UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Alzheimer's and the Chemicals Involved

Aug 24, 2023

Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's is a type of dementia, which is a group of brain disorders affecting memory and thinking. It's caused by changes in the brain, including the buildup of amyloid plaques and oxidative stress. 1. Free Radicals: Think of free radicals as small troublemakers in our bodies. These are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells and DNA. They're produced when our body goes through natural processes like breaking down food or dealing with pollution. 2.... Read More...

Sugar's Sweet and Bitter Story: From Ancient India to Modern Challenges":Dr. Ulbe Bosma

Aug 24, 2023

The book "Sugar's Sweet and Bitter Story" by Dr. Ulbe Bosma discusses how sugar became so important in our lives. It tells us that using sugar has become a big part of our society recently. People in India started making sugar from sugarcane around the sixth century. History of Sugarcane: Long ago, sugarcane was known in India even before the sixth century. They knew about rock sugar too. Granulated sugar, like the one we use today, was known since the sixth century. But it was only in the 19th century that people in Europe started getting refined sugar easily. Th... Read More...

China's Assertive Territorial Claims Strategy

Aug 24, 2023

Q1: What is China's approach towards its territorial claims in recent times? China has been adopting a more assertive approach in asserting its territorial claims against neighboring countries. This strategy is aimed at dissuading these countries from strengthening their ties with a major global power. Q2: How has China's assertive behavior affected diplomatic efforts? China's more forceful approach has impacted diplomatic efforts between China and its neighbors. Talks aimed at resolving border issues have been slow due to China... Read More...

Investment Cycle Trends and Outlook:Current and Textbook

Aug 24, 2023

Q1: What does recent information suggest about the investment cycle? Recent trends indicate that the investment cycle is gaining momentum due to increased corporate project investment plans and higher capital outlay for projects funded by lenders. Q2: How has the investment landscape changed recently? During the fiscal year 2022-23, there were 982 planned projects with a record capital outlay of ₹3,52,624 crore, showing a significant increase compared to the previous fiscal year. Q3: What portion o... Read More...

WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine: An Overview

Aug 23, 2023

What is the WHO's Global Summit on Traditional Medicine? The first-ever Global Summit on Traditional Medicine is part of the G20 Health Ministers' Meeting in Gandhinagar. Co-hosted by India's Ministry of Ayush, it focuses on promoting holistic health through the integration of ancient wisdom and modern science. What's the theme and duration of the summit? The summit takes place from August 17th to 18th under the theme "Towards Health and Well-being for All." It explores how traditional and complementary medicine can a... Read More...

Jal Jeevan Mission: New Milestone with Piped Water Progress

Aug 23, 2023

1. What's the recent achievement in India's rural water supply? India's Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved a significant milestone, with two out of every three rural households now having functional piped water connections. 2. What is the focus of the Jal Jeevan Mission? The Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water connections to all of India's 194.2 million rural households by the end of 2024. The goal is to ensure access to 55 liters of clean water per person per day. 3. How much p... Read More...

Pulses in India:Bird's Eye View

Aug 23, 2023

Q1: What is the current status of India's pulses production? India's pulses production has reached a record high of 26.96 million metric tonnes (MMT) in the year 2021-22. This represents a significant increase from the production levels of 19.26 MMT in 2013-14. Q2: How has import dependency on pulses changed in recent years? Import dependency on pulses has decreased from 19% in 2013-14 to around 9% in 2021-22. It is projected to further decrease to around 3% by the year 2030-31. Q3: What has ... Read More...

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for MSMEs in Pharma

Aug 23, 2023

What is 'Schedule M'? Schedule M refers to the mandatory guidelines established by the Indian government that specify Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSMEs) involved in drug manufacturing. Why has the Indian government decided to enforce 'Schedule M'? The Indian government aims to ensure quality assurance, reduce the compliance burden in the pharmaceutical sector, and bolster the confidence of consumers in the products manufactured by MSMEs. Furthermore, it seeks to reinforce India&#... Read More...

3D-Printed Post Office in Bengaluru

Aug 23, 2023

1. What is 3D printing? 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects from digital models by adding material layer by layer. 2. How does 3D printing work? A digital 3D model is designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The model is sliced into thin horizontal layers using slicing software. A 3D printer reads the sliced model and deposits material based on the design specifications,... Read More...

Disaster Management and Centre-State Relations

Aug 23, 2023

The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the division of powers between the central government and state governments by categorizing subjects into three lists: the Union List, the State List, and the Concurrent List. Each list contains specific subjects on which the respective governments can legislate and exercise executive authority. The distribution of powers is intended to maintain a balance between the central authority and the autonomy of state governments. The Centre has legislative and executive powers over entries in the Union List whereas States have similar powers over... Read More...

Katchatheevu Dispute:All That the Aspirant Should Know

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What is Katchatheevu and where is it located? Katchatheevu is a small uninhabited island situated between Neduntheevu, Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, India. Its historical significance is attributed to its use by both Sri Lankan Tamil and Tamil Nadu fishermen. FAQ 2: What historical conflict surrounded Katchatheevu between India and Sri Lanka? Katchatheevu was a contested region between India and Sri Lanka until 1974. Ownership of t... Read More...

Indian Parliament and the Privileges Committee

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What is the Indian Parliament Privileges Committee? The Indian Parliament Privileges Committee is a specialized parliamentary committee responsible for overseeing and safeguarding the privileges and immunities enjoyed by Members of Parliament (MPs) within the legislative process. FAQ 2: What are parliamentary privileges? Parliamentary privileges are legal rights and immunities granted to MPs to ensure their freedom of speech, expression, and action while performing their parliamentary duties. These privileges aim to protect MPs from leg... Read More...

We, the People of India" Meaning

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What does "We, the People of India" mean? "We, the People of India" is the opening phrase of the Preamble to the Constitution of India. It signifies the collective identity of the citizens of India and their role as the ultimate source of authority and power in shaping the nation's destiny. FAQ 2: What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution? The Preamble is a concise introductory statement that outlines the objectives and aspirations of the Constitution. It sets the tone and framework for the constitutional p... Read More...

Ragging Tragedy at Jadavpur University: Uncovering the Factors

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What recent incident occurred at Jadavpur University? A first-year student at Jadavpur University in West Bengal tragically died allegedly due to ragging by senior students. This incident has sparked discussions about campus politics, administrative lapses, and the prevailing practice of ragging on campus. FAQ 2: What are the key details of the incident? The victim was a first-year student in the Bengali department who fell to his death from the second floor of the university's boys' hostel. The incident occurred in the early ho... Read More...

Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) in the New Education Policy 2022

Aug 23, 2023

Q1. What does the New Education Policy 2022 focus on regarding Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)? The New Education Policy (NEP) 2022 places significant emphasis on Early Childhood Care & Education, particularly for children aged 3 to 6 years. Q2. Why is early brain development highlighted in the NEP? The NEP reveals that more than 85% of a child's brain development occurs by the age of six, stressing the importance of nurturing both cognitive and physical growth during these critical years. Read More...