UPSC Daily Current Affairs

NITI AAYOG 9th MEETING AND ‘VIKSIT BHARAT 2047’

Aug 02, 2024

What is ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’? ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ is an initiative aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by the year 2047, marking the centenary of India’s independence. Read More...

GROWTH-INDIA TELESCOPE:HANLE, LADAKH

Aug 02, 2024

Q1: What is the GROWTH-India telescope? • The GROWTH-India telescope is India’s first fully robotic optical research telescope, located at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. It is a 0.7m wide-field telescope used primarily for time-domain astronomy. Q2: Who developed the GROWTH-India telescope? • The telescope was developed through a joint partnership between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and the Indian Ins... Read More...

Rainwater Harvesting: Policies, Benefits, and Challenges

Aug 02, 2024

The Need for Rainwater Harvesting • Water Scarcity: With growing urbanization and population, cities across India face severe water shortages. Over-extraction of groundwater and insufficient rainfall management exacerbate this issue. • Depleting Groundwater Levels: Excessive groundwater extraction for domestic and industrial use has led to critically low water levels in many regions. • Urbanization Impact: Urban areas, including majo... Read More...

2029 Close Approach and ISRO-ESA Collaboration

Aug 02, 2024

1. What is Apophis? Apophis (99942 Apophis) is a near-Earth asteroid discovered in 2004. 2. Why was Apophis initially concerning? Initial observations suggested a possibility of it impacting Earth in 2029, but further analysis ruled this out. 3. When will Apophis make its close approach to Earth? Apophis will pass within 32,000 km of Earth in 2029. Read More...

INDIA’S FOREIGN POLICY INITIATIVES AND THE BBIN CORRIDOR

Aug 02, 2024

Key Foreign Policy Initiatives Q: What is India's Neighbourhood First Policy? A: The Neighbourhood First Policy focuses on improving relations with South Asian neighbors and the extended neighborhood in the Middle East by enhancing connectivity and people-to-people ties. Q: What is India's Act East Policy? A: The Act East Policy aims to strengthen economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations. Read More...

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON GLOBAL RAINFALL PATTERNS

Aug 02, 2024

Key Definitions Q: What is global warming? A: Global warming is the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions. Q: What is rainfall variability? A: Rainfall variability refers to the uneven timing and amount of rainfall over a period. Global Mechanisms Q: How does global warming affect rainfall patterns globally... Read More...

INDIA’S MANGROVES FACE COLLAPSE

Aug 02, 2024

A recent report by the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) highlights the severe threats facing India’s mangrove forests. The combined impacts of cyclones and shrimp aquaculture are leading to a potential collapse of these critical ecosystems. KEY FINDINGS 1. Critically Endangered • Southern Indian Coast: Large areas of mangrove forests along the southern Indian coast are classified as critically endangered. 2. Vulnerable to Collapse ... Read More...

GLOBAL BIOFUELS ALLIANCE : 24 COUNTRIES

Aug 02, 2024

The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) has expanded its membership to 24 countries and 12 international organizations, showcasing significant global support and ongoing growth. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9, 2023, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, GBA unites key biofuel consumers and producers worldwide. Read More...

BANGLADESH-BHUTAN-INDIA-NEPAL (BBIN) CORRIDOR

Aug 02, 2024

Q: What is India's Neighbourhood First Policy? A: The Neighbourhood First Policy focuses on improving relations with South Asian neighbors and the extended neighborhood in the Middle East by enhancing connectivity and people-to-people ties. Q: What is India's Act East Policy? A: The Act East Policy aims to strengthen e... 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...

BUDGET 2024-25: HUMAN CAPITAL

Aug 02, 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 places significant emphasis on enhancing human capital by easing access to education and promoting skill development. These measures aim to foster a more skilled workforce, reduce economic disparities, and support long-term economic growth. KEY INITIATIVES FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT 1. Easing Education Loans • Objective: To increase access to higher education for needy students while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. • Measures: • Simplified loan application processes. • Lower interest ra... Read More...