UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India's G20 Initiative:MDB Reform- Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)-World Bank and the IMF

Oct 16, 2024

India's G20 Initiative:MDB Reform- Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)-World Bank and the IMF 1. What are Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and why are they important? MDBs are international financial institutions that provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. They play a crucial role in supporting economic growth, reducing poverty, and addressing global challenges like climate change and pandemics. Examples include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and regional development banks. 2. Why is there a need to strengthen MDBs? MDBs ne... Read More...

Superbugs and the Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR):The Silent Pandemic:

Oct 16, 2024

Superbugs and the Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR):The Silent Pandemic: Synopsis: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat, with India at its epicenter. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the rise of superbugs, bacteria resistant to multiple drugs. This "silent pandemic" is causing a significant number of deaths and poses a serious challenge to modern medicine. FAQs: 1. What is AMR? AMR occurs when bacteria and other microbes evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder... Read More...

Chagos Islands and UK-Mauritius Deal

Oct 04, 2024

Chagos Islands and UK-Mauritius Deal 1. Why are the Chagos Islands important? The Chagos Islands are strategically located in the Indian Ocean, making them significant for global military and naval operations. The archipelago, which includes Diego Garcia, plays a crucial role in monitoring international shipping routes and supporting military activities, especially for the United States and the United Kingdom. 2. What is Diego Garcia, and why is it significant? Diego Garcia is the largest island in the Chagos Archipelago and hosts a critical military base jointly operated by the UK and the US. It se... Read More...

Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit:Classical Languages Now

Oct 04, 2024

Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit:Classical Languages Now 1. What are classical languages in India? Think of them as languages with a rich and ancient history, valuable literature, and a unique identity. They've played a big role in shaping Indian culture. 2. Which languages just got the "classical" tag? Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, Pali, and Prakrit. This means they join the existing club of classical languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Sanskrit, and Odia. 3. Why were these languages chosen? They met the strict rules ... Read More...

Here are some FAQs about Israel’s Iron Dome and its relevance to India:

Oct 16, 2024

Here are some FAQs about Israel’s Iron Dome and its relevance to India: Israel’s Iron Dome and India’s Air Defense 1. What is Israel’s Iron Dome? Israel’s Iron Dome is a highly advanced air defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets, artillery shells, and mortars fired from distances of 4 to 70 kilometers. It has been highly effective in defending Israeli cities from missile attacks, especially from hostile neighbors. 2. How does the Iron Dome work? The Iron Dome consists of several layers of defense: • ... Read More...

Shompen of Great Nicobar: A Tribe at Risk

Oct 16, 2024

Shompen of Great Nicobar: A Tribe at Risk Who are the Shompen? The Shompen are a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) who live in the interior forests of Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are a semi-nomadic, hunter-gatherer tribe with a population of roughly 229 individuals (as of the 2011 census). What makes them unique? Ancient history: They are believed to have lived on Great Nicobar Island for at least 60,000 years. Isolation: They have historically preferred minimal contact with the outside wor... Read More...

India’s Fertility Decline and Reproductive Health Choices

Oct 16, 2024

India’s Fertility Decline and Reproductive Health Choices 1. What is the current fertility trend in India? India is experiencing a fertility decline, with 31 out of 36 states and Union territories reaching or falling below replacement-level fertility. This means the population is no longer growing at the same rate, and the country is transitioning into a new demographic era with fewer births. 2. How does India’s youth population impact this trend? Despite the fertility decline, India is still home to the world’s largest youth population, with 65% of citizens under the age of 35. Th... Read More...

Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme for Youth

Oct 04, 2024

Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme for Youth 1. What is the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme for Youth? The scheme, launched by the government, aims to provide internships to about 125,000 students from vulnerable sections of society in top 500 companies, with a monthly stipend of ₹5,000. The program is designed to enhance the employability of youth through work experience. 2. Who is eligible for this internship scheme? The internship scheme is targeted at individuals aged 21-24 years. It prioritizes those from marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Trib... Read More...

