UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Pearl Harbor and Its Significance

Nov 02, 2023

Pearl Harbor, a serene harbor on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance. However, it is most renowned for the infamous surprise attack that occurred on December 7, 1941. This attack forever changed the course of history, pulling the United States into World War II and shaping the global geopolitical landscape. In this essay, we will delve into the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, the attack itself, and its profound significance in the annals of history. Events Leading Up to the Attack In the early 20th century, Jap... Read More...

India Stack and its impact

Nov 02, 2023

1. What is India Stack? India Stack is a set of open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and digital public goods designed to facilitate digital transactions, identity verification, and data sharing at a large scale in India. 2. What are the key components of India Stack? India Stack includes components like Aadhaar authentication, e-KYC, e-Sign, DigiLocker, United Payment Interface (UPI), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System, Immediate Payment Service, and Aadhaar Payment Bridge. 3. How has India Stack transformed digital payments ... Read More...

Government of India Drought Manual 2016: An Overview

Nov 02, 2023

The Centre’s Drought Manual of 2016 is a crucial document that serves as a guide for the management and mitigation of drought conditions in India. Created by the central government, it outlines various criteria, indices, and procedures for declaring a region as drought-affected. Below are some of its key aspects: Drought Indicators: The manual specifies indicators like rainfall deficiency, soil moisture, and hydrological parameters to classify the severity of a drought. Methodology: It lays out a standardized methodology for assessing the drought situation, making it easier for states to identify affected regions.... Read More...

Title: Gender Disparity in Indian STEM Faculties: A Comprehensive Study

Nov 02, 2023

Gist: A study conducted by BiasWatchIndia reveals that less than one in five STEM faculty members in India are women, with only 16.6% representation overall. The gender disparity is even more stark in top-ranked STEM institutes like IITs and IISc, where women make up just 10% of the faculty. Key Points: Overall Statistics: The study shows that 16.6% of faculty members in STEM fields in India are women. Worst in Top Institutes: Gender representation is as low as 10% in highly ranked institutions like IITs and IISc. Field-Specific Rates: Enginee... Read More...

COP28: Main Points & Controversies

Nov 02, 2023

COP28 Overview: This refers to the 28th annual UN conference aimed at combating climate change. The location, Dubai, UAE, is crucial this year because the UAE is a major oil producer. The event spans from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Why Dubai is Controversial: Hosting COP28 in an oil-rich nation raises ethical questions. Critics liken it to a cigarette company overseeing a cancer conference due to the UAE’s significant role in fossil fuel production. Conference Importance: The primary aim is to limit global temperature increases to 1.5C in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. Surpassing this limit s... Read More...

Project Kusha: India’s Indigenous Air Defense Initiative

Nov 02, 2023

Project Kusha is an ambitious defense initiative by India aimed at developing its own long-range air defense system by 2028-29. This system will be capable of detecting and neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, such as stealth fighters, drones, and cruise missiles, up to a distance of 350 km. Here are key components : 1. Organization Behind: The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is leading the project. 2. Three-Layered System: Project Kusha aims to establish a three-layered air defense system. This means it will have different types of missiles c... Read More...

Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) & Indian Ocean Region

Nov 02, 2023

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R Hari Kumar recently outlined a vision for maritime collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) at the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC). His proposals focused on building maritime competence through collective efforts in areas like maritime law, sea-borne narcotics trade, and environmental stewardship. Here are some FAQs to understand the intricate details of his vision. FAQs: 1. What is the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC)? GMC is a platform where maritime issues relevant to the IOR are discussed. This was its fourth editio... Read More...

Gen AI and Global Governance: A Brief Overview

Nov 02, 2023

Generative AI presents a global challenge that calls for comprehensive regulation. Traditional data privacy laws are inadequate for controlling the wide-ranging implications of this technology. Furthermore, relying solely on tech companies for ethical oversight is a limited approach. Key Issues: 1. Insufficient Laws: Current laws focus on data privacy but do not adequately address Generative AI’s specific needs. 2. Corporate Responsibility: Companies cannot be solely trusted to regulate AI, given their commercial interests. 3. Data Collection: ... Read More...

India-Mozambique LNG Project: A Strategic Energy Collaboration

Nov 02, 2023

India and Mozambique are discussing the restart of a significant $20 billion Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) project. The project, situated in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, holds strategic importance for India’s energy security, as three Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) hold a 30% stake. Hardeep Singh Puri, India’s Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, recently engaged in diplomatic discussions to revitalize the project, which had been halted due to militant attacks and force majeure claims by TotalEnergies, the primary operator. Key Points: 1. Strategic ... Read More...

Introduction to Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

Nov 02, 2023

What is PMI? The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an economic indicator derived from monthly surveys of private sector companies. It provides information about prevailing business conditions in the manufacturing and service sectors. The Significance of the Number 50 in PMI The threshold of 50 is critical in PMI readings. A PMI above 50 indicates an expansion of the industry sector compared to the previous month. Below 50 indicates a contraction, and exactly 50 indicates no change. Analysis of I... Read More...

India International Exchange (INX)

Nov 02, 2023

The India International Exchange (INX) is the country’s first international exchange located at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). INX is a specialized exchange designed to facilitate international financial transactions and provide a platform for various financial instruments. Key features and functions of INX include: 1. International Jurisdiction: INX operates within the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) framework, which allows it to have a global jurisdiction, making it attractive for international in... Read More...

ADR and GDR and Direct Listings 2023

Nov 02, 2023

Q1: What is an ADR (American Depository Receipt)? A1: An ADR, or American Depository Receipt allows U.S. investors to invest in foreign companies which issue receipts instead of shares which are almost the same. Non-US companies through this mechanism can get listed on US stock exchanges. Q2: What is a GDR (Global Depository Receipt)? A2: A GDR, or Global Depository Receipt, is similar to an ADR but is issued and traded in international markets outside the United States. GDRs also represent shares in a foreign company and enable international investors to invest in t... Read More...

Gut Microbiome

Nov 01, 2023

Microbiome: The microbiome is a term used to describe the entire habitat of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) that exist in a particular environment, like the human body or a part of it. Gut Microbiome: The gut microbiome refers specifically to the community of microorganisms living in our digestive tract. This includes bacteria, viruses, and fungi that help in various bodily functions like digestion, immune response, and even mental health. In simple terms: Microbiome: Think of it as a bustling city of tiny living things (like bacteria and viruses) t... Read More...

Mars' Internal Structure

Nov 01, 2023

Overview: New research has significantly updated what we know about Mars' internal structure. Using data from the InSight Mars Lander, researchers have reinterpreted the planet's core as being smaller and denser than previously thought. They have also discovered a molten layer surrounding the core, offering more precise details about the planet's internal make-up. Methods: The studies used data from the Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) onboard the NASA InSight Lander. Three years of seismic data were analyzed, including seismic activities triggered by... Read More...

Cloud Seeding Can Enhance Rainfall

Nov 01, 2023

Overview: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune conducted a cloud seeding experiment in Solapur city and found that rainfall could be increased by 18%. The experiment, known as the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX), was carried out over two monsoon seasons. The project also highlighted the economic benefits, indicating a cost of 18 paisa per litre for the water produced through cloud seeding. Methodology: Experiment Name: CAIPEEX phase-4 Clouds: 276 convective clouds were chosen; 150 were seede... Read More...