UPSC Daily Current Affairs

PREETI SUDAN:NEW UPSC CHAIRPERSON

Aug 08, 2024

1. Who is Preeti Sudan? Preeti Sudan is a former Union Health Secretary and a 1983-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. She has served in various significant capacities within the government, including a three-year tenure as the Union Health Secretary until July 2020. 2. What is her new role? Preeti Sudan has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission ... Read More...

SHAHEED UDHAM SINGH

Aug 08, 2024

Who was Udham Singh? Udham Singh was an Indian revolutionary born on 26 December 1899 in Sunam, Punjab. He was deeply influenced by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Nankana Sahib tragedy. What was Udham Singh’s involvement in revolutionary activities? He became an active member of the Ghadar Party and founded the Azad Party. He was known for smuggling arms to Indian revolutionaries and was influenced by Bhagat Singh. Read More...

Ismail Haniyeh’s Death:Geopolitics

Aug 08, 2024

Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas, was killed in Tehran. The specific details of the method or the exact circumstances of the assassination were not provided in the initial reports. However, it is known that he was targeted and killed before dawn at his residence in Tehran, an event that has been attributed to an Israeli operation. This action has significant geopolitical implications, especially considering that it occurred in Iran, a major backer of Hamas and a key regional player opposed to Israel.Israel neither owned up nor denied involvement.... Read More...

ONGOING VIOLENT PROTESTS IN KENYA:EXPLAINER

Aug 08, 2024

**Background:** In Kenya, a series of protests began intensely on June 25, following the passage of a controversial financial bill. President William Ruto withdrew the bill the next day due to the severity of the public reaction, but the protests have not subsided. Over 50 people have died, and more than 628 have been arre... Read More...

COST INFLATION INDEX (CII) and INDEXATION BENEFITS

Aug 08, 2024

**What is Indexation?** Read More...

COST INFLATION INDEX (CII): A CBDT PRIMER

Aug 08, 2024

Q1: What is the Cost Inflation Index (CII)? A1: The Cost Inflation Index is a tool used to measure the inflation in the economy and is released annually by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in India. Q2: What is the purpose of CII? A2: CII is used to calculate the inflation-adjusted cost of an asset when computing long-term capital gains for tax purposes. It helps in reducing the tax burden on capital gains by adjusting for inflation. Q3: How often is the CII updated? A3: The CBDT updates and releases t... Read More...

INDIA-CHINA BORDER TALKS:30TH ROUND

Aug 08, 2024

The 30th round of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) represents a significant ongoing effort to manage and resolve disputes along the India-China border. Here’s a detailed background and an overview of the key points of dispute: Historical Context: - The India-China border dispute covers several regions along their 3,488 km boundary, primarily focusing on Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh in India. - The Line of Actual Contro... Read More...

ISHWAR CHANDRA VIDYASAGAR’S LEGACY

Aug 08, 2024

Who was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar? Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a prominent Bengali polymath, social reformer, and educationist who played a significant role in the Bengali Renaissance. He was born on 26 September 1820 in Birshingha village, Medinipur district, Bengal Presidency. What are Vidyasagar’s contributions to education? • Reforms: Vidyasagar introduced significant reforms in the education system, advocating for the i... Read More...

FOREST FIRES IN INDIA:SIMPLIFIER

Aug 08, 2024

What is the recent trend in forest fires in India? From 2020 to 2024, the number of forest fires detected in India decreased from 3.45 lakh to 2.03 lakh. Which state recorded the highest number of forest fires? In the 2023-2024 season, Uttarakhand reported the highest number of forest fires at 21,033, followed by Odisha with 20,973 fires. How are forest fires detected in India? Read More...

JAMES C. SCOTT’S SIGNIFICANCE

Aug 08, 2024

Who is James C. Scott? James C. Scott is an American political scientist known for his critical analysis of the state and its functions, focusing on the practical implications of state actions rather than ideological frameworks. What is James C. Scott’s view on the state? Scott examines the state based on its practical functions, such as taxation, law enforcement, and bureaucracy. He challenges traditional ideological perspectives, like those of Kau... Read More...

SAURASHTRA BASIN GEOLOGICAL INSIGHTS

Aug 07, 2024

1. What is the Saurashtra Basin? The Saurashtra Basin is a geological region in Western India, covered largely by volcanic rocks known as the Deccan Traps. It spans an area of 240,000 square kilometers, including parts of western Gujarat and the north of Mumbai coastline. 2. How was the Saurashtra Basin formed? The basin was formed by the separation of India from Madagascar around 100 million years ago. This event led to the creation of lowlands in western India and high... Read More...

'SOFT LANDING' IN ECONOMICS

Aug 07, 2024

Q1: What is a 'soft landing' in economics? A1: A 'soft landing' in economics refers to a situation where an economy transitions from a period of rapid growth to slower growth without entering a recession. It typically involves a gradual reduction in inflation and other overheating economic conditions, resulting in a stable economy with moderate growth. Q2: How does a 'soft landing' differ from a 'hard landing'? A2:... Read More...

UPSC:The Psychological Pressure Cooker of UPSC Preparation

Aug 07, 2024

The recent tragedy of a flooded coaching institute basement in Delhi has cast a spotlight on the extreme conditions faced by UPSC aspirants. While the incident exposed infrastructural flaws, it also hinted at a deeper issue: the immense psychological toll that this competitive journey takes on students. The data is alarming: 35 students tragically take their lives each day, with a quarter of UPSC aspirants knowing someone who has self-harmed or attempted suicide due to exam pressure. This pressure stems from various sources. The academic rigor of the UPSC syllabus is immense, requiring 10... Read More...

PUMPED STORAGE AND INDIA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY FUTURE

Aug 07, 2024

Q1: What is renewable energy? A1: Renewable energy comes from sources that naturally replenish themselves, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat. These sources are essential for a sustainable energy future as they do not deplete natural resources or cause significant environmental harm. Q2: What is the main challenge with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power? A2: The primary challenge is their intermittency. The ... Read More...

GMOs:GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS IN INDIA

Aug 07, 2024

Q1: What are genetically modified (GM) crops? A1: GM crops are plants that have been genetically altered using biotechnology to express specific traits, such as resistance to pests or tolerance to herbicides. This modification aims to improve crop yield, reduce the need for chemical pesticides, and enhance overall agricultural productivity. Q2: What is the current status of GM crops in India? A2: The only GM crop currently approved for cultivati... Read More...