UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Disinvestment in India

Sep 23, 2023

What is disinvestment in the context of Indian government-owned enterprises? • Disinvestment refers to the sale of the government's equity stakes in public sector units (PSUs) and state-owned enterprises to private entities or the public Why does the Indian government undertake disinvestment? • Disinvestment is carried out to reduce the government's financial burden, promote efficiency and competitiveness in PSUs, and raise funds for public welfare programs. What were the targets se... Read More...

Challenges of Jobless Growth in India

Sep 23, 2023

Jobless growth is a persistent challenge in India's economic landscape. Despite economic growth since the mid-1980s, employment conditions haven't seen the desired improvements. The Azim Premji University's recent report highlights several key aspects: Non-Farm Sector Employment: There has been a significant increase in non-farm sector employment over the years. However, this hasn't translated into well-paying regular employment. Most of those moving out of the agriculture sector end up in low-paying casual work. Organised ... Read More...

MSMEs and Digital India: Bridging the Gap for Prosperity

Sep 23, 2023

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the lifeblood of India's economy, contributing significantly to employment, industry, and exports. However, they face numerous challenges that hinder their growth. One promising solution lies in the embrace of digital technologies. Challenges for Indian MSMEs: Limited Access to Finance: Securing affordable credit is a struggle. Market Access Barriers: Expanding beyond local markets is difficult. ... Read More...

Unlocking the Potential of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

Sep 23, 2023

1. What are RRBs? Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are financial institutions serving rural and semi-urban areas in India. 2. How many RRBs exist? As of March 31, 2022, there are 43 operational RRBs in India. 3. Who owns RRBs? Ownership is divided among the central government (50%), sponsor banks (35%), and state governments (15%). 4. What's their purpose? Read More...

Delimitation in India's Elections

Sep 23, 2023

1. What's Delimitation in Indian Elections? Delimitation is defining electoral constituency boundaries to ensure fair representation, in the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. 2. Why Delimitation Matters? It's crucial to maintain equal population representation, adhering to the "one person, one vote" principle. 3. How's Delimitation Conducted? An independent Delimitation Commission uses census data to establish constituency boundaries... Read More...

I2U2 and Its Strategic Implications

Sep 23, 2023

1. What's I2U2? I2U2 is a collaboration between India, Israel, the US, and the UAE, aiming for economic partnerships. 2. Recent Launch by I2U2? They unveiled a business coalition, promoting public-private partnerships. 3. Where Was the Launch? The launch occurred during the UN General Assembly (UNGA). 4. Domains Covered by I2U2 Projects? Seven domains: water, climate/energy,... Read More...

Savings in India:

Sep 22, 2023

Refers to setting aside a portion of income or resources for future use, taking various forms like bank deposits, investments, and physical assets. Crucial for financial stability, achieving goals, and contributing to economic growth. Why Save: Emergency Fund: Acts as a financial cushion during unexpected expenses. Financial Goals: Helps achieve objectives like homeownership, education, and retirement. Investment Capital: Allows for growth through investments. Reti... Read More...

Hidden Hunger and Rice Fortification

Sep 22, 2023

Hidden Hunger Definition: Refers to micronutrient deficiency-induced malnutrition, often concealed until clinical signs of deficiency appear, affecting both children and adults. Consequences: Includes birth defects, cognitive impairments, maternal and infant mortality, childhood blindness, and reduced productivity. Hunger in India: Despite a decline, around 194 million people were undernourished in India during 2016-18. Nutrition in Aspirational Districts: Read More...

Domestic Savings Rate Plunges:RBI Report

Sep 22, 2023

The latest data on household financial savings, released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has raised concerns among economists and can have significant implications for medium-term growth. Household Savings Decline: Net household financial savings dropped to a multi-decade low of 5.1% of GDP in 2022-23, down from 7.2% the previous year. Possible Reasons for Decline: Households impacted by pandemic-related income setbacks may not have fully recovered. Economic recovery has been primarily driven by corporate profits. High ... Read More...

StudyIndianPolity by SRIRANGAM SRIRAM for a crystal clear understanding of the Constitution.

Sep 21, 2023

Introduction Name: Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023. Date of Introduction: September 19, 2023. Objective: To reserve one-third of the total seats in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. Key Features of the Bill Reservation for Women: Approximately one-third of all seats in Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi to be reserved for women. This reservation applies to seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes... Read More...

Evolving Indo-Pacific Dynamics: India, U.S., and China in Focus.

Sep 21, 2023

U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: U.S. and Vietnam elevate partnership to a strategic level. Military hardware support aims to reduce Vietnam's reliance on Russian supplies. Shared Concerns About China: India and Vietnam express concerns over China's assertiveness. Vulnerable borders and maritime disputes drive collaboration. India's Shifting Stance: India endorses 2016 UN arbitral award in South China Sea. Alignment with countries like the Philippi... Read More...

Understanding Maoism in India

Sep 21, 2023

What is Maoism? Maoism (Mao Zedong Thought) is a variant of Marxism-Leninism developed by Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Emphasizes peasant-led revolutionary warfare, continuous revolution, and the "mass line" leadership method. Who are Maoists? Maoists are followers of Maoism. In India, primarily members of the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Focus on overthrowing the Indian government through a people's war, with support from tribal populations. Key concerns include land rights and alleged governmental oppression. Read More...

Enhancing Elephant Corridors in India

Sep 21, 2023

India's central government has identified 62 new elephant corridors, bringing the total to 150. Significant increase from the 88 corridors identified in 2010. Why: To ensure safe movement for India's growing elephant population, now exceeding 30,000. Connects friendly habitats to encourage ecological balance and reduce human-elephant conflicts. Counters habitat fragmentation and destruction, which had reduced the use of 19% of existing corridors. How: State governments reported and validated these corridors u... Read More...

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) and India

Sep 21, 2023

Formation: April 2009 Headquarters: Basel, Switzerland Formerly called: Financial Stability Forum (FSF) The FSB is an international body monitoring and making recommendations about the global financial system. Established after the G20 London summit in 2009, it succeeded the Financial Stability Forum (FSF). The FSB includes G20 major economies, FSF members, and the European Commission. Hosted and funded by the Bank for International Settlements, it operates as a not-for-profit Swiss association. The FSB is a significant part of globa... Read More...

"Permaculture Growth in India"

Sep 21, 2023

Basics of Permaculture in India: Traditional Knowledge and Practices: Integration of sustainable traditional agricultural practices with modern permaculture principles. Water Conservation: Emphasis on techniques like rainwater harvesting and swales to combat water scarcity. Agroforestry: Integration of trees and shrubs to enhance biodiversity and soil health. Natural Pest Management: Use of pest-repellent plants, reducing chemical pesticide dependency. Why It Is Spreading in India: Resilience to Climate Change: ... Read More...