UPSC Daily Current Affairs

China's Assertive Territorial Claims Strategy

Aug 24, 2023

Q1: What is China's approach towards its territorial claims in recent times? China has been adopting a more assertive approach in asserting its territorial claims against neighboring countries. This strategy is aimed at dissuading these countries from strengthening their ties with a major global power. Q2: How has China's assertive behavior affected diplomatic efforts? China's more forceful approach has impacted diplomatic efforts between China and its neighbors. Talks aimed at resolving border issues have been slow due to China... Read More...

Sugar's Sweet and Bitter Story: From Ancient India to Modern Challenges":Dr. Ulbe Bosma

Aug 24, 2023

The book "Sugar's Sweet and Bitter Story" by Dr. Ulbe Bosma discusses how sugar became so important in our lives. It tells us that using sugar has become a big part of our society recently. People in India started making sugar from sugarcane around the sixth century. History of Sugarcane: Long ago, sugarcane was known in India even before the sixth century. They knew about rock sugar too. Granulated sugar, like the one we use today, was known since the sixth century. But it was only in the 19th century that people in Europe started getting refined sugar easily. Th... Read More...

Alzheimer's and the Chemicals Involved

Aug 24, 2023

Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's is a type of dementia, which is a group of brain disorders affecting memory and thinking. It's caused by changes in the brain, including the buildup of amyloid plaques and oxidative stress. 1. Free Radicals: Think of free radicals as small troublemakers in our bodies. These are unstable molecules that can cause damage to our cells and DNA. They're produced when our body goes through natural processes like breaking down food or dealing with pollution. 2.... Read More...

Impact of Climate Change on Glaciers and Ecosystems

Aug 24, 2023

1. What is the potential impact of climate change on glaciers? A recent study published in Nature suggests that under a high-emissions scenario, glaciers outside the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets could lose up to half of their area by the end of the century. This could have significant ecological and societal consequences, leading to the emergence of new ecosystems to fill the vacant habitats left by melting glaciers. 2. How will different emissions scenarios affect glacier loss? The study indicates that under a high-emissions scenario, w... Read More...

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna

Aug 24, 2023

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, known for his progressive stance, recently led a bipartisan congressional delegation to India. During his visit, he attended Independence Day celebrations, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and discussed various issues including human rights, minorities' treatment, trade ties, technology transfer, and defense cooperation. Khanna, a member of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, represents California's Silicon Valley constituency, which is predominantly Asian American. His evolving stance on various matters, including his engagement with India's leadership, reflects the complex balancing act of address... Read More...

Blasphemy laws in Pakistan

Aug 24, 2023

Q: What are blasphemy laws in Pakistan? A: Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are legislation that make insulting or showing contempt for religious beliefs, deities, or sacred symbols a punishable offense. These laws aim to protect religious sentiments and maintain respect for religious beliefs. Q: How are blasphemy laws enforced in Pakistan? A: Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are enforced through the legal system. If someone is accused of blasphemy, they can be arrested, charged, and prosecuted under the relevant sections of the law. Punishments for blasp... Read More...

BRICS Summit 2023 :Curtain Raiser

Aug 24, 2023

1. What is the BRICS Summit 2023 about? The BRICS Summit 2023 is a meeting of the leaders of the BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It focuses on economic cooperation, development, and global issues. 2. What is the main agenda of the summit? The main agenda includes discussions among BRICS leaders, BRICS-Africa Outreach, and BRICS Plus Dialogue. The major topic is the expansion of BRICS, with discussions on new member countries, such as Argentina, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran. Read More...

Ajnala Massacre and Descendants Research

Aug 24, 2023

What was the Ajnala Massacre? The Ajnala Massacre was a tragic event during India's First War of Independence in August 1857, involving the mass killing of soldiers by British forces. What happened in the Ajnala Massacre? During the Ajnala Massacre, soldiers were killed en masse. This event was a significant part of the larger conflict during India's First War of Independence. What were the remains found in Ajnala? In 2014, remains of 282 soldiers were ... Read More...

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...