UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Urbanisation and Environmental Balancev

Sep 16, 2023

Urban Flooding What is urban flooding? Urban flooding is a type of flooding that occurs in cities and urban areas due to heavy rain or other factors. Unlike traditional floods, urban flooding is sudden, local, and often catches people off guard. What causes urban flooding? Urban flooding is caused by various factors, including inadequate stormwater drainage systems, poor maintenance of existing drainage infrastructure, excessive concreting of open spaces, uncontrolled urban expansion, and the loss of wetlands. Read More...

Evolution of Ganesh Puja

Sep 16, 2023

What were the causes of the communal riot in Mumbai in August 1893 The riot was triggered by tensions between Gujarati Hindus and Muslims after ceremonial music was played at the Hanuman temple at Pydhonie in Mumbai’s south. Who played a significant role in addressing the communal conflict during the 1893 riots in Mumbai? Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the editor of ‘Kesari’ and ‘Mahratta’ publications, played a significant role in addressing the conflict and advocating for the rights of Hindus. What was ... Read More...

Cloning FAQ

Sep 16, 2023

What is cloning? Cloning is the scientific technique of creating a genetically identical copy of a biological entity, leveraging the DNA of the original organism. This process can be applied to various biological levels, including cells, tissues, or entire organisms. Who was Dolly the sheep? Dolly was the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell, marking a groundbreaking achievement in biotechnology. She was created by Ian Wilmut and his team at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland, and born on July 5, 1996. Read More...

India and Saudi Arabia Elevate Ties with Eight Significant Agreements

Sep 16, 2023

Overview In a monumental move, India and Saudi Arabia have taken their bilateral relations to a new height with the signing of eight pivotal agreements during the inaugural leaders' summit of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. The summit, held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, saw the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Leaders Exchange Agreements Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman exchanging agreements in New Delh... Read More...

Farmer Suicides in India: Causes and Solutions

Sep 16, 2023

Why are farmer suicides happening? Farmer suicides in India are a tragic issue caused by a combination of factors. Erratic monsoons, leading to crop losses, high interest rates from private moneylenders, exploitation by middlemen, and overwhelming debts are some primary reasons. These struggles often result in mental health problems and family conflicts. The Statistics: In 2021, nearly 10,881 people from the farming sector, including farmers and laborers, died by suicide. In Karnataka alone, 251 farmers took their lives from April to September 2022. Read More...

Stubble Burning in India: Causes, Effects, Solutions, and Challenges

Sep 16, 2023

What is Stubble Burning? Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to crop residue left in the field after harvesting, primarily rice and wheat straw. It is a common agricultural practice in India, especially in states like Punjab and Haryana. Causes: Short Window for a:Farmers often resort to stubble burning due to the short duration between harvesting one crop (e.g., paddy) and sowing the next (e.g., wheat). Pest and Weed Control: Removing crop residue through burning is seen as a quick way to control pests and weeds for the upcoming cr... Read More...

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India: Definition, Role, and Controversies

Sep 16, 2023

What is the Leader of the Opposition in India? A1: The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in India is a prominent political figure who leads the largest opposition party in either the Lok Sabha (House of the People) or the Rajya Sabha (Council of States), the two houses of the Indian Parliament. The LoP's role is defined under the Salaries and Allowances of Leader of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977. How is the Leader of the Opposition determined? A2: The Leader of the Opposition is typically the leader of the largest political party in opposition to the government... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Your journey to success shines even brighter when you choose SRIRAM'S.

Sep 16, 2023

What is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)? A1: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is a government scheme in India aimed at providing access to clean cooking fuel, particularly liquified petroleum gas (LPG), to households that were traditionally dependent on more polluting and harmful cooking fuels like firewood and cow dung. The scheme was launched by the Indian government to improve the health and well-being of women and children by reducing indoor air pollution caused by the use of traditional cooking fuels. How does the PMUY scheme work? A2: Under the ... Read More...

Hoysala Temples: An Overview

Sep 16, 2023

SRIRAM'S: The Ultimate Temple for IAS Aspirants Hoysala temples are a collection of remarkable religious structures built by the Hoysala dynasty in Karnataka, India, during the 11th to 14th centuries. They are celebrated for their: Intricate Sculpture Work: Renowned for their intricate sculptures, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. Star-shaped Base: Characterized by a unique star-shaped base, adding to their complex and elegant aesthetics. Hoysala Emblem: Many temples feature the Hoysala dynasty emblem, ... Read More...

Sustainable Aviation Fuel(SAF) Fly to LBSNAA Sustainably with SRIRAM's - Leading the Way in IAS Coaching!

Sep 16, 2023

What is SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)? A: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of aviation fuel derived from sustainable and renewable feedstocks, which can include used cooking oil, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, non-food crops, forestry residue, and more. SAF is designed to have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional jet fuels, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for aviation. How is SAF different from traditional jet fuels? A: SAF is distinct from conventional jet fuels because it is produced from sust... Read More...

Opium Wars and the Rise of West: Amitav Ghosh in Smoke and Ashes: a Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories (HarperCollins, 2023)

Sep 16, 2023

Until half a century ago, the conventional Western view of the West's (mostly Europe and US) remarkable economic rise since 1700 was explained in terms of scientific progress, technological innovations, entrepreneurship, and relatively free movement of goods, capital, and labor. Fifty years of scholarship and revisionist historiography since then has pointed to other significant contributory factors, including imperial conquests and colonialism, the genocidal expropriation of land from native “Indians” in America by immigrants from Europe, and the deployment of millions of slaves, shipped brutally across the Atlantic ... Read More...

India's Retail Inflation: A Closer Look

Sep 15, 2023

In August, India witnessed a slight decrease in retail inflation, registering at 6.83% compared to the 15-month peak of 7.44% in July. Despite this, the surge in food prices remained high at approximately 10%, with rural consumers experiencing over 7% inflation. Details of the Inflation Vegetable Prices: Although there was a reduction from the 37.4% spike in July, the prices were still considerably high at 26.1% in August. Cereal and Pulses: Inflation in cereals saw a small dip, going from around 13% in July to 11.85% in August.... Read More...

Sedition and Kedarnath Ruling

Sep 15, 2023

Supreme Court's Examination of Section 124A What is Section 124A? Section 124A, also known as the sedition law, is a provision in the Indian Penal Code formulated in 1860 during the British colonial rule. It criminalizes any words, signs, or visible representation that can cause "disaffection" towards the government. What prompted the Supreme Court to revisit this section now? The Supreme Court decided to revisit this section amidst petitions challenging the consti... Read More...

Nyoma Airfield: India's Strategic Move in Ladakh

Sep 15, 2023

What is the Nyoma airfield project? The Nyoma airfield project is a strategic initiative led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to bolster India's air infrastructure in the Ladakh region, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Why is the Nyoma airfield significant? The airfield is set to be one of the world's highest, enhancing the Indian Air Force's capabilities along the northern border and potentially proving to be a game-changer for the armed forces. What is the estimated cost for the development o... Read More...

Harami Nala: The Treacherous Channel at the Heart of Border Security

Sep 15, 2023

What is Harami Nala? Harami Nala is a natural water channel situated in the Sir Creek area of Kutch, Gujarat, along the India-Pakistan international border. It is characterized by its inhospitable terrain and has historically been a center for cross-border infiltrations and exploitations. Why is it termed "Harami Nala"? The name "Harami Nala" translates to "rogue or treacherous channel" in English. This name is apt given the challenging conditions of the area, including the treacherous tides, morass, and mirages, cou... Read More...