UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India Meteorological Department (IMD) and its air quality monitoring and forecasting initiatives:

Sep 06, 2023

IMD's Air Quality Monitoring and Forecasting Q1: What is IMD's latest plan regarding air quality monitoring? A1: IMD plans to provide air quality early warnings through the System of Air Quality Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) to 92 more polluted cities over the next two years. Q2: What is SAFAR? A2: SAFAR, developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorological (IITM) Pune and operationalized by IMD in 2010 during the Commonwealth Games, is India's first metro air quality se... Read More...

Destruction in Himachal Pradesh:2023

Sep 06, 2023

Q1: What caused the destruction in Himachal Pradesh? The state witnessed intense monsoon rainfall leading to widespread devastation. Landslides, flash floods, and other rain-related incidents destroyed homes, fields, roads, and infrastructure. Q2: What were the major consequences of the heavy rains? Homes, fields, roads, and other structures were destroyed. There were a significant number of casualties and injuries. Numerous animals also perished. Read More...

National Curriculum Framework (NCF) and Recent Changes 2023-24

Sep 06, 2023

What is the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)? The NCF is a guide for school education, providing principles, goals, structures, and elements for the development of curricula. It outlines the standards for school systems, but individual states can determine their priorities based on this. Is the NCF the curriculum itself? No, the NCF is not the curriculum but a framework to develop curricula. It sets the overarching guidelines, while the specifics of syllabus, content, teaching materials, and assessment are developed at the state level. Read More...

Populism

Sep 06, 2023

1. What is Populism? Populism is a political approach or doctrine that seeks to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. It often juxtaposes "the people" against "the elite" and claims to promote the will of the masses against the actions or interests of a perceived privileged few. 2. Causes of Populism: Economic Disparities: Economic downturns, job losses, and perceived threats from globalization can lead to populist movements. Read More...

Understanding Generic Drugs

Sep 06, 2023

1. What are generic drugs? Generic drugs are medications that have the same active ingredients as the original brand-name drug but are typically cheaper. They are approved by regulatory agencies for safety and efficacy. 2. Why has the NMC recommended prescribing generic drugs? The primary aim is to bring down healthcare costs. Generic medicines are often 30-80% cheaper than branded drugs. 3. Are all medicines in India affordable? Yes, medicines in India are amo... Read More...

PM PRANAM:Fertilizer Reform

Sep 06, 2023

The PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth) is an initiative aimed at promoting balanced use of chemical and alternative fertilizers, advocating for regenerative agriculture, and boosting soil health, climate protection, water resources, biodiversity, and farm productivity. Pros (Pluses) of PRANAM: Environmental Conservation: By promoting regenerative agriculture, PRANAM focuses on conserving and rejuvenating soil health, biodiversity, and vital water resources. Read More...

Digital Competition Law

Sep 06, 2023

A 16-member inter-ministerial Committee on Digital Competition Law was constituted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Initially given a three-month timeline to present its findings, the committee has seen several extensions. Their task? Delve into the complexities of the evolving digital landscape and recommend actionable strategies. The Mandate: Amid the technological transformation and the rise of dominant digital platforms, the mission of the committee is not just pivotal but time-sensitive. Their mandate is to: Analyze anti-competitive prac... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A Detailed Review of India's Crop Insurance Initiative

Sep 06, 2023

When was it started? The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), also known as the PM Crop Insurance Scheme, was launched in 2016. As one of the Centre's flagship initiatives, it was designed to revolutionize the agricultural insurance landscape of India and secure farmers against unforeseen climatic events. Why was it initiated? Recognizing the vulnerabilities of the Indian farmers to erratic weather patterns and other adversities, the PMFBY was rolled out to mitigate the risks associated with unpredictable climatic conditions. These un... Read More...

Sociology of Honour Killings:

Sep 06, 2023

Erasing India's Stigma: Towards a Progressive Nation What are honour killings? Honour killings are murders committed primarily against women and girls who are perceived to have brought 'dishonour' upon their families or communities due to their choice of partner, especially if they belong to a different caste, religion, or community. Why is this practice prevalent? Deep-rooted patriarchy: At its core, honour killings are a manifestation of entrenched patriarchal norms wher... Read More...

Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS) for MGNREGS Workers:

Sep 05, 2023

1. What is ABPS? Answer: The Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) is a mechanism that mandates receiving wages for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) via an Aadhaar-linked bank account. 2. Why is it being introduced? Answer: The aim is to streamline wage payments and ensure transparency, reducing the chances of fraud. 3. Who is eligible for ABPS wage payments? Answer: To be eligible for APBS wage payments, a wor... Read More...

India-Egypt Military Exercise:Exercise Bright Star-23

Sep 05, 2023

The Indian Air Force (IAF) commenced its participation in Exercise Bright Star-23, a 21-day multilateral triservice exercise in Egypt, marking its debut in the event. The exercise, running from August 27 to September 16 at Cairo (West) Air Base, also includes contingents from the USA, Saudi Arabia, Greece, and Qatar. The main goal is to hone the planning and execution of joint operations and bolster strategic relations. The IAF has deployed five MiG-29 combat jets, six transport aircraft, and a special forces team. This includes personnel from the IAF’s Garud Special Forces and Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 S... Read More...

DRDO, Its Achievements, and DARPA

Sep 05, 2023

Q1. What is the primary role of the DRDO? A1. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India's premier agency responsible for the development of technology for defense purposes. Q2. What are some notable achievements of DRDO? A2. DRDO has achieved numerous milestones, including: •Development of the Agni and Prithvi missile series. •Creation of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) - Tejas. Read More...

Cheetah Conservation Efforts in India

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: Why is South Africa sending cheetahs to India? A1: South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, stated at the BRICS Summit that South Africa is willing to donate more cheetahs to India, acknowledging India's dedication to feline conservation. Q2: How many cheetahs has South Africa sent to India so far? A2: South Africa sent 12 cheetahs to India in February, following the eight big cats that Namibia sent in November 2022. Q3: What has been the survival rate of these cheetahs? Read More...

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Launch

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: When and where was the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launched? A1: The IBCA was launched on 9th April 2023 in Mysuru, Karnataka, during an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger. Q2: What is the primary purpose of the IBCA? A2: The IBCA was initiated to bolster conservation efforts for seven big cats – Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Q3: How many countries does the IBCA aim to collaborate with? A3: The all... Read More...

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India: Aadhaar, Instruments, Institutions, and Policies

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? A1: DPI represents the digital platforms and tools developed by the government to catalyze India's transition from an offline, fragmented micro-economy to a consolidated online, high-productivity mega economy. Q2: How does Aadhaar play a role in DPI? A2: Aadhaar, a unique digital identity card issued to residents of India, acts as a foundational pillar for DPI. It serves as a verification tool across various digital platforms, ensuring secure and seamless transactions. Read More...