UPSC Daily Current Affairs

PRAGYAN ROVER of CHANDRAYAAN-3 EXPLORES MOON’S SOUTH POLE: 1st ANNIVERSARY

Aug 31, 2024

PRAGYAN ROVER of CHANDRAYAAN-3 EXPLORES MOON’S SOUTH POLE: 1st ANNIVERSARY 1. What is Chandrayaan-3? Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third mission to the Moon, launched to explore the Moon’s south pole. It includes a lander called Vikram and a rover called Pragyan. 2. Why is the Moon’s South Pole Important? The Moon’s south pole is special because no other mission has explored it up close before. It might have water ice and important minerals that could help future space missions. 3. What Did Pragyan Discover? Pragyan, the rover, found that... Read More...

VIKSIT BHARAT( $30 TRILLION ) ECONOMY: PRODUCTIVITY IS THE KEY

Aug 31, 2024

VIKSIT BHARAT( $30 TRILLION ) ECONOMY: PRODUCTIVITY IS THE KEY To realize the ambitious goal of becoming a $30 trillion economy by 2047, India must prioritize productivity enhancements across key sectors. Here’s how this can be achieved, supported by concrete examples: 1. Enhancing Workforce Efficiency: • Example: The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) offers financial incentives for skill training in industries like automotive and electronics. This helps bridge the skill gap by aligning education with industry demands, thus increasing productivity. • The push for specialized training pr... Read More...

CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION: FIRST ANNIVERSARY

Aug 31, 2024

CHANDRAYAAN-3 MISSION: FIRST ANNIVERSARY 1. What made Chandrayaan-3’s landing so significant? Chandrayaan-3 was the first mission to successfully soft land near the lunar South Pole, a region of immense scientific interest for its potential frozen water reserves. This success cemented India’s position in the global space race, especially after several other countries failed in similar attempts. 2. How did Chandrayaan-3 differ from the failed Chandrayaan-2 mission? The Chandrayaan-3 mission incorporated crucial design changes, including improved control software to handle any issues during landing.... Read More...

BRICS EXPANSION: A QUEST FOR GREATER GLOBAL INFLUENCE

Aug 31, 2024

BRICS EXPANSION: A QUEST FOR GREATER GLOBAL INFLUENCE SUMMARY On January 1, 2024, BRICS expanded by admitting Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, marking a strategic move aimed at enhancing its global standing. The expansion not only broadens BRICS’ geopolitical influence but also strengthens its financial tools, positioning it as a potential alternative to Western-dominated institutions like the World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). KEY POINTS: 1. Introduction and Background: • BRICS was initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with S... Read More...

SVALBARD GLACIER MELT CRISIS

Aug 30, 2024

SVALBARD GLACIER MELT CRISIS What is the main concern regarding the Svalbard glaciers in 2024? The glaciers in Svalbard have experienced record levels of melting due to unusually high summer temperatures. This significant ice loss is alarming, given that Svalbard is one of the fastest-warming regions on the planet. Where is Svalbard located and why is it significant? Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago situated between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Over half of its land area is covered by ice, making it one of the key glaciated regions outside Greenland and Antarctica. How high were the... Read More...

SWIFT: GLOBAL FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Aug 30, 2024

SWIFT: GLOBAL FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) is a global messaging network that facilitates secure communication between financial institutions, allowing them to exchange information about financial transactions. SWIFT plays a central role in global finance, acting as the backbone of international banking. KEY FEATURES OF SWIFT 1. Not a Financial Institution: SWIFT itself is not a bank and does not handle funds, accounts, or securities. 2. Secure Messaging: It standardizes communication across financial institu... Read More...

BRICS EXPANSION and INDIA

Aug 30, 2024

BRICS EXPANSION and INDIA The BRICS group underwent a significant expansion at its 15th Summit 2023 held in Johannesburg, South Africa. This expansion, known as BRICS+, became official on January 1, 2024, with the addition of five new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This enlargement represents a crucial development in the evolution of the BRICS alliance, potentially reshaping its influence and dynamics on the global stage. Q1: What is the significance of the recent BRICS expansion? The BRICS expansion, which includes Egypt, Ethi... Read More...

INDIA AND AI: ACHIEVEMENTS, INITIATIVES, AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Aug 30, 2024

INDIA AND AI: ACHIEVEMENTS, INITIATIVES, AND FUTURE PROSPECTS Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology enabling machines to replicate human intelligence and decision-making capabilities. AI has evolved significantly, with generative AI models like ChatGPT marking a crucial turning point. These models can now synthesize human language, images, videos, and more, offering applications across sectors. In India, AI is poised to drive the digital economy, enhance governance, and contribute to GDP growth. According to the India AI Expert Group Report (2023), AI could add up to USD 500 billion t... Read More...

