UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Social stock exchanges:

Nov 16, 2023

1. What is a social stock exchange (SSE)? A social stock exchange is a platform where social enterprises and nonprofit organizations can list and raise capital through the sale of securities, similar to a traditional stock exchange but focused on social impact investments. 2. How does a social stock exchange differ from a traditional stock exchange? While traditional stock exchanges focus on financial performance, SSEs prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. 3. Who can list on a social stock exchange?... Read More...

Digital technology and policing in India

Nov 16, 2023

1. What technological advancements have been made in Indian policing recently? Advancements include the digitization of records, the integration of software tools for analysis and documentation, the use of CCTV and other surveillance technologies, and the implementation of advanced communication and database systems. 2. How has technology improved police work in India? Technology has made policing more efficient through better record-keeping, more accessible data, enhanced surveillance, and faster response times due to improved communication tools. Read More...

Uniqueness of Qatar’s foreign policy

Nov 16, 2023

1. What distinguishes Qatar’s foreign policy? Qatar’s foreign policy is notable for its mediation efforts, balancing relationships with various regional and global powers, including groups and nations with differing interests. 2. How has Qatar become a key player in global diplomacy? Qatar has leveraged its strategic position and significant economic resources to mediate in conflicts and crises, positioning itself as an indispensable ally, particularly to Western powers. 3. Why does Qatar engage with groups like Hamas? Read More...

Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan Tamils

Nov 16, 2023

1. Who are the Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka? Indian Tamils of Sri Lanka, also known as Hill Country Tamils, are descendants of indentured laborers brought to Sri Lanka during British colonial times to work in the tea plantations. 2. What is the historical background of Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka? They were brought to Sri Lanka from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu in the 19th and early 20th centuries to fulfill the labor demands of the British-owned tea estates. 3. What have been the main challenges faced by Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka? Read More...

Rohingya refugees in northeast India

Nov 16, 2023

1. Who are the Rohingyas? The Rohingyas are a Muslim minority group from Myanmar, primarily from the Rakhine state. They have been facing persecution and have fled to various countries, including India. 2. Why is the Rohingya presence in India considered a threat? The illegal migration of Rohingyas poses security concerns, as they have been moving to sensitive regions like the northeast, which has a history of insurgency and ethnic strife. 3. What actions have been taken by the Indian authorities? Indian... Read More...

Rohingya refugees

Nov 16, 2023

1. Who are the Rohingya? The Rohingya are an ethnic group, largely Muslim, originally from the Rakhine State in Myanmar, who have faced persecution and displacement. 2. Why have Rohingya refugees fled Myanmar? They have fled due to systemic violence and discrimination, including military crackdowns that have been described by the United Nations as ethnic cleansing. 3. What challenges do Rohingya refugees face? They face challenges like statelessness, lack of legal protection, and difficulties in accessin... Read More...

World Trade Organization (WTO): MC 13 at Abu Dhabi and the concerns of developing countries

Nov 16, 2023

1. What are the main issues for developing countries in WTO talks? eveloping countries often focus on issues like agricultural subsidies, market access, special and differential treatment, and protection against unfair trade practices. 2. Why is there a concern about the decks being stacked against developing countries? There may be concerns that developed countries’ interests are prioritized, or that new rules and agreements could disproportionately benefit them. 3. How do WTO talks impact global trade? Read More...

Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) NISAR mission

Nov 16, 2023

1. What is the NISAR mission? NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint mission between NASA and ISRO to deploy a radar imaging satellite designed to observe and take measurements of Earth’s land, ice sheets, and ecosystems. 2. What are the objectives of the NISAR mission? The mission aims to provide data for climate change research, including information on ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. 3. When is the NISAR satellite expected to ... Read More...

Chinese spy balloons over U.S. airspace

Nov 16, 2023

1.What is a spy balloon? Spy balloons are aerial surveillance devices used for intelligence gathering from high altitudes, often equipped with cameras and sensors. 2.How do spy balloons work? They float in the stratosphere, carried by winds, while collecting data with their on-board equipment, which can include cameras, radar, and communication interception tools. 3.What was the recent incident involving Chinese spy balloons in the USA? A Chinese balloon, believed to be used for surveillance, was detecte... Read More...

NASA’s and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP)

Nov 16, 2023

1. What does UAP stand for? UAP stands for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, which is the term NASA uses for what are commonly known as UFOs or Unidentified Flying Objects. 2. What is NASA’s position on UAPs being extraterrestrial? NASA’s committee has found no evidence of extraterrestrial involvement in the UAP events reported so far, although it does not rule out non-terrestrial origins for those that remain unexplained. 3. How is NASA planning to improve UAP reporting? NASA is considering the... Read More...

The Archaeopteryx fossil holds significant importance

Nov 16, 2023

1. Transitional Fossil: Archaeopteryx is recognized as a key transitional fossil, demonstrating a clear link between non-avian feathered dinosaurs and modern birds. This supports the evolutionary lineage suggesting that birds are descended from dinosaurs . 2. Anatomical Features: The wing design of Archaeopteryx, similar to modern birds, and its feather structure point to its capability for flight, albeit likely in short bursts due to its bone structure. This offers insights into the early stages of flight in birds . 3. Diet and Eco... Read More...

Bioplastics: Challenges in India's Plastic Crisis

Nov 16, 2023

1. What exactly are bioplastics? Bioplastics are a diverse family of materials with varying properties, but they are generally characterized by being biologically based, biodegradable, or both. They are made from renewable biomass sources like corn starch, sugarcane, and cellulose. 2. Can bioplastics be considered a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics? While bioplastics do offer certain environmental benefits, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions during production, they also pose challenges. These include competition with food production for agricultura... Read More...

The British Education Policy in India and Its Impact on Independence

Nov 14, 2023

Introduction In 1935, the British government introduced English education in India with the intent to create a class of Indians who would assist in colonial administration. Ironically, this policy catalyzed the Indian independence movement. Pre-Colonial and Mughal Education System Gurukul System: Pre-colonial education was segmented along religious and caste lines, with the Gurukul system emphasizing traditional knowledge. Mughal Influence: The Mughals attempted to spread education through mosques, but village schools (pathshalas) remaine... Read More...

Does India Need a Population Policy?

Nov 14, 2023

Context The debate on whether India needs a population policy has been ongoing, considering its large population size. Historically, India has experimented with various fertility control programs, even before gaining independence. However, recent developments and expert opinions suggest that India may not require stringent population control measures. Arguments Against a Population Control Policy Achievement of Population Goals: According to experts like K Srinivasan, Emeritus Professor at the International Institute of Population Sciences, the goals set by th... Read More...

Udham Singh: A Determined Revolutionary in India's Independence Struggle

Nov 14, 2023

Background Udham Singh, an Indian revolutionary, is most famously known for his assassination of Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in British India. O'Dwyer was believed to be responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919. Udham Singh's act was driven by his desire to avenge this atrocity. Early Life and Influence Witness to Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Udham Singh was present at the Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, when General Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful gathering, resulting in a massacre... Read More...