UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)

Aug 24, 2023

What is the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)? The Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH) is a network managed by the World Health Organization (WHO) aimed at promoting equitable access to digital health solutions worldwide. It is a key deliverable of India's G-20 Presidency and focuses on consolidating evidence, amplifying past gains, and strengthening mutual accountability in the realm of global digital health. What is the Purpose of GIDH? The GIDH seeks to address challenges related to digital health by avoiding duplication... Read More...

'Namoh 108' Flower

Aug 24, 2023

Q1: What is 'Namoh 108' flower? 'Namoh 108' is a variety of lotus flower discovered in Manipur, India. It is named after its unique feature of having exactly 108 petals. The flower holds religious significance in Hinduism due to the number 108. Q2: Why is the number 108 significant? The number 108 is considered sacred and holds spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is believed to represent the universe, with each digit symbolizing individual elements – 1 for the divine, 0 for emptiness or completeness, and 8 for infinity... Read More...

Archaeological Discovery in Nagaparamba(Kerala) and the Megalithic Period

Aug 24, 2023

Q1: What was the recent archaeological discovery in Nagaparamba? A recent archaeological salvage excavation conducted by the Kerala State Archaeology Department at Nagaparamba, near Tirunavaya in Malappuram district, revealed a large number of megalithic "hat stones." These hat stones, known as Thoppikkallu in Malayalam, were used as lids on burial urns during the megalithic period. Q2: What is the significance of the discovery? The discovery of a significant number of megalithic hat stones is crucial in understanding the burial prac... Read More...

UDAN Scheme and Viability Gap Funding(VGF)

Aug 24, 2023

1. What is the UDAN scheme? UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is a regional connectivity scheme launched by the Government of India to promote affordable air travel to underserved and remote areas of the country. 2. What is the objective of the UDAN scheme? The primary goal of the UDAN scheme is to make air travel more accessible and affordable for the common people by connecting unserved and underserved airports across India. 3. How does the UDAN scheme work? Unde... Read More...

Export Duty on Onions

Aug 24, 2023

1. What is the recent action taken by the Indian government regarding onion exports? The Indian government has imposed a 40% export duty on onions to stabilize domestic onion prices and ensure an adequate supply in the local market. 2. Why was this export duty imposed? The export duty aims to control the sharp rise in onion prices and increase the availability of onions in the domestic market, especially in preparation for the upcoming festival season. 3. What is the expected impact of this export du... Read More...

Law of the Sea:differences between territorial seas, archipelagic waters, and the high seas:

Aug 24, 2023

table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; } th, td { border: 1px solid black; padding: 8px; text-align: left; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; } Aspect Territorial Seas Archipelagic Waters High Seas Extent Up to 12 nautical miles from baseline Enclosed by the outermost points of islands Beyond territorial seas, archipelagic waters, and other national jurisdictions Sovereignty Full sovereignty of coastal state Read More...

India,Iran,Chabahar and BRICS

Aug 23, 2023

Q: What recent diplomatic engagement took place involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi? A: In anticipation of the upcoming BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a phone conversation with Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi. Q: What was the focus of the discussion between Modi and Raisi? A: During their conversation, the leaders discussed both bilateral and regional matters. Prime Minister Modi underscored the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between India and... Read More...

India-China Military Talks

Aug 23, 2023

Q: What is the recent development between India and China in Ladakh? A: Indian and Chinese division commanders met to discuss troop disengagement in standoff areas like Depsang and Demchok. This follows higher-level talks and ongoing discussions to ease tensions. Q: What is the purpose of these meetings? A: These meetings aim to build confidence and address border tensions. They focus on disengagement of troops from disputed areas and improving communication between the Indian and Chinese militaries. Read More...

Supreme Court's Gender Stereotype Handbook

Aug 23, 2023

Stereotypes are oversimplified and often inaccurate beliefs or assumptions about individuals based on their characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, or profession. These preconceived notions can lead to bias, discrimination, and unfair treatment, hindering the pursuit of equality and inclusivity in society 1. What is the 'Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes'? The 'Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes' is a guide released by the Supreme Court of India. It aims to raise awareness among judges about gender-biased language and stereotypes present in court judgmen... Read More...

US, Japan, and South Korea "Duty to Consult" Pledge

Aug 23, 2023

Q1. What is the new "duty to consult" pledge involving the United States, Japan, and South Korea? The United States, Japan, and South Korea have agreed to a new security pledge that commits the three countries to consult with each other in the event of a security crisis or threat in the Pacific region. Q2. What does the "duty to consult" pledge entail? Under the pledge, the three countries agree to consult, share information, and coordinate their responses in the face of a security threat or crisis. The commitment is meant ... Read More...

Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) in the New Education Policy 2022

Aug 23, 2023

Q1. What does the New Education Policy 2022 focus on regarding Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)? The New Education Policy (NEP) 2022 places significant emphasis on Early Childhood Care & Education, particularly for children aged 3 to 6 years. Q2. Why is early brain development highlighted in the NEP? The NEP reveals that more than 85% of a child's brain development occurs by the age of six, stressing the importance of nurturing both cognitive and physical growth during these critical years. Read More...

Ragging Tragedy at Jadavpur University: Uncovering the Factors

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What recent incident occurred at Jadavpur University? A first-year student at Jadavpur University in West Bengal tragically died allegedly due to ragging by senior students. This incident has sparked discussions about campus politics, administrative lapses, and the prevailing practice of ragging on campus. FAQ 2: What are the key details of the incident? The victim was a first-year student in the Bengali department who fell to his death from the second floor of the university's boys' hostel. The incident occurred in the early ho... Read More...

We, the People of India" Meaning

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What does "We, the People of India" mean? "We, the People of India" is the opening phrase of the Preamble to the Constitution of India. It signifies the collective identity of the citizens of India and their role as the ultimate source of authority and power in shaping the nation's destiny. FAQ 2: What is the Preamble of the Indian Constitution? The Preamble is a concise introductory statement that outlines the objectives and aspirations of the Constitution. It sets the tone and framework for the constitutional p... Read More...

Indian Parliament and the Privileges Committee

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What is the Indian Parliament Privileges Committee? The Indian Parliament Privileges Committee is a specialized parliamentary committee responsible for overseeing and safeguarding the privileges and immunities enjoyed by Members of Parliament (MPs) within the legislative process. FAQ 2: What are parliamentary privileges? Parliamentary privileges are legal rights and immunities granted to MPs to ensure their freedom of speech, expression, and action while performing their parliamentary duties. These privileges aim to protect MPs from leg... Read More...

Katchatheevu Dispute:All That the Aspirant Should Know

Aug 23, 2023

FAQ 1: What is Katchatheevu and where is it located? Katchatheevu is a small uninhabited island situated between Neduntheevu, Sri Lanka, and Rameswaram, India. Its historical significance is attributed to its use by both Sri Lankan Tamil and Tamil Nadu fishermen. FAQ 2: What historical conflict surrounded Katchatheevu between India and Sri Lanka? Katchatheevu was a contested region between India and Sri Lanka until 1974. Ownership of t... Read More...