UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Pakistan's Taliban Campaign: Risk of Escalating War

Jul 02, 2024

Background Taliban’s Return to Power • In August 2021, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan after the US withdrew its troops. • This event has led to a significant increase in terror-related incidents in Pakistan. Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) • The TTP is a banned terrorist organization blamed for many attacks in Pakistan. • Pakistan claims that TTP leaders are being har... Read More...

Generative AI in the Pharmaceutical Industry and Drug Discovery

Jul 02, 2024

Q1: What is Generative AI (GenAI) in the context of pharmaceuticals? A: Generative AI in pharmaceuticals refers to the use of advanced artificial intelligence technologies, particularly machine learning and natural language processing, to accelerate drug discovery, improve R&D processes, and enhance various aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain management. Q2: How is GenAI transforming drug discovery? A: GenAI is accelerating drug discovery by help... Read More...

Changing Monsoon Patterns in India: Simplifier

Jul 02, 2024

Q1: How have India's monsoon patterns changed in recent years? A: Monsoon patterns have become more erratic, with some regions experiencing prolonged dry spells and others facing excessive rainfall during traditionally dry periods. Q2: What are the main impacts of these changing patterns on agriculture? A: The changes have led to crop failures, altered planting seasons, and increased uncertainty for farmers, particularly affecting rain-fed agriculture in many parts of India. Read More...

EXTREME WEATHER IN INDIA

Jul 02, 2024

Q1: What is extreme weather and how is it affecting India? A: Extreme weather includes severe heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms. In India, these events are increasingly common due to climate change, affecting health, livelihoods, and the economy. Impact on Workers Q2: How is extreme weather affecting workers in different parts of India? A: Examples include: • In Kolkata, salesman Anup Majhi took a month off due to e... Read More...

Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) India: Primer

Jul 02, 2024

Q1: What is the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB)? A: The FSIB is an autonomous body set up by the Government of India to recommend candidates for top positions in public sector banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions. Q2: When was the FSIB established? A: The FSIB was established in July 2022, replacing the Banks Board Bureau (BBB). Q3: What is the primary function of the FSIB? Read More...

Monkey Fever in India: FAQs

Jul 02, 2024

Q1: What is monkey fever? A: Monkey fever, officially called Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic to certain parts of India. Q2: What causes monkey fever? A: It's caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family. Q3: How is monkey fever transmitted? A: It's primarily spread through tick bites, especially from Haemaphysalis spinigera ... Read More...

PRIMER ON NIPAH VIRUS IN INDIA

Jul 02, 2024

What is Nipah Virus? Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. It was first identified in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998-1999, where pigs were the intermediate hosts. The natural reservoir for the virus is fruit bats (flying foxes) of the Pteropus genus. Symptoms and Risks • Symptoms: Infection with Nipah virus can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Initial symptoms include fever, headache, drowsiness, and respirato... Read More...

PRIMER ON ZIKA

Jul 02, 2024

What is Zika? Zika virus is a mosquito-borne pathogen belonging to the flavivirus family, which also includes dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is also responsible for spreading dengue and chikungunya. Symptoms and Risks • Symptoms: Most Zika infections are mild and can include fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. Symptoms typically last for 2-7 day... Read More...

PRIMER ON ZIKA

Jul 02, 2024

KENYA:IMF’S INFLUENCE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Jul 02, 2024

Basics Mass protests in Kenya highlight the influence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the economic policies of developing countries. These protests were against a finance bill backed by the IMF, which sought to raise taxes on essential goods. Overview of the Situation in Kenya • Protests: Triggered by a finance bill proposed by President William Ruto’s government, raising taxes on essentials like bread and co... Read More...

TEESTA WATER SHARING DISPUTE

Jul 02, 2024

Introduction The Teesta water-sharing treaty between India and Bangladesh has been a contentious issue for over a decade. Recent remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sh... Read More...

EXTREME HEAT @ HAJJ PILGRIMAGE

Jul 02, 2024

What is Hajj? Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. It involves a series of rituals performed over several days. When did the 2024 Hajj take place? The 2024 Hajj pilgrimage occurred from the evening of June 14 through June 19. What caused the deaths during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage? Read More...

NTA:NATIONAL TESTING AGENCY’S CHALLENGES

Jul 01, 2024

Introduction The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been under scrutiny due to recent allegations of cheating, paper leaks, and irregularities in major examinations such as NEET (National Eligibi... Read More...

INDIAN FORESTS WHERE WHITE TIGERS CAN BE SPOTTED

Jul 01, 2024

1. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh Highlights: • Famous for its population of Bengal tigers, including the elusive white tigers. • Historically, these forests served as hunting grounds for the Maharajas of Rewa. • Designated as a Tiger Reserve in 1993. • Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris to explore the park and potentially spot a white tiger. 2. Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu Highligh... Read More...

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) India

Jul 01, 2024

1. What are Global Capability Centres (GCCs)? Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are global in-house centres established by companies to leverage India’s talent pool and expertise. 2. How many GCCs are present in India? There are over 1,580 GCCs currently operating in India. 3. How many people do GCCs employ in India? GCCs employ around 1.66 million peopl... Read More...