UPSC Daily Current Affairs

‘Salami Slicing’ Strategy and South China Sea

Dec 19, 2023

What is ‘Salami Slicing’ in the context of the South China Sea? ‘Salami Slicing’ is a strategy where a nation executes minor, steady actions to extend control in contested territories. Over time, these actions collectively lead to a major shift in control, often without immediate conflict. Example of ‘Salami Slicing’ in the South China Sea: A country might slowly build military installations on disputed islands. While each step is small, over time, the country establishes a strong military foothold. Why is the South China S... Read More...

Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB): India’s Gem in Global Trade

Dec 19, 2023

What is SDB? The Surat Diamond Bourse is the world’s largest office complex for diamond and jewelry trading, located near Surat city in India. SDB’s Features: With over 67 lakh square feet, it’s designed to be a central hub for international diamond trade. Facilities include a Customs Clearance House, a jewelry mall, international banking, and secure vaults. Inauguration News: Recently inaugurated by India’s Prime Minister, the SDB is set to enhance India’s global trade stature. Trader Engagement: Read More...

Horses in Ancient India

Dec 18, 2023

Military Prowess: Chariots and Cavalry: Horses were pivotal in ancient Indian warfare, used in chariots and later in cavalry. The Rigveda, one of the oldest Indian texts, contains references to horse-drawn chariots. Symbol of Power: Royal Status: Kings and nobility often showcased horses as symbols of power. The possession of a large number of horses was a sign of a ruler’s strength. Ceremonial and Religious Roles: Ashvamedha Yagna: This was a royal horse sacrifice ritual mentioned in ancient texts like the Yajurveda. It symbolized royal supremacy and was conduct... Read More...

Textile Sector Distress in India: Wages and Worker Exodus

Dec 18, 2023

Narrative Overview: The Indian textile and apparel sector, a significant employment generator with nearly 45 million jobs, is facing a severe crisis. A study by the Textiles Committee highlights the sector's distress, marked by declining exports, stagnant wages, increased imports, and a substantial impact on employment. Key Issues Highlighted: 1. Employment Impact: Between 2015 and 2020, the sector lost approximately 2.14 lakh jobs, as reported by the Textiles Committee. 2. Wage Stagnation and Incentive Loss: The slowdown has led to flat wages and ... Read More...

LEADS 2023 Report: Indian States and UTs in Logistics

Dec 18, 2023

LEADS 2023 Report on Indian Logistics Historical Context and Compilation: Origin: The Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) report was initiated by the Indian government to benchmark logistics performance across states and UTs. Compiler: Compiled by the Union Commerce & Industry Ministry, it aims to encourage healthy competition and identify areas for improvement in logistics. Criteria for Evaluation: 1. Infrastructure: Quality and availability of logistics-related infrastructure. 2. Services: Efficiency, reliability, and cost-ef... Read More...

Saturn's Moon Enceladus: A Potential Habitat for Life

Dec 18, 2023

Key Insights: Discovery of Life's Building Block: NASA's study reveals hydrogen cyanide on Saturn's moon Enceladus, crucial for forming life's basic elements, amino acids. Habitability Indicators: Enceladus meets essential criteria for supporting life, with complex molecules needed for life potentially forming there. Abundant Chemical Energy: Enceladus's oceans may harbor more chemical energy than previously estimated, potentially fueling life. Methane Generation Evidence: Previous findings indicate methanogenesis, a life-origin related process, in Enceladus's i... Read More...

Dubai Consensus and the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels

Dec 18, 2023

Key Insights from the Dubai Consensus: 1.First Formal Acknowledgment: The Dubai Consensus is the first COP agreement to specifically recognize fossil fuels as the main driver of global warming. 2. Phase Down vs. Phase Out: Prior agreements, like the Glasgow COP26, focused on "phasing down" coal without specific timelines, creating ambiguity. 3. Global Parity: The inclusion of all fossil fuels in the Dubai Consensus signifies a uniform approach to reducing reliance on coal, oil, and gas. Challenges in Transitioning from Fossil Fuels: Read More...

Understanding INSACOG

Dec 18, 2023

What is INSACOG? The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) is a partnership between Indian health and research organizations. Its main job is to study the genetic makeup of the COVID-19 virus in India. Founding Bodies: Initiated by the Union Health Ministry, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Key Components Explained: 1. 54 Laboratories Network: INSACOG is a group of 54 labs across India working together to study the virus. Read More...

India-EFTA TEPA Negotiations

Dec 18, 2023

1. What is EFTA? The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is an intergovernmental organization aiming to promote free trade and economic integration among its members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. 2. What is TEPA? The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is a proposed trade agreement between India and the EFTA member countries, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation and trade. 3. Why are the India-EFTA TEPA negotiations significant? These negotiations are important fo... Read More...

Myanmar Instability and Challenges for India

Dec 18, 2023

The situation in Manipur, a northeastern state in India, is intricately connected to the ongoing instability in Myanmar, especially following the military coup in 2021. This connection has several dimensions, impacting both internal security within Manipur and the broader geopolitics of the region. Impact of Myanmar’s Instability on Manipur 1. Refugee Influx: The military coup in Myanmar has led to a significant influx of refugees into Manipur. Many of these refugees are from the Kuki-Chin ethnic group, which shares kinship ties with tribes in Manipur. The influx of refugees has complicated the... Read More...

Strategic Importance of Bab al-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea

Dec 18, 2023

Strategic Importance of Bab al-Mandeb Strait Geographical Significance: Location: The Bab al-Mandeb Strait is a narrow waterway, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) wide, connecting the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea. Key Shipping Lane: It is a vital passage for maritime traffic, linking the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Significant Oil Route: About 10 percent of the world’s seaborne crude oil passes through this strait, making its security vital for global energy supplies. Economic and Trade Importance: Read More...

Ketamine: Medical Marvel and Therapeutic Potential

Dec 18, 2023

What is Ketamine? Ketamine is a medication primarily used for starting and maintaining anesthesia. It induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory loss. How is Ketamine Administered? Ketamine can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or as a nasal spray. Its form of administration depends on its intended use. What are the Medical Uses of Ketamine? Anesthesia: Used in surgery to induce loss of consciousness and pain relief. Pain Management: Effecti... Read More...

Pangolin Conservation in India

Dec 18, 2023

Q1: What is the status of Indian Pangolins? A1: Indian Pangolins are listed in Schedule I of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, indicating they require the highest degree of protection. They are categorized as endangered by the IUCN and included under Appendix II of CITES. Q2: Why are Indian Pangolins endangered? A2: Pangolins are endangered due to rampant poaching for their scales, meat, and other body parts, primarily for illegal international trade. Habitat destruction also plays a significant role in their declining numbers. Read More...

Myanmar Turmoil and India

Dec 18, 2023

Cloud Seeding

Dec 18, 2023

The initiative by Pakistan to employ artificial rain through cloud seeding in Lahore offers a fascinating look into the technical nuances of this modern environmental intervention. Here’s a detailed exploration of the technical aspects involved in this process. Cloud Seeding: The Process Equipment and Execution: Specialized aircraft are equipped with cloud seeding gear. In Lahore’s case, planes were flown over the city, dispersing chemicals into the clouds. Chemicals Used: Common salt (sodium chloride) or a mixture of various salts is typically used. These particles serve a... Read More...