UPSC Daily Current Affairs

The Ascent of Kabaddi: From Village Grounds to National Stardom

Oct 31, 2023

Kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport, has undergone a tremendous transformation over the years, especially with the introduction of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). This league has not only monetized the sport but has also turned it into a career option for young aspirants. The PKL is particularly popular in north India, with many players hailing from Haryana, a state that has emerged as a Kabaddi powerhouse. Training academies have sprouted across its villages, shaping raw talent into professional athletes. The league’s impact is far-reaching. It has elevated players like Rahul Chaudhari and Pawan Sehrawat to celebrity status, draw... Read More...

Implications of Li Keqiang's Death

Oct 31, 2023

Context: Li Keqiang, a significant political figure who served as China's Premier, has passed away. He was one of the last remaining reformist politicians in China, a nation that has been gradually centralizing its political power. Li was largely seen as a more pragmatic, economy-focused leader as compared to President Xi Jinping's ideology-driven leadership style. Key Points: Political Sensitivity: Li's death comes at a delicate moment for the Communist Party of China (CPC), especially when Xi Jinping has consolidated power within the party... Read More...

COP28's Cooling Pledge

Oct 31, 2023

Context: The COP28 climate summit is set to unveil a "cooling pledge" aimed at reducing cooling-related emissions by 68% by the year 2050. Cooling technologies, like air conditioners and refrigerators, currently contribute to over 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Key Points: Emissions Target: The pledge seeks a 68% reduction in cooling-related emissions by 2050 compared to 2022 levels. High-Stakes Players: Countries like China and India, where the demand for cooling technologies is surging, have not yet committed to the pl... Read More...

Afghan Deportation Crisis: An Unprecedented Crackdown in Pakistan

Oct 31, 2023

Context: Pakistan is forcing 1.7 million Afghans, termed as illegal immigrants, to leave the country by November 1. The move comes amidst a growing anti-Afghan sentiment in Pakistan, which the government cites as a measure for the "welfare and security" of the nation. Key Points: Historical Background: Millions of Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan over decades due to conflicts like the Soviet war. Anti-Afghan Sentiment: Rising economic hardships and security issues have led to a shift in public opinion against Afghans in Pa... Read More...

India’s Climate Diplomacy

Oct 31, 2023

1. How has India’s approach to climate diplomacy evolved over the years? India’s climate diplomacy has transitioned from cautious participation to a more assertive and influential role on the global stage. 2. What factors have contributed to India’s growing influence in climate negotiations? India’s growing influence is attributed to its proactive engagement in bilateral negotiations, participation in COPs, involvement in multilateral forums, and collaborations in independent alliances for carbon transition. ... Read More...

Cheetah Conservation Project: 2.0

Oct 31, 2023

1.Objective: Project Cheetah aims to conserve and manage the endangered cheetah population in India. 2.Expansion: A second batch of cheetahs from South Africa is expected to be introduced to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in MP’s Mandsaur. 3.Recent Mission: A delegation from India, comprising representatives from the Indian Forest Service, recently concluded a 10-day mission to South Africa to exchange insights and enhance strategies for Project Cheetah. 4.Key Focus: The delegation engaged in discussions and field visits to understand effective wild cheetah management practices. ... Read More...

Diego Garcia: A Strategic Island in the Indian Ocean

Oct 31, 2023

Overview Diego Garcia is a small atoll located in the central Indian Ocean. It is a British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and serves as a critical military base for the United Kingdom and the United States. Originally inhabited by the Chagossians, the island was depopulated between 1968 and 1973 as a result of a U.K.-U.S. agreement to establish a military base there. Strategic Importance Geopolitical Location: Diego Garcia sits at a strategic point in the Indian Ocean, making it a crucial location for monitoring naval and aerial activities in the region.... Read More...

