UPSC Daily Current Affairs

EVOLUTION OF MARATHA AND KUNBI IDENTITIES

Jun 24, 2024

HISTORICAL ORIGINS The terms ‘Maratha’ and ‘Kunbi’ have undergone significant changes over centuries. The crystallization of the term ‘Maratha’ likely occurred between 1400 and 1600 C.E. to describe a newly emerging service elite. These were the chiefs who brought bands of followers to serve the Bahamani kingdom and its five successor states. SOCIO-POLITICAL MOVEMENTS The Maratha reservation agitation led ... Read More...

KEELADI: A PINNACLE OF TAMIL HERITAGE

Jun 24, 2024

Unearthing Keeladi’s Uniqueness The Heart of Tamil Heritage: Read More...

HOW HIMALAYAN STATES CAN FIGHT AGAINST FOREST FIRES

Jun 24, 2024

Current Situation Himalayan states are experiencing widespread forest fires, with significant incidents reported annually, leading to extensive damage to forest land and wildlife. These fires result in the loss of tree cover and contribute to environmental degradation. Causes of Forest Fires Natural and Human Factors • Pre-monsoon Dryness: Fires often occur during the pre-monsoon period when moisture levels are low due to depleted snowmelt. • Human Activit... Read More...

Understanding Influenza Viruses: A Guide to H5N1, H1N1, and Beyond

Jun 24, 2024

Q: What are the four types of influenza viruses? A: The four types of influenza viruses are Type A, Type B, Type C, and Type D. Q: Which type of influenza virus has pandemic potential? A: Type A influenza virus has pandemic potential. Q: What are the subtypes of Type A influenza virus? A: Some subtypes of Type A influenza virus include H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2. Read More...

RELEVANCE OF THE G-7 IN A CHANGING WORLD

Jun 24, 2024

Reassessing the G-7’s Role The G-7, historically seen as a dynamic group of the world’s most developed democracies, is now facing a need to reassess its purpose and relevance amidst global changes.... Read More...

Boundary between North Korea and South Korea

Jun 22, 2024

38TH PARALLEL The 38th Parallel holds significant historical importance as it marks the boundary between North Korea and South Korea. Here’s a brief overview: HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 38TH PARALLEL 1. Division of Korea: • After World War II, Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation. The 38th Parallel was chosen as the dividing line between Soviet-occupied North Korea and American-occupied South Korea in 1945. Read More...

Chief of Defence Staff

Jun 22, 2024

JOINT DOCTRINE FOR CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS: A NEW MILESTONE FOR INDIA Understanding the New Doctrine What is the Doctrine? The joint doctrine for cyberspace operations, released by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, serves as a comprehensive guide for the Indian armed forces to conduct operations in the increasingly crucial and complex domain of cyberspace. Importan... Read More...

KAVACH: INDIA’S AUTOMATIC TRAIN PROTECTION SYSTEM

Jun 22, 2024

What is Kavach? Kavach is an indigenously developed automatic train protection system designed to enhance railway safety by preventing collisions and accidents. Key Features of Kavach 1. Automatic Braking System: Kavach automatically applies the brakes if the loco pilot fails to do so, preventing collisions when another train is on the same track. 2. Specified Speed Limits: It functions within specific speed limits to ensure safety and effici... Read More...

Gold Price Rise: Geopolitical Uncertainty and Dollar Diversification

Jun 22, 2024

Gold prices have surged to new heights amid rising geopolitical uncertainties and a strategic shift away from the US dollar. The World Bank’s April 2024 edition of the Commodity Market Outlook provides a detailed analysis of these trends and their implications. KEY FACTORS DRIVING THE GOLD PRICE INCREASE 1. Geopolitical Tensions: • Gold reached an all-time nominal high of $2,331 per troy ounce in April 2024. • Heightened geopolitical tensions have increased... Read More...

HISTORY OF LOK SABHA SPEAKER ELECTIONS IN INDIA

Jun 22, 2024

The post of Speaker of the Lok Sabha has historically seen consensus rather than contest. Here’s a detailed look at the history and process of electing the Lok Sabha Speaker since India’s independence. EARLY HISTORY AND PRE-INDEPENDENCE ERA The post of Speaker of the Central Legislative Assembly, the lower house of the Imperial Legislative Council in British India, was contested six times between 1925 and 1946: • 1925: Vitthalbhai J Patel of the Swaraj Party won the first elect... Read More...

India-US Collaboration on Semiconductors and Critical Minerals

Jun 22, 2024

India and the United States have deepened their cooperation on supply chains, semiconductors, and critical minerals during the India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) meeting held in New Delhi. This strategic partnership aims to bolster both nations’ technological and industrial capabilities and is further reinforced by their collaboration within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING 1. Strategic Semiconductor Partnership: • A new ... Read More...

SURAT’ TO JOIN INDIAN NAVY’S FLEET

Jun 22, 2024

A newly constructed naval ship named ‘Surat,’ equipped with cutting-edge technology, is set to become the next significant combatant in the Indian Navy’s fleet. The Navy shared images of this advanced vessel in a post on X on Monday. KEY FEATURES OF ‘SURAT’ 1. Advanced Technology: Constructed using state-of-the-art technology by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, ‘Surat’ showcases the latest advancements in naval engineering. Read More...

De-Dollarisation and BRICS

Jun 22, 2024

SHIFTING GLOBAL MONETARY ORDER: IMPACT OF BRICS AND LOCAL CURRENCIES The global economic landscape is experiencing significant shifts as countries explore alternatives to the longstanding US dollar dominance. This movement is largely fueled by the end of the petrodollar agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia, which has historically reinforced the dollar’s supremacy. As Saudi Arabia considers selling oil in currencies other than the US dollar, questions arise about the future of the dollar’s hegemony. Read More...

Evolution of Government Approach to NRIs and PIOs

Jun 22, 2024

The approach of the Indian government towards its diaspora has significantly evolved from Jawaharlal Nehru’s era of “active dissociation” to Narendra Modi’s proactive outreach. This transformation reflects broader changes in global connectivity and India’s strategic interests. Historical Context: • Nehru’s Era: Initially, India’s nationalism was territorially bound. The government maintained a passive stance regarding the diaspora, often viewing them a... Read More...

Evolution of Interest Rate Benchmarks in India: Simplifier

Jun 22, 2024

PLR,Base Rate,MCLR and EBLR Q1: What is the Prime Lending Rate (PLR)? A1: The PLR was the original benchmark interest rate that financial institutions charged their most creditworthy customers. However, it lacked transparency and allowed for discriminatory pricing. Q2: Why was the Base Rate introduced? A2: Introduced in 2010, the base rate system aimed to create a minimum interest rate for most borrowers, ensuring greater fairn... Read More...