UPSC Daily Current Affairs

UNESCO's Recognition of Gwalior as the 'City of Music'

Nov 10, 2023

Gwalior's Musical Heritage: A UNESCO Creative City UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Inclusion: Gwalior, alongside Kozhikode, has been recognized for its commitment to culture and creativity, particularly in music. The Gwalior Gharana: An Integral Part of Indian Music History Origins in the 15th Century: Raja Man Singh Tomar's patronage saw the rise of the Gwalior Gharana, the oldest in Hindustani classical music. Musical Treatises by Dungarendra Singh Tomar: His contributions, such as 'Sangeet Shiromani' and 'Sangeet Choodamani', wer... Read More...

AQI and Its Impact on Delhi's Pollution Crisis

Nov 10, 2023

What is AQI? AQI Definition: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale used to communicate the quality of air. A higher AQI number indicates poorer air quality. Color-Coded Index: Introduced in India in 2014, the AQI classifies air quality into six categories: 'Good' (0-50), 'Satisfactory' (50-100), 'Moderately polluted' (100-200), 'Poor' (200-300), 'Very Poor' (300-400), and 'Severe' (400-500). Recent Scenario in Delhi: On November 3, 2023, Delhi's AQI hit an alarming 471, indicating 'Severe' air quality. ... Read More...

Venus’s Oxygen Discovery

Nov 10, 2023

Q: How was oxygen detected on Venus? A: Oxygen was detected on Venus using the SOFIA airborne observatory, which carries an infrared telescope on a Boeing 747SP aircraft. This was a joint project by NASA and the German Aerospace Center. Q: What is atomic oxygen? A: Atomic oxygen consists of single oxygen atoms, different from the molecular oxygen (O2) that is breathable on Earth, which consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together. Q: Where in the atmosphere of Venus was oxygen found? A: Oxygen was detect... Read More...

Advocate-on-Record System in the Supreme Court of India

Nov 10, 2023

Context:Supreme Court's recent criticism of an AoR for filing a frivolous case, highlighting the responsibilities and expectations of an AoR in the Indian legal system. Q: What is the Advocate-on-Record (AoR) system in the Supreme Court of India? An Advocate-on-Record (AoR) is a category of lawyers in the Supreme Court who are authorized to file cases directly before the Court. They act as a vital link between the litigant and the Supreme Court, playing a key role in the legal process. Q: Who is an AoR? An AoR is a lawyer with... Read More...

Direct Foreign Listing of Indian Companies

Nov 10, 2023

Overview: The Indian government recently approved direct listing of certain Indian companies on select foreign stock exchanges. This move aims to enable these companies to access global capital and enhance capital inflows. Q: What does the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' notification entail? The MCA, in its October 30 notification, announced that Section 5 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020, permitting certain public companies to list securities on foreign exchanges, is now in effect. Q: What changes does the amendment bring?... Read More...

The Japanese Occupation of the Andaman Islands: A Dark Chapter in WWII

Nov 10, 2023

Contextual Background: During World War II, the Andaman Islands, part of India, fell under Japanese control. This event marked a significant but often overlooked chapter in the war's history and Indian nationalism. Key Details: Japanese Occupation: In March 1942, the Japanese forces occupied the Andaman Islands with little resistance. They took control from the British, marking a rare instance of Japanese territorial control in India. Indian National Army (INA): Led by Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA was technically in charge of the Anda... Read More...

World History

Nov 10, 2023

GS:Paper 1 Gold's Impact on Migration and Global Finance: The California Gold Rush Historical Context: Gold, a symbol of wealth and prosperity, has significantly influenced global events, including migration patterns and economic systems. One such profound impact was seen during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. Gold and Migration: Early Discoveries: Gold has been valued since at least 4000 BC, but its discovery in California in the 19th century had a monumental impact. ... Read More...

