ClearIAS

UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023 UPSC released the answer key for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination Answer Key. Read to know more about UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2023. The UPSC Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India, drawing lakhs of aspirants each year. The Preliminary exam, serving as the first… https://www.clearias.com/upsc-prelims-answer-key-2023/

Uncontested Elections: What if only one candidate contests for a seat? In India, uncontested elections occur when there is only one candidate nominated for a position, typically in legislative or local government elections, and therefore no voting is required for that specific seat. Read here to learn more. When is a candidate elected unopposed? What are the rules under the Representation of the People Act? What… https://www.clearias.com/uncontested-elections/

UPSC CSE Prelims 2023 Answer Key is now available.

As a result of marine heatwaves, researchers at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have observed extensive bleaching affecting the coral reefs in the Lakshadweep Sea. A survey conducted from multiple Lakshadweep islands revealed that a significant proportion of hard coral species have experienced severe bleaching. This is mainly because the region has been experiencing a prolonged marine heatwave since late October 2023. Rare extreme weather events known as "marine heatwaves" feature extended periods of unusually high ocean temperatures.

Raja Ravi Varma: Modern and Democratic Indian Artist Raja Ravi Varma’s contribution to Indian art is monumental, marking a significant turning point in its evolution and setting the stage for modern Indian art. His work reshaped artistic styles and influenced cultural perceptions and visual representation in India. Read here to learn more about his life. Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) was a celebrated Indian… https://www.clearias.com/raja-ravi-varma/

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently approved a tenfold increase in the maximum pesticide residue levels permitted in spices and herbs, addressing cases where limits aren't specified in Indian or international regulations. For spices, the default limit was raised from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, while other food products maintain the previous limit of 0.01 mg/kg. This adjustment was prompted by the difficulty of keeping spice residue levels under the previous limit due to the presence of phenols, which confound detection. Despite technical illegality, some farmers use unregistered pesticides due to limited approved options, especially for smaller crops like cardamom and pepper, where companies hesitate to invest in extensive field trials. The decision to implement default limits is to address potential cross-contamination from imported products or within domestically produced items.

India ranked 159 among 180 countries in the latest annual World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders. Pakistan ranked seven spots above India at 152. It had ranked 150 in 2023. Norway topped the ranking, while Denmark was on the second rank in the World Press Freedom Index. Sweden ranked third on the list. In its analysis, press freedom is in crisis; India’s media has fallen into an “unofficial state of emergency" since PM Modi came to power in 2014. As per the report, nine journalists and one media worker have been detained in India as of today. It also reports that the Indian government has introduced several new laws that will give the government extraordinary power to control the media, censor news, and silence critics, including the 2023 Telecommunications Act, the 2023 draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, and the 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act.