UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Caste Survey in Bihar:Findings and Effects

Oct 03, 2023

Q1: What is a caste-based survey in Bihar? A1: The caste-based survey in Bihar is a comprehensive study conducted by the government to gather data about the population's caste composition. It aims to provide information about the distribution of different caste groups in the state. Q2: What are the major findings of the Bihar caste-based survey? A2: The survey revealed that: Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitute approximately 27.13% of the population. Read More...

Nobel Prize 2023-Physiology or Medicine: How Two Scientists Revolutionized Vaccines with mRNA Technology

Oct 03, 2023

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to two individuals, Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó and American physician-scientist Drew Weissman. They received the Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking work in the field of mRNA (messenger RNA) technology, which paved the way for the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. 1. What is mRNA? mRNA stands for messenger RNA. It's a type of molecule that carries instructions from our DNA to a cell's cytoplasm, where these instructions are used to produce proteins. Read More...

Astra BVR Missile

Oct 03, 2023

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to enhance its capabilities with the impending induction of the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile.The Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile is an indigenous missile system developed by India for its military. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Astra missile: Purpose: The Astra missile is designed for air-to-air combat, specifically for engaging and neutralizing enemy aircraft at extended ranges, even beyond visual line-of-sight. Range: As... Read More...

Malaria Vaccine in India

Oct 03, 2023

Q1: What is the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine? A1: The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is a vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India. It utilizes Novavax's adjuvant technology to enhance its effectiveness. Q2: Has the World Health Organization (WHO) approved this malaria vaccine? A2: Yes, the WHO has recommended the use of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine after it met the necessary safety, quality, and effectiveness standards. Q3: What was the process for WHO app... Read More...

State of India's Birds (SOIB) 2023

Oct 03, 2023

Vanishing Wings: Alarming Decline of Bird Species in Tamil Nadu Revealed by SOIB 2023 Report What is the SOIB 2023 report? The State of India's Birds (SOIB) 2023 report is an analysis that assesses the status of bird species across India, including Tamil Nadu. It provides insights into the population trends and conservation status of these birds. How many bird species in Tamil Nadu are in decline according to the report? The report reveals that approximately 110 bird species recorded in Tamil Nadu are experiencing a dec... Read More...

Lagrange Points and Aditya-L1

Oct 03, 2023

What are Lagrange Points and Why is Aditya-L1 Headed to One? 1. What are Lagrange Points? Lagrange points are specific locations in space where the gravitational forces of two celestial bodies, such as the Earth and the Sun or Earth and the Moon, create a stable region. Within these points, a third body with negligible mass can remain relatively stationary relative to the two larger bodies. 2. How are Lagrange Points named? Lagrange points are named after the Italian-French mathematician Joseph-Louis ... Read More...

Gold Rush: India Shines at Asian Games with Record Medals and Victories

Oct 03, 2023

India is making a significant impact at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, with its medal count surpassing 50, and the nation is aiming for a total of 100 medals. On a remarkable day, India secured 15 medals, setting a single-day record at the event, with nine of them coming from athletics. In the 3000m steeplechase, Avinash Sable clinched India's first athletics gold with an impressive front-running style, setting a Games record. Despite struggling with a groin injury in recent months, Tajinderpal Singh Toor, the Asian record-holder in shot put, exhibited unwavering determination as he retained his gold medal wit... Read More...

Criminal Law Bills:Critical View of Decolonisation of Law

Oct 03, 2023

Criminal Law Bills and Decolonization Q1: What are the key criminal law Bills introduced in 2023, and what was the stated goal of these Bills? A1: In 2023, three criminal law Bills were introduced, with claims of decolonization as their objective. These Bills aimed to reform India's criminal laws and bring about a shift from colonial-era legal practices. Q2: How does the author define colonization in the context of criminal law? A2: The author defines colonization as a process whe... Read More...

Gold Rush: India Shines at Asian Games with Record Medals and Victories

Oct 03, 2023

Cholera Cases Surge in 2022

Oct 03, 2023

Q1: What is cholera, and what causes it? A1: Cholera is a water-borne disease caused by two strains of the bacteria Vibrio cholerae, primarily O1. O139 is responsible for rare outbreaks, mainly in Asia. Q2: How has the number of cholera cases changed from 2021 to 2022? A2: The world reported more than twice as many cholera cases in 2022 compared to 2021. The number of countries reporting at least 10,000 suspected and confirmed cases also doubled between these years. Q3: Why has there been a surge in ... Read More...

MS Swaminathan:A Tribute

Sep 30, 2023

1. Introduction Prof MS Swaminathan, India's eminent agricultural scientist and the driving force behind the Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98. 2. Legacy and Transformative Contributions Swaminathan's legacy extends beyond grain production. He introduced scientific rigor to Indian agriculture and established pioneering institutions. 3. Distinguished Career Throughout his career, Swaminathan held key positions, including Director of IARI, Director General of ICAR, and Director General of IRRI i... Read More...

IMEC and Geopolitical Routes Shape US-China Rivalry

Sep 30, 2023

1: The IMEC Blueprint: America's Counterplay to China's BRI In the volatile landscape of global geopolitics, land routes have evolved into chess pieces in the rivalry between superpowers Read More...

Multilateral Development Banks: Challenges in Global Development

Sep 30, 2023

Understanding MDBs: Catalysts for Global Progress Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are financial powerhouses that offer both monetary aid and technical know-how to countries for diverse development ventures. These institutions, like the World Bank and regional development banks, are pivotal in promoting economic growth, poverty alleviation, and tackling universal issues like climate change. How MDBs Make an Impact 1 Financial Backing: MDBs open up fiscal avenues, providing loans and grants for infrastructure, education, h... Read More...

Hycean" worlds:Unlocking Cosmic Mysteries: The Quest for Alien Life Revitalized by Exoplanet K2-18b's Atmospheric Clues

Sep 30, 2023

The Dawn of a New Cosmic Era: The James Webb Space Telescope Launched in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has revolutionized our hunt for extraterrestrial life. One of its landmark observations is the exoplanet K2-18b, situated 120 light-years from Earth, encircling the star K2. Reading the Atmospheric Code: Gaseous Footprints Data from K2-18b's atmosphere have unveiled traces of carbon dioxide and methane, substances generally linked to life, though not irrefutable evidence. The Dimethyl Sul... Read More...

India's Vanishing Grasslands: A Lifeline for Endangered Species and Ecosystems

Sep 30, 2023

The Geographic Tapestry: A Closer Look at India's Five Key Grasslands Banni, Gujarat: Located in the Kutch District, Banni is one of Asia's largest grasslands. It's a unique salt-tolerant ecosystem hosting the endangered Indian Wild Ass. Shola, Western Ghats: Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, Shola grasslands are interspersed with forests. These are vital for endemic species like the Nilgiri Tahr. Thar Desert, Rajasthan and Gujarat: Not just sand du... Read More...