UPSC Daily Current Affairs

All Vie for the Cup: Indias World Cup Challenge

Oct 05, 2023

As cricket's grandest spectacle, the ICC World Cup, prepares for launch at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, India, the host nation, shoulders great expectations. The defending champions, England, and the 2019 runners-up, New Zealand, will clash in the inaugural fixture. The 13th edition of the World Cup promises frenetic action across diverse venues in India, concluding with the final in Ahmedabad on November 19. Mumbai and Kolkata, traditional cricketing powerhouses, now play second fiddle to Ahmedabad, reflecting India's evolving cricket landscape, a blend of commercial influence and political pr... Read More...

Shot in the Arm: Nobel for mRNA Vaccine Pioneers

Oct 05, 2023

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for 2023 went to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman, and it's no surprise. Their groundbreaking work paved the way for effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, saving lives and preventing hospitalizations. This Nobel recognition aligns perfectly with the award's mission to honor discoveries that benefit humanity the most. This Nobel is also a celebration of women in science, with Katalin Karikó being one of only 13 women ever to receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine out of 225 total recipients. The broader context here is that only 62 women have won an... Read More...

Triumph of Justice: Vachathis Struggle Against State Violence

Oct 05, 2023

The Madras High Court's recent verdict on the Vachathi case, Tamil Nadu, is a historic milestone. It exposed the dark reality that large-scale state-sponsored repression cannot occur without complicity from higher government levels. In 1992, Vachathi witnessed brutality as around 300 uniformed officials descended on the village under the pretext of finding smuggled sandalwood. Shockingly, this led to the rape of eighteen women, illegal confinement of 90 women, 28 children, and 15 men, and other atrocities. One significant issue was the absence of "command responsibility" in India's criminal justice system, resulting in a lengthy trial process... Read More...

CAG and Artificial Intelligence: AI Auditing in India

Oct 05, 2023

1. What is AI auditing, and why is it important in India? AI auditing involves assessing the use of Artificial Intelligence in various applications, ensuring compliance, transparency, and ethical use. It's crucial in India as AI adoption grows across sectors, from finance to healthcare, requiring oversight to prevent misuse. 2. Who conducts AI audits in India? AI audits are typically conducted by regulatory bodies, government agencies, independent auditors, or organizations' internal audit teams. In India, the Comptroller and Auditor G... Read More...

Closure of the Afghan Embassy in Delhi

Oct 05, 2023

1. Why is the Embassy of Afghanistan in Delhi closing? The embassy has announced its closure due to various factors, including a lack of cooperation from the Government of India and insufficient resources to continue operations. It has urged India to fly the flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan over embassy premises and hand over the mission to a "legitimate government" of Afghanistan in the future. 2. Is this a significant development in Afghanistan-India relations? The closure represents a continuation of the strained relati... Read More...

Nagorno-Karabakh Standoff Resolution

Oct 05, 2023

1. What led to the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh standoff? On September 20, 2023, Azerbaijan claimed full control of Nagorno-Karabakh after local Armenian forces agreed to disarm and disband. This development marked a resolution to the long-standing conflict. 2. What is the history of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh? The conflict dates back a century to World War I when the Ottomans, aided by Azeris, targeted ethnic Armenians in the South Caucasus. The conflict escalated in 1920, incorporating Nagorno-Karabakh into Azerbaijan. After th... Read More...

Circular Migration: Looking at Both Sides of the Debate

Oct 05, 2023

1. What is Circular Migration? Circular migration is a repetitive form of migration where individuals move to another place (the destination) for employment opportunities and return to their country of origin when work is not available. It involves periodic movement instead of permanent or temporary migration. 2. How is Circular Migration Different from Other Forms of Migration? Circular migration is characterized by temporary residence in the destination, the possibility of multiple entries into the destination country, freedom of movement be... Read More...

