UPSC Daily Current Affairs

BRONZE AGE IN INDIA: THE AGE OF THE FIRST CITIES

Sep 28, 2024

BRONZE AGE IN INDIA: THE AGE OF THE FIRST CITIES 1. What is the Bronze Age in India? The Bronze Age in India refers to the period when humans first began using bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, to make tools, weapons, and other items. This era roughly corresponds to the timeline of the Indus Valley Civilization, from around 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. 2. Which were the first cities in India during the Bronze Age? The major cities of the Bronze Age in India were Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira, and Lothal, which were part of the Indus Valley Civilization. These cities were known for their advanced urban planning, inclu... Read More...

Shukrayaan:VENUS ORBITER MISSION: ISRO

Sep 28, 2024

Shukrayaan:VENUS ORBITER MISSION: ISRO 1. What is the primary focus of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)? The Venus Orbiter Mission is designed to study Venus’s atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. The spacecraft will collect data on atmospheric processes, examine the planet’s geology, and investigate how the Sun affects Venus’s environment. 2. Why is studying Venus significant? Venus is of great interest because it is similar to Earth in size and composition but has evolved very differently. Understanding why Venus experienced extreme climate change—leading to its current state with a thick, ... Read More...

INDUSTRIAL CITIES AND NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (NICDP)

Sep 27, 2024

INDUSTRIAL CITIES AND NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (NICDP) 1. What is the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)? The NICDP is a flagship initiative aimed at creating world-class industrial infrastructure to boost India’s manufacturing sector. It envisions the development of industrial corridors across the country that will support large-scale industrial investments, improve connectivity, and foster sustainable growth. 2. What are industrial cities? Industrial cities are specialized urban centers developed around industrial parks and corridors that are designed to att... Read More...

FAQs ON FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR IN INDIA

Sep 27, 2024

FAQs ON FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR IN INDIA 1. What is the importance of the food processing sector in India? The food processing sector is critical for value addition to agricultural produce, helping transform raw materials into consumer products, both domestically and internationally. It enhances the shelf life of produce, minimizes wastage, and provides better returns for farmers. This sector is also crucial for creating employment opportunities in rural areas, especially by connecting agricultural activities with the national and global economy. 2. Which government schemes support the food processing indus... Read More...

COP16,Cali, Colombia: Global Biodiversity Goals

Sep 27, 2024

COP16,Cali, Colombia: Global Biodiversity Goals Synopsis The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) dedicated to biodiversity will be held in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024. COP16 will focus on evaluating the progress made since the landmark agreement at COP15 in 2022,where nations committed to protecting 30% of the planet by 2030. While not expected to introduce major new initiatives,COP16 is a crucial opportunity for countries to assess their progress and collaborate on further action to conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems. FAQs Read More...

AI AND BIOTECH: INDIA’S UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE GOALS

Sep 27, 2024

AI AND BIOTECH: INDIA’S UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE GOALS Artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology are positioned to significantly reshape healthcare, particularly in India, where universal access to affordable and high-quality medical services remains a critical goal. Integrating these technologies can accelerate research, enhance disease prevention, and ensure personalized care for India’s diverse and large population. Here are some key aspects that illustrate how AI and biotech are influencing universal healthcare in India: 1. AI in Diagnostics and Disease Prediction AI is already making strides in hea... Read More...

Digital Arrest:Simplifier

Sep 27, 2024

Digital Arrest:Simplifier 1. What is a digital arrest? A digital arrest is a type of cyber scam where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officers, claiming that the victim is involved in serious crimes such as money laundering or fraud. They simulate legal proceedings, often via video calls, and convince victims to transfer large sums of money to avoid arrest. 2. How do scammers carry out a digital arrest? Scammers use a combination of tactics, including: • Fake phone calls or messages claiming to be from government agencies like the police, Telecom Regulatory Authority, or the j... Read More...

