UPSC Daily Current Affairs

White Phosphorus: Navigating the Legal and Ethical Minefield

Oct 28, 2023

Nabeela Siddiqui, an Assistant Professor of Law, discusses the complex legal landscape around the use of white phosphorus in military conflicts. Despite its varied applications in military strategy, the use of this substance has raised serious ethical and legal questions, particularly when it impacts civilian populations. Toxic Substance & International Concerns White phosphorus, often used for smoke screens or as an incendiary weapon, poses significant risks to human health and the environment. It has been subject to scrutiny from bodies like the United Nations and Human R... Read More...

Israel's Economic Dominance Over Palestinian Territories:Gaza

Oct 28, 2023

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has economic dimensions that extend beyond political and military strife, painting a grim picture of the Palestinian territories' economic subservience to Israel. While Israel has built a strong and diverse economy, the West Bank and Gaza remain stifled by a lack of industries and high levels of unemployment. This economic disparity is deepened by the fact that Israel controls major aspects of the Palestinian economy, including employment, trade, and essential services like water and electricity. Key Points: Employment Gap: ... Read More...

Gender Pay Gap

Oct 28, 2023

Gender Earnings Gap in India: A Deep Dive into Disparities and Work Hours The gender earnings gap remains a stark reality in India, despite some strides towards equality. Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) indicate that the gap varies across different types of employment and is heavily influenced by societal norms and individual choices. Key Findings: Overall Gap: As of 2023, men earned 24% more than women in regular wage jobs, with male self-employed workers earning 2.8 times that of women. Read More...

Spiritual Confluence: Harmonious Gaya and Bodh Gaya

Oct 28, 2023

Gaya and Bodh Gaya, separated by a mere 15 km, serve as stunning emblems of India's rich spiritual heritage. Gaya resonates with Hinduism and the folklore of Ram and Sita, while Bodh Gaya stands as the epicenter of Buddhism. The Phalgu river silently links these twin cities, holding a fable of its own. The Phalgu River: A Mythical Marvel The Phalgu River is historically significant, interwoven with a tale involving Ram and Sita. It is believed that the river chose to go underground due to a curse by Sita, becoming a silent, unseen flow, yet continuing to enrich the spiritua... Read More...

Brazil's Cerrado: The Forgotten Savanna in Environmental Conservation

Oct 28, 2023

Brazil's Cerrado is often overshadowed by the Amazon Rainforest in environmental discourse. Known as the "cradle of waters," this biodiverse savanna is vital for its rivers and aquifers but is rapidly disappearing due to large-scale agriculture and deforestation. Experts caution that neglecting the Cerrado can have catastrophic consequences, not just for Brazil but for the global climate. It has been dubbed a "sacrificial ecosystem," losing ground to farming ventures supported by global commodity giants. Irrigation and soil degradation are taking a toll, leading to decreasing river flows and long-term sustainability concerns. &nb... Read More...

Tamil Nadu's Drive for EV Leadership: The Role of MSMEs

Oct 28, 2023

Tamil Nadu is aiming to become a global epicenter for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. With almost ₹40,000 crore in investments already in motion, the state accounts for over 40% of all registered EVs in India. A significant part of this growth equation is the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, which already contributes significantly to the state's GDP and is integral to the automotive components industry. Financial Vulnerabilities & Technological Upgradation MSMEs in Tamil Nadu are financially fragile and mostly dependent on fossil-based energy. ... Read More...

The Battle of Colachel

Oct 28, 2023

The Battle of Colachel was a historic naval battle fought on August 10, 1741, between the Kingdom of Travancore, led by its ruler Maharaja Marthanda Varma, and the Dutch East India Company. This battle took place near the coastal town of Colachel, which is now in the Indian state of Kerala. Key points about the Battle of Colachel: 1. Background: The Dutch East India Company had established a fort in Colachel and sought to expand its influence in the region. The Kingdom of Travancore, under Maharaja Marthanda Varma, viewed the Dutch presence as a threat to its s... Read More...

