UPSC Daily Current Affairs

T.S.R. SUBRAMANYAM CASE 2013 and CIVIL SERVICES BOARD (CSB)

Aug 30, 2024

T.S.R. SUBRAMANYAM CASE 2013 and CIVIL SERVICES BOARD (CSB) Background: In 2013, the Supreme Court, in the *T.S.R. Subramaniam & Others vs. Union of India* case, delivered a significant judgment mandating the establishment of Civil Services Boards (CSB) by both the Central and State governments. The directive aimed to curtail arbitrary transfers of IAS officers and ensure a minimum fixed tenure, thereby promoting stability and efficiency in public administration. The judgment was driven by the need to protect civil servants from undue political interference and to create a more transparent and accountable transfer and posti... 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...

UN:MULTIDIMENSIONAL VULNERABILITY INDEX(MVI)

Aug 29, 2024

UN:MULTIDIMENSIONAL VULNERABILITY INDEX(MVI) What is the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI)? The MVI is a new data-driven tool introduced by the United Nations to measure the economic vulnerability of nations, especially focusing on small island developing states (SIDS) and other developing countries. The index aims to complement traditional metrics like GDP by considering broader factors affecting a country’s resilience. Why was the MVI developed? Traditional metrics like GDP or Gross National Income (GNI) do not fully capture the unique challenges faced by SI... Read More...

Krishi-DSS: India's New Digital Agricultural Support System

Aug 29, 2024

Krishi-DSS: India's New Digital Agricultural Support System FAQs: 1. What is Krishi-DSS? Krishi-DSS is a digital geospatial platform launched by the Indian government to provide comprehensive agricultural data and support decision-making. 2. What kind of data does Krishi-DSS offer? It offers satellite images of farms, weather information, water reservoir storage, groundwater levels, and soil health information. 3. Who developed Krishi-DSS? It was jointly developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Space. Read More...

ARAVALLIS:GEOGRAPHY, ECOLOGY, ECONOMY and THREATS

Aug 29, 2024

ARAVALLIS:GEOGRAPHY, ECOLOGY, ECONOMY and THREATS The Aravalli range is a crucial natural feature that spans over 692 kilometers across northwest India, from Gujarat to Delhi. Known as one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, it plays a pivotal role in the region’s geography, ecology, and economy. However, illegal mining, deforestation, and human encroachments are threatening this vital landscape. **FAQs:** **Q1: What is the geographical significance of the Aravallis?** The Aravalli range stretches across four states—Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. It act... Read More...

INDIA’S SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE SECTOR: SIMPLIFIER

Aug 29, 2024

INDIA’S SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE SECTOR: SIMPLIFIER Q1: How has India progressed towards self-reliance in the defence sector? India has significantly reduced its reliance on imported military equipment through focused indigenisation efforts and investments in defence manufacturing. The country is emerging as a global hub for defence production. Q2: What are the key initiatives driving this transformation? • Introduction of positive indigenisation lists, identifying over 5,600 items now produced domestically, including components for aircraft, tanks, and naval systems. &bul... Read More...

WORLD’S LARGEST ICEBERG A23A: SIMPLIFIER

Aug 29, 2024

WORLD’S LARGEST ICEBERG A23A: SIMPLIFIER Q1: What is A23a? A23a is the world’s largest iceberg, which broke off from the Filchner Ice Shelf in Antarctica in 1986. Q2: Where is A23a currently located? As of April 2024, A23a is trapped in the Taylor Column, a rotating water mass within the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Q3: How large is A23a? The iceberg covers an area of 3,600 square kilometers, which is roughly twice the size of Greater London. Q4: What is the Taylor Column? The Taylor Column is a phenomenon w... Read More...

INA TRIALS:CONSEQUENCES

Aug 29, 2024

INA TRIALS:CONSEQUENCES The Indian National Army (INA) trials, also referred to as the Red Fort trials, were a series of court-martial proceedings conducted by British Indian authorities from November 1945 to May 1946. These trials targeted several officers of the Indian National Army, who faced various charges related to their actions during World War II. The accusations included treason, torture, murder, and abetting murder. The trials took place in the aftermath of the Second World War and were a significant event in the final years of British rule in India. The INA trials ... Read More...

MANOJ SONI:SPIRITUAL JOURNEY FROM UPSC CHAIRMAN TO MONKHOOD

Aug 29, 2024

MANOJ SONI:SPIRITUAL JOURNEY FROM UPSC CHAIRMAN TO MONKHOOD Manoj Soni, a former UPSC chairman, recently stepped down from his prestigious role to fully commit himself to the Anoopam Mission, a spiritual order rooted in the Swaminarayan sect. His decision to leave such a high-profile position to embrace monkhood has drawn attention for its unexpectedness. EARLY LIFE AND CAREER Born in Vadodara, Soni faced significant challenges growing up. After losing his father, he supported his family by selling incense sticks on Mumbai’s streets. Despite these hardships, he pursued higher education and completed ... Read More...

PINGALI VENKAYYA: DESIGNER OF INDIA’S TRICOLOUR

Aug 29, 2024

PINGALI VENKAYYA: DESIGNER OF INDIA’S TRICOLOUR The Indian national flag, a symbol of unity, freedom, and pride, is largely credited to Pingali Venkayya, a polymath from Andhra Pradesh. While the Tricolour we see today has undergone several changes, the core design can be traced back to Venkayya’s efforts, starting decades before India’s independence. EARLY LIFE AND INSPIRATION Born on 2 August 1878 in Andhra Pradesh, Venkayya pursued education at Cambridge and displayed diverse interests ranging from agriculture and geology to languages. His patriotism deepened when he met Mahatma Gandhi during the Second Boer W... Read More...

AUGUST 2024 SUPERMOON AND BLUE MOON: VIEWING GUIDE

Aug 29, 2024

AUGUST 2024 SUPERMOON AND BLUE MOON: VIEWING GUIDE Key Highlights: • Event: Supermoon and Blue Moon Combination • Date: August 19, 2024 • Visibility: Global (depending on local conditions) • Special Names: Sturgeon Moon (traditional August full moon) What is a Supermoon and Blue Moon? • A Supermoon occurs when the moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, appearing larger and brighter than usual. • A Blue Moon is a term for the second full moon in a single calendar month, which is a rare event. • This event combines ... Read More...

109 CLIMATE-FRIENDLY HIGH-YIELDING VARIETIES (HYVs): SIMPLIFIER

Aug 29, 2024

109 CLIMATE-FRIENDLY HIGH-YIELDING VARIETIES (HYVs): SIMPLIFIER Q1: What are High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs)? High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) are seeds developed through advanced agricultural research to increase crop output, improve resistance to pests and diseases, and adapt to varied climatic conditions. These varieties are instrumental in enhancing productivity on existing land, helping to meet growing food demands without expanding arable land. Q2: How do HYVs empower farmers? HYVs provide farmers with seeds that produce better yields, are more resistant to pests, and result in higher quality pr... Read More...

INDEPENDENCE DAY FLAG HOISTING AT RED FORT

Aug 29, 2024

INDEPENDENCE DAY FLAG HOISTING AT RED FORT Q1: Why is the National Flag hoisted at Red Fort every August 15? The Red Fort was chosen for its historical and symbolic significance. As the former residence of Mughal emperors, it represents India’s rich heritage. The flag-hoisting ceremony started in 1947 to signify reclaiming India’s sovereignty and independence from British rule. Q2: What is the difference between flag hoisting and flag unfurling? Flag hoisting is done on Independence Day, symbolising a new beginning, as the flag is raised from the bottom to the top. On Republic Day, the flag is unfurled ... Read More...