UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA AND BRAZIL RESOLVE DISPUTE AT WTO

Sep 03, 2024

INDIA AND BRAZIL RESOLVE DISPUTE AT WTO Background and Settlement India and Brazil, two of the world’s largest sugar producers, have settled a long-standing trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The dispute centered around allegations that India’s subsidies to its sugar producers were inconsistent with global trade rules, which could potentially lead to a surplus of global sugar supply. The settlement marks a significant step towards resolving issues that could have escalated into a broader trade conflict between the two nations. The Basis of the Dispute The dispute began ... Read More...

VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL RESERVATIONS IN INDIA: EXPLAINED

Sep 03, 2024

VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL RESERVATIONS IN INDIA: EXPLAINED What are Vertical and Horizontal Reservations? In India, reservations are a means of affirmative action designed to improve the representation of underrepresented communities in education, employment, and politics. The Supreme Court has provided clarifications on two types of reservations, namely vertical and horizontal reservations, which are used to ensure equity and social justice. Vertical Reservations: What Are They? Vertical reservations refer to the allocation of seats or positions reserved for specific backward communities such as Sche... Read More...

COMBINATION DRUGS: BANS

Sep 03, 2024

COMBINATION DRUGS: BANS What are Combination Drugs? Combination drugs are medications that contain more than one active ingredient to treat multiple symptoms or conditions. These drugs are designed to simplify treatment regimens by combining the effects of typically two or more drugs into one pill, potentially enhancing patient adherence to treatment protocols. Why Were They Banned? The Indian government recently implemented a ban on 156 drug combinations. This action was taken after a thorough review by an expert committee appointed by the Central Government, which found these fixed-dose combinatio... Read More...

PHILADELPHI CORRIDOR AND ITS ROLE IN THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

Sep 02, 2024

PHILADELPHI CORRIDOR AND ITS ROLE IN THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT 1. What is the Philadelphi Corridor? The Philadelphi Corridor is a narrow stretch of land along the Gaza-Egypt border, running for about 14 kilometers (8.5 miles) and approximately 100 meters wide. It was established by Israel as a buffer zone after the 1967 war to monitor and control movement between Gaza and Egypt. 2. Why is the Philadelphi Corridor significant in the Israel-Hamas conflict? The corridor has become a strategic point in negotiations because it is a key route for smuggling goods, weapons, and fighters through tunnels dug beneath it. ... Read More...

LIE DETECTION TESTS IN INDIA: WHAT, WHY, AND HOW

Sep 02, 2024

LIE DETECTION TESTS IN INDIA: WHAT, WHY, AND HOW What are Lie Detection Tests? Lie detection tests are scientific methods used to detect deception by measuring physiological responses. The three most common types in India are: 1. Polygraph Test: Measures physiological changes like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity while a person answers questions. 2. Narco-Analysis Test: The subject is administered a drug (like sodium pentothal) that lowers inhibitions, making it easier for them to speak freely. 3. Brain Mapping (P300): El... Read More...

STOCKDALE PARADOX AND INDIA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Sep 02, 2024

STOCKDALE PARADOX AND INDIA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK The Stockdale Paradox, as highlighted by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great, serves as a valuable lesson in balancing optimism with realism. Named after Admiral James Stockdale, who was a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, it emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in eventual success while simultaneously confronting harsh realities. Key Lessons from the Stockdale Paradox: • Balanced Outlook: Stockdale’s experience showed that blind optimism can lead to despair. Those who believed they would be freed by a specific time, like Christmas or... Read More...

Climate Change & Early Warning Systems (EWS) in India

Sep 02, 2024

Climate Change & Early Warning Systems (EWS) in India 1. What is an Early Warning System (EWS)? • An Early Warning System is a technology-driven process designed to detect and alert people about natural disasters like floods, cyclones, landslides, or extreme weather conditions before they happen. This helps communities prepare in advance and reduce the risk of damage and loss of life. 2. Why is EWS important for India? • India faces a wide range of natural disasters, including floods, cyclones, landslides, and droughts. With its diverse geography, India is highly vulnerable to climate ... Read More...

Glacial Lakes, GLOFs, and Expeditions

Sep 02, 2024

Glacial Lakes, GLOFs, and Expeditions 1. What is a glacier? • A glacier is like a huge frozen river made of ice and snow. It moves slowly down mountains and carries ice with it. Glaciers are found in really cold places, like high up in the Himalayas. 2. What is a glacial lake? • When glaciers melt, the water forms lakes called glacial lakes. These lakes are usually found near the bottom of a glacier and are full of icy cold water. 3. What is a GLOF? • GLOF stands for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood. It happens when a glacial lake sudd... Read More...

