UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ROBO-DOGS FOR INDIAN ARMY:MULES

Jun 27, 2024

What are the Robo-Dogs? The Robo-Dogs, known as MULES (Multi-Utility Legged Equipment), are robotic units designed in the shape of dogs. They are equipped with thermal cameras and sensors for surveillance and can carry light loads through steep and uneven terrain. They can also be integrated with small arms for combat purposes. Where will they be used? These robotic dogs will be deployed primarily in mountainous and challenging terrains, especially in areas where there ... Read More...

GOLDEN RICE

Jun 27, 2024

Q: What is Golden Rice, and why is it a focal point in agricultural biotechnology debates? Golden Rice is a genetically modified (GM) variety of rice developed to address vitamin A deficiency, a major public health issue in many developing countries. It is engineered to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of the rice. The introduction of this rice aims to provide an affordable and accessible source of vitamin A, particularly for populations relying heavily on rice as a staple food. The debate ove... Read More...

PATANJALI YOGA SHASTRA AND ITS RELEVANCE TODAY

Jun 27, 2024

Q: What is the Patanjali Yoga Shastra, and why is it still relevant today? The Patanjali Yoga Shastra, commonly known as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, is a seminal text on yoga philosophy and practice, compiled by the sage ... Read More...

REGULATION VS. PRIVACY

Jun 27, 2024

1. What is the EU’s ‘Chat Control’ law? The proposed ‘Chat Control’ law by the European Union aims to combat child sexual abuse online by allowing for the mass scanning of private messages, potentially breaking end-to-end encryption. 2. Why is there opposition to the law? • Privacy Concerns: Scanning end-to-end encrypted messages requires creating backdoors, which can be exploited by third parties, undermining ... Read More...

REGULATION VS. PRIVACY: EU’S ‘CHAT CONTROL’ LAW

Jun 27, 2024

SPEAKER, DEPUTY SPEAKER, AND SPEAKER PRO TEM

Jun 27, 2024

1. Election of the Speaker: • Process: Article 93 of the Constitution states that the Lok Sabha shall choose two members to be its Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Read More...

GAMMA-RAY BURSTS

Jun 27, 2024

1. What are Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs)? Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are intense flashes of gamma radiation that occur in space. They are the most energetic and luminous electromagnetic events known to occur in the universe. 2. Types of GRBs: • Short-duration GRBs: Last less than 2 seconds and are believed to originate from the merging of neutron stars or a neutron star with a black hole. • Long-duration GRBs: Last more than 2 seconds and are associated wi... Read More...

INDIA’S AMBITIOUS BIOFUEL PLANS AND THEIR IMPACT

Jun 27, 2024

FAQs What are biofuels and why are they important? Read More...

New plant species found in Indian hotspots.

Jun 27, 2024

FAQs What are the two new plant species discovered in India? Read More...

INDIA AND RUSSIA TO SIGN MILITARY LOGISTICS AGREEMENT

Jun 26, 2024

FAQs What is the purpose of the military logistics agreement between India and Russia? The military logistics agreement between India and Russia aims to enhance their defense partnership by granting mutual access to each other’s military facilities. This includes the Russian Navy operating in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and India in the Arctic. The pact is designed to streamline procedures for joint exercises and operations, ensuring seamless coordination between the t... Read More...

India, China vie for cobalt rights in Indian Ocean.

Jun 26, 2024

FAQs What triggered the competition for cobalt mining rights in the Indian Ocean? The increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has prompted India to seek rights to explore cobalt reserves. India’s application to the International Seabed Authority aims to explore cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount in the Central Indian Ocean. This move puts India in competition with Sri Lanka, which has sought to extend its continental she... Read More...

THE RUPEE DEPRECIATION

Jun 26, 2024

INTRODUCTION On June 20, 2024, the Indian rupee fell to a record low of 83.6650 against the US dollar, driven by multiple economic factors. This decline reflects broader trends affecting emerging Asian currencies and highlights the interplay between local and global economic forces. REASONS FOR THE RECORD LOW Anticipated Outflows and Importer Demand • Anticipated Outflows: Market expectations of capital outflows from India have put pressure on the rupee. Investors often mo... Read More...

GROWTH VS INFLATION IN MONETARY POLICY

Jun 26, 2024

INTRODUCTION The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a crucial role in setting the country’s monetary policy, particularly interest rates, to achieve economic stability. One of the key debates within the MPC revolves around balancing growth and inflation. This concept, often referred to as the ‘growth sacrifice’ view, suggests that maintaining restrictive monetary policies to curb inflation can hinder economic growth. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Growth vs. Inflation Read More...

The Russia-North Korea Pact: A New Cold War

Jun 26, 2024

INTRODUCTION The recent security pact between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un marks a significant shift in global geopolitics. This alliance, reminiscent of Cold War dynamics, underscores both nations’ determination to counter the western-led global order. As Russia and North Korea strengthen their ties, the implications for East Asia and the world are profound, potentially setting the stage for a new Cold War. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) Read More...

KARSAANDAS MULJI: A PIONEERING SOCIAL REFORMER

Jun 26, 2024

INTRODUCTION Karsandas Mulji (1832–1875) was a prominent Indian social reformer, journalist, and writer known for his pioneering efforts to challenge and reform entrenched social norms in 19th-century India. His work focused on advocating for women’s rights, education, and the abolition of unjust practices within the caste system. EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION • Birth and Background: Karsandas Mulji was born in 1832 in a Gujarati Hindu family. He was well-educated and developed an early interest in socia... Read More...