UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA’S QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

Jun 20, 2024

1. What is India’s quantum technology initiative about? India’s quantum technology initiative is a Rs 6,000 crore scheme aimed at advancing quantum computing and related technologies. It involves collaboration with IT firms and academic institutions to develop quantum software, hardware, and infrastructure. 2. Who are the key players involved in this initiative? Major IT services compan... Read More...

GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20):SIMPLIFIER

Jun 20, 2024

1. What is GSAT-N2? GSAT-N2, also known as GSAT-20, is a Ka-band high throughput communication satellite operated by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a government company under the Department of Space. 2. What is the purpose of GSAT-N2? GSAT-N2 aims to enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity (IFC) across India through its advanced satellite communication capabilities. 3. What are the key features of GSAT-N2? Read More...

Earth's Inner Core Slowing Down: What You Need to Know

Jun 20, 2024

Q: What is the Earth's inner core? A: The Earth's inner core is a solid iron-nickel sphere surrounded by the liquid iron-nickel outer core, roughly the size of the moon. Q: What has happened to the Earth's inner core recently? A: According to a new study, the Earth's inner core has been slowing down in relation to the surface of the planet since around 2010. Q: How did scientists determine the inner core... Read More...

Cultural Artifact Division Between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Jun 20, 2024

FAQs on Cultural Division Q: Why is the division of cultural objects between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh an issue? A: Ten years after the creation of Telangana, the division of antiquities, manuscripts, and cultural objects between the two states remains contentious due to historical and cultural significance. Q: What criteria are used for dividing heritage objects? A: The division is based on the provenance and time of ac... Read More...

Challenges of Beneficial Ownership in India's Growth

Jun 20, 2024

Foreign investments are crucial for India to achieve its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025-26. However, certain regulatory hurdles must be addressed to attract these investments. The Amendment Challenge In 2020, an amendment to the Indian Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 (FEMA NDI), introduced a requirement for prior government approval for investments from neighboring countries or where the “beneficial owner” is from these countries. This was aimed at preventing opportun... Read More...

INDIA’S FEDERAL STRUCTURE AND COALITION GOVERNANCE

Jun 19, 2024

On June 4, 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell short of the majority mark in the Lok Sabha, necessitating reliance on its regional partners in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to form a government. This shift from a majoritarian approach to coalition governance presents an opportunity to rejuvenate India’s federal structure, which has faced numerous challenges over the past decade. Challenges to Federalism Centralization of Power Since 2014, there has been a persistent effort to curta... Read More...

RIGHT TO RECALL IN INDIA: AN OVERVIEW

Jun 19, 2024

The Right to Recall (RTR) is a legal provision in some states of India that allows citizens to remove or replace public servants holding posts such as Sarpanch, Mukhiya, Corporator, and Mayor in the government. This mechanism is primarily implemented at the Panchayat level but is also seen at the municipal level in certain states. States with Recall Laws at Panchayat Level The Right to Recall has been implemented at the Panchayat level in the following states: 1. Uttar Pradesh 2. Uttarakhand 3. Bi... Read More...

END OF US-SAUDI PETRODOLLAR PACT: IMPACTS AND IMPLICATIONS

Jun 19, 2024

The 50-year-old petrodollar agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia has expired, marking a significant change in global financial dynamics. This pact, established in the 1970s, has had far-reaching consequences for the global economy, particularly benefiting the US. Here’s an overview of what petrodollars are and the potential implications of this agreement’s end. Understanding Petrodollars Petrodollars are US dollars earned by oil-exporting countries through the sale of crude oil. This term emerged i... Read More...

US LAW CHALLENGES CHINA’S CONTROL OF TIBET

Jun 19, 2024

The United States has enacted a new law aimed at countering China’s long-standing claim over Tibet and promoting dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama. This law, the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, seeks to harden Washington’s stance on Tibet and pressure Beijing into resuming negotiations with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. Objectives of the New Law 1. Countering Chinese Disinformation: The law directs funds to counter disinformation from China regarding Tibet&r... Read More...

TEN DASH LINE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

Jun 19, 2024

CHINA’S NEW “STANDARD MAP” Q: What is China’s new standard map? A: China’s new “standard map” features a 10-dash line claim to the South China Sea, which is a disputed territory. Q: Why has China released this new map? A: China has released this map to assert its claims in the South China Sea and to distract from its domestic issues, such as economic challenges and youth unemployment. Read More...

FIRST INDIGENOUS LOITERING MUNITION: NAGASTRA-1

Jun 19, 2024

Solar Industries, based in Nagpur, has delivered the first indigenously developed Loitering Munition, Nagastra-1, to the Indian Army. The Indian Army has ordered 480 Loiter Munitions from Solar Industries’ Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) under Emergency Procurement Powers. Recently, EEL delivered 120 Loiter Munitions to an Army Ammunition Depot after successful pre-delivery inspections. Key Features of Nagastra-1 • Functionality: Nagastra-1 is a UAV-based system that functions as an aerial... Read More...

ETHICS:GREATER GOOD IN CIVIL SERVICE

Jun 19, 2024

What Is the Greater Good? The greater good refers to actions or policies that benefit the majority of people, even if they come at a cost to individuals or smaller groups. In public service, the concept of the greater good often guides decisions and actions that aim to improve societal well-being. Importance of the Greater Good in Public Service 1. Enhancing Public Welfare • Public servants are entrusted with the responsibility ... Read More...

ARTIFICIAL SUN: EXPLAINER

Jun 19, 2024

What is an artificial sun? An artificial sun refers to a fusion reactor designed to replicate the nuclear fusion processes that occur in the sun, generating vast amounts of energy by fusing hydrogen atoms into helium under extreme temperature and pressure. How does nuclear fusion work in an artificial sun? In a fusion reactor, isotopes of hydrogen, such as deuterium and tritium, are heated to extremely high temperatures (millions of degrees Celsius) to form a plasma... Read More...

INDIA’S INNOVATION CHALLENGES:Explainer

Jun 19, 2024

Introduction India has made significant strides in technological advancements and digital infrastructure, yet it lags behind in the global innovation sector. Despite notable achievements, several factors contribute to this gap, including insufficient public funding for research, a lack of cutting-edge research labs, and an underdeveloped hardware industry. Key Ingredients of the Innovation System Human Capital • Digit... Read More...

NEET 2024: CONTROVERSY

Jun 19, 2024

What is NEET? NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for undergraduate medical and dental courses in India. It is a crucial exam for students aspiring to join medical colleges across the country. Why is NEET Important? • Admission Gateway: NEET is the sole entrance examination for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses in India.... Read More...