UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Sodium-Ion Batteries

May 14, 2024

1. What are sodium-ion batteries? Sodium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use sodium ions as the charge carriers. They are similar in function to lithium-ion batteries but use sodium instead of lithium. 2. Why are sodium-ion batteries important? Sodium-ion batteries are important because they offer a potentially cheaper and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Sodium is more abundant and widely available than lithium, making these ... Read More...

MIGRANT WORKERS:CHALLENGES IN VOTING

May 14, 2024

Migrant workers in India encounter significant challenges when it comes to voting due to the high costs and potential job losses involved in traveling back to their home states. These economic and logistical barriers lead to lower voter turnout among this demographic, as many workers cannot afford the trip or the loss of income. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has acknowledged these issues and discussed potential solutions like Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs). However, no current proposals exist to implement remote voting for domestic migrants. Allowing migrants to vote at their work... Read More...

Sei whales and their recent return

May 14, 2024

1. What are Sei whales? Sei whales are known for their massive size and distinctive blue-grey coloration. They are one of the largest species of whales. 2. Why did Sei whales disappear from Argentina’s Patagonian coast? During the 1920s and 1930s, relentless hunting by whaling ships operating along the shores of Argentina and beyond decimated Sei wha... Read More...

Parkinson's Disease in India: Treatment Challenges and Advances

May 14, 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the brain's decreased ability to produce dopamine, crucial for movement control. Despite the absence of a cure, various treatments can alleviate symptoms and enhance patients' quality of life. Dr. V.P. Singh, chairman of neurosurgery and neurosciences at Medanta, Gurugram, discusses the evolving treatment landscape in India. Prevalence and Early Onset in India Read More...

India's Global Influence: Public Diplomacy

May 13, 2024

1. What is public diplomacy? Public diplomacy refers to the efforts by a country to communicate strategically with foreign publics to influence their perceptions and improve the country's foreign policy outcomes. It involves sharing cultural, educational, and informational resources to build long-term relationships and enhance mutual understanding between countries. 2. Why is public diplom... Read More...

INDIA'S OPEN CREDIT ENABLEMENT NETWORK (OCEN)

May 13, 2024

1. What is the Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN)? OCEN is a framework of APIs designed to streamline and enhance the efficiency of the lending process in India. It facilitates interactions between lenders, Loan Service Providers (LSPs), and account aggregators, simplifying the flow of credit to underserved segments like MSMEs, small shop owners, and rural entrepreneurs. 2. How does OCEN im... Read More...

Mitigating Urban Floods in India

May 13, 2024

1. What causes urban flooding in Indian cities? Urban flooding in India is primarily caused by heavy rainfall, inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanization without adequate planning, and encroachment on wetlands and water bodies. Poor maintenance of stormwater drains, rampant construction in flood-prone areas, and climate change exacerbating weather extremities also contribute significantly to the problem. 2. Can y... Read More...

Urban Wetlands Governance in India

May 13, 2024

1. What are the benefits of urban wetlands in India? Urban wetlands in India provide several ecological services including flood control, water purification, and biodiversity conservation. They act as natural sponges that absorb and store excess rainfall, reducing flooding in urban areas. Moreover, wetlands help in maintaining local climate, preserving flora and fauna, and supporting recreational activities. 2. What are the main threats to urban wetlands in India? Read More...

Digital Lending in India: Innovation & Consumer Protection

May 13, 2024

Background: The rise of digital lending has revolutionized access to financial services, but it has also brought challenges like mis-selling, data breaches, and unethical practices. While it currently doesn't pose a significant risk to financial stability, its rapid growth demands proactive regulation to ensure consumer protection and orderly growth.Technological innovations have led to marked improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality, inclusion and compe... Read More...

Undertrial Prisoners in India

May 13, 2024

Q1: Who are undertrial prisoners? A1: Undertrial prisoners are individuals who have been arrested and detained in jail while awaiting trial for the crimes they are accused of. They have not been convicted of any offense. Q2: Why are there so many undertrial prisoners in India? A2: Several factors contribute to the high ... Read More...

Climate Change's Impact on Health & Nutrition in India

May 13, 2024

1. What is the impact of climate change on public health in India? Climate change affects public health in India through increased heatwaves, deteriorating air quality, and greater prevalence of vector-borne diseases. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns also exacerbate chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among the population. 2. How does climate change threaten nutrition security in India? &nbs... Read More...

Global Humanitarian Challenges and India's Role

May 13, 2024

What are the current global humanitarian challenges? Global challenges include increased aid demand due to conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change. Food scarcity, health emergencies, and displacement are further concerns. How is the need for humanitarian aid changing? The need is growing rapidly, more than doubling in five years due to new and ongoing crises. How does India contribute to addre... Read More...

DigiLocker: India's Digital Document Solution

May 13, 2024

What is DigiLocker? DigiLocker is a digital storage service launched by the Indian government in 2015 as part of its Digital India initiative. It allows users to store and access digital versions of their important documents, such as Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, driving licenses, and educational marksheets. The platform aims to facilitate easy verification and sharing of documents across government and private entities, reducing dependency on physical documents. ... Read More...

AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN INDIA: CURRENT SCENARIO AND HISTORY

May 13, 2024

Current Housing Scenario in India: India is grappling with a significant housing shortage, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth. According to a 2012 government report, India needed an additional 18.78 million houses to meet the demand. This figure rose to 29 million by 2018, indicating a severe urban housing crisis. Despite this, there are millions of vacant housing units, suggesting that many newly constructed houses do not meet the affordability ... Read More...

Global Green Industrial Revolution & India's Role

May 13, 2024

1. What is the Green Industrial Revolution, and why is it crucial? ● A global shift towards sustainable industrial practices, embracing clean energy, efficient technologies, and sustainable resource use. ● It's essential to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and create a more equitable and prosperous future. 2. Why are critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and graphite essential? Read More...