UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Climate Smart Agriculture in India

Mar 23, 2024

1. What is Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA)? Climate Smart Agriculture refers to an integrated approach to managing landscapes—cropland, livestock, forests, and fisheries—that addresses the interlinked challenges of food security and accelerating climate change. It aims to achieve three core objectives: increase agricultural productivity and incomes, adapt and build resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions where possible. 2. Why is CSA imp... Read More...

Understanding Tilapia Invasion in India’s Marine Waters

Mar 23, 2024

What is tilapia? Tilapia refers to several species of cichlid fish that are native to Africa and the Middle East but have been introduced worldwide, including India, due to their aquaculture value. Why is tilapia considered invasive in India? In India, tilapia is considered invasive because of its ability to adapt quickly to new environments, reproduce efficiently, and outcompete native fish species for food and ha... Read More...

Kachchh Potters: Guardians of Earthen Traditions

Mar 23, 2024

Kachchh potters are renowned for their expertise in creating earthenware that is both utilitarian and artistic. They hail from the Kachchh district of Gujarat, a region known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse artisan communities. Here are some facts that highlight the significance of the Kachchh potters: Cultural Heritage • The pottery tradition in Kachchh is part of the larger Indus V... Read More...

Chinese Vessels in the Indian Ocean

Mar 23, 2024

1. What are the names of the Chinese vessels currently operating in the Indian Ocean? The Chinese vessels operating in the Indian Ocean include Yuan Wang 03, which is a satellite and missile tracking ship, and at least four other research vessels namely Xiang Yang Hong 01, Xiang Yang Hong 03, and Da Yang Hao. 2. What is the significance of Yuan Wang 03’s presence in the Indian Ocean? Read More...

Evolution of the Caste System in Medieval Tamil Nadu

Mar 23, 2024

The caste system in medieval Tamil Nadu, specifically from the late 10th to the 13th centuries, reveals a complex sociopolitical fabric far removed from the binary interpretations often provided by ideological narratives. Contrary to the simplistic views attributing the solidification of caste to religious doctrines or colonial interventions, the evolution of caste structures in Tamil Nadu during this period was a multifaceted process, significantly influenced by local politics, econ... Read More...

AUKUS Deal

Mar 23, 2024

1. What is AUKUS? AUKUS is a security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It focuses on military cooperation, especially on g... Read More...

Point Nemo: The Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility

Mar 23, 2024

Point Nemo, also known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, holds the distinction of being the furthest location from land on Earth. It is located in the South Pacific Ocean, equidistant from the coasts of three distant islands. Point Nemo is not just remote but also serves as a “spacecraft cemetery,” where defunct space stations and satellite debris are guided to crash, owing to the absence of human activity in the region. This remoteness also affects the biodiversity... Read More...

South China Sea Dispute

Mar 23, 2024

1. What is the South China Sea dispute about? The South China Sea dispute involves territorial and maritime claims over the South China Sea's islands, reefs, and waters. Several countries, including China, the Phili... Read More...

Hangul Deer Conservation in Kashmir

Mar 23, 2024

What is the unique significance of the hangul deer in Kashmir? The hangul deer (Cervus hanglu hangul), also known as the Kashmir stag, is unique to the Indian subcontinent and is found exclusively in Kashmir. It represents the only species of red deer in this region. Its significance goes beyond its rarity, as it is an integral part of the local ecosystem and cultural heritage. Read More...

Declining Fertility Rates and Global Economic Transformation

Mar 22, 2024

What is causing the shift in global demographics? A study indicates that falling fertility rates in the majority of countries will lead to a significant global demographic shift by 2050, with profound social and economic impacts. This shift is due to three-quarters of the nations projected to fall below population replacement birth rates, concentrating growth in a minority of low-income states in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, which are facing severe threats from resource shortages and climate change. Read More...

Carbon Capture and Storage in India:

Mar 22, 2024

What is CCS? CCS stands for Carbon Capture and Storage. It involves capturing CO2 from power plants and factories, transporting it, and storing it deep underground permanently. Read More...

Demographic Shift: India's Fertility Challenge

Mar 22, 2024

India's Fertility Rate in 2021 The Lancet Report: A comprehensive study in The Lancet medical journal indicated that India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in 2021 was 1.91. This means the average number of children an Indian woman is expected to have in her lifetime has dropped below the replacement rate of 2.1. Read More...

Afpak Tensions: A Historical and Current Perspective

Mar 22, 2024

The Genesis of Strained Relations The historical tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have roots extending deep into the geopolitics of... Read More...

Long-billed Vultures in the Nilgiris

Mar 22, 2024

Q: Where do long-billed vultures nest in the Nilgiris? A: Long-billed vultures build their nests on craggy cliffs overlooking the Moyar River in the Nilgiris region. These sites are extremely important for the species' survival. Read More...

The Middle-Income Trap

Mar 22, 2024

The Trap: Countries can reach middle-income status relatively easily, but transitioning to high-income status is far more difficult. They risk getting 'trapped' at their current level due to factors like slowing economic growth, rising inequality, and inability to compete in high-value industries. Read More...