UPSC Daily Current Affairs

US, Japan, and South Korea "Duty to Consult" Pledge

Aug 23, 2023

Q1. What is the new "duty to consult" pledge involving the United States, Japan, and South Korea? The United States, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to a new security pledge that commits the three countries to consult with each other in the event of a security crisis or threat in the Pacific region. Q2. What does the "duty to consult" pledge entail? Under the pledge, the three countries agree to consult, share information, and coordinate their responses in the face of a security threat or crisis. The commitment is meant ... Read More...

Supreme Court's Gender Stereotype Handbook

Aug 23, 2023

Stereotypes are oversimplified and often inaccurate beliefs or assumptions about individuals based on their characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, or profession. These preconceived notions can lead to bias, discrimination, and unfair treatment, hindering the pursuit of equality and inclusivity in society 1. What is the 'Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes'? The 'Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes' is a guide released by the Supreme Court of India. It aims to raise awareness among judges about gender-biased language and stereotypes present in court judgmen... Read More...

India-China Military Talks

Aug 23, 2023

Q: What is the recent development between India and China in Ladakh? A: Indian and Chinese division commanders met to discuss troop disengagement in standoff areas like Depsang and Demchok. This follows higher-level talks and ongoing discussions to ease tensions. Q: What is the purpose of these meetings? A: These meetings aim to build confidence and address border tensions. They focus on disengagement of troops from disputed areas and improving communication between the Indian and Chinese militaries. Read More...

India,Iran,Chabahar and BRICS

Aug 23, 2023

Q: What recent diplomatic engagement took place involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi? A: In anticipation of the upcoming BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a phone conversation with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi. Q: What was the focus of the discussion between Modi and Raisi? A: During their conversation, the leaders discussed both bilateral and regional matters. Prime Minister Modi underscored the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and... Read More...

Hot Jupiter's Companion: A Remarkable Brown Dwarf Discovery

Aug 22, 2023

Astronomers have made a fascinating discovery in the cosmos – a new type of ‘Hot Jupiter’ exoplanet that challenges our understanding of these celestial bodies. Hot Jupiters are a class of exoplanets that orbit very close to their host stars, leading to scorching surface temperatures. In this recent finding, scientists have come across a ‘hot-Jupiter’ with an extraordinary twist – it has a surface temperature 2,000 degrees hotter than our Sun. Published in 'Nature Astronomy', the study presents a system with two celestial bodies located 1,400 light-years away. This sys... Read More...

Chandrayaan-3: Vikram Lander, Pragyan Rover, and Propulsion Module

Aug 22, 2023

Question: What is Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander? Answer: Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander is a crucial component of India's lunar exploration mission. It is designed to perform a "soft landing" on the moon's surface and deploy the Pragyan Rover. Question: Tell me about the Pragyan Rover. Answer: The Pragyan Rover is a robotic vehicle carried by the Vikram Lander. It is equipped with scientific instruments to conduct experiments on the lunar surface and analyze its chemical composition. Read More...

Niger Crisis and Indians

Aug 22, 2023

Q1: What is the current situation in Niger? The situation in Niger is deteriorating, marked by political instability and conflict, making it one of the most politically unstable and conflict-prone countries in West Africa. Q2: Why were a group of Indians, including Keralites, stranded in Niger? A group of Indians, including Keralites, were stranded in Niger's capital city, Niamey, due to the deteriorating security situation. They were seeking evacuation from the Sahel region, but their pleas for help from the Indian Embassy went unanswered... Read More...

NDMA and Cell Broadcast Technology for Emergency Alerts

Aug 22, 2023

1. What is cell broadcast technology for emergency alerts? Cell Broadcast Technology is a wireless communication method that allows authorities to send out emergency alert messages to mobile devices within a specific geographical area. These messages are broadcast to all devices within the coverage range of a particular cell tower, regardless of whether the recipient is making a call or using data services. 2. How does cell broadcast technology work? Cell broadcast technology sends out short text-based messages to all mobile devices connected ... Read More...

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Aug 22, 2023

Creation of Databases: The amendment mandates the maintenance of a national-level database of births and deaths by the Registrar General of India and state-level databases by Chief Registrars in each state. Database Usage: The databases will provide information to update various national-level databases, including the National Population Register, Aadhaar database, electoral rolls, ration card, passport, etc. Aadhaar Collection: The Aadhaar number of parents will be collected during birth registration. Read More...

PM Vishwakarma Scheme:

Aug 22, 2023

1. What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme? The PM Vishwakarma Scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing economic support to traditional craftspeople and artisans in India. It offers concessional loans to artisans from various trades to help them access affordable credit. 2. What is the objective of the scheme? The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to artisans by offering loans at a low interest rate, enabling them to overcome challenges in accessing formal credit. It also intends to enhance the economic viability of traditional... Read More...

`Sanhit Bills`- Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA):

Aug 22, 2023

table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; } th, td { border: 1px solid black; padding: 8px; text-align: left; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; } To Change or Not to Change Aspect Arguments in Favor of Change Arguments against Change Examples of IPC Examples of CrPC Examples of IEA Modernization Updating cybercrime laws to address new forms of online offenses. Current laws might still cover v... Read More...

Sri Lanka Debt Crisis:Rile of India,Japan and China

Aug 22, 2023

China's role in Sri Lanka's debt crisis has sparked discussions about its debt-trap diplomacy and absence from international platforms like the Paris Club. Here's a breakdown of the different approaches taken by India, Japan, and China in addressing the crisis: India's Approach: India has stressed the importance of transparency, comparable terms, and parity in Sri Lanka's debt restructuring process. It plays a leading role by co-chairing the "official creditor committee" along with Japan and France, indicating activ... Read More...

Iran-Saudi Arabia Thaw:Pull and Push Factors

Aug 22, 2023

Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, recently visited Saudi Arabia, marking a significant diplomatic event after years of strained relations between the two nations. The detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia, mediated by China, has both pull and push factors shaping this development. Pull Factors: Regional Stability: Both Iran and Saudi Arabia recognize the importance of regional stability. The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, such as the Yemen war, have strained their resources and international reputation. A detente could lead to... Read More...

Supply-Side Factors Impacting Inflation in India

Aug 22, 2023

Vegetable Price Shocks: The surge in vegetable prices, triggered by unexpected shocks in tomato prices, has been a significant driver of inflation. These price pressures extended into the first half of August, contributing to the overall rise in consumer prices. Electricity Price Hike: A noteworthy sequential increase of 4.3% in electricity prices added to the inflationary pressures. Higher energy costs have implications for various sectors and can amplify the overall inflation trend. Crude Oil Price Uncertainty: The uncertain outlook for crud... Read More...

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme Expansion and Progress Toys, Footwear, and Leather

Aug 22, 2023

1. What is the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme? The PLI scheme is a government initiative launched in 2020 to attract investments and promote manufacturing and exports in specific sectors of the economy. It offers incentives based on incremental sales to be distributed over a period of five years. 2. Which sectors are currently covered under the PLI scheme? The scheme initially covered 14 sunrise and strategic sectors, including auto and auto components, electronics and IT hardware, telecom, pharmaceuticals, solar modules, metals and ... Read More...