UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Great Indian Bustard Conservation and Energy Development

Jan 22, 2024

Balancing Act: The Supreme Court of India emphasizes the need to balance the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) with the country’s energy requirements, particularly solar power development. Conservation Challenges: The GIB, once a candidate for the national bird, faces threats due to its poor vision, leading to frequent collisions with power lines. Efforts to save the GIB include installing bird diverters and considering the undergrounding of power lines. Legal and Policy Measures: The Supreme Court has given a three-week deadline to the Centre to address issues rel... Read More...

Operation Surya Shakti: A Strategic Move Against Maoists in Chhattisgarh

Jan 22, 2024

In a significant stride towards combating Maoist insurgency, Chhattisgarh’s security forces executed Operation Surya Shakti. This pivotal operation, conducted from January 12 to 16, targeted Maoist strongholds in the southern region of the state, particularly in the dense forests of Abujhmad. Key Highlights of Operation Surya Shakti: Objective: To penetrate the ‘administrative and security vacuum area’ in Abujhmad, wresting control from the Maoists. Forces Involved: The operation was a collaborative effort involving central paramilitary forces and state police formations, including the District Reserve... Read More...

India’s First Bullet Train Project

Jan 22, 2024

1. What is the India’s first bullet train project? India’s first bullet train project is a high-speed rail (HSR) corridor connecting Ahmedabad and Mumbai, spanning 508 kilometers. 2. What is the inspiration behind this project? The project is inspired by Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, renowned for their speed and efficiency. 3. How will the bullet train affect travel time between Ahmedabad and Mumbai? The bullet train will reduce the travel time between these cities from the current ... Read More...

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign in Haryana

Jan 22, 2024

What is the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign? It’s a campaign launched by the Indian government aimed at saving the girl child and educating her, with a particular focus on improving the sex ratio in India. Why is the sex ratio a concern in Haryana? The sex ratio in Haryana, which measures the number of females per 1000 males, has been traditionally low due to a preference for male children, leading to practices like female foeticide. What has caused the recent decline in Haryana’s sex ratio? Read More...

Cyborgs Unveiled: Merging Tech and Organics

Jan 22, 2024

The term “cyborg” is short for “cybernetic organism,” a being with both organic and biomechatronic body parts. The concept is often associated with science fiction but has practical applications in the real world. Here are some frequently asked questions about cyborgs: What is a cyborg? A cyborg is an organism that has both artificial and natural systems. This includes people with prosthetic limbs, artificial heart valves, or even computer chips implanted in their brains. Can humans become cyborgs? Yes, to some ex... Read More...

The Story of Balochistan: A Land in Turmoil

Jan 22, 2024

Chapter 1: A Land Full of Treasure Imagine a huge area filled with valuable stuff like gas, oil, and gold. This is Balochistan, a big part of Pakistan and some areas in Iran and Afghanistan. It’s really big but doesn’t have many people or much development. Chapter 2: Why People are Upset For many years, the people of Balochistan, called Baloch, have felt that the government takes their resources but doesn’t give them enough in return. They want more control over their land and its treasures. This has led to big fights, called insurgencies, with the latest one starting in 2002. Read More...

Balochistan Conflict

Jan 22, 2024

What is the Balochistan conflict? The Balochistan conflict is an ongoing struggle between Baloch nationalists, who seek greater autonomy or independence, and the governments of Pakistan and Iran. Who are the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)? The BLA is a militant group composed of Baloch nationalists fighting for greater autonomy for the Balochistan region from Pakistan. When was the BLA founded? The BLA was established in 2000. What are the aims of t... Read More...

Rising Threat: Confronting Superbugs in Modern Healthcare

Jan 19, 2024

Zosurabalpin: A Potential Breakthrough in Antibiotic Development Q1: What is Zosurabalpin? A: Zosurabalpin is a new class of antibiotic developed by Roche. It shows promise in killing drug-resistant strains of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), a superbug. Q2: Why is CRAB a concern? A: CRAB is highly resistant to existing antibiotics, causing severe hospital-acquired infections. It’s a priority-1 critical pathogen due to its drug-resistance and impact on public health. Read More...

