UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA and ASEAN: TRADE, SECURITY, AND POLICY FRAMEWORK:PRIMER

Sep 17, 2024

INDIA and ASEAN: TRADE, SECURITY, AND POLICY FRAMEWORK:PRIMER 1. What is the purpose of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to ASEAN countries? The visit to Brunei and Singapore aims to strengthen India’s “Act East” policy, which focuses on building strategic and economic partnerships in Southeast Asia. The trip underlines efforts to reconnect with ASEAN countries, focusing on trade, defence, and technological cooperation. 2. Why is the ASEAN region important for India’s strategic interests? ASEAN is crucial due to its geographic location, bridging East and South Asia. Ma... Read More...

SWISS PEACE PROCESS FOR UKRAINE

Sep 17, 2024

SWISS PEACE PROCESS FOR UKRAINE The Swiss Peace Process for Ukraine refers to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, utilizing Switzerland's neutral status as a platform for dialogue and negotiation. Here are some key aspects of this initiative: 1. Origin and Purpose: The Swiss Peace Process includes a series of international summits and meetings hosted in Switzerland, known for its neutrality and diplomatic mediation capabilities. The primary goal is to establish a framework for peace that addresses the core issues of the conflict and involves all relevant stakeholders. Read More...

ARCTIC SEA ICE & INDIAN MONSOON PATTERNS:SIMPLIFIER

Sep 17, 2024

ARCTIC SEA ICE & INDIAN MONSOON PATTERNS:SIMPLIFIER 1. **What is the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM)?** The Indian Summer Monsoon typically refers to the seasonal rain-bearing winds that reverse direction in response to the warming of the Indian subcontinent and the cooling of the surrounding ocean. This system is crucial for agriculture in India, bringing most of the region's annual rainfall from June to September. 2. ****How does Arctic sea ice influence the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM)?** Decreases in Arctic sea ice significantly influence global weather patterns, including t... Read More...

National Health Mission

Sep 17, 2024

1. What is the National One Health Mission? The National One Health Mission is a comprehensive initiative by the Government of India designed to integrate and enhance disease control and pandemic preparedness across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. It coordinates various ministries and private sector efforts towards a unified health approach. 2. Why is the One Health approach important? The One Health approach is crucial because it acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This holistic view is essential for preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases, managing ... Read More...

RAMANA MAHARSHI: A SPIRITUAL ICON

Sep 17, 2024

RAMANA MAHARSHI: A SPIRITUAL ICON 1. WHO IS RAMANA MAHARSHI? Ramana Maharshi was an Indian sage and spiritual teacher known for his profound teachings on self-inquiry and non-dualism. Born as Venkataraman Iyer in 1879 in Tamil Nadu, he attained enlightenment at the age of 16 and later became one of the most revered spiritual figures in modern India. His teachings emphasize realizing one’s true self (Atman) as the path to liberation. 2. WHAT WAS RAMANA MAHARSHI’S TEACHING ON SELF-INQUIRY? Ramana Maharshi’s core teaching is the method of self-inquiry, which involves asking the ... Read More...

CHINESE FDI DILEMMA IN INDIA: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Sep 17, 2024

CHINESE FDI DILEMMA IN INDIA: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 1. What is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)? FDI refers to investments made by a company or individual from one country into business interests in another country. It typically involves establishing operations or acquiring assets in the foreign country, including ownership or control in a business. 2. What is the significance of Chinese FDI in India? Chinese investments, particularly in sectors like electronics, telecommunications, and technology, have played a vital role in supporting India’s manufacturing ambitions. T... Read More...

PARIS PARALYMPICS:INDIA’S SUCCESS

Sep 17, 2024

PARIS PARALYMPICS:INDIA’S SUCCESS 1. What are the Paris Paralympics? The Paralympic Games are a major international multi-sport event involving athletes with a range of disabilities. Following the Olympic Games, the Paralympics are held in the same host city and use many of the same facilities, promoting the capabilities and achievements of athletes with disabilities. 2. How did India perform at the Paris Paralympics 2024? India achieved its best-ever performance in the history of the Paralympics, securing a total of 29 medals, which included 6 gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze m... Read More...

