UPSC Daily Current Affairs

HAKKI-PIKKI TRIBES OF KARNATAKA

Jul 13, 2024

Who Are the Hakki-Pikki Tribes? The Hakki-Pikki are a semi-nomadic tribal group from Karnataka, India. The name “Hakki-Pikki” translates to “bird catchers” in Kannada, reflecting their traditional occupation. This community has roots in northern India and has been settled in Karnataka, predominantly in the districts of Shivamogga, Davanagere, and Mysuru. Cultural Background and Occupation • Traditional Occupation: Originally, the Hakki-Pikki wer... Read More...

LANDFILLS:WASTE MANAGEMENT CRISIS IN INDIA'S MEGA CITIES

Jul 12, 2024

India faces a significant waste management crisis, with overflowing landfills posing environmental and health hazards. Cities across the country produce tons of waste daily, often ending up in landfills and exacerbating pollution. Over 3,100 landfills are scattered throughout India, according to a CNN news report. This issue is compounded by the vast amount of textile waste generated by the country's diverse clothing industry. Read More...

Producer Price Index (PPI) in India: Understanding the Basics

Jul 12, 2024

Q: "The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a crucial yet often overlooked economic indicator in India." Explain the concept of PPI, its significance in the Indian economy, and the potential benefits of tracking both Output and Input PPI. A: The Producer Price Index (PPI) measures the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output. In simpler terms, it tracks the prices at which producers sell their goods and services to wholesalers or retailers. In India, while we hav... Read More...

STARTUPS for SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

Jul 12, 2024

INTRODUCTION In recent times, numerous innovations for the advancement of society and the environment are on the rise in the country. A large number of startups are leveraging technology to build sustainable solutions to bring about an impact. According to the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), there are over hundreds of such social impact startups, growing at a rate of 20%. The increasing number of internet and smartphone users has boosted these tech-enabled social startups. GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE SUPPORT These social ... Read More...

INDIA’S CHALLENGE OF URBAN FLOODS

Jul 12, 2024

DEFINITION AND INDIAN EXPERIENCE Urban flooding refers to the inundation of land in urban areas, primarily due to heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems, causing water to accumulate. In India, cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru frequently experience severe flooding during the monsoon season. CAUSES 1. Geographical Factors: • Topography: Cities like Delhi are situated on the inland Indo-Gangetic floodplain, one of the flattest places on earth, making it prone to flooding. • Heavy Rainfall: Read More...

SEPARATION OF POWERS IN INDIA

Jul 12, 2024

Question What are the key challenges to the principle of separation of powers in India, and how do they impact governance? Answer The principle of separation of powers in India, which divides the functions of government among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, faces several challenges that can impact effective governance. 1. Judicial Overreach: Instances where the judiciary steps beyond its traditional role of interpretation of laws to making laws or e... Read More...

INDIA-TAIWAN RELATIONS: A GROWING PARTNERSHIP

Jul 12, 2024

GENERAL BACKGROUND AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS In the early 1990s, India and Taiwan began to loosen visa restrictions and established representative offices in their respective capitals. This marked the beginning of closer bilateral relations. Notable developments include: • 1995: Establishment of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in New Delhi and the India-Taipei Association (ITA) in Taipei. • 2012: Opening of TECC in Chennai. • 2023: Visits by retired Indian s... Read More...

GLOBAL “SWING STATES” AND THE WORLD ORDER

Jul 12, 2024

1. WHAT ARE GLOBAL SWING STATES? Global swing states are countries with large and growing economies, strategic regional locations, democratic institutions, and international roles currently in flux. Examples include Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Turkey. 2. HOW CAN GLOBAL SWING STATES INFLUENCE THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER? These states can significantly shape global dynamics by choosing to take on new responsibilities, support existing structures, or pursue ... Read More...

CONSTITUTION BENCH OF SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

Jul 12, 2024

1. WHAT IS A CONSTITUTION BENCH? • A Constitution Bench is a bench of the Supreme Court of India consisting of five or more judges. It is formed to decide substantial questions of law related to the interpretation of the Constitution, as per Article 145 of the Indian Constitution. 2. WHY IS A CONSTITUTION BENCH FORMED? • A Constitution Bench is constituted when a case involves significant constitutional questions or when previous Supreme Court r... Read More...

KARGIL WAR 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Jul 12, 2024

1. WHAT WAS THE KARGIL WAR? • The Kargil War was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir. 2. WHY DID THE KARGIL WAR OCCUR? • The conflict was initiated by the infiltration of Pakistani soldiers and militants into Indian territory, specifically the heights of the Kargil region, with the objective of cutting off the link between Kashmir and Ladakh and forcing India to ... Read More...

MARXIST SCHOOL OF MORALITY AND ETHICS

Jul 12, 2024

The Marxist school of morality and ethics is rooted in the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It offers a distinct perspective on ethical questions, emphasizing the role of social and economic structures in shaping human morality. Here are the key principles and concepts of Marxist ethics: Fundamental Principles 1. Historical Materialism: • Marxist ethics are grounded in the theory of historical materialism, which posits that material conditions and economic factors fundamentally shape soc... Read More...

MIDDLE CLASS VALUES

Jul 12, 2024

Middle class values play a crucial role in driving economic growth and maintaining social stability. Here are the ways in which these values contribute to these important aspects of society: Economic Growth 1. Education and Skill Development: • Investment in Education: The middle class places a high value on education, which leads to a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce. • Continuous Learning: Emphasis on self-improvement and lifelong ... Read More...

SAFE HARBOUR RULES IN INDIA

Jul 12, 2024

INTRODUCTION: A safe harbour is a provision of a statute or regulation that specifies that certain conduct will be deemed not to violate a given rule. Safe harbour rules in India provide clarity and certainty to businesses, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while minimizing the risk of penalties. 1. TRANSFER PRICING: • What It Is: Transfer pricing involves setting prices for transactions between related enti... Read More...

HIGH SEAS TREATY: INDIA’S COMMITMENT

Jul 12, 2024

INTRODUCTION: India has announced its intention to sign and ratify the High Seas Treaty, aimed at protecting marine ecology and ensuring equitable sharing of marine resources. This international agreement focuses on areas outside national jurisdictions, contributing to the sustainable use of ocean resources. 1. WHAT IS THE HIGH SEAS TREATY? • A new international framework for maintaining the ecological health of the oceans. • Also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ) Agreement. ... Read More...

DESERTAS PETRELS AND TROPICAL CYCLONES

Jul 12, 2024

1. WHERE DO DESERTAS PETRELS NEST? • Desertas Petrels nest exclusively on Bugio Island in Portugal. 2. HOW FAR DO THEY TRAVEL DURING BREEDING SEASON? • These birds embark on extensive foraging journeys that can span up to 7,500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. 3. WHAT UNIQUE BEHAVIOR WAS DISCOVERED IN THE NEW STUDY? • Desertas... Read More...