UPSC Daily Current Affairs

PENINSULAR INDIA AND INDIAN SHIELD

Sep 14, 2024

PENINSULAR INDIA AND INDIAN SHIELD Peninsular India is part of the Indian Shield, one of the oldest and most geologically stable landmasses in the world. With a history dating back more than 2,500 million years, this region is known for its stability, low seismic activity, and ancient rock formations. The Indian Shield has played a crucial role in the geological evolution of the Indian subcontinent. FAQs: PENINSULAR INDIA AS A GEOLOGICALLY STABLE SHIELD 1. What is the Indian Shield? The Indian Shield is a large, geologically stable region of the Earth’s crust tha... Read More...

THE GROWING HIMALAYAS AND EARTHQUAKE RISKS: FAQs

Sep 14, 2024

THE GROWING HIMALAYAS AND EARTHQUAKE RISKS: FAQs The Indian Plate continues to move northwards, pushing against the Eurasian Plate and causing the Himalayas to rise. Despite erosion and human activity, this tectonic movement results in stress building along the boundary of the two plates. This stress is released through earthquakes, both major and minor. FAQs: UNDERSTANDING THE HIMALAYAS AND EARTHQUAKE RISKS 1. Why do the Himalayas continue to grow? The Himalayas are still growing because the Indian Plate is continuously pushing into the Eurasian Plate, causing the land to rise. Read More...

VOLCANIC ROCKS OF MAHARASHTRA: SIMPLIFIER

Sep 14, 2024

VOLCANIC ROCKS OF MAHARASHTRA: SIMPLIFIER Much of Maharashtra, particularly the Deccan Plateau, is covered by thick deposits of volcanic rock, primarily basalt. These rocks were formed from volcanic activity over 60 million years ago when molten lava solidified into sheets of dark-colored basalt. This vast volcanic formation, known as the Deccan Traps, varies greatly in thickness and has played a crucial role in shaping the geology and landscape of the region. FAQs: BASALT DEPOSITS IN MAHARASHTRA 1. What are the Deccan Traps? The Deccan Traps are one of the largest volcanic formatio... Read More...

INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION & ITS MEGACITIES

Sep 14, 2024

INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION & ITS MEGACITIES The book Discovering India Anew: Out of Africa to its Early History by Alan Machado (Prabhu) provides a detailed overview of India’s ancient history, particularly focusing on the Indus Valley Civilization. This civilization featured five major urban sites that were strategically positioned across a vast area, resembling a grid system. 1. Mohenjo-Daro: Located in central Sindh on the Indus River, Mohenjo-Daro was the largest city, pivotal for controlling key trade routes. The city was densely populated and featured a citadel and a lower city laid out in a grid pattern. The cita... Read More...

SATURN’S RINGS DISAPPEARANCE IN 2025: SIMPLIFIER

Sep 14, 2024

SATURN’S RINGS DISAPPEARANCE IN 2025: SIMPLIFIER 1. What are Saturn’s rings? Saturn’s rings are made of billions of ice and rock particles, ranging from tiny dust grains to large mountains. These rings are one of the most iconic features in the Solar System, spanning a massive distance around Saturn and stretching nearly five times the diameter of Earth. 2. Why will Saturn’s rings “disappear” in 2025? In March 2025, Saturn’s rings will appear to “disappear” when viewed from Earth due to an optical illusion. This happens every 13-15 years when Saturn’s ring... Read More...

NATIONAL BLOCKCHAIN FRAMEWORK: VISHWASYA INITIATIVE

Sep 14, 2024

NATIONAL BLOCKCHAIN FRAMEWORK: VISHWASYA INITIATIVE 1. What is the ‘Vishwasya’ initiative? ‘Vishwasya’ is a blockchain-based framework introduced by the Indian government to promote trust and transparency in public records and databases. It is part of the National Blockchain Framework aimed at leveraging blockchain technology to secure data and decentralize information storage. 2. What are the main aims of Vishwasya? The initiative seeks to establish trust and transparency in public records, such as legal documents, land registries, and government databases. It aims to provide a secure and t... Read More...

GLOBAL LEGALLY BINDING PACT ON AI:SIMPLIFIER

Sep 14, 2024

GLOBAL LEGALLY BINDING PACT ON AI:SIMPLIFIER 1. What is the global legally binding pact on AI? This is the first international treaty focusing on regulating artificial intelligence (AI). Signed by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and others under the Council of Europe, the treaty aims to regulate both public and private AI systems while prioritizing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. 2. What does the pact aim to achieve? The treaty seeks to ensure that AI systems are used responsibly, protecting human rights and preventing misuse. It establishes global standards for AI use, ensuring the... Read More...

