UPSC Daily Current Affairs

DECLINE of THE DOLLAR AS A GLOBAL RESERVE CURRENCY

Aug 14, 2024

What are reserve currencies? Reserve currencies are foreign currencies held in significant quantities by governments and financial institutions. They play a crucial role in international trade and economic stability. Why is the U.S. dollar’s status as a reserve currency being reconsidered? The U.S. dollar has long been the dominant global reserve currency, supported by America’s large economy and the liquidity of its financial markets. However, global shifts toward multipolarity and de-dollarization are challenging this status, driven by ge... Read More...

BALOCHISTAN SEPARATISM AND INDIA

Aug 14, 2024

1. What is the issue of Balochistan separatism? • Answer: Balochistan separatism refers to the movement by some groups in Balochistan, Pakistan, advocating for greater autonomy ... Read More...

India’s Cheetah Reintroduction Project:Phase-2

Aug 14, 2024

Q1: What is the Cheetah Reintroduction Project? A: The Cheetah Reintroduction Project is an initiative by the Indian government to bring cheetahs back to India after they were declared extinct in the country in 1952. The project involves sourcing cheetahs from other countries and releasing them into designated wildlife reserves. Q2: When did the project begin? A: The project officially started in September 2022. Q3: How many cheetahs have been brought to India so far? A: A total of 20 cheetahs have been brough... Read More...

CLIMATE CHANGE & AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY/YIELDS IN INDIA

Aug 14, 2024

Introduction: Climate change significantly impacts agricultural productivity in India, leading to fluctuations in crop yields. These changes are primarily driven by variations in temperature, humidity, and other climatic factors, affecting the sustainability and output of the agricultural sector. Q1: How does climate change affect rice production in India? A1: Rice production is influenced by a 51% variation due to climatic factors, particularly relative humidity. Increased humidity over the past three decades has generally had ... Read More...

FINTECH IN INDIA and SELF-REGULATORY ORGANISATIONS(SRO)

Aug 14, 2024

What is Fintech? Fintech, or financial technology, involves using innovative technologies to streamline and enhance financial services. This sector includes everything from digital payments to online lending, investment platforms, and the application of blockchain technologies. Current Landscape of Fintech in India India's fintech sector is flourishing, thanks to strong regulatory support and rapid technological advancements. Notably, India... Read More...

Sedition Laws: IPC 124A & Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act 150

Aug 14, 2024

Comparison of the Laws: 1. Scope and Language: - Section 124A (IPC): This section targets acts intended to incite "hatred," "contempt," or "disaffection" towards the Government of India. It broadly encompasses "words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise." - Section 150 (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act): While it removes the term 'sedition,' it introduce... Read More...

Cloudbursts in India: Disaster Management Perpsective

Aug 14, 2024

Q: What are the key characteristics of cloudbursts and why are they considered a significant threat in India? How does the current relief mechanism address the challenges posed by cloudbursts? A: Cloudbursts are extreme rainfall events characterized by a sudden and intense downpour concentrated over a small area. These events, often accompanied by hail and thunder, can unleash a massive amount of water in a very short period,sometimes exceeding 100 millimeters per hour. This sudden deluge can lead to flash floods, landslides, and wides... Read More...

New Criminal Laws in India:For the Digital Age

Aug 14, 2024

The new criminal laws in India—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)—mark significant changes to the legal landscape, especially regarding technology-driven crimes like cybercrime. These laws have specifically adapted to address the challenges of the digital age, enhancing how cybercrimes are handled legally. 1. Organized Crime and Cybercrimes: The BNS categorizes cybercrimes as a form of organized crime, which includes actions by groups or syndicates. This classification means harsher ... Read More...

STOCK MARKET BULLS AND BEARS

Aug 14, 2024

What is the stock market? The stock market is a place where people buy and sell shares of companies. Shares represent a part of ownership in a company. When you own shares, you own a small part of that company. What does a ‘bull market’ mean? A bull market refers to a period when stock prices are rising or are expected to rise. The term “bull” is used because a bull typically strikes upwards with its horns, representing the market’s upward ... Read More...

INDIA’S REGIONAL TIES AFTER SHEIKH HASINA’S EXIT

Aug 14, 2024

Introduction: The political landscape in South Asia is undergoing significant changes, posing new challenges for India’s foreign policy. With the resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, India loses a key ally in the region. This shift, along with recent political developments in the Maldives, Nepal, and M... Read More...

CORAL BLEACHING IN LAKSHADWEEP

Aug 13, 2024

1. What is coral bleaching? Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, from their tissues due to stress, often caused by elevated sea temperatures. This loss turns the corals white and can lead to their death if the stress continues. 2. What has been observed in the Lakshadweep coral reefs? A significant bleaching event has been observed, with around 70% of the coral reef area affected. This includes fast-growing and branching corals li... Read More...

New Rules by Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Aug 13, 2024

Who Are Wilful Defaulters? Wilful defaulters are defined as borrowers or guarantors who deliberately default on their financial obligations, despite having the capacity to repay. This is not due to genuine financial distress but rather an intentional act to evade payments. Key Aspects of the New Rules 1. Criteria for Wilful Default: Borrowers or guarantors are classified as wilful defaulters if they deliberately default on payments despite being able to repay. 2. Identif... Read More...

Dark Patterns and Deceptive Marketing Practices

Aug 13, 2024

Q1: What are dark patterns? A: Dark patterns are deceptive user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) practices that can mislead or trick users into doing something they originally did not intend or want to do. Q2: How common are dark patterns in mobile apps? A: According to the 'Conscious Patterns' study, 52 out of 53 analyzed apps employ deceptive design practices, indicating they are extremely prevalent. Q3... Read More...

NEXT OF KIN” IN THE INDIAN ARMY

Aug 13, 2024

The term “Next of Kin” (NOK) holds significant importance in the Indian Army, referring to the closest family member of a soldier. This designation is crucial as the NOK is responsible for receiving critical information and making decisions if the soldier is injured or passes away. Key Points About NOK: 1. Designation and Responsibilities: • The NOK is the person who is informed first about any major incident involving the soldier. • They are responsible for makin... Read More...

CAN INDIA BECOME A HIGH-INCOME NATION BEFORE AGING

Aug 13, 2024

India aspires to transition into a high-income, developed country by 2047. However, several challenges must be addressed to achieve this goal, particularly given the looming issue of an aging population and the threat of the middle-income trap. Key Points: 1. Current Economic Status: • India’s per capita income is around $2,400, classifying it as a lower middle-income country. • The World Bank defines high-income economies as having a per capita Gross National Income (... Read More...