UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ISRO's Second Spaceport in Tamil Nadu

Oct 12, 2023

What is ISRO's Second Spaceport? The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to set up its second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. This spaceport will be exclusively dedicated to Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) developed by the private sector. What is an SSLV? An SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) is a 3-stage launch vehicle capable of launching satellites weighing approximately 500kg into a 500-km planar orbit. Who is overseeing the project? Read More...

Changes in Cyclone Formation Since the 1990s:Warm Arctic, Cold Eurasian' (WACE)

Oct 12, 2023

What does the study say about cyclone formation? A: The study suggests that there was a significant change in the potential for cyclones to form over the Arabian Sea in the late 1990s. This change may be linked to global warming and shifts in climate patterns like the 'Warm Arctic, Cold Eurasian' (WACE) pattern. What is cyclogenesis? A: Cyclogenesis is the process that leads to the formation of cyclones. It depends on various factors like sea surface temperature, wind changes, and ocean heat content. What is WACE? Read More...

Why do rainbows look like arcs in the sky?

Oct 12, 2023

Rainbows appear as arcs because of the interaction between sunlight and raindrops.When sunlight hits a raindrop , the light bends and splits into different colors. This process is called refraction. Each color emerges at a specific angle, forming a circle. However, the ground usually hides the bottom half, so we see an arc. The sun's position also affects the rainbow's visibility. If the sun is high️, the rainbow appears lower. In special cases, like from a mountain or hot-air balloon, you might see a full-circle rainbow. Read More...

Impact of Maldives' Democratic Evolution on India

Oct 12, 2023

Why is the Maldives' recent election significant for India? A1: The election signifies the strengthening of democracy in the Maldives, a stable democratic environment is beneficial for India's long-term regional interests. What are the Maldives' foreign policy options concerning India? A2: The new administration could either revert to the 'India Out' policy, continue the 'India First' policy, or balance relations between key partners like China and India. How can India strengthen regional diplomacy with t... Read More...

Caste Atrocities in Tamil Nadu

Oct 12, 2023

The issue of caste atrocities in Tamil Nadu has recently come under scrutiny, prompting responses from high-ranking state officials. Despite some progress, recent incidents highlight the deeply entrenched problem of caste discrimination. The state's history of social justice struggles and current political dynamics make this a complex issue requiring multi-faceted solutions. Sociological Perspective From a sociological standpoint, the issue of caste atrocities in Tamil Nadu is a manifestation of deeply rooted social hierarchies that have been perpetuated over generations. The... Read More...

2023:The Warmest Year

Oct 12, 2023

Global Temperature Rise Pre-Industrial Era Benchmark: The average global temperature between 1850-1900 serves as the baseline for measuring temperature changes. Record Highs: 2023 is on track to become the warmest year ever recorded, with temperatures nearing 1.4°C above the pre-industrial era average. Monthly Records September 2023: The average surface air temperature was 16.38°C, which is 0.93°C higher than the September average between 1991 and 2020. It was also 0.5°C warmer than the previous record set in Septem... Read More...

The Impact of Claudia Goldin's Work on Understanding Women's Labor Market Outcomes

Oct 12, 2023

Introduction Claudia Goldin, a Harvard University Professor, was awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences for 2023 for her groundbreaking work on women's labor market outcomes. She is the first woman to win the prize solo and the third woman overall. Her research spans 200 years of U.S. history, examining the factors that have influenced women's participation in the labor market and their earnings. Key Research Findings U-Shaped Curve: Goldin found that women's participation in the labor market followed a U-shaped curve, rath... Read More...

Understanding Hamas

Oct 12, 2023

What is Hamas? Hamas is a Palestinian militant group and political organization founded in 1987. Its roots trace back to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organization established in Egypt in 1928. Hamas stands for Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah, which translates to the Islamic Resistance Movement. What is the group's ideology? Hamas initially had an Islamist vision, emphasizing the need for a pious Islamic society. Its 1988 charter included anti-Semitic remarks and called for the liberation of all of Palestine "from the [Jordan] River to the [Mediterr... Read More...