NORTH INDIAN OCEAN:TWO CYCLONE SEASONS

Sep 17, 2024

NORTH INDIAN OCEAN:TWO CYCLONE SEASONS 1. What are the two distinct cyclone seasons in the North Indian Ocean? The North Indian Ocean experiences two main cyclone seasons annually: the pre-monsoon season from April to June, and the post-monsoon season from October to December. Each season is characterized by specific climatic conditions that facilitate cyclone development. 2. Why does the North Indian Ocean have two cyclone seasons? The unique geographic and climatic setup of the North Indian Ocean allows for two distinct cyclone seasons. This region experiences a significant revers... Read More...

Climate Change & Indian Coastal Cities: Vulnerabilities and Policy Responses

Sep 16, 2024

Climate Change & Indian Coastal Cities: Vulnerabilities and Policy Responses Vulnerabilities in Indian Coastal Cities: Indian coastal cities face numerous climate-related challenges that stem from their geographical positioning and environmental factors: • Mumbai experiences severe flooding, exacerbated by high tides and heavy monsoon rains, which often lead to significant urban disruption. • Chennai has faced recurrent flooding issues which were partly due to inadequate stormwater drainage systems coupled with unplanned urban sprawl. • Kochi is vulnerable to rising sea levels and inc... Read More...

HEAT WAVES IN SOUTHWEST INDIA: CAUSES AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Sep 16, 2024

HEAT WAVES IN SOUTHWEST INDIA: CAUSES AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES CAUSES OF HEAT WAVES IN SOUTHWEST INDIA 1. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO): ENSO influences temperature and weather patterns through its warm (El Niño) and cool (La Niña) phases, altering monsoon dynamics and leading to increased temperatures in Southwest India during El Niño years, while La Niña can indirectly contribute to unusual local heat conditions. 2. Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO): The PDO, which shifts between warm and cool ocean te... Read More...

NAXALISM IN INDIA: ON DECLINE

Sep 16, 2024

NAXALISM IN INDIA: ON DECLINE 1. What is Naxalism, and how did it originate? Naxalism, also referred to as Maoism, is a communist insurgency that began in 1967 in the Naxalbari village of West Bengal, where peasants revolted against local landlords. The movement was inspired by Maoist ideologies, advocating for armed revolution to overthrow the state. It spread across rural and tribal areas in states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh, where marginalised communities faced exploitation and poor living conditions. 2. Why did Naxalism grow in certain regions of India? Naxalism gained momentum in r... Read More...

INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS: STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Sep 16, 2024

INDIA-MALDIVES RELATIONS: STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS 1. What is the historical context of India-Maldives relations? India and the Maldives share a deep historical and cultural relationship, marked by mutual cooperation in areas like trade, tourism, and defence. India has consistently supported the Maldives in times of need, such as providing military assistance during political unrest (Operation Cactus in 1988) and offering financial aid during economic crises. India is one of the Maldives’ most significant partners, helping in sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. 2. Why is the Maldives... Read More...

CYBORGS AND NEURALINK:MERGING MAN AND MACHINE

Sep 16, 2024

CYBORGS AND NEURALINK:MERGING MAN AND MACHINE 1. What Are Cyborgs in Today’s World? Cyborgs refer to individuals who integrate technology into their bodies to enhance or restore physical or sensory functions. Today, advanced prosthetics, implants, and sensory enhancement devices are increasingly blurring the line between human and machine. People with cochlear implants to restore hearing or robotic prosthetics controlled by neural signals are prime examples of modern-day cyborgs. 2. What Is Neuralink’s Vision? Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, aims to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that... Read More...

NSE EMERGE & BSE SME:SME EXCHANGES AND THEIR IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES

Sep 16, 2024

NSE EMERGE & BSE SME:SME EXCHANGES AND THEIR IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESSES What are NSE Emerge and BSE SME? NSE Emerge and BSE SME are platforms provided by the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, respectively. These platforms are tailored for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India, allowing them to list their shares without a traditional Initial Public Offering (IPO). This facilitates easier access to capital markets, helping SMEs connect with a broader investor base. Why are more SMEs choosing to list on these platforms? SMEs are opting for these platforms due to the simpler list... Read More...

TECHNICAL TEXTILES:SIMPLIFIER

Sep 16, 2024

TECHNICAL TEXTILES:SIMPLIFIER What are technical textiles? Technical textiles are materials and products manufactured primarily for their technical and performance properties rather than aesthetic or decorative characteristics. They are used in various applications across industries such as automotive, medical, agriculture, construction, and protective clothing. What drives the growth of technical textiles in India? The growth is propelled by increasing demand in sectors like healthcare, automotive, and infrastructure. Government initiatives such as the National Technical Textiles Mission and PLI Scheme... Read More...