E-COMMERCE REGULATIONS IN INDIA:CONTROVERSY

Sep 02, 2024

E-COMMERCE REGULATIONS IN INDIA:CONTROVERSY 1. What concerns did the Indian government raise about e-commerce platforms? The government, through Minister Piyush Goyal, expressed concerns that global e-commerce giants are using corporate loopholes to offer predatory pricing. These practices harm small retailers, making it difficult for them to compete. 2. Why are deep discounts by e-commerce platforms an issue? While deep discounts attract consumers, they distort the market by drawing customers away from small retailers. Such pricing strategies are considered anti-competitive by many and can undermine the loca... Read More...

INDIA’S STRATEGIC AUTONOMY IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: SIMPLIFIER

Sep 02, 2024

INDIA’S STRATEGIC AUTONOMY IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: SIMPLIFIER 1. What is strategic autonomy? Strategic autonomy refers to a nation’s ability to make independent decisions in global affairs based on its own interests, free from external pressures or alliances. It allows for a flexible foreign policy where the country can engage with multiple partners while safeguarding its sovereignty. 2. How does India practice strategic autonomy? India maintains balanced relations with major powers like the U.S., Russia, and China. In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India’s stance has been neutral, with decisions... Read More...

INDIA’S GROWING DEFENCE EXPORTS: SURGE AND KEY MARKETS

Sep 02, 2024

INDIA’S GROWING DEFENCE EXPORTS: SURGE AND KEY MARKETS India has made significant strides in defence exports, increasing them by over 30 times in the past decade. Today, India supplies defence equipment to more than 90 countries, supported by proactive government policies like streamlined licensing and approvals. This growth comes amid global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, which have spurred demand. EXPORTS AND KEY MARKETS • India’s defence exports reached a record ₹21,083 crore ($2.63 billion) in 2023-24, reflecting a 32.5% growth over the previous year. • The US has emerged as I... Read More...

THE BIOE3 POLICY:SIMPLIFIER

Sep 02, 2024

THE BIOE3 POLICY:SIMPLIFIER 1. What is the BioE3 Policy? • The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy is a government initiative aimed at promoting innovation-driven research in biotechnology, supporting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation. 2. What are the main goals of the BioE3 Policy? • The policy focuses on advancing biotechnology research, accelerating technology development, and fostering a circular bioeconomy to support sustainable growth in India. 3. Which sectors are targeted under the BioE3 Policy? ... Read More...

VIGYAN DHARA SCHEME: SIMPLIFIER

Sep 02, 2024

VIGYAN DHARA SCHEME: SIMPLIFIER 1. What is the Vigyan Dhara Scheme? • Vigyan Dhara is a central sector scheme approved by the Indian government to enhance the nation’s scientific and technological capabilities through research, innovation, and capacity building. 2. What are the main objectives of the scheme? • The scheme focuses on building institutional and human capacities, supporting research and development, and facilitating innovation and technology deployment. 3. Which existing schemes are merged under Vigyan Dhara? • Three umbrella schemes under the... Read More...

INDIA'S BHISHM CUBES: MOBILE HOSPITALS FOR UKRAINE

Sep 02, 2024

INDIA'S BHISHM CUBES: MOBILE HOSPITALS FOR UKRAINE 1. What are Bhishm cubes? Bhishm cubes are mobile hospitals developed under Project Aarogya Maitri to provide emergency medical care during crises. Each cube contains essential medicines and equipment organized in compact, easily transportable boxes. 2. What do the cubes contain? The cubes are packed with all necessary supplies for treating up to 200 emergencies, including trauma, bleeding, fractures, burns, and shock. They also support basic surgeries and provide limited power and oxygen generation. 3. How are the cubes t... Read More...

Spacewalk

Sep 02, 2024

Spacewalk 1. What is a spacewalk? A spacewalk, or extravehicular activity (EVA), is when an astronaut leaves their spacecraft to work in space. 2. How long does a typical spacewalk last? Usually 5-8 hours. 3. What do astronauts wear during spacewalks? Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) or spacesuits, which provide oxygen, temperature control, and protection from radiation. 4. Why do astronauts perform spacewalks? To conduct repairs, installations, experiments, and maintenance on spacecraft or satellites. 5. How do... Read More...