Sant Ravidas and His Indirect Influence During the Mughal Era

Nov 10, 2023

Understanding Sant Ravidas: Sant Ravidas, a prominent 14th-century Bhakti saint and social reformer, was known for his messages advocating equality, social justice, and unity, challenging the rigid caste system prevalent in India at the time. The Bhakti Movement: Era of Flourishing: The Bhakti movement, where Ravidas was a key figure, gained momentum between the 14th and 17th centuries, overlapping with the early Mughal period in India. Principles: It emphasized personal devotion to God, disregarding caste distinctions and rituals, which ... Read More...

Keeladi: A Pinnacle of Tamil Consciousness

Nov 10, 2023

Unearthing Keeladi's Uniqueness The Heart of Tamil Heritage: Keeladi, a small village near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a central focus of Tamil heritage and consciousness due to its profound archaeological significance. Why Keeladi Stands Out: Ancient Civilizational Evidence: Discoveries at Keeladi date back to as early as the 6th century BCE, pushing back the timeline of the Sangam age and suggesting an advanced civilization in Tamil Nadu paralleling the northern Gangetic plains. Literacy ... Read More...

Bihar's Expanded Reservation Quota

Nov 10, 2023

Introduction: Bihar, one of India's most populous states, has recently witnessed a significant development in its reservation policies. The Bihar Assembly, in a unanimous decision, has passed a bill to augment the reservation quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from the previous 50 percent to a noteworthy 65 percent. This landmark decision comes on the heels of the state's first-ever caste-based socio-economic survey, which revealed stark disparities in income and living conditions among its residents, irrespective of their caste or community. Read More...

Why is Israel so important to the US and the West

Nov 10, 2023

Israel holds significant importance to the West for several reasons: 1. Strategic Location: Israel is situated in a geopolitically vital region in the Middle East. Its location allows Western powers to maintain influence and have a strategic presence in a region rich in energy resources and of strategic importance for global stability. 2. Security and Defense: Israel is considered a staunch ally in a region where Western interests often clash with regional powers and instability. Israel has a strong military and intelligence apparatus, which can contribute to Western security efforts. Read More...

Lie Detector/Polygraph Mechanics

Nov 10, 2023

Lie detectors, also known as polygraphs, operate by measuring physiological responses that are believed to change when a person is lying. These responses include: 1. Heart Rate: Increased heart rate can indicate stress or anxiety. 2. Blood Pressure: Like heart rate, elevated blood pressure may signal stress. 3. Respiration: Changes in breathing patterns can suggest discomfort or deception. 4. Skin Conductivity: Also called galvanic skin response, this measures sweat gland activity, which can increase during lying. Working Principle: Read More...

Friend-shoring and India’s Strategic Economic Alliances

Nov 09, 2023

“Friend-shoring” refers to the concept of diversifying supply chains by moving production and sourcing to countries that are politically stable, economically aligned, and often share strategic interests. India, with its large economy and strategic location, becomes a significant player in this approach. India’s Role in Friend-shoring: 1. Economic Alignment: India, as a rapidly growing economy with a stable democratic setup, presents a viable option for countries looking to diversify away from unreliable or politically challenging sources. 2. Strategic Partne... Read More...

India’s Anti-Missile Defense Progress and Challenges

Nov 09, 2023

India’s defense strategy, particularly regarding missile defense, has been evolving in response to regional security dynamics. The indigenous development of anti-missile systems gained traction after the Kargil conflict, reflecting the need to counter threats from neighboring countries. The S-400 Triumph, acquired from Russia, is a multi-tiered missile defense system offering a mix of short- to long-range capabilities (up to 400 km). Its deployment is seen as a critical component in India’s strategic defense against aerial threats, including those from ballistic and cruise missiles. The indigenous efforts have led to the ... Read More...

Understanding Deepfakes and Their Implications

Nov 09, 2023

What are Deepfakes? Deepfakes are synthetic media, often videos or audio recordings, manipulated using artificial intelligence to appear as real footage. This technology can alter facial expressions, voice, and actions, creating content that can deceive viewers. Why are Deepfakes a Concern? Deepfakes present ethical challenges, as they can be used for misinformation, harassment, and undermining trust in media and public figures. They can distort reality, manipulate opinions, and threaten the integrity of information. How Do Deepfake... Read More...