reviving Ancient Wisdom for Modern Defense

Oct 07, 2023

• Origin and Collaboration: 'Project Udbhav' is an initiative by the Shimla-based Army Training Command and Delhi's renowned United Service Institution of India, the foremost defence and security think-tank in India . • Core Objective: At the heart of 'Project Udbhav' is the study of revered Indian classics, viewed as reservoirs of native knowledge . • Focal Texts: The initiative lays special focus on three time-honored texts: Kautilya's Arthashastra, Kamandaka's Nitisara... Read More...

Kanheri caves

Oct 07, 2023

The Kanheri Caves are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments located within the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the Borivali region of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Here's a brief overview of the Kanheri Caves: Kanheri Caves Overview: Ancient Buddhist Site: The Kanheri Caves are primarily known as an ancient Buddhist learning center and are closely associated with the growth and development of Buddhism in Western India. Time Period: The caves date back to the 1st century BCE and were used as Bu... Read More...

Exploring the Treasure Trove of Ghoda Gali

Oct 07, 2023

1. Where is Ghoda Gali located? • About 3 km before the main historical town of Gool Gulab Garh. 2. What kind of statues can be found in Ghoda Gali? • Equestrian statues, life-sized horses, and spring Bowles adorned with floral and geometrical designs. 3. What is the significance of these statues? • The riders on horseback statues are shown with armory suits, hinting at a historical or warrior context. ... Read More...

2023 Nobel Peace Prize

Oct 07, 2023

Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Iranian activist, won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her work on women's rights and democracy, and against the death penalty. Despite multiple arrests and years in prison, she continues to lead women-led protests in Iran. The Nobel Committee hopes the award encourages the movement and urges Iran to release her for the ceremony. Mohammadi sees the prize as a boost for Iranians advocating for change. Read More...

National Medical Commission's Guide on Professional Ethics

Oct 07, 2023

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released a booklet titled "Professional Conduct Review - lessons from case archives," aiming to guide Registered Medical Practitioners on ethical conduct. The publication emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy in the doctor-patient relationship, explored through nine case studies. It identifies the communication gap as the most frequent cause of complaints against medical professionals. The booklet warns that a deficit in trust can lead to legal actions against doctors. This initiative highlights the critical role of effective communication and trust-building in medical ethics, serving as a valua... Read More...

Study Highlights Extinction Risk for Amphibians Due to Climate Change

Oct 07, 2023

Q: What is the main finding of the study? A: The study reveals that 2 out of every 5 amphibians are threatened with extinction, primarily due to climate change and habitat degradation. Q: Who conducted the study? A: The study was coordinated by the Amphibian Red List Authority,part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and managed by Re:wild, a wildlife conservation group. Q: How many species were evaluated? A: Over 8,000 amphibian specie... Read More...

Revenue Riddles in India's GST Collections

Oct 07, 2023

Q: What is the overall trend in GST collections? A: GST collections stand at over ₹9.92 lakh crore halfway through the financial year, marking an 11.1% increase over the same period last year. The average monthly revenue is ₹1,65,418 crore. Q: Is there a slowdown in GST inflows? A: Yes, the growth rate dropped to 10.2% in September, the slowest since July 2021. The average growth also dipped to 10.6% in Q2 from 11.5% in Q1. Q: What impact did compliance measures have? Read More...

RBI's Decision Explained:Repo Rate Stayed

Oct 07, 2023

Inflation Targeting: RBI aims to keep inflation at a 4% target, viewing high inflation as a risk to macroeconomic stability. High inflation erodes purchasing power and can lead to economic instability. A 4% target is seen as a balanced level that neither stifles growth nor allows prices to spiral out of control. Unchanged Interest Rates: The policy repo rate remains at 6.50%, unchanged for the fourth consecutive meeting. Despite a decline in core inflation, uncertainties like volati... Read More...

Non-Tariff Barriers at WTO

Oct 07, 2023

India is gearing up to address the issue of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that its industries face in global markets. The country plans to bring this up at the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) committee meeting. The Commerce Department is collecting data from various industry bodies to prepare a comprehensive list of items that face such barriers. Key Points: Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): These are trade barriers that restrict imports but are not in the usual form of a tariff. They include standards, licenses, and quotas. ... Read More...

Chhatrapati Shivaji:Wagh Nakh

Oct 06, 2023

Return of Shivaji's 'wagh nakh' (knuckle duster) from London's Victoria and Albert Museum What is the 'wagh nakh'? The 'wagh nakh' is a knuckle duster with metal nails resembling tiger claws. It is historically significant as it is believed to have been used by Chhatrapati Shivaji to kill Afzal Khan, a general of the Bijapur Sultanate, in 1659. Why is it important? The 'wagh nakh' holds historical and cultural significance as it is associated with a pivotal event in the life of Ch... Read More...

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023

Oct 06, 2023

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Alexei Ekimov, Louis Brus, and Moungi Bawendi for their groundbreaking work on quantum dots. Quantum dots are extremely small crystals with unique properties that have applications in various fields, including LED screens and quantum computing. These tiny crystals, only a few nanometers wide, contain just a few thousand atoms, making the effects of quantum mechanics more pronounced at this scale. When exposed to light, quantum dots absorb and re-emit it at different frequencies or colors, with the color depending on the dot's size. Lets get the story. ... Read More...

LCA Tejas and Defence Sector Indigenisation

Oct 06, 2023

Handover of LCA Tejas Twin Seater Aircraft to the Indian Air Force What is the LCA Tejas Twin Seater Aircraft? The LCA Tejas Twin Seater is a lightweight, all-weather multi-role 4.5 generation aircraft designed for various purposes, including training for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the ability to serve as a fighter aircraft when needed. Who handed over the aircraft to the Indian Air Force? The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first LCA Tejas Twin Seater Aircraft to the Indian Air Force. Read More...