Impact of Climate Change on Snowfall in Kashmir: Understanding the Situation

Jan 19, 2024

El Niño and Climate Change’s Role: 1. El Niño: Characterized by warmer sea temperatures in the Pacific, impacting global weather. 2. Climate Change: Leads to warmer temperatures, affecting precipitation patterns. Effects in India: 1. Monsoon Alterations: El Niño influences Indian monsoons, causing uneven rainfall distribution. 2. Droughts and Floods: Results in dry spells in some regions and heavy rainfall in others, like the dry August in North India contrasted with floods in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Gulmarg’s Dry Spell: ... Read More...

Evolution of Hindu Temples: A Historical Overview

Jan 19, 2024

Origins of the Term ‘Temple’: The term “temple” was initially used by European Christians for religious edifices of non-Christian religions. In Indian English, it is generally not used for Sikh gurdwaras or Muslim mosques. Early Religious Practices and Absence of Temples: Vedic rituals were conducted in temporary structures, and domestic rituals were performed at home. The Dharmashastras and other texts from 3rd century BCE onwards mention terms like devalaya, devayatana, and devagriha, indicating structures for divinity. However, the exact nature of these structures and their uses remains somewh... Read More...

Overview of New Multi-State Cooperative Societies for 2023

Jan 18, 2024

In a significant move to strengthen various sectors of the Indian economy, the Ministry of Cooperation constituted three new Multi-State Cooperative Societies on 11th January, 2023. These societies, formed under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, aim to enhance exports, improve seed quality, and promote organic farming. Each society addresses a specific sector and is designed to empower stakeholders from the grassroots to the national level. 1. National Cooperative Exports Limited (NECL) Establishment: Under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. Purpose: To serve as an umbrella organization prom... Read More...

IMD’s New Initiatives for Climate Data and Access

Jan 17, 2024

Q1: What are the new initiatives launched by the India Meteorological Department (IMD)? A1: IMD launched four key initiatives: National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) for sharing climate data. Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES) Decision Support System. Panchayat Mausam Seva portal for farmers. ‘Mausam’ app for weather forecasts and extreme weather event risks. Q2: What is the purpose of the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)? A2: The NFCS facilitates the exchange of climate i... Read More...

Esports Unleashed: Gaming Revolution"

Jan 16, 2024

Defining Esports: Esports, short for Electronic Sports, involves competitive gaming where individuals or teams play against each other in organized tournaments. These games vary widely, including multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), first-person shooters, and more. Recognized as a sport by the Indian government in 2022, Esports is now on par with traditional sports like cricket and football. Differentiation from Other Online Games: Esports is often mistaken for casual online games or real money games. However, the key difference lies in its competitive nature and skill requirement, similar to traditi... Read More...

Tensions in India-Maldives Relations

Jan 16, 2024

Recent Developments: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's Comment: Post his visit to China, Muizzu made a remark implying resistance against being bullied by larger nations, indirectly hinting at India. Military Personnel Deadline: Maldives set a deadline for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. Background: Indian Military in Maldives: India has a small military presence in Maldives for operating radar stations and surveillance aircraft, perceived by Muizzu's party as a security threat. Diplomatic Efforts: India is seeking mutually workable solutions to maintain its aviation ... Read More...

Freshwater Rock Pools: FAQ Guide

Jan 16, 2024

1. What are Freshwater Rock Pools? Freshwater rock pools are natural depressions in rocks that collect rainwater. They're unique because they depend on precipitation, undergoing cycles of wet and dry phases. 2. How Do Freshwater Rock Pools Form? They originate from weathering of parent rocks. Factors like local climate and rock composition influence their size and shape. 3. Are Freshwater Rock Pools Different from Other Water Bodies? Yes, they are distinct from rock quarry ponds or coastal rock pools... Read More...