UPSC Daily Current Affairs

RBI's Green Deposits: A Sustainable Banking Initiative

Sep 01, 2023

What are green deposits? Green deposits are special bank accounts where your money is used only for eco-friendly projects. It's like telling your bank, "Use my money for good, green things only!" The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) started this to help the environment and reduce carbon emissions. Types of green deposits? There are different types like fixed deposits, savings accounts, and even recurring deposits – but all with a green twist! You can choose based on how you want to save or invest. Read More...

Dedollarization: India's Approach and Implications

Sep 01, 2023

What is Dedollarization? Dedollarization refers to the move away from using the U.S. dollar in international trade and finance. Countries may opt for dedollarization for various reasons, ranging from economic autonomy to reducing susceptibility to U.S. sanctions. Why Dedollarization? Sanctions: The U.S. uses economic sanctions as a tool, affecting countries' trade and economy. Reducing dependency on the U.S. dollar can mitigate this. Read More...

Fundamental Duties

Sep 01, 2023

Art.51A Article 51A(j) of the Constitution of India states that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen of India to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement. This fundamental duty is based on the principle that every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the development of the nation. It is also based on the belief that India can achieve great things if its citizens strive for excellence in all spheres of activity. ... Read More...

Fundamental Duties

Sep 01, 2023

Fundamental Duty of safeguarding public property and abjuring violence with examples. Fundamental Duties refer to the duties and responsibilities of the citizens towards their country. In India, these duties are enshrined in Part IV-A of the Constitution, under Article 51A. Originally, the Constitution of India did not contain these duties, but they were added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 upon the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. The original list comprised ten duties. An eleventh duty was added by the 86th Amendment in 2002. Read More...

Art.19 and the Concept of Reasonableness

Sep 01, 2023

Balancing Individual Rights and Society's Needs Every democracy values individual rights. These rights protect personal freedoms and keep the government from overstepping its bounds. But, these rights have limits, especially when they clash with the greater good or others' rights. The Indian Constitution has a term called "reasonable restrictions" in Article 19 to manage this. Understanding Reasonableness: "Reasonableness" means being fair and logical. If a rule is called "reasonable", it's well-though... Read More...

Doctrine of Proportionality: Rights Can Only be Restricted Reasonably

Sep 01, 2023

Understanding Proportionality with Examples Proportionality ensures that restrictions on fundamental rights are balanced, only going as far as necessary. Let's break this down with a few scenarios: 1. Freedom of Speech: Let's say someone shouts "fire!" in a crowded place, causing panic. To prevent harm, the government might restrict such false alarms. But if the government bans discussing fire safety altogether, that's going too far. The rule should match the risk. 2. Right to A... Read More...

India's `Neighbourhood First` Policy:

Sep 01, 2023

Sri Lanka's Geopolitical Realignment After the Crisis The crisis in Sri Lanka had ramifications beyond its borders, directly affecting the region's geopolitical dynamics, especially concerning Sri Lanka's relations with its neighbors, India and China. 1. India's Renewed Role: The crisis allowed India to mark its footprint more vividly in the regional landscape. Witnessing Sri Lanka's economic distress, India was quick to offer both financial aid and diplomatic backing, underlining its status as a formidable regional player. ... Read More...

Biosequestration: Nature's Carbon Capture Mechanism Agroforestry in India

Sep 01, 2023

Biosequestration refers to the process through which living organisms, primarily plants, capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). This is mainly achieved through photosynthesis, where plants absorb CO2 and sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. The carbon from the CO2 is then incorporated into plant tissues such as stems, roots, and leaves. Over time, this results in significant carbon storage, thereby acting as a buffer against the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, which are responsible for global warming and climate change. Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems have historically... Read More...

The Abraham Accords and India's Middle East Strategy

Sep 01, 2023

The Abraham Accords, inked in 2020, are landmark agreements that have normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. Backed by the United States, these agreements signal a tectonic shift in Middle East geopolitics. The accords, while primarily focusing on the countries directly involved, have wider implications, including for countries like India that have significant stakes in the region. India's Response to the Abraham Accords India, with its diplomatic finesse, welcomed the agreements. New Delhi... Read More...

Digital Competition Law

Sep 01, 2023

Q: What is Digital Competition Law? A: Digital Competition Law refers to the legal framework that addresses competition-related issues in digital markets. It aims to ensure fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in online platforms and spaces where goods, services, or data are exchanged electronically. Q: Why is Digital Competition Law important? A: Digital markets have unique characteristics that can lead to rapid market dominance by a few players, potentially harming competition and consumers. Digital Competition Law is esse... Read More...

Data Embassy

Sep 01, 2023

A data embassy is a unique and innovative approach to data storage and protection where a country creates a backup of its critical digital assets in another country. This is done in a manner similar to how countries have physical embassies in foreign lands. The primary purpose of a data embassy is to provide additional resilience against digital threats and ensure continuity of a nation's digital operations in case of major disruptions or cyber-attacks.India is allowing it from 2023-24. Several reasons drive countries to adopt the data embassy model: Read More...

One Health in India: A Holistic Approach to Well-being

Sep 01, 2023

In an era where boundaries between human habitats and wildlife are blurring, and where environmental changes affect both, the health of humans and animals is intrinsically linked. India, with its vast biodiversity, dense human population, and varying environmental conditions, is particularly at risk for health challenges that span these interconnected realms. The One Health approach offers a comprehensive strategy to these complex problems. Interconnectedness of Life Human, animal, and environmental health are not isolated; they are part of a complex ecosystem. A diseased anima... Read More...

Tackling Climate Change in Cities

Sep 01, 2023

Q1: What is climate change? A1: Climate change refers to long-term alterations in weather patterns, including fluctuations in global temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather events. Q2: Why should cities be concerned about climate change? A2: Due to their dense populations and infrastructure, cities are particularly susceptible to climate change effects, such as rising temperatures, flooding, and heatwaves. It's vital to address these concerns to protect inhabitants, ecosystems, and city infrastructure. Read More...

Finance Commission Disaster Risk Index (FCDRI)

Sep 01, 2023

Q1: What is the Finance Commission Disaster Risk Index (FCDRI)? A1: The FCDRI is a tool developed by the Indian government to gauge the vulnerability of its states and union territories to natural disasters. Q2: Why was the FCDRI created? A2: The FCDRI was instituted to facilitate the Finance Commission in fund allocation for disaster management to various states and union territories. It is also utilized by agencies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for strategizing and executing disaster management plans. ... Read More...

Link Between Rupee Exchange Rate and Interest Rates

Aug 31, 2023

Q1: What is the recent trend in the Indian rupee's value against the US dollar? A: After a period of appreciation, the Indian rupee has recently experienced depreciation, falling below the psychological level of 83 against the US dollar. Q2: What are the factors contributing to the rupee's depreciation? A: Several factors, including a strong dollar, foreign capital outflows, rising global crude oil prices, and inflation, have contributed to the rupee's decline. Q3: How does the upcoming J... Read More...