UPSC Daily Current Affairs

MARTIAL ARTS: JIU-JITSU, AIKIDO, AND MORE

Sep 06, 2024

MARTIAL ARTS: JIU-JITSU, AIKIDO, AND MORE Martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu and Aikido, among others, offer a rich tapestry of physical and mental disciplines originating from different parts of the world, each with its unique philosophy and techniques. Jiu-Jitsu, often referred to as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. Its roots can be traced back to Judo and traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. The objective is to control one's opponent through techniques that force him or her to submit. It emphasizes leveraging one’s strength and tactics, making it a popular choice for sel... Read More...

INS Arighaat:India Strengthens its Nuclear Triad

Sep 06, 2024

INS Arighaat:India Strengthens its Nuclear Triad Q: What is the significance of INS Arighaat's commissioning for India? A: INS Arighaat is India's second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. It joins INS Arihant, which was commissioned in 2016, to bolster India's nuclear deterrence capabilities. This means India can now launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea, making it harder for any potential enemy to attack. Q: How is INS Arighaat different from its predecessor, INS Arihant? A: While both submarines share the same reactor and size, Arighaat boasts significant technological advancement... Read More...

Ban on 156 Fixed-Dose Combinations

Sep 06, 2024

Ban on 156 Fixed-Dose Combinations Q1: What are fixed-dose combinations (FDCs)? A: Fixed-dose combinations involve two or more active drugs combined in a single dosage form. These are intended to treat multiple symptoms or conditions at once. Q2: Why did the Union government ban 156 FDCs? A: The ban was implemented because these FDCs were found to be "irrational," meaning there was insufficient scientific evidence to prove their safety and effectiveness. This precautionary measure aims to protect public health from potential adverse effects. Q3: What are the main concerns associated... Read More...

INS ARIGHAT SSBN: INDIA COMMISSIONS SECOND NUCLEAR MISSILE SUBMARINE

Sep 06, 2024

INS ARIGHAT SSBN: INDIA COMMISSIONS SECOND NUCLEAR MISSILE SUBMARINE Significant advancement in India’s naval capabilities with the commissioning of its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighat which emphasizes India’s ongoing enhancement of its nuclear deterrent and robust second-strike capability. INS Arighat, referred to as S-3, is the successor in the Arihant-class submarine line following INS Arihant (S-2). With a displacement of 6,000 tonnes, it is designed for extended patrols in the Indo-Pacific, armed with K-15 nuclear ballistic missiles that have a range of 750 km. This commissioning underscores India’s str... Read More...

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Farmers' Producers Organisations (FPOs)

Sep 06, 2024

Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Farmers' Producers Organisations (FPOs): Q1: What is the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF)? A: The AIF is a central government initiative in India designed to bolster agricultural infrastructure in the country. It aims to facilitate investments in projects that enhance post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets, improving agricultural output and farmers' incomes. Q2: How has the AIF been redesigned to benefit Farmers' Producers Organisations (FPOs)? A: The Union Cabinet has expanded the AIF to specifically include support f... Read More...

UPI’s Global Expansion: The Story So Far

Sep 06, 2024

UPI’s Global Expansion: The Story So Far India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has dramatically reshaped the digital payment sector within the country, and is now making strides on the international stage. Promoted by influential figures like Governor Shaktikanta Das, UPI’s global adoption aims to extend its profound efficiencies worldwide, though it faces numerous challenges. Progress and Aims: Governor Shaktikanta Das has been advocating for UPI as an integral tool for global financial transactions at various international forums, including the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai. The primary goal is to make UPI a global ... Read More...

Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS):Simplifier

Sep 06, 2024

Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS):Simplifier What is the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS)? The Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) is India’s own space station, set for a launch date in 2028, with operational plans extending to 2035. It represents a significant advancement in India’s space capabilities. What are the goals of BAS? The primary goal of BAS is to establish a stable platform for advanced scientific research and technological demonstrations in orbit. It aims to foster innovative developments in space technology and science, particularly as the ISS is expected to be decommissioned by 2030. Read More...

BPaL(M) & NEW STRATEGIES FOR TB CONTROL IN INDIA

Sep 06, 2024

BPaL(M) & NEW STRATEGIES FOR TB CONTROL IN INDIA BPaL(M): A Breakthrough in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment The fight against tuberculosis (TB) faces a growing challenge: the rising prevalence of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), a form of the disease that doesn't respond to standard medications. This poses a significant threat to global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where DR-TB is more common. Traditional treatment regimens for DR-TB have been lengthy, complex, and often involved painful injections. This has hindered treatment adherence and contributed to the spread of the disease. In response to this urgent need... Read More...

