UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Outer Space Treaty (OST) and India

Apr 22, 2024

What is the Outer Space Treaty (OST)? What? The Outer Space Treaty, formally known as the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, is an international treaty that provides the basic framework for international space law. It was opened for signature in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union in 1967 and forms the b... Read More...

Indian Soldiers Remembered: Heliopolis WW1 Memorial

Apr 22, 2024

What is the Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial? The Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial, located in Egypt, serves as a poignant tribute to the Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. Where is the Heliopolis (Port Tewfik) Memorial situated? Situated in Egypt, the memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the Indian soldiers' valor and sacrifice in a foreign land. Read More...

India's Participation in the Artemis Accords

Apr 22, 2024

What are the Artemis Accords? The Artemis Accords are a set of international agreements initiated by the United States under the Artemis program. These accords aim to establish a framework for cooperation in the civil exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids for peaceful purposes. They emphasize principles such as transparency, interoperability, and the public release of scientific data, aligning with and expanding upon the Outer Space Treaty. ... Read More...

Gender Dynamics in Ancient India: Insights from Romila Thapar

Apr 22, 2024

In her seminal work "The Future in The Past," esteemed historian Romila Thapar provides a thought-provoking analysis of gender roles in early Indian societies. Let's delve into the key takeaways from her exploration of this intriguing aspect of history: 1. Early Aryan Culture: Thapar suggests that in the early stages of Aryan society, women enjoyed a relatively equal status to men. This equality was attributed to the nomadic pastoralist lifestyl... Read More...

Social Stock Exchange (SSE)

Apr 22, 2024

What is a Social Stock Exchange (SSE)? A Social Stock Exchange (SSE) is a platform where social enterprises (both non-profit and for-profit) can list and raise funds through various financial instruments. It operates under the regulatory ambit of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and is intended to help social enterprises grow and achieve their objectives by facilitating access to capital. How does the SSE diff... Read More...

Alamgirpur: Rewriting Harappan History

Apr 22, 2024

A Time Shift: Recent excavations at Alamgirpur have revealed artifacts and structures dating back to 2600 BCE. These findings significantly challenge the established timeline of the Harappan Civilisation, implying an earlier and potentially longer presence in the Ganga-Yamuna Doab region. Rethinking Decline: The traditional narrative of a sudden Harappan decline followed by the emergence of distinct cultures may need revision. Alamgirpur provides compelling ... Read More...

Designer Babies: Science, Ethics, and Legalities

Apr 22, 2024

What is a designer baby? A designer baby refers to a human embryo that has been genetically modified, typically using techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, to influence traits such as appearance, intelligence, or disease predisposition. This genetic modification is done very early in the embryo's development to ensure the changes are carried throughout all cells of the body. How does gene editing work? ... Read More...

MINIMUM WAGE & LIVING WAGE IN INDIA

Apr 22, 2024

What is a minimum wage? Minimum wage is the lowest remuneration that employers can legally pay their workers—the minimum wage aims to protect workers against unduly low pay. What is a living wage? Living wage is a theoretical wage level that allows an individual to afford adequate shelter, food, and other necessities. It is set higher than the minimum wage and is intended to reflect ... Read More...

Hydrocarbons for Beginners

Apr 22, 2024

1. What are hydrocarbons? Hydrocarbons are organic chemical compounds composed primarily of hydrogen and carbon. They are a major source of energy, commonly found in forms like natural gas, coal, crude oil, and petroleum. 2. Where are hydrocarbons found? Hydrocarbons are typically found in underground reservoirs, which are formed when a resistant rock type overlays a less resistant one, cr... Read More...

Monsoon Asia: Weather Patterns

Apr 22, 2024

Monsoon Asia refers to the vast region of Asia significantly impacted by monsoon winds and the characteristic weather patterns they bring. This region includes: South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives. Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Timor Leste. East Asia: Parts of China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan. ... Read More...

Siachen Glacier: Geopolitical Importance

Apr 22, 2024

1. Location at the Karakoram Range: Siachen Glacier, positioned in the Karakoram range, sits at the northern tip of India at the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. This high-altitude location places it at a strategic vantage point overlooking several important valleys and regions. 2. Proximity to Nubra Valley: The glacier directly overlooks the Nubra Valley, which is significant due to its location near the confluence of routes leading to Ladakh and further into the Indian mainland. Control over Siachen ensures India has a strategic advantage in monitor... Read More...

Hemchandra Vikramaditya: Life and Times Overview

Apr 22, 2024

Hemchandra Vikramaditya, better known as Hemu, played a significant role in the historical narrative of 16th-century India. Born in 1501 in Machri village in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, Hemu rose from modest beginnings to achieve remarkable feats in the turbulent period marked by the decline of the Sur Empire and the rising power of the Mughals. Before declaring himself king, Hemu served as a general and later as the chief minister (wazir) under Adil Shah Suri, the ruler of the Sur Empire. His prowess in administration and mi... Read More...

PALNADU EPIC AND CULTURAL NARRATIVES

Apr 22, 2024

What is the Palnati Virula Katha? The Palnati Virula Katha, or the Tale of the Palnadu Heroes, is a medieval ballad from Andhra Pradesh, India. It recounts the story of a conflict within the Haihaya dynasty, focusing on figures like Brahma Naidu, a virtuous warrior, and Nagamma Nayakuralu, an influential female minister. The epic blends historical events with mythical elements and has been likened to a local Mahabharata due to its thematic and narrative depth. Read More...

Sustainable Aviation Fuels: CO₂ Solutions

Apr 22, 2024

1. What percentage of global CO₂ emissions is contributed by aviation? Aviation contributes about 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions from fossil sources and land use. 2. Why does aviation contribute more to global warming than its share of CO₂ emissions suggests? Despite only contributing 2.5% to global CO₂ emissions, aviation accounts for about 4% of global warming. This discrepancy is ... Read More...

PAINTED GREY WARE AND ITS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Apr 22, 2024

What is Painted Grey Ware (PGW)? Painted Grey Ware refers to a type of ancient Indian pottery that is known for its soft grey color and finely painted geometric and floral motifs. This pottery is distinguished by its high-quality fabric, fine levigation, and consistent firing techniques that give it a unique finish. PGW is considered an important archaeological marker for understanding the cultural and technological advancements of the societies that produced it. Read More...