TAX REFORMS IN INDIA:SIMPLIFIER

Sep 27, 2024

TAX REFORMS IN INDIA:SIMPLIFIER 1. Why does India need tax reforms? Tax reforms in India are crucial to improve the ease of doing business, increase tax revenue, simplify tax compliance, and promote economic growth. The current tax system is often seen as complex, causing delays in resolving disputes and increasing compliance costs for businesses and individuals. 2. What are the major challenges in India’s tax system? The key challenges include: • Time-consuming tax dispute resolution (disputes can take 10-20 years to resolve) • High compliance burden for taxpayers • Underp... Read More...

FARMER PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS (FPOs)

Sep 27, 2024

FARMER PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS (FPOs) 1. What is an FPO (Farmer Producer Organisation)? An FPO is a collective of farmers, often small and marginal, who come together to organise production and marketing activities to improve their livelihoods. FPOs help members secure better prices for their produce by bypassing middlemen and gaining access to direct markets. 2. How are FPOs structured? FPOs are structured like business entities, with farmers as shareholders. They may be registered as cooperatives, producer companies, or societies, depending on the legal framework they follow. The board of directors, usually electe... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY),Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP),Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY):

Sep 27, 2024

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY),Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP),Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY): WATER SECURITY FOR FARMERS IN INDIA India’s agricultural sector faces significant challenges due to inconsistent rainfall, water scarcity, and inefficient irrigation practices. In response, the Indian government has launched several water security schemes aimed at ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for agriculture, boosting farm productivity, and improving water-use efficiency. These schemes focus on irrigation infrastructure, water resource management, and technology-driven solutions to address the growing concerns of water stress. ... Read More...

INDIA’S DRONE ECOSYSTEM

Sep 27, 2024

INDIA’S DRONE ECOSYSTEM 1. What is the current status of the drone ecosystem in India? The drone ecosystem in India is rapidly growing, driven by government initiatives, industry involvement, and market demand. The sector has evolved in recent years with the establishment of companies such as DroneAcharya, IdeaForge, and Rattan India, contributing to advancements in drone manufacturing, research, and component infrastructure. 2. What is the government’s role in supporting the drone industry? The Indian government is actively supporting the drone industry through Producti... Read More...

President's Rule:Article 355 and Federalism in India

Sep 27, 2024

President's Rule:Article 355 and Federalism in India What is Article 355? Article 355 of the Indian Constitution mandates the Union government to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance. It also empowers the Centre to ensure that the government of every state is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. How does Article 355 relate to federalism? Federalism is a system where power is divided between a central government and constituent units (states). Article 355, whil... Read More...

NPS VATSALYA SCHEME

Sep 27, 2024

NPS VATSALYA SCHEME 1. What is the NPS Vatsalya scheme? The NPS Vatsalya scheme is a new initiative introduced in Budget 2024 to help parents save for their children’s future by using the National Pension System (NPS). The scheme allows parents to open an NPS Vatsalya account for their minor children and make contributions until the child turns 18. Once the child becomes an adult, the account transitions into a regular NPS account. This ensures a headstart on retirement planning for the child. 2. How does the scheme benefit parents and children? The NPS Vatsalya scheme offers flexibility in contributions and ... Read More...

INDIA-US RELATIONS UNDER JOE BIDEN

Sep 27, 2024

INDIA-US RELATIONS UNDER JOE BIDEN 1. How have India-US relations evolved under Joe Biden’s presidency? Since Joe Biden took office in 2020, India-US relations have deepened significantly across several strategic areas. Both countries have built on existing partnerships and set the stage for a bolder bilateral agenda, particularly in areas like high technology, defense, and economic cooperation. Biden has strengthened India’s role in the Indo-Pacific and expanded cooperation on critical and emerging technologies (CET). 2. What are the major areas of cooperation between India and the US? Key areas of coo... Read More...

COMMONWEALTH GAMES: OVERVIEW AND GLASGOW 2026

Sep 27, 2024

COMMONWEALTH GAMES: OVERVIEW AND GLASGOW 2026 1. What are the Commonwealth Games? The Commonwealth Games are an international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring athletes from countries within the Commonwealth of Nations. The Games promote friendly competition, unity, and shared heritage among member nations. 2. Which sports are included in the Commonwealth Games? The Games typically feature a range of sports, including athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, boxing, and sports popular within the Commonwealth, like rugby sevens and netball. 3. Who can participate in the Commo... Read More...