UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SHIFTING SNOWFALL PATTERNS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Aug 03, 2024

What is happening with the snowfall patterns in Himachal Pradesh? Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a shift in snowfall patterns, with a reduction in snow cover during the peak winter months of December and January and an in... Read More...

BIOSIMILARS: SIMPLIFIER

Aug 03, 2024

Q1: What are biosimilars? A1: Biosimilars are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from an existing FDA-approved reference product. They are made from living organisms and are designed to function like the original biologic medication. Q2: How do biosimilars differ from generic drugs? A2: Unlike generic drugs which are exact chemical copies of small molecule drugs, biosimilars are not exact copies of their referenc... Read More...

WIDENING CONFLICT IN WEST ASIA

Aug 03, 2024

1. What triggered the current conflict in West Asia? - The escalation began with a major attack by Hamas, a Palestinian militant group governing the Gaza Strip, on October 7, 2023. The attack involved cross-border infiltrations and rocket fire into southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. This marked one of the deadliest days in recent Israeli history and prompted a swift military response from Israel, which launched extensive air and ground operations against Gaza. Read More...

MEKEDATU DAM PROJECT:FUNDAMENTALS

Aug 03, 2024

1. What is the Mekedatu dam project? • The Mekedatu dam project is a multi-purpose initiative aimed at providing drinking water to Bengaluru and generating power. It involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Karnataka. 2. How much water will the dam provide to Bengaluru? • The project is expected to supply over 4 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water to Bengaluru for drinking purposes. 3... Read More...

NIPUN: Enhancing Reading and Numeracy Proficiency

Aug 03, 2024

Overview: NIPUN Bharat is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at improving foundational literacy and numeracy skills among children in the early grades. The program seeks to ensure that all children acquire the necessary reading, writing, and arithmetic skills by the end of Grade 3. Key Objectives: • Universal Proficiency: Achieve foundational literacy and numeracy in primary school by 2026-27. Read More...

MUDRA LOANS : BUDGET 2024-25: NEW PHASE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Aug 03, 2024

What is the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)? • The PMMY is a government scheme aimed at providing loans to small and micro-enterprises to help them grow their businesses. What are the categories of Mudra loans? • Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000 • Kishore: Loans above ₹50,000 and up to ₹5 lakh • Tarun: Loans above ₹5 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh (recently increased to ₹20 lakh) Read More...

DARK OXYGEN

Aug 03, 2024

What is 'dark oxygen'? ... Read More...

DEEP-SEA MINING and DARK OXYGEN

Aug 03, 2024

What is deep-sea mining? - Deep-sea mining refers to the extraction of minerals and resources, such as polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides, and cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts, from the ocean floor. This activity is expected to become significant in the coming decades. What are polymetallic nodules? - Polymetallic nodules are lumps of iron, manganese hydroxides, and rock found partially submerged in the ocean floor. They contain valuabl... Read More...

KHAAN QUEST EXERCISE

Aug 03, 2024

What is the Khaan Quest Exercise? • The Khaan Quest Exercise is a multinational peacekeeping training event aimed at preparing military forces for peacekeeping missions in a collaborative international setting. Which countries are participating in the 21st edition of Khaan Quest? • The exercise includes around 430 participants from 23 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Türkiye, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Read More...

PLUG AND PLAY’ INDUSTRIAL PARKS IN 100 CITIES:

Aug 03, 2024

The government has announced plans to develop “plug and play” industrial parks in 100 cities across India. This initiative will be carried out in partnership with states and private companies, aiming to create investment-ready industrial parks with complete infrastructure. Key Announcements • Development in 100 Cities: The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced that the government will facilitate the creation of these industrial parks in or near 100 cities. • Partnerships: The project wi... Read More...

TRANSITIONING SUGAR MILLS INTO BIO-REFINERIES

Aug 02, 2024

The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has introduced a comprehensive policy framework to transition traditional sugar mills into modern bio-refineries. This strategic initiative aims to diversify the products derived from sugarcane, thereby enhancing both the sustainability and profitability of the industry. Below are the key components of this policy framework: 1. Bio-Ethanol Production • Expansion of Capabilities: Increase bio-ethanol production within sugar mills. • Utilization of Sugarcane... Read More...

KANWAR ROUTE:NAMES OF DHABA OWNERS

Aug 02, 2024

ISSUES BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT The Supreme Court is examining the legality and implications of a police notice issued in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, which mandates the display of the names of owners and employees at dhabas, hotels, and shops along the Kanwar Yatra route. This issue raises significant constitutional and legal questions. KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED IN COURT 1. NO GOVERNMENT ORDER • Observation: The Supreme Court noted that there was no formal government ... Read More...

WORLD HEPATITIS DAY:JULY 28

Aug 02, 2024

1. WHAT IS WORLD HEPATITIS DAY? World Hepatitis Day is observed on July 28 each year to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, which causes inflammation of the liver and can lead to severe liver disease and cancer. This day... Read More...

LOW DEFLATOR & REAL GDP GROWTH IN FY24

Aug 02, 2024

Understanding GDP Deflator • Definition: The GDP deflator is a measure of inflation in the economy, calculated as the ratio of nominal GDP to real GDP. • Components: It includes Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation figures, weighted approximately 65% to 35%. Real GDP Growth in FY24 • Projection: The National Statistical Office (... Read More...

DISABILITY RIGHTS:NIPUN MALHOTRA VS. SONY PICTURES

Aug 02, 2024

1. WHAT WAS THE SUPREME COURT’S JUDGMENT IN THE NIPUN MALHOTRA VS. SONY PICTURES CASE ABOUT? The Supreme Court’s judgment addressed the insensitive portrayal of individuals with disabilities in the film Aanand Mikholi. The Court emphasized that ableism is not humorous and highlighted the need to balance freedom of speech with the dignity of persons with disabilities (PwDs). 2. WHY IS THE LANGUAGE USED IN DISCOURSE ABOUT PwDS IMPORTANT? Language shapes perceptions and attitudes. The Court highlighted that respectful and accurate language is crucial in promoting ... Read More...