UPSC Daily Current Affairs

REGIONAL IMBALANCES IN INDIA: THE CAUSES, IMPACTS, AND STRATEGIES FOR EQUITABLE GROWTH

Sep 23, 2024

REGIONAL IMBALANCES IN INDIA: THE CAUSES, IMPACTS, AND STRATEGIES FOR EQUITABLE GROWTH 1. What are the main reasons for regional imbalances between South and West India and North and East India? The disparity in regional development can be attributed to several factors: • Historical Development: South and West India have historically had a head start in terms of industrialization and educational infrastructure. • Economic Policies: These regions have leveraged policy benefits effectively, with substantial investments in high-growth sectors like IT ... Read More...

LFPR:LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN INDIA-BRIDGING GENDER GAP

Sep 21, 2024

LFPR:LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN INDIA-BRIDGING GENDER GAP 1. What is the current status of women’s participation in the Indian labour force? According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for rural women (aged 15 years and above) has significantly improved from 24.6% in 2017-18 to 41.5% in 2022-23. In urban areas, it stands at 25.4%. Despite this progress, the participation rate for women remains lower than that of men, with rural men’s LFPR at 80.2% and urban men’s at ... Read More...

RUPEE INTERNATIONALISATION: OBJECTIVES, PROGRESS, AND CHALLENGES

Sep 21, 2024

RUPEE INTERNATIONALISATION: OBJECTIVES, PROGRESS, AND CHALLENGES 1. What is rupee internationalisation? Rupee internationalisation refers to the process of increasing the global use of the Indian rupee in international trade and financial transactions. This would allow the rupee to be used in cross-border payments, investments, and foreign reserves, reducing reliance on currencies like the US dollar. The goal is to establish the rupee as a preferred currency for trade in bilateral and multilateral deals, increasing India’s economic influence globally. 2. Why is India pushing for rupee internationalis... Read More...

ARCHAEOPTERYX: AN INSIGHT INTO THE JURASSIC ERA

Sep 21, 2024

ARCHAEOPTERYX: AN INSIGHT INTO THE JURASSIC ERA Archaeopteryx is a fascinating prehistoric creature that serves as a key link between dinosaurs and birds. Discovered in the 19th century in the limestone deposits of Solnhofen, Germany, it lived during the Late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. Archaeopteryx is renowned for its mixture of avian and reptilian features; it had feathered wings similar to those of modern birds but also sported a full set of teeth, a long bony tail, and three-clawed hands, which are characteristics of theropod dinosaurs. The fossils of Archaeopteryx include well-preserved feathers, which not only suggest th... Read More...

PREVENTIVE DETENTION: ARTICLE 22 and GUIDELINES

Sep 21, 2024

PREVENTIVE DETENTION: ARTICLE 22 and GUIDELINES 1. What is preventive detention? Preventive detention refers to the detention of a person without trial to prevent them from committing actions that may endanger public order or national security. It is a preventive measure used in cases related to smuggling, terrorism, and other national security concerns. 2. What did the Supreme Court rule regarding preventive detention? The Supreme Court issued strict guidelines for authorities handling preventive detention, mandating that all relevant documents and grounds for detention be pr... Read More...

PITTU IN MADHYA PRADESH: A TRADITIONAL INDIAN GAME RETURNS TO COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS

Sep 21, 2024

PITTU IN MADHYA PRADESH: A TRADITIONAL INDIAN GAME RETURNS TO COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS 1. What is Pittu, and why is it being revived in Madhya Pradesh? Pittu, also known as “seven stones,” is one of the oldest traditi... Read More...

EXTRADITION OF SHEIKH HASINA: LEGAL AND DIPLOMATIC CONSIDERATIONS

Sep 21, 2024

EXTRADITION OF SHEIKH HASINA: LEGAL AND DIPLOMATIC CONSIDERATIONS 1. What is the basis for Bangladesh’s request to extradite Sheikh Hasina? Bangladesh may rely on the 2013 India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, signed during Sheikh Hasina’s government, to request her extradition from India. This treaty obligates both countries to extradite individuals found guilty of committing an extraditable offence, which typically involves crimes that carry at least a one-year jail term in both countries. Hasina has faced charges under Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for crimes including genocide and war crim... Read More...

