UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Keeladi excavation site in Tamil Nadu

Aug 19, 2023

Q: What was discovered by archaeologists at the Keeladi excavation site in Tamil Nadu? A: Archaeologists at the Keeladi excavation site in Tamil Nadu discovered a crystal quartz weighing unit from the Sangam era. Q: How would you describe the design of the crystal unit? A: The crystal unit has a unique design and somewhat spherical shape. Q: What is the significance of this discovery? A: The discovery of the crystal quartz weighing unit is significant because i... Read More...

Land Subsidence in India: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Aug 19, 2023

Defining Land Subsidence Contributing Factors to Land Subsidence 1. Groundwater Extraction: Over-pumping of groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes can lead to a drop in the water table. As underground sediments compact, the land's surface may sink. 2. Urbanization and Construction: Rapid urban development, construction projects, and infrastructure creation can disrupt weight distribution, contributing to subsidence. ... Read More...

Interpol"s Notices and their Colours

Aug 19, 2023

Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, issues different types of notices to assist law enforcement agencies around the world in locating and apprehending individuals wanted for various reasons. These notices are color-coded based on the nature of the request. As of my last update in September 2021, the following are the colors of Interpol notices along with their meanings: 1. Red Notice: This is the most well-known Interpol notice. It's issued to seek the location and provisional arrest of a person pending extradition. It's used for individuals wanted for prosecution or to serve... Read More...

Vishwakarma Scheme: Empowering Artisans and Craftspersons

Aug 19, 2023

Supporting Traditional Skills and Craftsmanship In a bid to empower and uplift traditional craftspeople and artisans, the Indian government has introduced the "PM Vishwakarma" scheme. This scheme, with an impressive outlay of ₹13,000 crore, was officially approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled this initiative during his Independence Day speech, emphasizing its focus on preserving the "Guru-Shishya parampara" and enhancing traditional skills. The scheme aims to provide credit support at a concessional interest rate of 5%, skill enhancement, and ... Read More...

Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023

Aug 18, 2023

1. What is the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023? The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023 is a significant piece of legislation passed in the Indian Parliament. It aims to establish a theatre-based command and control architecture for the Indian armed forces by allowing the creation of inter-services organisations. 2. What is the current structure of India's armed forces? Currently, India's armed forces, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy, operate as sep... Read More...

Rs.83 for 1 USD:Why?

Aug 18, 2023

The recent decline in the Indian rupee's value against the US dollar, reaching a 10-month low at 82.95 per dollar, can be attributed to several key factors: 1. Strengthening Dollar Index: The dollar index, which measures the strength of the US dollar against major global currencies, rose to a month-high of 103. A stronger dollar typically leads to weaker currencies in other countries, including the Indian rupee. 2. Rising US Bond Yields: The yield on the 10-year US treasury bond increased to 4.18%, signaling higher returns on US government... Read More...

ISRO:Aditya-L1, A Curtain Raiser

Aug 18, 2023

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a significant space mission called Aditya-L1, which aims to study the Sun. Here are the key details about the mission: 1. Purpose of the Mission: Aditya-L1 is India's first space-based observatory designed to study the Sun. The mission's objective is to enhance our understanding of various solar activities and their effects on space weather. 2. Satellite Preparation: The satellite, Aditya-L1, has been developed at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, Indi... Read More...

India's Global Initiatives in Climate Resilience:G20

Aug 18, 2023

FAQ: International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and Global Biofuels Alliance 1. What are the key climate action outreach bodies led by India? India has taken a proactive role in global climate action by leading and creating three significant initiatives: the International Solar Alliance (ISA), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the upcoming Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA). 2. What is the purpose of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? Read More...

Sanhita Bills:Criminal Law Reform

Aug 18, 2023

Pros: Decolonization: The replacement of colonial-era laws with new ones reflects a commitment to decolonization and asserting India's sovereignty in the legal realm. It aligns with the government's efforts to remove vestiges of colonial rule from the country's legal framework. Opportunity for Modernization: The introduction of new laws provides an opportunity to modernize and update the criminal justice system. This can address shortcomings and inefficiencies in the existing laws, making them more relevant to contemporary challenges and technological ... Read More...

MQ-9B Predator Drones :Significance of Acquisition by India

Aug 18, 2023

1. What are the MQ-9B Predator Drones? The MQ-9B Predator drones are advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) designed for high-altitude, long-endurance operations. They are developed by the US defense firm General Atomics and are known for their intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition capabilities. 2. What is the significance of India's acquisition of these drones? India's acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones holds several significant implications: 1. Enhan... Read More...

India's Defence Exports and Self-Reliance:Resounding Success

Aug 18, 2023

1. What is India's vision for defence exports and self-reliance? Under the leadership of the Indian government, India aims to enhance its defence exports and achieve self-reliance in the defence sector. The goal is to raise annual defence exports to USD 5 billion by 2024-25. 2. What measures has the Indian government taken to promote defence exports? The Indian Ministry of Defence has implemented several measures, including allocating a significant portion of the defence capital budget for domestic procurements, imposing import embargoes, ... Read More...

Bihar's Caste-Based Survey,Patna High Court Upholds : Constitutional Aspects Explained

Aug 18, 2023

Reversal of Ruling: The Patna High Court has overturned its earlier stay on Bihar's caste-based survey, deeming it valid. The survey's purpose is to collect caste-related data for holistic state development. Privacy Considerations Addressed: The court applied the Puttaswamy case's triple-requirement test to address privacy concerns. It stressed that fundamental rights can be restricted if it serves the state's legitimate interests and is proportionate and reasonable. Security Measures Recognized: Read More...

Super-Bright Sunlight

Aug 18, 2023

Introduction: Scientists have been baffled by a phenomenon discovered at the HAWC observatory in Mexico. The observatory observed an excess of high-energy gamma rays from the sun over six years, leaving researchers puzzled and seeking explanations. Cosmic Ray Stream: Cosmic rays, energetic particles from space, constantly bombard Earth, but the atmosphere and magnetic field shield us from their impact. These rays are known to originate from massive stars' explosive deaths and the centers of galaxies. Read More...

Floating Solar Plants: Harnessing Solar Energy on Water Bodies

Aug 18, 2023

Floating Solar Plants (FSPs) are innovative solar power installations that are set up on water bodies such as reservoirs, ponds, lakes, and even the sea. Unlike traditional solar installations that are mounted on the ground, FSPs float on the surface of water, tapping into the vast potential of water surfaces to generate renewable energy. These installations offer a unique approach to overcoming some of the challenges associated with land acquisition and maximizing the efficiency of solar energy generation. FSPs utilize solar photovoltaic (PV) panels mounted on floating platforms that are anchored to the water b... Read More...

Internal Security:Challenges and Solutions Bird's Eye View

Aug 18, 2023

Internal security challenges refer to threats, risks, and conflicts that arise within a country's borders and pose a potential danger to its stability, governance, and societal well-being. These challenges can take various forms, ranging from insurgency and terrorism to communal violence, organized crime, cyber threats, and more. Addressing internal security challenges is crucial for maintaining law and order, protecting citizens' rights, and upholding the sovereignty of a nation. Here are some common types of internal security challenges and approaches to dealing with them: &... Read More...