LADAKH’S ROCK ART: AN ANCIENT TREASURE TROVE

Aug 30, 2024

LADAKH’S ROCK ART: AN ANCIENT TREASURE TROVE BASICS OF LADAKH’S ROCK ART Ladakh’s landscape is home to a vast collection of ancient rock art, primarily petroglyphs, spread across various remote locations. These rock carvings, some dating back 5,000 years, are etched onto stones across river valleys, mountain passes, and secluded trails. They depict hunting scenes, ritual dances, community life, and animals like ibex and wild goats. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) 1. What is the significance of the rock art in Ladakh? The petroglyphs in Lad... Read More...

CHANAKYA’S MANDALA THEORY TODAY: FOREIGN POLICY

Aug 30, 2024

CHANAKYA’S MANDALA THEORY TODAY: FOREIGN POLICY Chanakya’s Mandala Theory, as detailed in his Arthashastra, remains a valuable framework for understanding the intricacies of international relations even today. The theory categorizes a state’s foreign relations into four types: • Ari (Enemies): Nations that pose direct threats to the state’s security or interests. • Mitra (Allies): Countries that share common interests and form strategic partnerships. • Madhyama (Mediators): States that act as neutral arbitrators between conflicting partie... Read More...

BRICS AND THE WORLD ORDER TODAY: EXPANSION, IMPACT, AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Aug 30, 2024

BRICS AND THE WORLD ORDER TODAY: EXPANSION, IMPACT, AND FUTURE OUTLOOK 1. New Members of BRICS • On January 1, 2024, BRICS expanded to include Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, and Egypt. • Saudi Arabia was also invited but is still considering its membership. Argentina was invited but declined under President Javier Milei, aligning more with the US and Israel. Malaysia and Thailand have shown interest in joining. 2. The Driving Force Behind Expansion • China is the key driver, aiming to increase global influence by courting countries traditionally allied with t... Read More...

RHUMI-1 ROCKET LAUNCH

Aug 30, 2024

RHUMI-1 ROCKET LAUNCH 1. What is Rhumi-1? Rhumi-1 is India’s first hybrid reusable rocket designed and developed by Space Zone One. It features a hybrid propulsion system that uses a liquid oxidizer and solid fuel. 2. When and where is the launch happening? The rocket is scheduled to be launched on August 24 from the East Coast Road coastline in Chennai using a mobile launcher. 3. What payload will the rocket carry? Rhumi-1 will carry three Cube satellites and 50 Pico satellites to an altitude of 35 km. 4. What makes Rhumi-1 special?... Read More...

THE MERCURY BOMB IN MELTING ARCTIC PERMAFROST

Aug 30, 2024

THE MERCURY BOMB IN MELTING ARCTIC PERMAFROST The melting of Arctic permafrost due to climate change is revealing hidden environmental risks, one of which is the potential release of mercury that has been trapped for thousands of years in the frozen soil. Below are key points regarding the impact of this phenomenon: 1. Mercury Accumulation in Permafrost • Large quantities of mercury are stored in permafrost, accumulated over millennia. • As global temperatures rise, the permafrost thaws, releasing this mercury into soil, water, and the atmosphere. 2. Impact on Water Systems a... Read More...

2+2 DIALOGUE FORMAT: INDIA-JAPAN

Aug 30, 2024

2+2 DIALOGUE FORMAT: INDIA-JAPAN Importance of the 2+2 Dialogue: 1. Enhanced Strategic Coordination: The 2+2 dialogue format involves both the foreign and defense ministers of two countries, allowing for comprehensive discussions on geopolitical, security, and strategic matters. For India and key partners like Japan, the United Kingdom, and others, this format strengthens coordination in addressing shared challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and other strategic regions. 2. Indo-Pacific Focus: The India-Japan 2+2 dialogue underscores the commitment to a free, open, and... Read More...

JAN POSHAN KENDRAS’

Aug 30, 2024

JAN POSHAN KENDRAS’ Context: The Central government has initiated a pilot project to rename traditional fair price shops (FPS), commonly known as ration shops, as Jan Poshan Kendras across select states in India. The move is part of a broader strategy to enhance the scope and utility of these outlets while addressing the long-standing demands of ration dealers for increased income opportunities. Significance: • Enhanced Nutritional Focus: The rebranded Jan Poshan Kendras aim to prioritize nutrition by offering a diverse range of nutritious food products. This align... Read More...