UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ZERO BASE BUDGETING IN INDIA

Aug 01, 2024

Definition of Zero Base Budgeting (ZBB) Zero Base Budgeting (ZBB) is a budgeting approach where every expense must be justified for each new period. Unlike traditional budgeting, where past budgets are adjusted incrementally, ZBB starts from a “zero base,” requiring a thorough re-evaluation of all expenditures. Key Characteristics of Zero Base Budgeting 1. Justification of Expenditures: Every department must jus... Read More...

BUDGET 2024-25: TAX REFORMS

Aug 01, 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25 has introduced significant tax reforms aimed at improving the tax system for individuals and businesses, ensuring fiscal prudence and economic stability. The focus is on simplifying tax processes, enhancing compliance, and fostering a robust investment climate. Read More...

CRITICAL MINERALS AND SUSTAINABLE FUELS

Aug 01, 2024

1. WHAT ARE CRITICAL MINERALS? Critical minerals are essential elements used in a variety of high-tech industries, including electronics, renewable energy, and electric vehicles (EVs). They are crucial for the development of new technologies and sustainable energy solutions. Examples include lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. 2. WHY ARE CRITICAL MINERALS IMPORTANT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVS)? Critical minerals, especially lithium and cobalt, are vital for the production of lithium-ion batteries used in EVs. These batteries offer high energy density, long life, and e... Read More...

PLUG AND PLAY’ INDUSTRIAL PARKS IN 100 CITIES

Aug 01, 2024

BUDGET 2024-25 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 p... Read More...

PARETO OPTIMALITY & INDIAN PUBLIC FINANCE

Aug 01, 2024

Definition of Pareto Optimality Pareto Optimality, named after the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, is an economic concept where a resource allocation is deemed optimal if no individual can be made better off without making at least one individual worse off. It represents a state of efficiency in which resources are allocated in the most efficient manner possible. Key Characteristics of Pareto Optimality 1. No Waste: Reso... Read More...

POWER OF GOVERNOR TO PROMULGATE ORDINANCES

Aug 01, 2024

1. What is the purpose of Article 213? • Purpose: Article 213 grants the Governor the power to issue ordinances when the state legislature is not in session, ensuring that urgent legislative action can be taken when necessary. 2. When can the Governor issue an ordinance? • Conditions: The Governor can issue an ordinance only when the Legislative Assembly (or both Houses, in states with a Legislative Council) is not in session and immediate action is required. 3. What is the dura... Read More...

PARTICIPATORY NOTES (P-NOTES):SIMPLIFIER

Aug 01, 2024

Participatory Notes (P-Notes) are financial instruments used by foreign institutional investors to invest in the Indian stock market without registering with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Here is a detailed overview of P-Notes: 1. Definition and Purpose • Definition: P-Notes are offshore derivative ins... Read More...

BHARAT SMALL REACTORS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Aug 01, 2024

What Are Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs)? • Definition: Bharat Small Reactors are compact nuclear reactors designed to generate electricity on a smaller scale compared to traditional large nuclear power plants. • Technology: They utilize India’s proven 220-megawatt Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, with 16 operational units already in the country. • Innovation: A significant change is the involvement of the private sector ... Read More...

Assam's New UNESCO World Heritage Site

Aug 01, 2024

1. What are the Charaideo Moidams? They are royal burial sites of the Ahom dynasty in Assam, India. 2. When did the Ahom dynasty rule? From 1228 to 1826 AD, ruling much of Assam and the North East. 3. Where are the Moidams located? About 30 km from Sivasagar town in eastern Assam. 4. What's special about these sites? T... Read More...

CRYPTOGRAPHY

Aug 01, 2024

Definition of Cryptography Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for securing communication and data in the presence of adversaries. It involves creating written or generated codes that allow information to be kept secret. Types of Cryptography 1. Symmetric-Key Cryptography • Description: Uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. • Examples:... Read More...

DECLINE OF INDIAN VULTURES: SIMPLIFIER

Aug 01, 2024

Indian Vultures: Their Role in Ecology • Natural Scavengers: Vultures are crucial in maintaining ecological balance by scavenging on carcasses, preventing the spread of diseases. • Sanitation Service: By consuming dead animals, vultures eliminate bacteria and pathogens, acting as nature’s sanitation service. • Human Health Impact: Their scavenging reduces the risk of diseases spreading to humans and other animals. ... Read More...

INDIA-UK TECHNOLOGY SECURITY INITIATIVE

Aug 01, 2024

What is the India-UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI)? • The Technology Security Initiative (TSI) is a collaborative effort between India and the UK aimed at ensuring telecommunications security and fostering cooperation in critical technology areas. These include critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and health technology. When was the TSI announced? • The TSI was announced on a Wednesday following ... Read More...

Climate finance taxonomy:Budget 2024-25

Aug 01, 2024

The Budget 2024-25 addresses climate finance through the development of a climate finance taxonomy, which is a significant step towards channeling investments into climate-friendly projects. Here's an expanded explanation: 1. Definition: A climate finance taxonomy is a classification system that defines and categorizes economic activities that are considered environmentally sustainable or climate-friendly. 2. Purpose: It aims to provide clear guidelines for investors, companies, and policymakers on what qualifies as a green or sustaina... Read More...

KARGIL WAR AND INDIA’S DEFENCE REFORMS

Aug 01, 2024

What was the significance of the Kargil War in 1999? • The Kargil War of May-July 1999 with Pakistan was a significant conflict in India’s history due to its high casualties, intensity of operations, and geopolitical impact. It was a “mini-war” that marked a turning point in India-Pakistan relations and had substantial strategic implications. What were the primary reasons behind the Kargil conflict? • The conflict arose from P... Read More...

OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT CHALLENGES OF MALNUTRITION IN INDIA

Aug 01, 2024

What are the current statistics on obesity and overweight in India? • According to the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) conducted from 2016-2018, 1.3% of children aged 5-9 years and 1.1% of adolescents aged 10-19 years were classified as obese. The prevalence of obesity among adult females (18+ years) increased from 2.3% in 2000 to 5.1% in 2015. Why is obesity a growing concern in India? • Obesity leads to several non-commu... Read More...