UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India’s First Pseudo Satellite: Bridging Surveillance Gaps

Mar 26, 2024

India is set to advance its surveillance capabilities with its first High-Altitude Platform System (HAPS), or ‘pseudo satellite,’ a collaborative effort between Veda Aeronautics and UAE-based Mira Aerospace. This initiative marks a significant stride towards enhancing India’s reconnaissance capabilities, particularly along its eastern borders with China. The pseudo satellite combines the endurance of a satellite with the agility of a jet, capable of operating at altitudes of 65,000 feet, thereby surpassing weather activities and traditional air traffic.... Read More...

India’s Anti-Drone Systems Along the LAC with China

Mar 26, 2024

1. What are Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDD&IS)? IDD&IS are advanced defense systems developed ... Read More...

High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS)

Mar 26, 2024

Pseudo satellite It is also known as ‘pseudo satellites,’ are aircraft that operate at high altitudes and can stay aloft for extended periods, thanks to solar power. They are called ‘pseudo’ because they mimic some functions of satellites, such as surveillance and communication, but are not in orbit around the Earth. What is HAPS? HAPS stands for High-Altitude Platform System. It’s a type of aircraft that flies at very ... Read More...

West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) and India

Mar 26, 2024

West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) and India The West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) is a large body of ice located in the western part of Antarctica. It’s one of the two major ice sheets in Antarctica, the other being the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. The WAIS is particularly important because it’s currently losing mass, which means it’s melting and contributing to rising sea levels. The melting of the WAIS is primarily due to its interaction with the Southern Ocean, especially in the Amundsen Sea region. The ocean water is getting warmer due to climate cha... Read More...

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) at a tipping point

Mar 26, 2024

Atlantic Ocean currents: Imagine the ocean as a large, slow-moving river. This ‘river’ is a system of currents in the Atlantic Ocean called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). It’s like a conveyor belt that moves warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic. Heat and salt: The AMOC carries heat and salt across the globe. This is important because it helps regulate the Earth’s climate. Read More...

India’s Buddhist Diplomacy: A Tool for Cultural and Policy Gains

Mar 26, 2024

India’s engagement in cultural diplomacy, particularly through the lens of Buddhism, has seen substantial policy gains and strengthened its position within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. This approach, termed ‘relic diplomacy’, involves the sharing and exhibition of cultural and religious relics internationally, serving as a bridge for cross-cultural communication. Instances such as the loan of Buddha’s relics to Thailand and the return of Queen St. Ketevan’s relics to Georgia exemplify India’s commitment to leveraging its rich historical and cult... Read More...

RBI Introduces Offline UPI with NFC

Mar 26, 2024

A Game Changer for Digital Transactions The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made a significant announcement that is poised to transform the digital payment landscape in India. In a move aimed at enhancing the user experience in digital transactions, RBI has introduced offline payments via UPI, alongside the introduction of conversational payments and an increase in the payment limit for UPI Lite. Key Highlights of RBI's Announcement: Read More...

Ladakh's Case for Sixth Schedule Safeguards

Mar 26, 2024

Q: What is the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution? A: The Sixth Schedule provides for the administration of tribal areas in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, granting them autonomy through District and Regional Councils with legislative and executive powers. Q: Why is Ladakh seeking Sixth Schedule status? A: Ladakh is seeking Sixth Schedule status to secure land ... Read More...

RBI Using Near Field Communication (NFC) for Offline Payments via UPI

Mar 26, 2024

1. What is Near Field Communication (NFC) and how does it work for payments? Near Field Communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enable two electronic devices, one of which is usually a portable device such as a smartphone, to establish communication by bringing them within 4 cm (1.6 inches) of each other. For payments, NFC technology allows a user's device to communicate with a payment terminal to conduct a transaction securely and quickly without the need for an internet connection. ... Read More...

Reserve Bank of India

Mar 26, 2024

RBI allows Conversational Payments on UPI 1. What are Conversational Payments on UPI? Conversational Payments on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) refer to a new feature that allows users to conduct financial transactions through conversations with AI-powered systems. This feature aims to simplify the payment process by making it more intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to initiate and complete payments using natural language processing techniques. 2. How do Conversational Payments work? User... Read More...

India-UAE Relations: Depth, Dynamics, and Direction

Mar 26, 2024

1. What historical ties exist between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and how have they evolved over time? Historically, India and the UAE share a rich tapestry of interactions dating back to the 1970s, characterized by mutual trade, cultural exchanges, and shared interests in regional stability. This relationship has its roots in the ancient trade routes that connected the Indus Valley Civilization with the Arabian Peninsula, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture. Over the years, this relationship has ... Read More...

Impact of the Red Sea Crisis on the Indian Economy in FY25

Mar 23, 2024

The ongoing Red Sea crisis has significant implications for the Indian economy, especially for the fiscal year 2025. The crisis is primarily caused by heightened tensions and disruptions along one of the world’s most crucial shipping routes, which affects global trade and, by extension, India’s economy. Key Effects on India: 1. Inflation and Economic Growth: The finance ministry anticipates that the surge in crude oil prices due to the crisis might lead to increased inflation,... Read More...

World’s First-Ever Global Emissions Tax for Shipping is coming

Mar 23, 2024

What is the global emissions tax for shipping? The global emissions tax for shipping is a proposed levy on carbon emissions generated by the international shipping industry. It aims to regulate and reduce the carbon footprint of one of the most significant contributors to global carbon emissions, the shipping sector, which accounts for around 3% of global carbon emissions. Why is the... Read More...

Indian Agri Drones: Revolutionized Farming

Mar 23, 2024

What is the Drone Revolution in Indian Agriculture? The drone revolution refers to the transformative integration of drone technology into Indian agriculture, marking a significant shift from traditional farming methods to a more technology-driven approach. Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), equipped with advanced sensors and imaging capabilities, are used for a variety of agricultural purposes, including crop monitoring, precision farming, irrigation management, and pesticide application. Read More...

Moyar Valley Conservation: Saving Gyps Vultures

Mar 23, 2024

1. Why is Moyar Valley important for wildlife conservation? Moyar Valley is a vital ecosystem within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, providing habitat for numerous species, including tigers, elephants, and the critically endangered Gyps vulture. It is particularly noted for hosting the largest nesting colony of Gyps vultures in peninsular India, making it a significant site for biodiversity conservation. 2. What makes the Gyps vulture critically endang... Read More...