CHILDREN’S HEALTH & CLIMATE CHANGE

Oct 16, 2024

CHILDREN’S HEALTH & CLIMATE CHANGE How does climate change specifically affect children’s health before birth? Children’s vulnerability to climate change begins even before birth. Extreme temperatures, now more frequent and intense due to climate change, can induce pre-term labor, leading to children being born with very low birth weights. Additionally, prolonged heatwaves and droughts can affect the quality and quantity of breast milk, further disadvantaging children’s health from the outset. What are the specific health challenges faced by infants due to climate change? ... Read More...

ITALIAN-SWISS ALPINE BORDER:REDRAWING DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Oct 16, 2024

ITALIAN-SWISS ALPINE BORDER:REDRAWING DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE 1. What prompted the redrawing of the Italian-Swiss border? The melting glaciers in the Alps, particularly around the Matterhorn mountain, have prompted the redrawing of the border. As glaciers recede, the physical and natural markers that define the border, like the highest points of glaciers and ridges, shift, necessitating a border adjustment to reflect these changes. 2. How is the border determined between Italy and Switzerland in the Alps? The border is determined by the watershed, which is the ridge along the highest points of the glacier. This... Read More...

Marital Rape in India: Issues,Laws and Case Laws

Oct 04, 2024

Marital Rape in India: Issues,Laws and Case Laws Synopsis: The issue of marital rape in India is a complex one, caught between evolving social values and entrenched legal traditions. While the government maintains that current laws sufficiently protect married women, activists argue that the specific exemption for marital rape violates women's fundamental rights. The Supreme Court is now grappling with this contentious issue, and its decision could have far-reaching implications for women's rights and the understanding of marriage in India. The Law: Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code... Read More...

The Axis of Resistance:Everything That An Aspirant Should Know

Oct 16, 2024

The Axis of Resistance:Everything That An Aspirant Should Know 1. What is the Axis of Resistance? The "Axis of Resistance" is a coalition of anti-Western and anti-Israeli state and non-state actors in West Asia (Middle East) led by Iran. It includes groups such as Hezbollah (Lebanon), Hamas and Islamic Jihad (Palestine), Ansar Allah (Houthis) in Yemen, and various Shia militias in Iraq and Syria. The coalition is united by its opposition to Israel, the U.S., and their allies, including Sunni Arab states like Saudi Arabia. 2. When and how did the Axis of Resistance form? The roots... Read More...

Halari Donkeys: Gujarat's Endangered Treasure

Oct 16, 2024

Halari Donkeys: Gujarat's Endangered Treasure Synopsis: The Halari donkey, a unique and endangered breed native to Gujarat's Halar region, is known for its intelligence, strength, and close bond with humans. While conservation efforts are underway, more needs to be done to protect this valuable animal from extinction. FAQs: 1. What is a Halari donkey? The Halari donkey is a breed of donkey found in the Halar region of Gujarat, India. They are known for their white color, larger size, and resilience compared to other donkey breeds. 2. Why... Read More...

India Joins Energy Efficiency Hub

Oct 04, 2024

India Joins Energy Efficiency Hub 1. What is the Energy Efficiency Hub? The Energy Efficiency Hub is a global platform dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting energy efficiency worldwide. It was established in 2020, succeeding the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC). 2. Why is India joining? India aims to be a leader in sustainable development and reduce its environmental impact. Joining the Hub allows India to collaborate with other nations, share expertise, learn from international best practices, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate ch... Read More...

ASSAM’S BODO COMMUNITY RECOGNIZED WITH GI TAGS for 8 PRODUCTS

Oct 16, 2024

ASSAM’S BODO COMMUNITY RECOGNIZED WITH GI TAGS for 8 PRODUCTS In a significant cultural achievement, eight traditional Bodo items from Assam have recently been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) tags. These include three distinctive rice beer varieties and five unique food items, highlighting the rich traditions of the Bodo community. 1. What is a Geographical Indication (GI) tag? A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. 2. What are the three varieties of Bodo rice beer that received the GI tag? Read More...