INDIA’S CRITICAL MINERALS DIPLOMACY

Sep 06, 2024

INDIA’S CRITICAL MINERALS DIPLOMACY The Economic Survey of 2023-24 highlighted India’s significant reliance on China for critical minerals as a critical vulnerability. To address this, the Indian government introduced the Critical Mineral Mission, as announced by the Finance Minister in the 2024 Budget speech. The mission focuses on domestic production, recycling, and overseas acquisition, emphasizing the need for a diversified supply chain to support India’s ambitions in renewable energy and electric vehicles. China’s Dominance in Critical Minerals China’s control over critical minerals has become more... Read More...

ATLANTIC NINA:FAQs

Sep 06, 2024

ATLANTIC NINA:FAQs What is Atlantic Niña? Atlantic Niña is a climatic phenomenon that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by cooler than normal sea surface temperatures. It is similar to La Niña, which occurs in the Pacific Ocean, but it tends to have different impacts on weather patterns. How does Atlantic Niña affect hurricane activity? Atlantic Niña typically leads to less ideal conditions for hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean due to the cooler sea surface temperatures it brings. This can result in fewer and potentially less intense tropical storms and hurr... Read More...

ASTHENOSPHERE: KEY LAYER OF EARTH’S MANTLE

Sep 06, 2024

ASTHENOSPHERE: KEY LAYER OF EARTH’S MANTLE The asthenosphere is a crucial, yet less visible layer of Earth’s mantle that lies beneath the lithosphere, the planet’s rigid outer layer. This infographic explains what the asthenosphere is and why it’s important. Here are some additional details and commonly asked questions to deepen the understanding of Earth’s structural layers. What is the asthenosphere made of? The asthenosphere consists of solid rock that behaves plastically due to high temperatures and pressures. This semi-fluid like behavior allows the rocks to flow slowly, which is critical for the movemen... Read More...

Gender Budget Statement (GBS)

Sep 06, 2024

Gender Budget Statement (GBS) What is the Gender Budget Statement (GBS)? The Gender Budget Statement (GBS) is a component of India's national budget framework aimed at promoting gender equality through dedicated financial allocations. Established in 2005-06, the GBS identifies and quantifies the government's fiscal commitment to enhancing women's welfare and advancing gender equality. Why was the GBS introduced? The GBS was introduced to ensure a focused approach towards addressing gender disparities in various sectors. It aims to mainstream gender through budgetary processes, ensuring that financial re... Read More...

Malaiyaha Tamils of Sri Lanka: FAQs

Sep 06, 2024

Malaiyaha Tamils of Sri Lanka: FAQs Q: Who are the Malaiyaha Tamils? A: The Malaiyaha Tamils are a distinct community in Sri Lanka, primarily residing in the central highlands (also known as the "Hill Country"). Their ancestors were brought from South India by the British during the 19th and 20th centuries to work as indentured laborers on tea, coffee, and rubber plantations. Q: What challenges have the Malaiyaha Tamils faced historically? A: Historically, the Malaiyaha Tamils have faced numerous challenges, including: Stateless... Read More...

SHe-Box Portal for Sexual Harassment Complaints

Sep 06, 2024

SHe-Box Portal for Sexual Harassment Complaints Q1: What is the SHe-Box portal? A: The SHe-Box portal is an online platform launched by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development for registering and monitoring complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace.Sexual Harassment electronic Box B Q2: What services does the SHe-Box portal offer? A: The portal provides a unified platform where individuals can file complaints of sexual harassment, track the status of their complaints, and receive updates on the resolution process. It ensures time-bound processing by Internal Committees (ICs). Read More...

Laser Technology:Revolutionizing Eye Care

Sep 06, 2024

Laser Technology:Revolutionizing Eye Care Q1: What is a laser and how does it work? A1: LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It works by emitting a concentrated beam of light with unique properties like coherence and monochromaticity. The concept was theorized by Einstein in 1917 and first built in 1960. Q2: What is Chirped Pulse Amplification (CPA) and why is it important? A2: CPA is a technique developed in the 1980s that allows for amplification of ultrashort laser pulses without damaging the amplifying material. It's crucial for creating high-intensity, precise l... Read More...