Pros and Cons of River Interlinking Projects

Oct 31, 2023

Pros: 1. Irrigation: River interlinking projects aim to transfer water from surplus river basins to water-deficit regions, improving irrigation in drought-prone areas. This can potentially increase agricultural productivity and food security. 2. Cost-Effectiveness: Supporters argue that river interlinking can provide cost-effective solutions for addressing water scarcity and drought-related challenges. 3. Drought Mitigation: Historically, river linking has been proposed as a solution to mitigate enduring droughts in various parts of India, helping alleviate water stress during dr... Read More...

Minimum Export Price (MEP) and its Impact on Onion Exports

Oct 31, 2023

What is MEP? Minimum Export Price (MEP) is a trade policy instrument used by governments to set the lowest price at which a commodity can be exported. The aim is to discourage exports and make sure that sufficient quantities of essential items, like food, remain available in the domestic market at reasonable prices. Why is it Imposed? The government imposed an MEP of $800 per tonne on onion exports to ensure adequate availability of this staple vegetable in the domestic market. The decision comes as the stored quantity of Rabi 2023 onions is depleting, ... Read More...

The Evolution and Impact of QR Codes on Food Labels

Oct 31, 2023

What Are QR Codes? QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store a wide range of information. They were initially developed in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave for tracking automobile parts. QR codes can be scanned using a smartphone, leading users to text, a website, or other types of digital content. When Were They Introduced for Food Labels? QR codes started appearing on food labels more prominently in the late 2010s. Their integration into the food industry was primarily driven by the need for transparency and the growing con... Read More...

Why Police Stations Will Install DNA Systems: Pros and Cons

Oct 31, 2023

Overview: The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, passed in April 2022, allows for modern identification techniques, including DNA systems, to be installed in around 1,300 police stations nationwide. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is spearheading this initiative. Why Install DNA Systems: Improved Accuracy: DNA data can be extremely reliable for identifying individuals. Streamlined Investigations: Helps in quicker resolutions of criminal cases. Modernization: Advances the technology used in crime-fighti... Read More...

Hezbollah in West Asia Geopolitics

Oct 31, 2023

Your text covers a broad swath of topics related to Hezbollah, including its origins, ideology, and strategic role in Lebanon and broader West Asia. The complex scenario outlines Hezbollah’s relationship with Israel, its involvement in regional geopolitics, and its internal structure. Origin and Ideology Hezbollah emerged in the context of Lebanon's multifaceted civil war and Israel's intervention in the country. Ideologically, it has roots in Shia Islam and is closely aligned with Iran's theocratic government. It positions itself as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation.... Read More...

India’s Intelligence Institutional Network

Oct 30, 2023

In India, the intelligence institutional network plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security and interests. This network consists of several key components: 1. Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): RAW is India’s primary foreign intelligence agency. It specializes in collecting intelligence related to external threats and activities that can impact India’s security. RAW operates covertly and conducts espionage, counter-terrorism, and counter-proliferation activities. 2. Intelligence Bureau (IB): The IB is the internal intelligence ag... Read More...

Different Forms of Intelligence Gathering

Oct 30, 2023

Intelligence gathering encompasses a wide range of methods and techniques used to collect information for various purposes, including national security, law enforcement, and decision-making. Here are some forms of intelligence gathering: 1. Human Intelligence (HUMINT): HUMINT involves gathering information through human sources. Intelligence officers may use espionage, informants, interviews, and debriefings to collect valuable insights and data. 2. Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): SIGINT focuses on intercepting and analyzing electronic si... Read More...

Security Concerns Regarding Shi Yan 6's Docking at Colombo Port

Oct 30, 2023

Why is India concerned about the Shi Yan 6 docking in Sri Lanka? India is worried that the Shi Yan 6, a Chinese research vessel, could potentially snoop on its defense assets. The ship conducts seabed surveys, which are instrumental for submarine operations, a key concern for India's security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). What are seabed surveys and why are they important? Seabed surveys are investigations of the underwater topography. They are important for understanding oceanic conditions, which in turn are crucial for submarine operations. In the ca... Read More...