UPSC Daily Current Affairs

The Mystery of Venus’s Missing Water: A New Discovery Unveils Clues

May 22, 2024

More than four billion years ago, Venus had enough water to cover its surface with an ocean 3 km deep. Today, the planet only has enough for an ocean 3 cm deep. Scientists have been able to account for much of the water Venus lost over time, but not all of it. A recent study by a team of U.S. scientists may have made a crucial breakthrough in solving this mystery. The Water Loss Puzzle Venus is currently 100,000 times drier than Earth, an anomaly that demands an explanation. Is Venus abno... Read More...

INDIA’S STRATEGIC POSITION IN THE NEW GREAT GAME

May 22, 2024

Simplifier 1. What was the original Great Game? The original Great Game was a geopolitical struggle in the mid-1800s between the Russian Empire and the British, French, and Ottoman Empires over control of Central Asia. 2. How has the Russia-Ukraine war influenced a new Great Game? The Russia-Ukraine war has triggered a new Great Game with different actors and motives, primarily involving the US, China, and Russia. ... Read More...

DEEP STATE: PAKISTAN AND CHINA EXAMPLES

May 22, 2024

Simplifier 1. What is a deep state? A deep state refers to a hidden or clandestine network of power operating independently of a nation’s elected leadership, often consisting of influential members from various sectors such as the military, intelligence agencies, and bureaucracy. 2. How is the deep state manifested in Pakistan? In Pakistan, the deep state is often associated with the military and the Inter-Services Intell... Read More...

BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND DISEASE OUTBREAKS

May 22, 2024

INTRODUCTION Human-caused environmental changes, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, habitat change, and pollution, are significantly increasing the risk and severity of disease outbreaks. This conclusion is based on a large-scale analysis of nearly 1,000 scientific studies, highlighting the close relationship between human activity and public health. KEY FINDINGS 1. Biod... Read More...

RISING CHINA-INDIA TENSIONS FUEL DRONE DEPLOYMENT ALONG LAC

May 22, 2024

CHINA'S TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS China has showcased its advanced military technology, including the machine-gun-toting "robodog," during the China-Cambodia wargames. This exercise, known as "Golden Dragon," involved around 2,000 troops and featured live fire exercises, anti-terrorism training, and humanitarian drills. The robodogs, equipped with remote-controlled capabilities and machine guns, were a highlight, demonstrating China's technological advancements in military r... Read More...

RUSSIA-CHINA RELATIONS

May 22, 2024

1. What are the main areas of cooperation between Russia and China? - Russia and China cooperate primarily in strategic, military, and economic sectors. This includes joint military exercises, political support in international forums, and significant trade relations, particularly in energy. 2. How do Russia and China benefit from their partnership? - Russ... Read More...

The outcomes of President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing 2024 May

May 22, 2024

The outcomes of President Vladimir Putin's visit to Beijing are significant, reflecting the current depth and future intentions of the Russia-China relationship. Here are the key results from this visit: 1. Strengthened Military Cooperation: The visit resulted in commitments to tighten military ties, with plans to expand the scale and complexity of joint military exercises. This enhances the strategic partnership, providing a unified front against perceived external threats. Read More...

RURAL INDIA: AN ECONOMIC GROWTH ENGINE

May 22, 2024

India's rural areas are emerging as significant contributors to economic growth. More than half of the value addition in the manufacturing sector now originates from rural regions, with approximately two-thirds of rural income derived from non-farm activities. This shift is a powerful driver for India's economic development, aiming for double-digit growth rates and a more balanced land distribution. Key Insights: Read More...

India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: New Economic Order

May 22, 2024

The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) is set to transform global trade and economics. Announced at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, the IMEC MoU includes signatories like the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, the EU, and India. IMEC aims to create a comprehensive transportation network, including rail, ship-to-rail, and road links, which will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and generate employment. This network will consist of two routes: the East Corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf and the Northern Corridor linking the Arabian ... Read More...

India & EEU: Free Trade Talks

May 22, 2024

Overview: India is set to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), aiming to enhance trade relations and economic ties. The EEU consists of five post-Soviet states: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. These talks are expected to significantly boost trade between India and the EEU. Key Details: Read More...

INDIA: ADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR-POWERED AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

May 21, 2024

Introduction: India currently operates two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, and plans to build a third, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-3 (IAC-3). As part of its strategic vision, India aims to enhance its naval capabilities to secure maritime interests and strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The proposal to develop a nuclear-powered IAC-3 with advanced electromagnetic catapult systems (EMALS) offers several significant advantages: Read More...

Wind Power Geopolitics: Global Transformation

May 21, 2024

Wind energy is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of global power generation. In 2023, the global wind industry installed a record 117 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity — a 50% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights wind energy’s expanding role in the global energy landscape and its increasing influence on global politics. A Strategic Tool for Energy Independence Wind energy is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it is also a strategic asset for na... Read More...

SLOVAKIA POLITICAL CRISIS: GEOPOLITICAL AND GEOECONOMIC IMPACT

May 21, 2024

1. WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION IN SLOVAKIA? Slovakia is facing a severe political crisis following an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. The incident has intensified political polarization and raised concerns about the country's stability. 2. WHO IS ROBERT FICO? Robert Fico is the Prime Minister of Slovakia and a key political figure in the country. He has been involved in Slovak politics for over two dec... Read More...

REDUCING PESTICIDE USE WHILE EMPOWERING FARMERS IN INDIA

May 21, 2024

INTRODUCTION Pesticides are crucial for crop protection but pose risks to health, wildlife, and the environment. An immediate ban could reduce yields and spike prices. A balanced, India-centric approach can help reduce pesticide use sustainably. THE CHALLENGE Indian farmers face economic pressures that compel pesticide use. Reducing reliance on pesticides requires innovation and support. EMPOWERING FARMERS... Read More...

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) IN INDIA

May 21, 2024

INTRODUCTION Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. KEY COMPONENTS OF IPM 1. Biological Control: - Use of natural predators, parasites, and pathogens to control pest populations. - Example: Introducing ladybug... Read More...