UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Indian States vs. Hunger: Global Index Insights

Apr 17, 2024

Q: How does India rank in terms of hunger? A: India's situation is considered serious. It ranks 107th out of 121 countries on the Global Hunger Index (GHI). Even internally, the State Hunger Index (SHI) reveals many states fall into "serious" or "alarming" hunger categories. Q: Which Indian states are most affected by hunger? A: Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh are t... Read More...

NASA's Clipper: Europa's Life Quest

Apr 17, 2024

NASA is preparing to launch an ambitious mission, the Clipper spacecraft, to Jupiter’s icy moon Europa in search of extraterrestrial life. Summary: The Clipper spacecraft will be launched aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket from SpaceX in October 2024 and will take over five... Read More...

CHIRAND: FROM NEOLITHIC SETTLERS TO KUSHANA DYNASTY

Apr 17, 2024

1. What historical periods are represented at the Chirand archaeologica... Read More...

ZIRCONS AS GEOLOGICAL TIMEKEEPERS

Apr 17, 2024

1. What are zircons and how are they formed? Read More...

INDIAN CONSTITUTION: ILLUSTRATIONS AND SYMBOLISM

Apr 17, 2024

The Constitution of India is not only a document of immense legal significance but also a piece of artistic heritage. Each part of the Constitution is introduced with unique horizontal line drawings that set a thematic tone related to the content of that particular section. These illustrations were designed by Nandalal Bose, a prominent artist, and his team, with the calligraphy penned by Prem Behari Narain Raizada. Read More...

DEVNIMORI: A LOST BUDDHIST HERITAGE SITE IN GUJARAT

Apr 17, 2024

1. What significant archaeological findings were discovered at Devnimori? At Devnimori, a significant archaeological site near Shamlaji in Gujarat, excavations revealed a Mahastupa containing a relic casket with sacred remains believed to be th... Read More...

Ashoka's Dharma: Social & Religious Inclusivity

Apr 17, 2024

Summarised from ‘Ashoka’ by Patrick Olivelle 1. What insights does Ashoka’s Rock Edict XIII provide about the presence of religious groups within and outside his empire? Read More...

Sramanas: Ancient Indian Ascetics and Philosophers

Apr 17, 2024

The term "Sramanas" refers to a diverse group of ancient Indian religious movements that emerged as a reaction against the rituals and dogmas of traditional Vedic religion, particularly emphasizing ascetic practices and philosophical inquiry. They were distinct from the Vedic priests, known as Brahmins, who focused on conducting rituals and maintaining the sacred knowledge of the Vedas. Read More...

CHINA'S INDUSTRIAL OVERCAPACITY:West-China Tensions

Apr 17, 2024

1. What is industrial overcapacity? Read More...

Coastal Adaptation

Apr 17, 2024

What is Coastal Adaptation? The Problem: Coastal areas are highly vulnerable to climate change effects: ● Sea-level rise ● Stronger storms and flooding ● Erosion and changes to ecosystems The Goal: Coastal adaptation means taking actions to reduce these risks and help coastal communities and environments become more resilient. Read More...

INS Kadamba: Geopolitical Significance

Apr 17, 2024

1. What is the strategic significance of the INS Kadamba naval base? • INS Kadamba’s strategic significance lies in its location and capabilities. Being the only port solely operated by the Indian Navy, it allows for complete control over naval operations without interference from commercial traffic. Its proximit... Read More...

Legislative Privileges: Rao & Soren Verdicts

Apr 17, 2024

What is parliamentary immunity? Parliamentary immunity grants legal protections to members of Parliament (MPs) and members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), shielding them from prosecution for actions performed as part of their official duties,... Read More...

Lesser Florican in India

Apr 16, 2024

What is the Lesser Florican? The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus), often referred to as the likh or kharmore, is the smallest bustard and the sole member of the Sypheotides genus. It’s endemic to the Indian Subcontinent, where it lives in tall grasses and is well known for the males&... Read More...

India's Focus on Gir Cows under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Apr 16, 2024

Q: What is the Rashtriya Gokul Mission? A: It's an Indian government initiative aimed at improving the quality and productivity of indigenous cattle breeds. The mission focuses on research and development of high-quality semen, intended to increase female calf births and provide access to this semen for artificial insemination. Q: Why has the Gir cow breed become so dominant under this program? Read More...

SC Judgment: Climate Change & Indian Bustard

Apr 16, 2024

The Supreme Court of India has made a landmark judgment in a case titled M K Ranjitsinh & Ors versus Union of India & Ors. This case was about the protection of two critically endangered bird species, the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the Lesser Florican, both of which are listed under Part III of Schedule I of the Wild Lif... Read More...