UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Ancient India

Oct 20, 2023

Megalithic Cairn Circles: An Overview Megalithic Culture: Megaliths are large stone structures that were constructed as burial sites. The term 'megalith' is derived from two Greek words: 'mega' meaning large and 'lithos' meaning stone. These burials are prevalent in several parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Asia. Cairn Circles: Cairn circles are a specific type of megalithic burial. They consist of a circular or quasi-circular arrangement of stones, with a central cist or burial chamber ... Read More...

Why India Needs 3 Aircraft Carriers

Oct 20, 2023

1. Why is the Indian Navy considering more indigenous aircraft carriers? The Indian Navy recognizes the strategic importance of maintaining its operational capabilities. With geopolitical challenges and increasing maritime responsibilities, having a strong naval presence is crucial. Indigenous aircraft carriers help in showcasing India's self-reliance in defense capabilities. 2. What is the significance of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2)? IAC-2 is an effort by the Indian Navy to enhance its operational capabilities. Following the commissioning of IAC-1, n... Read More...

Pattachitra Style of Painting

Oct 20, 2023

Pattachitra is a traditional style of painting from the eastern part of India, especially Odisha and West Bengal. Here’s a brief overview: 1. Meaning: The word ‘Pattachitra’ is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘patta’, meaning canvas, and ‘chitra’, meaning picture. So, Pattachitra essentially means a picture painted on a piece of cloth. 2. Materials: Artists use natural colors, primarily derived from mineral and vegetable sources. The canvas is traditionally made from cotton cloth, which is soaked in a solution of gum and chalk and then dried. Read More...

Holocaust FAQ

Oct 20, 2023

1. What was the Holocaust? The Holocaust was the systematic extermination of six million Jews by the Nazi regime during World War II. Romani people, Poles, Soviet POWs, disabled individuals, homosexuals, and many others were also targeted and killed. 2. When did the Holocaust occur It took place between 1941 and 1945, with the planning and early persecution phases beginning as early as 1933 when Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. 3. Who was responsible for the Holocaust? The Nazi regime under Adolf H... Read More...

Free Movement Regime (FMR) between Manipur and Myanmar

Oct 20, 2023

What is the Free Movement Regime (FMR) between Manipur and Myanmar? The FMR is an arrangement between India and Myanmar that allows people living along the international border to travel as deep as 16 kilometers into each other's territory without the need for official documents or visas. It became operational in 2018. Why was the FMR suspended in September 2022? The FMR was suspended in September 2022 after the military takeover in Myanmar led to an influx of refugees into India. What impact did the military takeover in Myanmar... Read More...

Cricket and New Sports in Olympics

Oct 20, 2023

Adding Sports to the Olympic Games How has the Olympic Games evolved in terms of participants since its reestablishment in Athens in 1896? The Olympic Games have grown significantly, expanding from 241 competitors at the outset to over 10,000 participants today. What is the process for a sport to become part of the Olympic program? The first step is recognition as a sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It requires the sport to be governed by an international non-governmental organization overseeing at least one ... Read More...

Cricket at Olympics FAQ

Oct 20, 2023

Is cricket making a comeback at the Olympics in 2028? Yes, cricket is set to make a comeback at the Olympics in 2028, marking its return to the Games for the first time since 1900. How did cricket feature in the Olympics in 1900? In 1900, cricket was part of the Olympics, but only two teams participated—an English team visiting France for the Games and a French team primarily composed of English expatriates. In what format will cricket be played in the 2028 Olympics? Cricket will be played in the T... Read More...

Right to Marry

Oct 20, 2023

Is there a fundamental right to marry in India? 1. Is the right to marry expressly recognized under the Indian Constitution? No. The right to marry isn’t expressly recognized as a fundamental or constitutional right under the Indian Constitution. 2. Which case first addressed the right to choose a partner in India? In the case of Lata Singh v. State of UP (2006), the Supreme Court held that adults are entitled to marry whomever they wish, emphasizing no law bars an inter-caste marriage. Read More...

Glacial Lake Monitoring and Early Warning Systems:

Oct 20, 2023

Why is there a need to monitor glacial lakes in India? Answer: There are 56 at-risk glacial lakes in India, and the need to monitor them has increased due to the recent burst of Lhonak Lake, causing widespread damage. Monitoring these lakes is crucial to prevent and mitigate potential flood disasters. What recent initiative is India undertaking regarding glacial lake monitoring? Answer: India is working on a pilot project in collaboration with Swiss experts to establish the country's first early warning systems at vulnerable glacial lakes, including Lhonak Lake a... Read More...

Indian approach towards Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

Oct 20, 2023

What is BRI? The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013. It aims to improve connectivity and cooperation between China and partner countries, primarily through the construction of roads, railways, ports, and power plants.it is a geopolitical tool for global domination. India's approach towards BRI India has declined to join the BRI, citing concerns about sovereignty and debt. India is particularly concerned about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a flagship BRI p... Read More...

Women's Employment and Gender Norms in India

Oct 20, 2023

What does recent research reveal about women's employment in India? Answer: Recent research using data from National Family Health Survey (NHFS) 2019-20 shows that in urban India, 44% of single women between 24 to 29 years of age are employed. However, only 33% of married women without children and a mere 19% of married women with children in the same age group are employed. How does women's education and age of marriage impact their employment in India? Answer: Women's education levels and age of marriage play a significant role in their employment choic... Read More...

Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (EDFC and WDFC):

Oct 20, 2023

What is the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC)? Answer: The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) is a 1,337-km freight railway corridor in India, stretching from Punjab to Bihar. It is designed to facilitate the efficient transportation of freight and reduce transit times for goods. What is the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC)? Answer: The Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) is a 1,506-km freight railway corridor in India, connecting Maharashtra and Gujarat with Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Like the EDFC, its purpose is to enhance freight tra... Read More...

Uniﬁed Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg):

Oct 20, 2023

1. What is the Uniﬁed Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg)? UPAg is a newly launched portal designed for farm data management in India's agriculture sector. Its primary objective is to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the agricultural policy framework. 2. What challenges in India's agriculture sector does UPAg aim to address? UPAg aims to address the complex governance challenges faced by India's agriculture sector by streamlining and improving data management, making policymaking more informed and effective. Read More...

Israel-Hamas Conflict:Introduction and International Law

Oct 19, 2023

What led to the recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict? The conflict escalated due to a series of events, including rocket attacks by Hamas militants and Israeli airstrikes in response, resulting in a cycle of violence. How many casualties have been reported so far in this conflict? Authorities in Gaza have reported over 2,670 casualties, with approximately a quarter of them being children. Additionally, nearly 10,000 people have been wounded. What is the role of the U.S. in this conflict? U.S. S... Read More...

Belagavi and the Border Dispute and Health Insurance

Oct 19, 2023

Q1: What is the current issue involving Belagavi and the bordering states? A1: Belagavi is at the center of a long-standing border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra. The border dispute intensified last year when Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed interest in laying claim to Jath taluk in Maharashtra. Q2: How has the border dispute escalated recently? A2: The border dispute escalated significantly when pro-Kannada and pro-Marathi activists protested on both sides of the border. The dispute centers around Belagavi, which has been part of Karnat... Read More...