UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Understanding the National Curriculum Framework (NCF)

Aug 28, 2023

What is the NCF? The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) is a roadmap for education in India. It guides how schools design lessons, tests, and teaching methods. Key Changes in the New NCF: Languages: Students in Classes 9 and 10 will learn three languages, two of them Indian. In Classes 11 and 12, they'll study two languages, one Indian. Language Skills: The NCF wants students to become good at least one Indian language. Read More...

Addressing India's Social Security Gap: A Call for Comprehensive Reforms

Aug 28, 2023

Introduction: Social security encompasses a range of government programs and policies designed to provide financial assistance, healthcare, and other forms of support to individuals and families facing various life challenges. It aims to alleviate poverty, ensure access to basic needs, and promote economic and social stability. Social security programs can include pensions for retirees, unemployment benefits, disability support, healthcare coverage, family allowances, and more. These initiatives play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of citizens, protecting vulnerable populations, and fostering a more equitable society... Read More...

UK-India Trade and Partnership: A Snapshot

Aug 28, 2023

1. What is the significance of India hosting the G-20? India's hosting of the G-20 underscores its role on the global stage for fostering international cooperation and addressing critical global issues. 2. How does the UK view trade with India? The UK values trade as a driver of growth and prosperity, advocating for free and fair trade globally. The UK seeks to strengthen its trade relationships, including with India, by forging trade deals and collaborating on various trade-related aspects. 3. W... Read More...

Ethical AI?

Aug 28, 2023

1. What is Ethical AI? Ethical AI refers to the integration of ethical considerations and principles into the development, deployment, and use of artificial intelligence systems. It involves ensuring that AI technologies align with moral values, avoid biases, and promote fairness and transparency. 2. How is AI used in decision-making and governance? AI is increasingly employed in decision-making processes within governance. It assists in analyzing complex data patterns, predicting outcomes, and providing recommendations to aid in more informed... Read More...

Slowdown in Chinese Growth

Aug 26, 2023

What are the current signs of economic slowdown in China? Economic data shows a deflationary trend in China, with both retail sales and industrial production missing forecasts in July. Notably, retail sales grew at 2.5% y-o-y in July, down from 3.1% in June. Moreover, exports fell by 14.5%, imports dropped by 12.4%, and the overall unemployment rate reached 5.3% in July. Why is there concern about China's economic performance? The Chinese economy was expected to rebound after a prolonged zero-Covid policy, but the latest figures indicate d... Read More...

Aditya L-1 is Unique

Aug 26, 2023

The Aditya L-1 mission by ISRO marks a pivotal moment in India's space exploration. It brings forth a variety of unique factors, and this article touches on its significance. Here's a summary and breakdown: Purpose of Aditya L-1: Long Term (Scientific Quest): To study the behavior of the Sun and its impact on Earth's climate, including the effects of UV radiation on the ozone layer and climate. Short Term (Satellite Protection): To serve as an early warning system against solar storms... Read More...

Understanding the Heat Content of the Arctic Ocean

Aug 26, 2023

1. Why is the heat content of the Arctic Ocean vital? The heat content of the Arctic Ocean has a profound impact on global climate, weather, sea levels, and ecosystems. It acts as a bellwether, signaling broader climate change effects on a worldwide scale. Grasping this heat content offers insights into the intricate web of global ecosystems, economies, and societal implications related to climate change. 2. How does the Arctic Ocean's heat content tie into broader climate systems? The Arctic Ocean's heat content (OHC) serves as a foun... Read More...

Understanding Chandrayaan Moon Missions

Aug 26, 2023

Chandrayaan-3 learns from Chandrayaan-2 Mistakes What happened with Chandrayaan-2? Chandrayaan-2's lander, named Vikram, was attempting to land on the Moon. During the landing process, it went through three main stages: Rough breaking: The lander slows down as it gets closer to the moon, starting from 30 km above the surface. Camera coasting: The onboard camera directs the lander to the landing site. F... Read More...

Capital Punishment:For and Against

Aug 26, 2023

For Capital Punishment: Deterrence: One of the primary arguments in favor of the death penalty is its potential to deter grave crimes. The most severe punishment can act as a deterrent for criminals to avoid heinous acts. Retribution: Some argue that the death penalty is a form of retribution or justice, especially in cases where the criminal has taken another's life. Closure for Victims' Families: For some families of victims, the execution of a criminal can provide a se... Read More...

Cauvery River Water Sharing Dispute:The Issue,Constitution and Law

Aug 26, 2023

Article 262 of the Constitution of India: Article 262 holds importance in resolving disputes related to the distribution of water resources among states, particularly in the context of inter-state rivers. It grants the authority to Parliament to intervene and provide solutions to disputes that arise over the use, control, and sharing of water from inter-state rivers and river valleys. The President of India can establish an Inter-State Council to investigate and settle such water-sharing disputes and ensure equitable solutions. Read More...

Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS):Basics

Aug 26, 2023

What are Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)? Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS) are scientific studies in which healthy human volunteers are deliberately exposed to a specific pathogen or disease-causing agent in a controlled environment. These studies are conducted to better understand the disease, its progression, immune response, and potential treatments or vaccines. Why are activists raising concerns about CHIS? A group of activists, including an advocate, independent journalist, researcher, and others, have expressed concern... Read More...

Saudi-UAE Rivalry

Aug 26, 2023

What are the key areas of difference between Saudi Arabia and the UAE? Ans:Following are the differences Regional Politics: The two nations have shown differing approaches to regional political dynamics. While Saudi Arabia has pursued various geopolitical interventions and alliances, the UAE has exhibited a more independent and pragmatic foreign policy. This has resulted in divergent stances on regional conflicts and issues. Economic Policies: Economic disparities and polic... Read More...

BRICS Summit from Today India's World Play

Aug 26, 2023

What is the current role of New Delhi in global geopolitics? New Delhi is actively engaged in global geopolitics, chairing summits, making diplomatic choices, and navigating complex international dynamics. The upcoming BRICS summit in South Africa from August 22 to August 24 is a significant test for Indian diplomacy and a window into the evolving shape of global geopolitics. What is the significance of the BRICS summit? While the ability of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to reshape the global economy is uncertain, its ... Read More...

PLI for Smartphones:The Debate

Aug 26, 2023

Conflict Over Manufacturing Scheme: Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan and Minister of State for Electronics Rajeev Chandrasekhar have been engaged in a public disagreement concerning the effectiveness of a Central government scheme aimed at boosting electronics manufacturing in India. Key Features of the PLI Scheme: The production-linked incentives (PLI) scheme, introduced around five years ago, is designed to encourage more companies, both foreign and domestic, to manufacture products in India. The government offers f... Read More...

Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

Aug 26, 2023

The revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is a centrally-sponsored program in India aimed at strengthening the capacities of rural local governance institutions. Its primary objective is to empower and enhance the effectiveness of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and other rural local bodies. The program focuses on improving the functioning of PRIs by providing training, capacity building, and technical assistance to elected representatives and officials at the grassroots level. Through RGSA, the Indian government aims to facilitate decentralized governance, effective service delivery, and local develo... Read More...