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION: OBJECTIVES, IMPACT, AND CHALLENGES

Sep 14, 2024

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION: OBJECTIVES, IMPACT, AND CHALLENGES 1. What is the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)? The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a nationwide cleanliness campaign launched by the Government of India on October 2, 2014. It aims to eliminate open defecation, improve sanitation, and promote hygiene practices across rural and urban areas. SBM focuses on building household and community toilets, raising awareness about sanitation, and fostering behavioural changes to ensure a cleaner environment. 2. What are the key provisions of the Swachh Bharat Mission? The key provisions of SBM include: • Constru... Read More...

PM MODI VISIT: INDIA-SINGAPORE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Sep 14, 2024

PM MODI VISIT: INDIA-SINGAPORE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP 1. What is the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore? Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Singapore marked an important moment in India-Singapore relations, elevating their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This visit is part of India’s broader Act East policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations and increase India’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit reinforced the importance of cooperation across key sectors like technology, healthcare, and education, ensuring that both countries can address... Read More...

Offer For Sale (OFS) :Simplifier

Sep 13, 2024

Offer For Sale (OFS) :Simplifier 1. What is an Offer For Sale (OFS)? An OFS is a mechanism through which promoters or major shareholders of a listed company can sell their shares directly to the public on the stock exchange platform. 2. Who can participate in an OFS? Both retail and non-retail investors can participate in an OFS. Retail investors are individuals who apply for shares worth up to ₹2 lakhs. Non-retail investors include institutions, mutual funds, and high-net-worth individuals applyin... Read More...

FAME-INDIA SCHEME:FAME-I & FAME-II

Sep 13, 2024

FAME-INDIA SCHEME:FAME-I & FAME-II What is the FAME-India Scheme? FAME-India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India) is a government initiative launched in 2011 to promote the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles. The scheme supports manufacturers and buyers through incentives, aiming to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, cut air pollution, and mitigate climate change effects. What are the key objectives of the FAME-India Scheme? The scheme's objectives include increasing the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by making them... Read More...

India's Poultry Industry: Growth and Challenges

Sep 13, 2024

India's Poultry Industry: Growth and Challenges Introduction India's poultry industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and a growing preference for affordable protein sources. The industry is estimated to be worth over $20 billion and employs millions of people, contributing significantly to the agricultural sector and overall economy. However, the industry faces several challenges that impact its growth and profitability. These challenges are often interconnected and influenced by macroeconomic factors. &... Read More...

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India: FAQs (2024)

Sep 13, 2024

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India: FAQs (2024) SHGs and JLGs 1. What are SHGs? SHGs are informal groups of 10-20 individuals, primarily women, who come together for mutual support and empowerment. They pool their savings, access credit, and engage in income-generating activities. 2. How do SHGs function? Members save regularly and manage their group's finances democratically. They access credit from banks through the SHG-Bank Linkage Program (SHG-BLP) without collateral, relying on mutual guarantee ... Read More...

Microfinance in India: FAQs (2024)

Sep 13, 2024

Microfinance in India: FAQs (2024) Q1: What is the role of Microfinance in India? Microfinance provides financial services like small loans to those excluded from the formal banking system,promoting financial inclusion and empowering the poor, particularly women. Q2: How big is the Microfinance sector in India currently? As of 2023, there are approximately 168 MFIs (Microfinance Institutions) serving over 3 crore clients with an outstanding loan portfolio of Rs. 46,842 crore. The SHG-Bank Linkage Program connects 87.44 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to formal ban... Read More...

DRONE DIDIS: EMPOWERING RURAL WOMEN AND REVOLUTIONIZING AGRICULTURE IN INDIA

Sep 13, 2024

DRONE DIDIS: EMPOWERING RURAL WOMEN AND REVOLUTIONIZING AGRICULTURE IN INDIA The “NAMO Drone Didi” initiative is a pioneering program aimed at empowering rural women while enhancing agricultural efficiency. By integrating drone technology into farming, this initiative not only reduces costs but also makes women key contributors to agricultural progress in their communities. KEY FEATURES OF THE NAMO DRONE DIDI SCHEME 1. PROGRAM DETAILS: • The scheme focuses on training rural women to operate drones for spraying fertilizers on crops. • It aims to involve women as essential... Read More...