UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Dumping, Anti-Dumping, and India-China Trade Relations

Aug 31, 2023

1. What is dumping in international trade? Dumping refers to the practice of exporting goods to another country at a price lower than their cost of production or the price in the domestic market. It can lead to unfair competition and harm domestic industries in the importing country. 2. How does dumping affect domestic industries? Dumping can lead to a disruption of the domestic market by flooding it with low-priced imports. This can result in decreased demand for domestically produced goods, lower prices for local producers, and potential job... Read More...

The Quit India Movement:Causes,Legacy and British Response

Aug 31, 2023

Causes The Quit India Movement was ignited by various factors and triggers that led to its emergence. It stemmed from the growing discontent with British colonial rule and was prompted by the circumstances of World War II. The Cripps Mission's failure to address India's demands and its inability to provide a clear roadmap for independence fueled public support for the Quit India Movement. The Indian National Congress, under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership, withdrew its support and cooperation with the British government during the war. This decision was influenced by the failure of the Cripps Mission ... Read More...

Introduction to Sri Aurobindo and His Ideas:

Aug 31, 2023

Sri Aurobindo Ghose, born on August 15, 1872, was a multifaceted visionary who significantly contributed to Indian philosophy, spirituality, and the struggle for independence. His ideas encompassed a wide range of topics, from Integral Yoga to spiritual evolution, education, and the synthesis of Eastern and Western thoughts. Let's delve into some key concepts associated with Sri Aurobindo: Integral Yoga: Integral Yoga, also known as Purna Yoga, is a holistic approach to spiritual growth that aims to harmonize and transcend all aspects of human nature. Unlike traditional yog... Read More...

Kath-Kuni technique: A traditional architectural method of Himachal Pradesh

Aug 31, 2023

The kath-kuni technique is a traditional architectural method that originates from the western Himalayan region, particularly in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is known for its unique construction style that combines alternating layers of wood and stone without the use of mortar or cement. This technique is primarily used in building larger structures like palaces, temples, and other important buildings. The term "kath-kuni" itself indicates the two main components of this technique: Kath: Refers ... Read More...

Non-Cooperation Movement in India's Freedom Struggle:Basics

Aug 31, 2023

1. Introduction The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant phase in India's struggle for independence against British colonial rule. Launched in 1920 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, it aimed to achieve self-governance through non-violent resistance. 2. Key Personalities Mahatma Gandhi: Leader and driving force behind the movement, advocating non-violence and civil disobedience. Jawaharlal Nehru: Mobilized youth a... Read More...

The Legend of Taa’Poi: Reviving an Age-old Odia Tradition

Aug 31, 2023

The legend of Taa’Poi is a primordial Odia folk narrative sung during the ‘Khudurukuni Osha' festival, also known as “Bhalukuni Osha”. This festival and its rituals reflect Odisha's rich maritime history, trading culture, and the expertise of medieval Kalingans in sea voyages and trade links with Southeast Asian islands. The Legend of Taa’Poi: A Tale of Resilience Taa’Poi, the central character, was the only daughter of a wealthy merchant mariner. Her seven brot... Read More...

Moon as a Gateway in Space Exploration: Chandrayaan-3

Aug 31, 2023

1. What is the concept of the Moon as a gateway in space exploration? The Moon as a gateway refers to the strategic use of the Moon's unique characteristics to enhance various aspects of space exploration, including launching missions, conducting research, and preparing for future deep-space endeavors. 2. How does the Moon's lower gravity benefit space missions? The Moon's lower gravity makes it an advantageous launch platform for sending heavy payloads, large instruments, and complex structures deeper into space. This could reduce... Read More...

Public Interest Litigations (PILs)

Aug 31, 2023

1. What is a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)? A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal action initiated in a court of law for the protection of public interest, often addressing issues that affect a large section of society or vulnerable groups. Unlike traditional legal cases that involve disputes between parties, PILs aim to uphold the welfare of the public at large. 2. What is the primary objective of PILs? The primary objective of PILs is to ensure justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental ... Read More...

Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)

Aug 31, 2023

1. What is the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)? The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) is a financial mechanism established to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) formulated by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It aims to mobilize resources to achieve biodiversity conservation and restoration goals by 2030. 2. When was the GBFF ratified and launched? The GBFF was ratified and launched at the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) held in Vancouve... Read More...

Behavioral/Nudge Economics and its Uses and Limits

Aug 31, 2023

Q1: What is Behavioral Economics? A1: Behavioral economics is a field that combines principles from psychology and economics to understand how individuals make decisions. It explores how cognitive biases, emotions, and social influences affect economic choices. Q2: What is “Nudging” in Behavioral Economics? A2: “Nudging” refers to using subtle interventions to influence people’s decisions towards desired outcomes without restricting their choices. It’s a concept from behavioral economics that encourages bett... Read More...

PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) - Achieving 50 Crore Accounts and Beyond

Aug 31, 2023

1. What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)? PM Jan Dhan Yojana is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government to ensure that every household has access to a bank account, financial services, and credit facilities. 2. How many bank accounts have been opened under PMJDY? As of August 16, the number of bank accounts under PMJDY has crossed 50 crore (500 million) accounts. 3. What is the total amount of deposits in PMJDY accounts? The total deposits ... Read More...

Onion Export Duty:Tears and Cheers

Aug 31, 2023

1. Why was a 40% duty imposed on onion exports? The government imposed a 40% duty on onion exports to increase the availability of onions in the domestic market, especially before the festive season. The move aims to stabilize onion prices and mitigate the demand-supply mismatch. 2. Is there a demand-supply mismatch for onions? Yes, there has been a demand-supply mismatch for onions due to factors such as unseasonal weather conditions, which affected the quality and shelf life of the crop. The reduction in shelf life of onions led to concerns ... Read More...

ISRO and Future Space Missions:Shukrayaan

Aug 31, 2023

1. What is ISRO's plan after the success of Chandrayaan-3? ISRO's plans include a roadmap for lunar exploration, potential future Chandrayaan missions, and collaborations with other space agencies. 2. Are there more moon missions in the pipeline? Yes, ISRO is developing systems for the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission in collaboration with Japan's JAXA. Some refer to it as "Chandrayaan 4." LUPEX will involve a more advanced lander and rover, extending studies of the moon's south polar region and extracting subs... Read More...

Gaganyaan and Vyommitra

Aug 31, 2023

Q: What is the Gaganyaan mission led by ISRO? A: The Gaganyaan mission is an ambitious project by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at demonstrating India's human spaceflight capability. It involves launching a crew of astronauts into space and safely bringing them back to Earth. Q: What is the purpose of the humanoid robot 'Vyommitra' in the Gaganyaan mission? A: 'Vyommitra' is a space-faring humanoid robot designed to replicate human activities in space. Vyommitra, the female humanoid robot, embodies the... Read More...

PM Modi's Greece Visit

Aug 31, 2023

Q: What is the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Greece? Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Greece holds significance as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country in 40 years. The visit is aimed at advancing bilateral ties between India and Greece to the level of a strategic partnership. Q: Why is the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership important? The decision to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership reflects the desire of both countries to deepen ... Read More...