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

Oct 28, 2023

1. What is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations? • The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international agreement that codifies crucial aspects of international law. It serves as a framework for diplomacy between independent countries and outlines diplomatic immunity privileges. 2. What are the primary functions defined by the Vienna Convention for diplomatic missions? • The Vienna Convention emphasizes the efficient performance of diplomatic missions, including representation, protection of interests, negotiati... Read More...

SRIRAM's Historical Overview British Colonial Rule and Famines in India

Oct 28, 2023

During the British colonial rule in India, spanning from the mid-18th to mid-20th centuries, the nation witnessed several devastating famines. The relationship between British policies and these famines has been a subject of historical debate and scrutiny. Here's a brief overview: 1. Economic Policies: The British economic policies, such as heavy taxation, the promotion of cash crops over subsistence crops, and the transformation of India into a colonial market for British goods, made the Indian peasant class vulnerable. Reduced food production meant the locals were ill-equipped to handle po... Read More...

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and India

Oct 27, 2023

Q1: What is CBAM? A1: CBAM stands for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a policy proposed by the European Union (EU) to impose a carbon tax on certain imports into the EU. Q2: Why is CBAM Introduced? A2: CBAM is introduced to address carbon leakage, where industries move to regions with lax environmental regulations, leading to higher global emissions. It ensures that imports into the EU meet the EU’s climate goals. Q3: When Does CBAM Start? A3: CBAM is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 20... Read More...

Freebies vs. Fiscal Responsibility: A Balancing Act

Oct 27, 2023

In India, the debate over providing freebies and maintaining fiscal responsibility has been a crucial issue. Let’s delve into this topic while adhering to your request for simplicity and rigor. Freebies in Indian Context Freebies often refer to government initiatives that offer goods or services to citizens at little or no cost. These can include free healthcare services, education, or even direct cash transfers. Such measures are typically aimed at improving the standard of living and reducing poverty. Fiscal Responsibility Challenges Read More...

Egg Freezing and Women: A Sociological Perspective

Oct 27, 2023

Introduction Egg freezing, medically known as oocyte cryopreservation, has gained prominence as a reproductive technology. From a sociological standpoint, it raises various questions and considerations regarding women’s choices, societal expectations, and gender dynamics. Key Sociological Aspects: 1. Fertility and Age Societal norms often pressure women to balance career and family, which can lead to delayed childbearing. Egg freezing offers women the potential to extend their fertility window, chal... Read More...

War on Hamas and the Middleast Geoeconomics

Oct 27, 2023

Q1: What is the “new” Middle East, and how did it emerge? A1: The “new” Middle East refers to a shift in the region’s dynamics, emphasizing geoeconomics and economic cooperation over historical political tensions. It gained momentum in 2020 with initiatives like the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel. Q2: What is the impact of the recent Hamas-Israel crisis on the “new” Middle East? A2: The crisis has the potential to disrupt the region’s focus on geoeconomics and eco... Read More...

Securing India’s Food Future Amidst Climate Change and Challenges

Oct 27, 2023

1. How is climate change affecting Indian agriculture? Climate change leads to rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns, impacting agricultural yields. 2. What challenges does water scarcity pose to food security in India? Water scarcity threatens the availability of water for agriculture, particularly in rainfed farming regions. 3. What are the economic impacts of the climate crisis on Indian agriculture? The climate crisis affects trade, profitability, pricing, supply, and demand in the agricu... Read More...

India’s Web3 Sector and Economy

Oct 27, 2023

1. What is the potential economic contribution of India’s Web3 sector by 2032? India’s Web3 sector could contribute $1.1 trillion to the economy over the next 10 years, as per the Bharat Web3 Association report. 2. How many Web3 startups are there in India, and how many are unicorns? India is home to over 900 Web3 startups, with five achieving unicorn status by 2023. 3. How much funding have Web3 startups in India raised in recent years? Web3 startups in India secured $1.3 billion in funding ... Read More...