Tragic Flash Floods in Sikkim Highlight the Urgency of Addressing Climate Change Consequences

Oct 05, 2023

A tragic incident unfolded in Sikkim as flash floods wreaked havoc, resulting in at least seven casualties, numerous injuries, and the disappearance of 22 Army personnel. The catastrophe was triggered when a glacial lake, formed from the gradual melting of a Himalayan glacier, overflowed into the Teesta river basin, leading to the destruction of the Chungthang dam, a crucial part of the state's largest hydroelectric project. The South Lhonak lake, situated at a high altitude of approximately 5,200 meters, had been expanding for years, posing a potential threat due to the melting ice at its head. The tragedy highlights the pressing need for monit... Read More...

Motion To Vacate:US House of Representatives

Oct 05, 2023

The "motion to vacate" is a parliamentary procedure used in the U.S. House of Representatives to remove the Speaker of the House from their position. Here's a breakdown of how it works and its significance: Purpose: The motion to vacate is initiated with the aim of removing the current Speaker of the House from their leadership position. Introduction: Any member of the House, regardless of their party affiliation (Democrat or Republican), can introduce the motion. In this case, it was introduced by Representative Matt Gaetz. Consideration: If the motion is introduced as a "privil... Read More...

Net Neutrality and Its Importance

Oct 04, 2023

Net neutrality is a fundamental principle that ensures all data on the internet is treated equally, without discrimination or preference. Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of net neutrality: Equal Access to Content: Example: Imagine you want to watch a video on YouTube and visit a news website. With net neutrality, your internet service provider (ISP) cannot slow down your access to one site while speeding up the other. Both websites load at the same speed, providing you with equal access to content. Innovation and Startups: ... Read More...

Kashmir's Cricket Bat Industry Hits Global Boundaries

Oct 04, 2023

Why is the Kashmir bat industry making headlines this year? A: The Kashmir bat industry is gaining global attention as the Afghan cricket team will be using Kashmir willow bats in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, marking the first time in its 102-year history that these bats will be used in World Cup matches. How did the Kashmir bats gain international recognition last year? A: Kashmir bats gained international recognition when UAE player Junaid Siddique hit a 109-meter six with them during the T20 World Cup, making it the longest six in the to... Read More...

Change in Maldives Leadership:Geopolitical Impact

Oct 04, 2023

Who has been chosen as the new leader of the Maldives? A1: Mohamed Muizzu, the Mayor of Male and the choice of the previous ruling party, the PPM, has been elected as the new leader of the Maldives. What was the reason for President Ibu Solih's electoral loss? A2: President Ibu Solih's electoral loss is attributed to several factors, including anti-incumbency sentiment, concerns over the post-COVID-19 economy, a rift within his party (MDP), and issues related to "sovereignty" raised by Mohamed Muizzu's PPM. Read More...

Kármán Line:

Oct 04, 2023

What exactly is the Kármán Line? A1: The Kármán Line is an imaginary boundary located 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) above sea level that separates Earth's atmosphere from outer space. Why was the Kármán Line established? A2: The Kármán Line was established to serve as a reference point for defining the boundary between Earth's airspace and outer space. It helps regulate airspace and legal jurisdiction. Who established the Kármán Line? Read More...

Victory for the Weak: The Vachathi Judgment

Oct 04, 2023

What is the Vachathi judgment, and why is it significant? A1: The Vachathi judgment refers to a landmark legal decision by the Madras High Court in India on September 29, 2023. It is significant because it marks the first time that a tribal community of 655 Adivasis won against the collective might of the state in a case involving state-led brutality that occurred three decades ago. What happened in Vachathi, Tamil Nadu, in 1992 that led to this legal battle? A2: In June 1992, a tribal community living in Vachathi, Tamil Nadu, was subjected to violence and atr... Read More...

India Elected To UN Statistical Commission:

Oct 04, 2023

What is the UN Statistical Commission, and why is India's election significant? A1: The UN Statistical Commission is the highest body of the global statistical system, responsible for setting statistical standards and methods. India's election to this commission is significant as it reflects recognition of India's expertise in statistics, diversity, and demography on an international level. When will India's term on the UN Statistical Commission begin? A2: India's four-year term on the UN Statistical Commission will begin on January 1, 2024... Read More...