UPSC Daily Current Affairs

PUMPED STORAGE AND INDIA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY FUTURE

Aug 07, 2024

Q1: What is renewable energy? A1: Renewable energy comes from sources that naturally replenish themselves, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. These sources are essential for a sustainable energy future as they do not deplete natural resources or cause significant environmental harm. Q2: What is the main challenge with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power? A2: The primary challenge is their intermittency. The ... Read More...

GMOs:GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS IN INDIA

Aug 07, 2024

Q1: What are genetically modified (GM) crops? A1: GM crops are plants that have been genetically altered using biotechnology to express specific traits, such as resistance to pests or tolerance to herbicides. This modification aims to improve crop yield, reduce the need for chemical pesticides, and enhance overall agricultural productivity. Q2: What is the current status of GM crops in India? A2: The only GM crop currently approved for cultivati... Read More...

CHINA DUMPING STEEL INTO INDIA

Aug 07, 2024

• Q: What is China’s problem that it is exporting to India? • A: China has an overcapacity issue in its steel industry due to low demand and a downturn in the real estate sector. This has led China to export excess steel, as it produces around half of the world’s supply. • Q: How is China exporting its problem to India? • A: China is dumping low-priced steel into India, where there is strong demand. The steel is heavily subsidized by the ... Read More...

Middle-Income Trap: India

Aug 07, 2024

What is the middle-income trap? - A situation where a country's economic growth slows down significantly after reaching middle-income levels, making it difficult to transition to high-income status Key causes: - Inability to shift from low-cost manufacturing to high-value industries - Lack of innovation and technological advancement - Insufficient human capital and skilled workforce - Weak institutions and governance Effects: - Stagnating inco... Read More...

Creamy Layer': Supreme Court Suggestions for SC/ST

Aug 07, 2024

1. Definition and Current Application: The 'creamy layer' refers to relatively wealthy and well-educated members within disadvantaged groups who are excluded from certain affirmative action benefits. Currently, this concept is only applied to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in India. 2. Recent Supreme Court Judgment: On August 1, 2024, a seven-judge Supreme Court bench made suggestions about extending the 'creamy layer' concept to Scheduled C... Read More...

CHANDIPURA VIRUS OUTBREAK:SIMPLIFIER

Aug 07, 2024

What is Chandipura Virus (CHPV)? Chandipura virus is a member of the Rhabdoviridae family, similar to the rabies virus. It was first identified in the Chandipura region of Maharashtra in 1965. How is CHPV transmitted? The virus is transmitted through vectors such as sand flies and ticks. What are the symptoms of CHPV infection? The infection can cause acute encephalitis sy... Read More...

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR COACHING CENTERS:2024

Aug 07, 2024

1. What are the infrastructure requirements for student safety in coaching centers? Coaching centers must allocate a minimum of one square meter per student during classes, ensuring that the infrastructure is sufficient for the number of students enrolled. The buildings should also comply with fire safety and building safety codes and have the necessary certificates from relevant authorities. 2. How should coaching centers ensure fire and building safety? Read More...

COACHING CENTERS AND MENTAL HEALTH: NEW GUIDELINES 2024

Aug 07, 2024

1. Why are mental health guidelines necessary for coaching centers? Coaching centers often place intense academic pressure on students, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. These guidelines aim to ensure that coaching centers provide a supportive environment that prioritizes students' mental well-being. 2. What mental health support must coaching centers provide according to the new guidelines? Coaching centers ... Read More...

NEW GUIDELINES FOR COACHING CENTRES IN INDIA 2024

Aug 07, 2024

1. Why has the Ministry of Education issued new guidelines for coaching centres? The Ministry of Education issued new guidelines to address issues such as rising student suicides, safety concerns like fire incidents, lack of proper facilities, and questionable teaching methodologies in coaching centres. The aim is to regulate these centres and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for students. 2. What are the age and qualification requirements for enrolment and tutor... Read More...

CLOUDBURSTS IN HIMACHAL AND UTTARAKHAND

Aug 07, 2024

• What is a cloudburst? A cloudburst is an intense, localized rainfall event where a large amount of rain falls in a short period, often leading to flash floods and landslides. Read More...

REMITTANCES TO INDIA:SIMPLIFIER

Aug 06, 2024

**What are remittances?** - Remittances are money transfers sent by individuals working abroad to their families or friends in their home country. These transfers are an essential source of income for many households and play a significant role in the economy of the recipient country. Read More...

INDIA'S FINTECH REVOLUTION:SIMPLIFIER

Aug 06, 2024

1. What is India's digital revolution in the context of finance? - India's digital revolution in finance refers to the widespread adoption and integration of digital technologies in financial services. This includes the use of digital payment systems, online banking, financial technology (FinTech) innovations, and digital public infrastructure, which have collectively transformed the way financial services are accessed and delivered. 2. How has India become a leader in digital financ... Read More...

Chabahar Port and India: A Deep Dive into the Strategic Partnership

Aug 06, 2024

Chabahar Port, Iran's sole oceanic gateway, is situated on the Gulf of Oman and offers immense strategic and economic value for India. This deep-sea port is not just a transit point, but a linchpin in India's multifaceted engagement with the region. India's Multifaceted Interests: Read More...

BIOENERGY: SOURCES, ADVANTAGES, IMPORTANCE

Aug 06, 2024

1. What is Bioenergy? Bioenergy is energy derived from organic materials, known as biomass. Biomass includes a wide range of materials, such as wood, agricultural residues, manure, and other organic waste. Bioenergy can be used to produce electricity, heat, biogas, and biofuels. 2. Sources of Bioenergy: • Wood and Wood Waste: Includes timber, sawdust, and other wood residues. • Agricultural Residues: Consists of crop residues, straw, and husks. • Animal Manure: Used to produce biogas through anaerobic digestion.... Read More...

HIV CURE THROUGH STEM CELL TRANSPLANT

Aug 06, 2024

1. What is HIV? • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and diseases. 2. What does it mean to be “cured” of HIV? • Being “cured” of HIV means that the virus is no longer detectable in the body and the individual no longer needs antiretroviral therapy (ART) to con... Read More...