UPSC Daily Current Affairs

NAGALAND: FALCON CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Jun 19, 2024

Understanding the Amur Falcon Key Facts • Species: Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) • Migration: Breeds in Eastern Russia and China, migrates across Asia, and winters in Southern Africa. • Distance: Annual migration of approximately 22,000 km. Significance of Nagaland • Roosting Site: Nagaland hosts the largest known ... Read More...

AMUR FALCON CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN INDIA

Jun 19, 2024

The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small bird of prey known for its remarkable migration from southeastern Siberia and northern China to southern and East Africa. In India, the species is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and is listed in Schedule 4 of the law. Key Regions and Conservation Initiatives Potential Roosting Sites in Arunachal Pradesh • Districts Identified: Longding, Tirap, and Changlang in the Patkai Hills range. &bull... Read More...

Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Empowering Women through Self-Help

Jun 19, 2024

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is a focused initiative aimed at empowering women, particularly those involved in Self Help Groups (SHGs), by helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency. This scheme has enabled numerous women across India to earn over ₹1.0 lakh annually, thus becoming ‘lakhpati,’ a term used in India to denote individuals with substantial earnings. Key Features of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme • Economic Empowerment: The scheme targets women in SHGs, providing them with training to ... Read More...

BAOBAB TREES IN INDIA

Jun 19, 2024

Baobab trees, native to Africa, have found a significant presence in India, particularly in the semi-arid central regions and the wetter parts of the Western Ghats. These trees, known for their unique appearance with thick, twisted trunks and leafless branches resembling roots reaching into the sky, stand as natural marvels. A Glimpse of Baobabs in Shirala In Shirala, Sangli, an ancient baobab stands tall at 22 meters with a trunk girth of 6.35 meters. This tree, along with another surviving baobab in the area, is revered by ... Read More...

INTEREST EQUALISATION SCHEME FOR EXPORTERS

Jun 19, 2024

BASICS OF THE INTEREST EQUALISATION SCHEME What is the Interest Equalisation Scheme? The Interest Equalisation Scheme provides exporters with access to bank credit at subsidized interest rates. It is aimed at reducing the cost of borrowing for exporters and enhancing their competitiveness. Who benefits from the scheme? Exporters of 410 identified products and all MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) exporters... Read More...

FILM HAMARE BAARAH and Art.19

Jun 18, 2024

BACKGROUND “Hamare Baarah,” a film directed by Kamal Chandra, has sparked significant controversy due to its portrayal of the Islamic faith and married Muslim women in India. The Supreme Court has intervened to stay the film’s release following allegations of derogatory content. OBJECTIONS • Content Concerns: Petitioners argue that the film contains anti-Muslim tropes and misquotes a verse from the Qur... Read More...

CREATING NEW DISTRICTS:PROCEDURE, RATIONALE, AND CRITICISM

Jun 18, 2024

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS India has seen the creation of 50 new districts since 2020, with states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam leading the way. This trend reflects both administrative and political motives. DRIVERS BEHIND NEW DISTRICTS 1. Administrative Convenience: Smaller districts bring administration closer to the people, facilitating better governance and service delivery. 2. Political Expediency: Read More...

HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN BREED COW

Jun 18, 2024

OVERVIEW Holstein-Friesian cows are a prominent dairy breed known for their high milk production. Originating from the Netherlands, these cows have become a staple in dairy farming globally due to their efficiency and productivity. CHARACTERISTICS • Appearance: Holstein-Friesian cows are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and white markings. Some may also have red and white patterns. • S... Read More...

INDIA’S FOREX RESERVES REACH ALL-TIME HIGH

Jun 18, 2024

India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $4.307 billion, reaching a new record of $655.817 billion for the week ending June 7, 2024, as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This marks a significant increase from the previous high of $648.87 billion recorded on May 10, 2024. The reserves have shown substantial growth in recent weeks. Read More...

Deccani Sheep in Goa: Challenges of the Dhangar Nomads

Jun 18, 2024

Overview Recently, large flocks of Deccani sheep, managed by the nomadic Dhangar community, have been spotted grazing in Goa’s fields. The Dhangars migrate seasonally from Karnataka and Maharashtra, reflecting a traditional pastoral lifestyle that relies on local farmers for grazing and fertilization. However, the movement of these food animals has implications for food security and disease spread. Key Points Pastoral Lifestyle: &b... Read More...

HIMALAYAN GLACIERS: IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Jun 18, 2024

Overview The Himalayan region hosts 55,000 glaciers, covering approximately 3 million hectares. These glaciers form the largest ice bodies outside the polar caps. However, climate change is causing severe impacts on this fragile ecosystem, affecting the economy, ecology, and environment of the region. Key Concerns 1. Glacier Melt: • Projections indicate that around one-third of the Himalayan glaciers could vanish by ... Read More...

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary: Madhya Pradesh's Cheetah Haven

Jun 18, 2024

The Madhya Pradesh government has completed the preparations for its ambitious cheetah reintroduction project at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, which will serve as the second home for cheetahs in India after Kuno National Park (KNP). This significant development was confirmed by an official on Tuesday. Preparations and Assessments Teams from Kenya and South Africa had previously visited Gandhi Sagar to assess the conditions and feasibility of the project. Following their evaluations, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yada... Read More...

The Power of Positive Psychology

Jun 18, 2024

Positive psychology is a relatively new field of psychology that focuses on the study of positive emotions, strengths, and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It aims to understand and promote factors that lead to happiness, well-being, and a fulfilling life. Key Concepts in Positive Psychology: Happiness: Positive psychology explores different types of happiness, including pleasure, engagement, and meaning, and investigates the factors that contribute to them. ... Read More...

CRATERS ON MARS:NAMED AFTER GEOPHYSICIST AND TOWNS

Jun 18, 2024

Scientists from Ahmedabad’s Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have discovered three new craters on Mars, named to honor the institute and two towns in India. These craters are named Lal, Mursan, and Hilsa. Lal Crater is named after the renowned Indian geophysicist and former PRL director Devendra Lal, while Mursan and Hilsa are named after towns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, respectively. The naming of these craters was approved by the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) on June 5. The craters are located in the Thar... Read More...

India's Economic Engines: Consumption and Investment

Jun 18, 2024

Q: Why is India emphasizing both consumption and investment in its economic strategy? A: India’s economy has traditionally been driven by consumption, accounting for 55% to 60% of GDP. However, to achieve sustained growth and address structural challenges, investment in infrastructure and capital projects is also necessary. Q: How has India’s consumption pattern changed recently? A: Post-pandemic, private purchases of goods and services have slowed to a ... Read More...