UPSC Daily Current Affairs

KAUTILYA’S ‘ARTHASHASTRA’ AND MANU’S LAWS

Aug 13, 2024

Ancient India developed a rich body of literature on jurisprudence, demonstrating sophisticated legal systems and principles that governed various aspects of society. Key texts, such as Kautilya’s Arthashastra and the Manava-Dharmasastra (Laws of Manu), provide detailed accounts of legal procedures and judicial structures. Legal Procedure and Judicial Structure 1. Kautilya’s Arthashastra: • Vyavahara (Legal Procedure): The Arthashastra outlines the procedures for civil and criminal c... Read More...

IMPACT OF CYBER-SLAVERY ON INDIA

Aug 13, 2024

The rise of cyber-slavery in Southeast Asia has had a significant impact on India, affecting the economy, security, and the well-being of its citizens. As young professionals from India are trafficked and forced into scam operations abroad, the repercussions are felt deeply within the country. INTRODUCTION Cyber-slavery refers to the exploitation of individuals coerced into participating in cyber-crime activities, often under duress and in harsh conditions. Many victims, lured by lucrative job offers, find themse... Read More...

GLOBAL VALUE CHAINS and INDIA

Aug 13, 2024

1. Definition of Global Value Chains: • Global Value Chains (GVCs) refer to the international network of production and distribution processes where different stages of production are located in different countries. This setup allows companies to optimize their production processes by sourcing materials, manufacturing components, and assembling final products in various locations globally. 2. Importance of Global Value Chains: • C... Read More...

YEN CARRY TRADES and GLOBAL MARKETS

Aug 13, 2024

1. What is a Carry Trade? • A carry trade involves borrowing money in a country with low-interest rates and investing it in another country with higher rates to profit from the interest rate difference. 2. What Happened in Japan? • The Bank of Japan increased its interest rates, which was a significant change as the rates had been low for a long time. This caused the yen to become stronger against the US dollar, appreciating by 10% in just ove... Read More...

COMPOSTABLE AGRICULTURAL WASTE PRODUCTS

Aug 13, 2024

Compostable agricultural waste products represent a sustainable approach to managing agricultural residues by turning them into eco-friendly products. These products not only help in waste management but also contribute significantly to soil health and environmental conservation. TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL WASTE USED FOR COMPOSTABLE PRODUCTS Various agricultural residues can be transformed into compostable products. Common materials include: - Sugarcane bagasse - Corn stalks - Rice husks 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...

Empowering Gram Panchayats in India

Aug 13, 2024

Q1: What are Gram Panchayats? A1: Gram Panchayats are the basic units of local governance in India, established to function at the village level as self-governing institutions under the Panchayati Raj system. Q2: What is the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992? A2: The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act was passed to provide constitutional status to the Panchayati Raj institutions. It introduced a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj for all... Read More...

LIBERTY AND/VERSUS EQUALITY

Aug 13, 2024

Question 1: What are the fundamental differences between liberty and equality? Answer: In India, liberty refers to individual freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech and religion. Equality ensures that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities under the law, irrespective of their gender, caste, religion, or economic status. Question 2: How does promoting equality affect individual liberty in India? Answer: ... Read More...

HEAT ISLAND EFFECT AND HEAT DOME

Aug 13, 2024

Basics of Heat Island Effect and Heat Dome: The Heat Island Effect and Heat Dome are two distinct environmental phenomena that significantly impact temperature and weather patterns. While both lead to increased temperatures, their causes, characteristics, and mitigation strategies differ. Read More...

India's Capital Account Convertibility and Rupee Internationalization

Aug 13, 2024

Q1: What is capital account convertibility? A1: Capital account convertibility enables the free conversion of a country's currency into foreign currencies for capital transactions, such as investments and loans. For example, if an Indian company wants to invest in a new plant in Germany, full capital account convertibility would allow it to easily convert INR to Euros for the investment. Q2: Why hasn't India fully opened its capital account? A2:... Read More...

CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY:WOMEN MEMBERS

Aug 12, 2024

1. How many women were part of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Indian Constitution? There were 15 women among the 299 members of the Constituent Assembly. They played a crucial role in advocating for a progressive and inclusive India. Read More...

CHINA’S SUPER DAM ON THE BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER

Aug 12, 2024

1. What is the planned super dam on the Brahmaputra River? • China is planning to build a massive hydropower project, referred to as a “super dam,” at the largest bend of the Brahmaputra River. This project aims to be the world’s most powerful hydropower facility. 2. Where is the dam located? • The dam will be situated on China’s side of the Brahmaputra River, just before the river enters Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is located at a significant bend where the river descends into a deep valley. 3. What are t... Read More...

THE HINDU CODE BILLS

Aug 12, 2024

1. What were the Hindu Code Bills? • The Hindu Code Bills were a series of laws enacted in the 1950s to reform and codify Hindu personal law in India. These laws aimed to unify and modernize the legal framework governing Hindu family matters. Read More...

Abanindranath Tagore: "Raj Kahini" (Tales of Kings)

Aug 12, 2024

Abanindranath Tagore wrote "Raj Kahini" (Tales of Kings) in 1909, a collection of Bengali short stories focusing on Rajput valor and heroism. This work was part of a broader effort to draw upon India's historical and mythological past to inspire and shape the present during a turbulent period of colonial rule and emerging nationalism. Here are some details that could be used to address frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this work: 1. Who was Abanindranath Tagore? Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951) was a prominent Indian artist, wr... Read More...

ESPORTS in INDIA

Aug 12, 2024

Definition of Esports: Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to organized, competitive video gaming. It involves professional players and teams competing in various video game titles across different platforms, including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Difference Between Esports and Traditional Sports: 1. Physical Activity: • Traditional Sports: Require physical exertion and athletic skills. • Esports: Focus on mental agility, strategy, and quick reflexes, with minimal ph... Read More...