UPSC Daily Current Affairs

PRADHAN MANTRI JANMAN FOR ADIVASI UPLIFTMENT: CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Aug 28, 2024

PRADHAN MANTRI JANMAN FOR ADIVASI UPLIFTMENT: CRITICAL ANALYSIS The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) aims to enhance the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by providing them with essential amenities, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and improved infrastructure. This initiative reflects an acknowledgment of the historical marginalization faced by these communities and the need for targeted intervention. Provisions of the PM-JANMAN Scheme: The PM-JANMAN scheme, announced during the 2023-24 budget speech, plans to spend Rs. 24,104 crore over three... 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...

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...

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...

METHANE-EATING BACTERIA IN WESTERN GHATS

Aug 27, 2024

METHANE-EATING BACTERIA IN WESTERN GHATS 1. What has been discovered in the Western Ghats and Vetal Tekdi Quarry? • Scientists from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune, led by Monali Rahalkar, have discovered India’s first indigenous methane-mitigating bacteria, known as methanotrophs. These bacteria were found in the wetlands of the Western Ghats and the Vetal Tekdi Quarry in Pune. 2. What are methanotrophs? • Methanotrophs are methane-eating bacteria that thrive in environments where both methane and oxygen are present. They mitigate methane by oxidizing it, thereby reduc... Read More...

MITRA SHAKTI JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE:INDIA and SRI LANKA

Aug 27, 2024

MITRA SHAKTI JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE:INDIA and SRI LANKA 1. What is MITRA SHAKTI’s goal? • To enhance joint military capabilities for counter-insurgency operations under UN Chapter VII. 2. Who are the participants? • 106 personnel from India’s Rajputana Rifles and Sri Lanka’s Gajaba Regiment. 3. Where is it held? • At Army Training School, Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka. 4. What activities are included? • Tactical drills like anti-terrorist actions and special heliborne operations.... Read More...

Collision avoidance systems (CAS)in transportation:Kavach

Aug 27, 2024

Collision avoidance systems (CAS)in transportation:Kavach 1. What is a collision avoidance system (CAS)? Read More...

SPACE FORCES AND THEIR STRATEGIC IMPACT

Aug 27, 2024

SPACE FORCES AND THEIR STRATEGIC IMPACT 1. What is a Space Force? A Space Force is a military branch organized to conduct space warfare and operations. It is tasked with the defense of a nation’s interests in space, including satellites and other space assets. 2. Why are countries establishing Space Forces? Countries are establishing Space Forces to secure their assets in space, ensure operational capabilities during conflicts, and enhance their technological advancements in space technologies. 3. What are the potential risks of militarizing space? Read More...

Distributed Denial-of-Service:DDoS Attack

Aug 27, 2024

Distributed Denial-of-Service:DDoS Attack Q: What is a DDoS attack? Read More...

SWADESHI KAMIKAZE DRONES WITH EXTENDED RANGE

Aug 27, 2024

SWADESHI KAMIKAZE DRONES WITH EXTENDED RANGE KEY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS • What are Kamikaze drones? Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to loiter around a target area and strike when commanded. These drones carry explosives and are intended for a one-time use, where they crash into the target, causing significant damage. • What is the significance of these drones for India? The development of these fully indigenous kamikaze drones by India’s National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) represents a major step in enhancing the countr... Read More...

Safe and Responsible AI

Aug 27, 2024

Safe and Responsible AI Safe and responsible AI is crucial because AI systems can have significant impacts on individuals, organizations, and society. Ensuring that AI is safe and responsible helps prevent harm, such as biased decision-making, privacy violations, and unintended consequences that could arise from unchecked AI deployment. What are the key principles of Responsible AI? 1. Fairness: AI systems should be free from bias and ensure equitable outcomes for all users, regardless of race, gender, or other characteristics. 2. Transparency: AI systems should be transpar... Read More...

GREY ZONE WARFARE: FOCUS ON INDIA

Aug 27, 2024

GREY ZONE WARFARE: FOCUS ON INDIA Grey Zone Warfare operates between the defined states of peace and war, involving a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic tactics that avoid crossing the threshold into overt military conflict. This strategic approach is increasingly relevant for India, facing multiple such challenges on its borders and within the digital realm. Here’s how grey zone warfare manifests around India, including examples: 1. Border Skirmishes and Standoffs: India’s prolonged border tensions with neighboring countries like China and Pakistan often involve tactics that are typical of grey zone warfare. For instance, the Doklam s... Read More...

Base effect in GDP/Inflation Estimates

Aug 27, 2024

Base effect in GDP/Inflation Estimates Base effect refers to the impact of comparing current economic data against data from a year ago, particularly when there were unusual circumstances or extreme values in the previous year. This concept is important in understanding year-over-year changes in economic indicators like GDP growth or inflation rates. Here's a brief explanation of base effect in the context of GDP and inflation: 1. GDP: When calculating GDP growth rates, we typically compare the current period's GDP to the same period in the previous year. If th... Read More...

Exploring Geothermal Energy in India: The Godavari Geothermal Energy Project

Aug 27, 2024

Exploring Geothermal Energy in India: The Godavari Geothermal Energy Project **What is the Godavari Geothermal Energy Project?** The Godavari Geothermal Energy Project is a pioneering initiative aimed at harnessing geothermal energy in the Manuguru area of the Pranahita Godavari basin in Telangana, India. This project involves a collaboration between Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. (SCCL), the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC), and the Telangana Renewable Energy Development Corporation Ltd. (TGREDCO). **Why focus on geothermal energy in Manuguru?** Manuguru, known for it... Read More...

GREY DIVORCE: RISING TREND AND ITS LEGAL IMPLICATIONS IN INDIA

Aug 27, 2024

GREY DIVORCE: RISING TREND AND ITS LEGAL IMPLICATIONS IN INDIA 1. What is grey divorce? • Definition: Grey divorce refers to the phenomenon where couples aged 50 and older choose to end their marriages. This trend has been gaining attention globally and is becoming increasingly common in India. 2. Why is grey divorce becoming more common in India? • Changing Norms: Traditionally, marriage in Indian society was viewed as a lifelong commitment, with older couples often staying together due to societal pressure and the stigma associated with divorce. However, this is changing... Read More...