UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Challenge

Nov 07, 2023

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)? AMR occurs when microbes evolve to resist the effects of medications, making standard treatments ineffective and infections persist, increasing the risk of spread to others. Why is tackling AMR important? Addressing AMR is critical to maintaining the efficacy of antibiotics, ensuring the continued success of surgeries and medical interventions, and preventing the spread of resistant infections. What are the key strategies to combat AMR? Key strategies include inter... Read More...

Cybersecurity Concerns in India

Nov 07, 2023

Rise in Cyberattacks Between 2021 and 2023, India experienced a significant increase in state-sponsored cyberattacks, especially targeting IT firms and government agencies. Sector Impact The IT and BPO sectors in India were among the most affected, with SMEs also seeing a considerable rise in cyber threats. Global Comparison India is witnessing a proportionally higher rate of cyberattacks compared to the global average. Source of Attacks The... Read More...

Impact of the Israel-Hamas war on India

Nov 07, 2023

Global Repercussions: The Israel-Hamas war adds to the uncertainty and anxiety in the global economy, along with other recent geopolitical events. If the war escalates and involves more countries, especially Iran, it could lead to significant disruptions and economic slowdown worldwide. Crude Oil Prices: While Israel and Gaza are not major oil producers themselves, the war could affect oil-producing countries in West Asia, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. Any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil transit route, could impact o... Read More...

India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act: A Critical Overview

Nov 07, 2023

Urgent Need for Data Privacy:India's data privacy issues and cyberattacks highlight the urgency for robust privacy measures. Privacy Breaches in India Incidents like Aadhaar leaks and healthcare data exposures during COVID-19 demonstrate critical vulnerabilities. Regulatory Challenges: Prior to legislation, India faced regulatory uncertainty and inadequate enforcement, affecting data security. Legislative Milestone:The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, marks a significant step in India's data protection journey. Scope and Provisions of the DPDP Act:The... Read More...

Balancing the Right to Know and Right to Privacy

Nov 07, 2023

The recent deliberations in the Supreme Court regarding the electoral bonds scheme spotlight the tension between the Right to Know and the Right to Privacy. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects: ight to Know vs Right to Privacy: Derived from Article 19(1)(a) and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, respectively, these rights are not absolute and can be restricted under certain conditions. K.S. Puttaswamy Judgment: Affirmed the Right to Privacy as fundamental, including informational privacy, fueling debate over its co-existence with the Right to Know. Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 202... Read More...

India’s Earthquake Preparedness and the Role of National Centre for Seismology

Nov 06, 2023

India’s National Centre for Seismology (NCS) is instrumental in monitoring seismic activities, providing critical data to safeguard against earthquake-induced disasters. Its nerve center in New Delhi captures every tremor in mere milliseconds. The organization’s efforts have intensified following the Joshimath disaster, signaling a rigorous push towards detailed microzonation studies. This is especially relevant for regions along the tectonic borders, such as Arunachal Pradesh and Northeastern states, which are notably seismic. The ongoing Seismic Hazard Micr... Read More...

Yemen Conflict and Houthis - An Overview

Nov 06, 2023

The ongoing conflict in Yemen involves multiple layers of historical, social, and political complexities. Here’s a summary incorporating symbols: Houthi Rebels: Following Zaydi Shia Islam, the Houthi group has been actively opposing external influence, particularly from Saudi Wahhabism, since the 1990s. Yemen Civil War: The strife escalated when Houthis seized Sana’a in 2014, leading to a civil war and proxy confrontations, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s Sunni and Iran’s Shia geopolitical tensions. Peacemaking E... Read More...

Gaza War:India's Abstention on UNGA Resolution: A Strategic Standpoint

Nov 06, 2023

The abstention by India during the United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution for a truce in the Israel-Hamas conflict has been a subject of analysis and debate. The situation involves a resolution that was voted for by 120 member countries on October 26, calling for an "immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce." Reasons for India’s Abstention India's abstention can be attributed to multiple factors: Strong Position on Terrorism: India's abste... Read More...

Monkeypox : India's Public Health Response

Nov 06, 2023

Monkeypox has emerged as a new public health concern, with cases being reported in various countries, including India. As a viral zoonosis with symptoms similar to those seen in smallpox patients, albeit less severe, understanding and managing monkeypox is critical to ensure public health safety. Key Points About Monkeypox: Causative Agent: Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus. ITransmission: It spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contamina... Read More...

India and Rare Earths: Essential Elements for Modern Technologies

Nov 06, 2023

What Are Rare Earths? Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemical elements on the periodic table, consisting of the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. Despite their name, they are relatively plentiful in the Earth's crust but are rarely found in concentrated and economically exploitable forms, making their extraction challenging. Why Are They Needed? High-Tech Consumer Products: Smartphones, computers, and televisions use REEs for their display screens and electronics. Clean Energy: Wind turbines and electric v... Read More...

Parliamentary Ethics Committee: Role and Function in MP Allegations

Nov 06, 2023

The Parliamentary Ethics Committee is pivotal in maintaining the sanctity of the House. It’s entrusted with the role of overseeing the ethical conduct of MPs and adjudicating on matters referred to it. Committee’s Mandate: The committee examines ethical conduct and can suggest sanctions against MPs. Its findings can have severe implications, including disqualification from Parliament. Process and Powers: During investigations, the committee can summon MPs, review evidence, and deliberate on the presented facts. It cannot, ... Read More...

Biofertilizers: A Green Answer to Climate Challenges in Agriculture

Nov 06, 2023

Farming on the Frontlines: Agriculture is caught in the crosshairs of climate change, with crop growth being at the mercy of weather and environmental conditions. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rains, and new pests are just a few hurdles intensified by climate shifts. Climate Crisis: These issues are likely to escalate with the acceleration of climate change, highlighting the urgency of implementing mitigation strategies promptly to soften the future blows. The Biofertilizer Advantage: As a sustainable agricultural tool, biofertilizers present a green method to counter climate impacts. They consist of benefic... Read More...

Cover Crops: Guardians of Sustainable Farming

Nov 06, 2023

Cover crops are like protective blankets for soil, grown not for eating but to keep the soil healthy. They are planted when regular crops aren’t growing. These crops are like soil superheroes: they protect and improve the soil in various ways. Different types of cover crops do different good deeds for the soil: Brassicas (mustards, radishes): They loosen tight soil and help water and air move better underground. Grasses (wheat, barley): They cover the soil like a mat, preventing soil and nutrients from washing or blowing away. Legumes (clover, peas... Read More...

Impact of Rising Temperatures on the Global Water Cycle

Nov 06, 2023

Rising global temperatures are expected to cause significant shifts in the global water cycle, with serious implications for agriculture, water availability, and regional climates. The intricacies of the water cycle, including evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, are linked closely to temperature changes. Recent studies utilizing isotopic analysis have provided a clearer picture of how these processes have changed over the past two millennia, especially in response to human-induced climate warming since 1850. With the hottest months on record occurring as recently as 2023, the urgency to understand and adapt to changes in the water ... Read More...

Gender Equality in the Indian Armed Forces

Nov 06, 2023

Indian Army Initiatives: Permanent Commission (PC): Expansion of PC for Women Officers in 12 Arms & Services. National Defence Academy (NDA): Inclusion of women cadets with ongoing batches from July 2022. Aviation Opportunities: Women Officers serving as pilots in the Army Aviation Corps. Career Advancement: Consideration of Women Officers for Colonel rank and command appointments. Enlistment: Introduction of women in Corps of Military Police with a target of 1,700 women. Indian Navy’s Steps ... Read More...