UPSC Daily Current Affairs

US RULING AGAINST GOOGLE: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA

Aug 24, 2024

US RULING AGAINST GOOGLE: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA Background: A recent antitrust ruling in the US ha... Read More...

EU-CHINA TRADE TENSIONS: BROADER CONTEXT

Aug 24, 2024

1. Overview of EU-China Relations • The relationship between the European Union (EU) and China has been increasingly strained in recent years, marked by a series of economic and geopolitical conflicts. These tensions are part of a broader global context where China’s rapid economic rise and its significant state-driven industrial policies have led to conflicts with many Western countries, including the EU. 2. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Dispute Read More...

CYBER SLAVERY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: TRAFFICKING OF INDIANS

Aug 24, 2024

The phenomenon of cyber slavery, involving the trafficking and exploitation of Indian job seekers in Southeast Asia, has taken a severe toll, with over Rs 7,061 crores stolen through online frauds in just four months of 2024. This issue has garnered the attention of India’s top governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs, due to its significant impact on both individuals and the financial system. Cybercriminals in countries like Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar lure Indian job seekers with false promises of high-paying jobs. Upon ... Read More...

WAQF ACT AMENDMENT BILL: PROPOSED CHANGES

Aug 24, 2024

What is Waqf? Waqf refers to a charitable endowment under Islamic law, where a person, known as a wakif, dedicates property for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. The property is typically managed by a Waqf Board, and its income is used for the designated purposes. Read More...

WAQF (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024: SIMPLIFIER

Aug 24, 2024

Definition and Concept: - Waqf is an Islamic philanthropic tradition involving the donation of assets for religious or charitable purposes. - The assets donated as Waqf are typically properties or funds, which are held in trust. The income or benefits derived from these assets are dedicated to specified charitable or religious activities. Types of Waqf: 1. Waqf Al-Khairi (Charitable Waqf): The benefi... Read More...

QUAD AND THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION

Aug 24, 2024

1. What is the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)? The Quad is a strategic alliance between four countries: the United States, India, Japan, and Australia. It aims to ensure a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, countering Chinese expansionism and ensuring maritime security. Read More...

Neelakurinji’s Inclusion in the IUCN Red List

Aug 24, 2024

1. What is Neelakurinji? Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a purplish flowering shrub endemic to the montane grasslands of southwest India. It is known for its unique blooming cycle, flowering only once every 12 years. 2. Why has Neelakurinji been included in the IUCN Red List? Neelakurinji has been classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. This decision was based on its restricted distribution, the rarity of its blooming cycle, and the ongoing t... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0

Aug 24, 2024

1. What is PMAY-U 2.0? Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 is the second edition of the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme designed to address the housing shortage among the urban poor. It aims to assist economically weaker sections and lower-income groups in cities with financing for constructing or purchasing their first homes. Read More...

Glacial Lakes in Himachal Pradesh and Tibet Increasing

Aug 24, 2024

1. What are glacial lakes? Glacial lakes are bodies of water that form at the base of glaciers, typically bound by moraines (accumulated earth and stones deposited by a glacier). These lakes are created by the melting of glaciers and are often found in mountainous regions such as the Himalayas. 2. Why are the number of glacial lakes increasing in Himachal Pradesh and Tibet? The increase in glacial lakes is primarily due to the rapid melting of glaciers influenced by cha... Read More...

New Migrant Domestic Workers Law in Saudi Arabia

Aug 24, 2024

Introduction Saudi Arabia is set to introduce a new law aimed at improving conditions for migrant domestic workers (MDWs) within its borders. This comes as part of broader reforms under the Vision 2030 agenda to enhance labor rights and reduce dependency on the Kafala system. Here’s what schools need to know about the changes and their implications. What is the Kafala System? The Kafala system is a sponsorship system that ties migrant workers&rsquo... Read More...

Sheikh Hasina’s Exit & India-Bangladesh Relations

Aug 24, 2024

Background and Overview Sheikh Hasina’s recent departure from power marks a significant shift in India-Bangladesh relations, given her longstanding alliance with India during her tenure. Under Hasina, both nations enjoyed strengthened ties across various domains, including economic cooperation, border security, and strategic alliances. The State of Ties During Hasina’s Reign During Hasina’s leadership, starting from her return to office in 2009, India-Bangladesh relations transformed positively. She actively worked to dismantle terror camps and extradite criminals to India, helping to quell concerns over terrori... Read More...

Impact of Antibiotics on the Microbiome

Aug 24, 2024

1. What are antibiotics? Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. They are crucial in combating infectious diseases that were once deadly. 2. How do antibiotics affect the microbiome? While antibiotics target harmful bacteria, they also indiscriminately kill beneficial bacteria in the gut. This disruption, known as dysbiosis, can diminish microbiome diversity and balance, leading to various health issues. 3. What is dysbiosis and what are its effects? Dysbiosis refers to the imbalance in the microbial communities within the body, particularly in the gut. It can lead to health p... Read More...

New Mpox Clade Ib

Aug 24, 2024

1. What is Mpox? Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of Central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. It is caused by the mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. 2. What is Clade Ib of Mpox? Clade Ib is a newly identified strain of the mpox virus that has emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is characterized by severe disease progression and a higher mortality rate compared to other clades. This clade has been responsible for significant outbreaks, particularly affecting chi... Read More...

ONLINE RADICALIZATION IN INDIA: KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Aug 24, 2024

1. What is Online Radicalization? Online radicalization in India refers to the process where individuals, often youths, are influenced through the internet to adopt extremist ideologies. This process typically involves exposure to propaganda via social media platforms, forums, and other digital channels that promote radical thoughts. 2. Why is Online Radicalization a Concern in India? Online radicalization is a significant concern in India as it can lead to the spread of extremist ideologies and potentially incite individuals to commit acts of violence. It poses a challenge to national security, disrupts social harmony, and can l... Read More...

SEBI CHAIRPERSON ALLEGATIONS by HINDENBURG

Aug 24, 2024

1. What is SEBI and why is it important? SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) is the regulatory authority in India that oversees the stock markets, ensuring they operate fairly and protect investors. It is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the financial markets. 2. Who is Madhabi Puri Buch? Madhabi Puri Buch is the current chairperson of SEBI. She is responsible for regulating the securities market in India and ensuring transparency and fairness in trading. 3. What are the allegations made by Hindenburg Research? Hindenburg Research accused Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband o... Read More...