UPSC Daily Current Affairs

The Mediation Bill 2023: Aims, Provisions, and Benefits

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the primary aim of the Mediation Bill 2023? A1: The Mediation Bill 2023 aims to codify, institutionalize, and promote the mediation process by establishing the Mediation Council of India, recognizing mediation service providers, and providing for the registration of mediators. Q2: Can you provide a list of the main provisions of the Mediation Bill 2023? A2:Key provisions: 1.Establishment of the Mediation Council of India. Read More...

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): An Overview and Recent Changes

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? A1: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to initiatives and practices undertaken by corporations to contribute positively to society. This includes a range of activities, from donating money to nonprofits to implementing environmentally-friendly policies in the workplace. Q2: When was the CSR regime introduced in India? A2: The CSR regime was introduced in India in 2013 as part of the Companies Act. Q3: Why was there a need for CSR regulation... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 'Housing for All' Mission? A1: Launched in June 2015, PMAY-U is an initiative by the Government of India to provide pucca houses to all eligible urban beneficiaries. The mission aims to address India's urban housing shortage. Q2: Has the mission achieved its objectives so far? A2: As of 23 August 2023, 1.19 crore houses have been sanctioned out of the initial target of two crore houses. There is still a gap between needs, demand, and supply, indicating challenges in fulfilli... Read More...

Is AI's Autonomy a Concern?

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: Is there a prevalent fear regarding AI's autonomy? A1: Yes, a common apprehension is that AI might evolve beyond human control, develop its own consciousness, and make independent decisions that might not always align with human interests. Q2: Are concerns about AI developing its own consciousness justified? A2: As of current understanding and technological development, AI operates based on algorithms and data provided to it. It doesn't possess emotions, desires, or consciousness like humans. The fear stems more from speculative fi... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):Financial Inclusion and Empowerment

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)? A1: PMJDY was launched on August 28, 2014, with the goal of providing universal banking services. It aims to open zero-balance bank accounts for every unbanked household, aligning with the principles of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, and funding the unfunded. Q2: How has PMJDY impacted direct benefit transfers? A2: The PMJDY scheme, entering its ninth year, has been instrumental in allowing the government to transfer benefits directly to verified bank accounts, thereby elim... Read More...

Biofuels and the Ethanol Blending Initiative by Indian Sugar Millers

Sep 05, 2023

1. Why is the ethanol blending programme significant in the context of biofuels? The programme champions the use of ethanol, a renewable biofuel, aiming to blend it with petrol, which reduces carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. 2. What biofuel-related target have the sugar millers proposed? Sugar millers are eyeing a 50% average ethanol blending with petrol by 2030, enhancing the role of biofuels in India's energy mix. 3. How does the E-100 flex fuel vehicle fit into the biofue... Read More...

15th BRICS Summit:Expansion and More

Sep 05, 2023

1. What took place at the BRICS summit? The summit was a three-day event attended by Brazil, India, China, and South Africa's leaders in person, with Russia's leader attending virtually. The focus of discussions included terrorism, multilateral reform, digital economy, trade, and food security. Leaders from several developing countries and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were present. 2. What were the summit's significant outcomes? The primary outcome was BRICS' expansion, incorporating Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, S... Read More...

BRICS:Reassessing China's

Sep 05, 2023

1. What defines a "developing country"? A developing country is distinguished by metrics like a lower GDP per capita, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a reduced Human Development Index (HDI). Understanding these benchmarks is key to evaluating nations like China. 2. Key indicators for a country's "developing" status? Common indicators include: GDP per capita trends Industrialization metrics ... Read More...

Crackdown on NGOs in India

Sep 05, 2023

1. What is the FCRA in Indian NGO regulations? The FCRA, or Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, is an Indian act governing the acceptance and use of foreign contributions by NGOs in India. Essential for NGOs, it ensures transparency in foreign funding. 2. Why are Indian NGOs losing FCRA licences recently? Over 100 NGOs faced FCRA license cancellations recently due to enhanced disclosure requirements, tighter fund usage norms, and various regulatory amendments aimed at financial transparency. 3. How ... Read More...

Fukushima Waste Water Release

Sep 05, 2023

1. What is the Fukushima waste water issue? Following the 2011 tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan has accumulated treated waste water at the plant. The plan to discharge this water into the Pacific Ocean has caused international and local concern. 2. Why is there waste water at Fukushima? To cool the damaged nuclear reactors after the disaster, the power plant company, Tepco, has been using water. This has resulted in the production of contaminated water daily, which is stored in massive tanks on-site. ... Read More...

Puri Temple Access for PwDs

Sep 05, 2023

1. What changes are being made to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri for PwDs (Persons with Disabilities)? The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has approved the construction of a ramp near the northern gate of the temple to facilitate the entry of differently-abled devotees. 2. Who proposed the construction of the ramp at the temple? The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) proposed the idea, and it received approval from ASI. 3. Have there been previous attempts to provide barrier-free a... Read More...

Lightning and its Environmental Impact

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is lightning? A1: Lightning is a natural electrostatic discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It consists of a visible flash of light and the accompanying sound of thunder. Lightning is caused by the buildup of electric charges in the atmosphere, leading to the rapid discharge of these charges between clouds or between clouds and the ground. Q2: How is lightning caused? A2: Lightning is caused by the separation of positive and negative charges within a thunderstorm cloud. This separation creates an electric field, and when the el... Read More...

Government's Decision to Cut Domestic LPG Prices

Sep 05, 2023

Q: Why did the government decide to reduce the price of domestic LPG? A: The government's decision to lower the price of domestic LPG by ₹200 per cylinder aims to combat kitchen inflation and provide immediate relief to households. This move comes ahead of important state elections and is aligned with the government's commitment to improving the quality of life for citizens, particularly those in the lower and middle-income brackets. Q: What significance does this decision hold? A: The reduction in LPG prices is being viewed as a tho... Read More...

Factors Contributing to the Contraction in Indian Exports

Sep 04, 2023

Global Economic Slowdown: A significant reason for the fall in Indian exports is the slowdown in key global economies. Weak economic growth in major trading partners, such as the US, EU, and China, has led to reduced demand for Indian goods. Geopolitical Tensions: Ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes among major economies have disrupted global trade flows. Uncertainties arising from these tensions have led to cautiousness among exporters and importers. Inflati... Read More...

Rules of Origin (RoOs) in Indian Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

Sep 04, 2023

Rules of Origin (RoOs) are an essential component of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that determine the eligibility criteria for goods to receive preferential treatment under the agreement. These criteria ensure that only goods originating from the FTA partner country enjoy reduced tariffs or other trade benefits. RoOs specific to India in various FTAs vary based on the agreements signed with different partner countries or regions. Each FTA has its own set of RoOs, which are negotiated and agreed upon by both parties. Common Elements of India-Specific RoOs in FTAs: Read More...