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission:Simplifier

Sep 20, 2024

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission:Simplifier A spacewalk, or extravehicular activity (EVA), is when an astronaut exits their spacecraft to work in the vacuum of space.They wear a specialized spacesuit for protection and use tethers for safety. Spacewalks are performed for various tasks,including repairs, installations, and scientific experiments. 1. What is unique about the Polaris Dawn mission? It is the first-ever space mission with an all-civilian crew attempting a spacewalk. 2. Who is leading the mission? Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 Payments, is comm... Read More...

Pacific Ring of Fire

Sep 20, 2024

Pacific Ring of Fire 1. What is the Pacific Ring of Fire? The Pacific Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped region around the rim of the Pacific Ocean, known for its high concentration of volcanic activity and earthquakes. It is approximately 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles) long and up to 500 kilometers (310 miles) wide. 2. Why is it called the "Ring of Fire"? The region is called the "Ring of Fire" because it contains a large number of volcanoes, estimated to be around 75% of the world's total. These volcanoes, along with the frequent earthquakes in... Read More...

Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Screening Methods - FAQs

Sep 20, 2024

Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Screening Methods - FAQs 1. What are the main causes and risk factors for ovarian cancer? Genetics: A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes,increases the risk. Endometriosis: While the link is not fully established, endometriosis has been associated with a higher risk of certain ovarian cancer types. Lifestyle factors: Talcum powder use in the genital area: Some studies suggest a potential link, but more research is needed. Read More...

Nano Urea

Sep 20, 2024

Nano Urea What is Nano Urea? Nano urea is a liquid fertilizer innovation where nitrogen is delivered to plants in nano-sized particles. It’s designed to enhance nutrient absorption more efficiently than conventional urea, which comes in larger granular form. How does Nano Urea work? Nano urea delivers nitrogen, a vital nutrient for plant growth, through nanoparticles that penetrate plant leaves and tissues more effectively than the larger particles of traditional urea. This method facilitates direct uptake by plants, leading to potentially reduced nitrogen loss through environmental routes such as volatilizat... Read More...

India-UAE Ties: Simplifier

Sep 20, 2024

India-UAE Ties: Simplifier Shared Vision and Values ● Both countries share a commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond. ● They both value a rules-based international order and multilateralism. ● They both advocate for tolerance, inclusivity, and the empowerment of women and minorities. Economic Cooperation Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): Signed in 2022, the CEPA aims to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion within five years. Read More...

Deep Tech in India and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

Sep 20, 2024

Deep Tech in India and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) What is deep tech? Deep tech refers to technological innovations that are rooted in significant scientific advancements or meaningful engineering breakthroughs. These technologies include advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, and robotics. Why is deep tech crucial for India’s future? Deep tech is vital for India as it provides a competitive edge in global markets, addresses complex national challenges, and drives economic growth through job creation and fore... Read More...

SRO-FT :Self-Regulatory Organization for Fintech

Sep 20, 2024

SRO-FT :Self-Regulatory Organization for Fintech What is SRO-FT? An SRO-FT (Self-Regulatory Organization for Fintech) is an industry-led entity that sets and enforces regulatory standards, promotes ethical conduct, ensures market integrity, resolves disputes, and fosters transparency and accountability among its members. It operates under the oversight of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and aims to guide members through regulatory priorities, facilitate communication with the RBI, and support innovation and consumer protection. Why is self-regulation considered best for fintechs? Self-regulation is deemed beneficia... Read More...

Montelukast

Sep 20, 2024

What is Montelukast? Montelukast is a medication used to prevent wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and coughing caused by asthma. It's also used to prevent breathing difficulties during exercise. Why is it considered overused and dangerous? Overuse: It's often prescribed for short-term conditions like the common cold, which is not its intended use. It is also combined with antihistamines, increasing its price and potential for side effects. Dangerous Side Effects: Stu... Read More...