UPSC Daily Current Affairs

BANGLADESH’S POLITICAL CRISIS & INDIA’S TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Aug 29, 2024

BANGLADESH’S POLITICAL CRISIS & INDIA’S TEXTILE INDUSTRY Background: Bangladesh is a significant player in the global garment industry and is the second-largest exporter of garments globally. It has become an essential market for India, particularly for cotton, yarn, and man-made fibers. However, recent political turmoil in Bangladesh is causing concerns regarding its impact on the Indian textile industry. Current Scenario: 1. Political Instability: The ongoing political crisis in Bangladesh could lead to disruptions in production and business operations. Even after ... 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...

REVAMP OF CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES (CSS): AN OVERVIEW

Aug 28, 2024

REVAMP OF CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES (CSS): AN OVERVIEW Understanding Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are key governmental initiatives funded primarily by the central government with a specific contribution ratio between the centre and the states. These schemes are usually implemented by state governments, yet the funding, policy design, and oversight remain largely centralized. CSS plays a crucial role in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and social inclusion, ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach across India, particularly in states that lack the fiscal capacity to... Read More...

ALL INDIA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 1927 AND ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN INDIA

Aug 28, 2024

ALL INDIA WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 1927 AND ITS IMPACT ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN INDIA The All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) has been a pivotal organization in advancing women’s rights and education in India. Established in 1927 in Poona (now Pune), Maharashtra, this organization has been at the forefront of women’s empowerment movements in India, advocating for education, legal rights, and societal reforms. Here’s an in-depth look at the history, milestones, and enduring impact of AIWC based on the provided image: Foundational Background • Margaret Cousins’ Influence: An Iris... Read More...

GURUVAYUR SATYAGRAHA: THE FIGHT AGAINST CASTE DISCRIMINATION

Aug 28, 2024

GURUVAYUR SATYAGRAHA: THE FIGHT AGAINST CASTE DISCRIMINATION The Guruvayur Satyagraha was a significant movement in the early 20th-century Indian struggle against caste oppression, taking inspiration from the earlier Vaikom Satyagraha in Kerala. Here’s a detailed exploration of the Guruvayur Satyagraha, highlighting its context, events, and impact. Historical Context • Influence from Vaikom: Following the success of the Vaikom Satyagraha in 1924, which aimed at temple entry rights for the lower castes, the Guruvayur Satyagraha began as a continuation of this fight against caste-based discrimination. It ... Read More...

VAIKOM SATYAGRAHA: HISTORICAL FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

Aug 28, 2024

VAIKOM SATYAGRAHA: HISTORICAL FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS The Vaikom Satyagraha is a significant chapter in India’s struggle against social evils such as untouchability and caste discrimination, primarily in Kerala, during the early 20th century. Here’s a detailed overview based on the provided image and historical context: Historical Background and Genesis • Vaikom Satyagraha (1924-25): Located in the princely state of Travancore, Vaikom, a town was chosen for this movement due to its severe caste discrimination practices. Swami Vivekananda once remarked that Kerala was a madhouse of ... Read More...

PARVATMALA/ROPEWAY

Aug 28, 2024

PARVATMALA/ROPEWAY WHAT IS PARVATMALA? • Definition: Parvatmala is a Government of India initiative under the National Ropeways Development Programme aimed at developing ropeway infrastructure across the country, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. The initiative seeks to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and provide a sustainable transport alternative in challenging terrains. BENEFITS OF PARVATMALA: • Improved Connectivity: Ropeways provide a reliable and efficient mode of transportation in areas where traditional ... Read More...

T.V. Somanathan , New Cabinet Secretary

Aug 28, 2024

T.V. Somanathan , New Cabinet Secretary 1. Who is T.V. Somanathan? T.V. Somanathan is a veteran IAS officer of the 1987 batch from the Tamil Nadu cadre. He has served in various key positions both at the state and central levels, including as Finance Secretary prior to his new appointment. Somanathan holds a Ph.D. in economics and has an extensive background in finance and public administration. 2. What is the role of the Cabinet Secretary? The Cabinet Secretary is the top bureaucratic position in India, acting as the principal advisor to the Prime Minister and the cabinet. This role is centr... Read More...

PRAJA MANDAL MOVEMENT AND ITS IMPACTS IN INDIA’S PRINCELY STATES

Aug 28, 2024

PRAJA MANDAL MOVEMENT AND ITS IMPACTS IN INDIA’S PRINCELY STATES The Praja Mandal Movement was a grassroots movement essential to India’s struggle for independence, focusing specifically on the princely states. This movement, which began in the late 1920s, was aimed at challenging the autocratic rule imposed by local princes as well as the indirect control of the British Empire. Here’s a deeper dive into the movement’s development, strategies, key confrontations, and the lasting legacy in various princely states: Origins and Expansion • Historical Backdrop: Post the decline of the Mugh... Read More...

MAHAD SATYAGRAHA: A LANDMARK IN DALIT EMPOWERMENT

Aug 28, 2024

MAHAD SATYAGRAHA: A LANDMARK IN DALIT EMPOWERMENT The Mahad Satyagraha, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1927, is a seminal event in the history of Dalit rights in India. This peaceful protest aimed at securing the rights of the Dalit community to access public water resources, which were traditionally denied to them based on caste prejudices. Here’s a detailed look at the Mahad Satyagraha, answering frequently asked questions about its significance, events, and impact. What was the Mahad Satyagraha? • Mahad Satyagraha was a significant civil rights protest led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on March 20, 1927, targeti... Read More...

PRAJA MANDAL MOVEMENT: A CATALYST FOR CHANGE IN PRINCELY STATES

Aug 28, 2024

PRAJA MANDAL MOVEMENT: A CATALYST FOR CHANGE IN PRINCELY STATES The Praja Mandal Movement represents a significant chapter in India’s struggle for independence, particularly focusing on the princely states under British indirect rule. This movement, which burgeoned after the decline of the Mughal Empire, played a pivotal role in mobilizing the populace against both feudal lords and British influence. Here’s a detailed examination of the movement based on the provided image and historical context: Historical Context and Origins • Post-Mughal Era Transition: Following the dissolution of the Mughal E... Read More...

GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD CASE IN MK RANJITSINH ET AL. V. UNION OF INDIA

Aug 28, 2024

GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD CASE IN MK RANJITSINH ET AL. V. UNION OF INDIA 1. What was the main issue in the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) case? The core issue addressed in MK Ranjitsinh et al. v. Union of India 2024 was the conservation of the Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered species. Activists petitioned the Supreme Court to implement stringent measures to protect the bird’s habitat from developments that threaten its survival, emphasizing the broader implications for environmental and climate justice. 2. How did the Supreme Court of India respond to the GIB conservation petition? In April 2021, the Supr... Read More...

Extremophile Bacteria: Simplifier

Aug 28, 2024

Extremophile Bacteria: Simplifier Q: What are extremophiles? A: Microbes that live in extreme natural conditions, like volcanoes, permafrost, acid mines, deep-sea vents, and dark underwater lakes. Q: Where else have they been found? A: On spacecraft exteriors, around nuclear waste sites, and in household appliances like coffee machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Q: How do they survive extreme conditions? A: They have multiple sets of proteins, each adapted for different environments. They activate the appropriate set based on conditions. ... Read More...