Understanding Upstream and Downstream in India's Spacetech Industry

Oct 12, 2023

What is 'Downstream' in Spacetech? In the context of space technology, 'downstream' refers to the services that are enabled by satellites, such as communications, earth imaging, and navigation. These are the applications that directly affect end-users and industries on Earth. What Does the Deloitte Report Say? The report by Deloitte India, published in collaboration with the Indian Space Association and NASSCOM, focuses on the downstream opportunities in India's spacetech industry. It suggests that the demand for satellite-enabled services ... Read More...

Shift in Bank Credit Composition: A Decade of Change and Its Implications

Oct 12, 2023

Current Composition of Bank Credit: Personal loans: 32.1% Services: 28.4% Industry: 26.2% Agriculture: 13.3% Past Composition (March 2013): Industry: 46% Services: 24% Retail: 18% Agriculture: 12% Shift in Composition: Over the last decade, there has been a significant shift from industry to services and retail loans. Agriculture Loans: Modest growth due to government-set yearly targets.... Read More...

Sahyadri Farms' Remarkable Growth: A Case Study in Successful Farmer Producer Organization(FPO)

Oct 12, 2023

FPO (Farmers' Producer Organization): A legal entity formed by primary producers like farmers, fishermen, weavers, etc. It is a form of collective farming to improve income and livelihood. In 2010, a group of small farmers in Nashik, Maharashtra, formed Sahyadri Farmers’ Producer Company Ltd. to safeguard their agricultural interests. Thirteen years later, the FPO has reported a turnover of Rs.1,007 crore for 2022-23, marking a 28% growth from the previous year. The FPO has diversified into 48 FPCs, each focusing on a specific horticulture crop or zone. During the fiscal year 2023, they processed and exported a... Read More...

Tree Rings

Oct 12, 2023

What are they? Tree rings, also known as “growth rings”, represent the annual growth in trees. Each ring typically consists of lighter and darker sections: Light Ring: Formed during the tree’s rapid spring growth period. Dark Ring: Formed in the slower-growing summer months. Significance: Age Estimation: Counting the rings can determine a tree’s age. Climate History: They reveal past climate conditions. Wide rings indicate wet years, and narrow rings indicate dry y... Read More...

India, China, and the Maldivian Presidential Elections: Navigating the Diplomatic Waters

Oct 12, 2023

In the Maldives’ recent presidential elections, Mohamed Muizzu from the Progressive Alliance triumphed, sparking questions about the future direction of the nation’s foreign policy. Backdrop: Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP): Traditionally leaned towards India, valuing their geographic proximity and shared democratic principles. Progressive Alliance: Historically favoured closer ties with China due to differing viewpoints with India and its nationalist stance. History of Relationships: Unde... Read More...

The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): An Overview of Maternal Healthcare

Oct 11, 2023

Introduction: The NRHM, initiated in 2005, prioritized the reduction of maternal mortality in India. By leveraging ASHAs and offering incentives such as cash transfers and free ambulance services, the mission aimed at increasing institutional obstetric care. The Issue: While data showcased an impressive rise in institutional deliveries and a notable reduction in maternal mortality, ground realities painted a different picture. Women’s health advocates reported instances where women were still losing their lives due to preventable reasons. They further hi... Read More...

Basics about Gaza Strip

Oct 11, 2023

What is the Gaza Strip? The Gaza Strip is a small exclave bordering Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. Covering an area of 365 square km, it’s one of the world’s most densely populated areas. Who lives in Gaza? The Gaza Strip is home to over 2 million Palestinians. What is the historical significance of Gaza? After World War I, the region was part of the British-controlled League of Nations mandate of Palestine. Post the 1947 UN partition plan, it was controlled by Egypt until 1967, wh... Read More...