UPSC Daily Current Affairs

CoBRA: Overview and Latest Developments

Sep 01, 2023

What is CoBRA? CoBRA stands for Commando Battalion for Resolute Action. It's a special team that's part of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Their main job is to deal with Naxals and other extremist groups in India, especially in areas with thick forests. What's the main job of CoBRA? CoBRA is mainly focused on fighting against Naxals in areas where these extremists are active. This includes states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, among others. They use special tactics meant for fighting in jungles to get the upper ... Read More...

India:Early Harvest Deals (EHDs) in FTAs

Sep 01, 2023

What are Early Harvest Deals? When two countries are working on a big trade deal (FTA), they might agree on some things early on, before the full deal is finished. These smaller agreements are called Early Harvest Deals (EHDs). It's like enjoying the first fruits of a garden before the whole harvest is ready. Why do countries like EHDs? EHDs give quick benefits. For example, two countries might agree to remove taxes on certain goods right away. This can help businesses in both countries start trading more of those goods immediately. ... Read More...

Understanding Share Buybacks

Sep 01, 2023

1. What's a Buyback? A buyback is when a company re-buys its own shares. It's like a reverse of issuing stock. 2. Why Do Companies Do Buybacks? Companies might have too much spare cash, or they might want to boost their stock prices. It's also a way to show shareholders they care and that the company is doing well financially. 3. How Do Buybacks Boost Stock Prices? Think of it as supply and demand. If there are fewer shares around, each share become... Read More...

Grey Zone Warfare of China and Its Implications for India

Sep 01, 2023

What is Grey Zone Warfare? Grey Zone Warfare is a strategy where a country tries to gain an advantage over another without resorting to open war. Essentially, it's a series of tactics, like cyberattacks, misinformation, or economic pressures, used to subtly undermine or destabilize an opponent. China has been particularly adept at employing this strategy, notably against India and other neighbors. China's Grey Zone Tactics against India: South China Sea Activities: China uses naval and... Read More...

Blockchain in e-Governance in India: An Overview

Sep 01, 2023

Introduction: Blockchain is a decentralized, secure digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers in a network. Each transaction forms a block that's linked to the previous, ensuring transparency, immutability, and trust. Uses & Examples: General e-Governance: Governments globally use blockchain for functions like land registration, educational credentialing, health care, and identity management. Indian... Read More...

Qila Rai Pithora

Sep 01, 2023

Q1: Who built Qila Rai Pithora, and when was it constructed? A1: Qila Rai Pithora, also known as Rai Pithora's Fort, was constructed in the 12th century by the Chauhan king, Prithviraj Chauhan. Q2: What is the historical significance of Qila Rai Pithora? A2: Qila Rai Pithora served as a ruling seat for various dynasties, including the Tomar, Chauhan, and Slave Dynasty, from the 12th to the 13th century. Q3: How is Qila Rai Pithora connected to Lal Kot? A3: ... Read More...

Iron Pillar of Udayagiri

Aug 31, 2023

The Iron Pillar of Udayagiri is a remarkable ancient artifact located in Udayagiri, near Vidisha, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is an intricately crafted iron pillar that dates back to the 4th or 5th century CE, during the Gupta period. Key features of the Iron Pillar of Udayagiri: Composition: The pillar is made of nearly pure iron and stands approximately 23 feet (7 meters) tall. It weighs over 6 tons and has a diameter of about 16 inches at the base. Inscripti... Read More...

Bharat National Museum

Aug 31, 2023

Q: What is Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum? A: Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is set to become the world's largest museum. It will showcase India's civilisational culture spanning over 5,000 years. Q: Where will the museum be located? A: The museum will be built in Delhi. Q: What will the museum cover? A: The museum will have eight thematic segments, including ancient Indian knowledge, ancient to medieval periods, medieval period, modern India, c... Read More...

Q: What is the significance of the Mayiladumparai excavation in Tamil Nadu?

Aug 31, 2023

The excavation in Mayiladumparai, Tamil Nadu, revealed that the Iron Age in southern India began as early as 2172 BCE, which is approximately 4,200 years ago. This finding challenges previously held timelines and sheds light on the early use of iron in the Indian subcontinent. Q: How was the antiquity of iron in India previously understood? Earlier, the antiquity of iron in India was thought to date back to around 1000 BCE, but this understanding was pushed back to 1800 BCE based on excavations in sites like Malhar, Raja Nala ka Tila, Dadupur, and Lauhradewa in Uttar Pradesh fr... Read More...

Chennai Desalination Plant:Need and Alternatives

Aug 31, 2023

Q: What is the purpose of the fourth desalination plant in Chennai? The fourth desalination plant in Chennai, located in Perur on East Coast Road, aims to convert seawater into drinking water. It is intended to cater to the water supply needs of areas falling under Tambaram Corporation, Greater Chennai Corporation, and 20 village panchayats near the city, serving a population of around 22.67 lakh people. Q: Who is overseeing the construction of the desalination plant? The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is respons... Read More...

PM Modi's Greece Visit

Aug 31, 2023

Q: What is the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Greece? Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Greece holds significance as it marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country in 40 years. The visit is aimed at advancing bilateral ties between India and Greece to the level of a strategic partnership. Q: Why is the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership important? The decision to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership reflects the desire of both countries to deepen ... Read More...

Gaganyaan and Vyommitra

Aug 31, 2023

Q: What is the Gaganyaan mission led by ISRO? A: The Gaganyaan mission is an ambitious project by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at demonstrating India's human spaceflight capability. It involves launching a crew of astronauts into space and safely bringing them back to Earth. Q: What is the purpose of the humanoid robot 'Vyommitra' in the Gaganyaan mission? A: 'Vyommitra' is a space-faring humanoid robot designed to replicate human activities in space. Vyommitra, the female humanoid robot, embodies the... Read More...

ISRO and Future Space Missions:Shukrayaan

Aug 31, 2023

1. What is ISRO's plan after the success of Chandrayaan-3? ISRO's plans include a roadmap for lunar exploration, potential future Chandrayaan missions, and collaborations with other space agencies. 2. Are there more moon missions in the pipeline? Yes, ISRO is developing systems for the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission in collaboration with Japan's JAXA. Some refer to it as "Chandrayaan 4." LUPEX will involve a more advanced lander and rover, extending studies of the moon's south polar region and extracting subs... Read More...

Onion Export Duty:Tears and Cheers

Aug 31, 2023

1. Why was a 40% duty imposed on onion exports? The government imposed a 40% duty on onion exports to increase the availability of onions in the domestic market, especially before the festive season. The move aims to stabilize onion prices and mitigate the demand-supply mismatch. 2. Is there a demand-supply mismatch for onions? Yes, there has been a demand-supply mismatch for onions due to factors such as unseasonal weather conditions, which affected the quality and shelf life of the crop. The reduction in shelf life of onions led to concerns ... Read More...

PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) - Achieving 50 Crore Accounts and Beyond

Aug 31, 2023

1. What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)? PM Jan Dhan Yojana is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government to ensure that every household has access to a bank account, financial services, and credit facilities. 2. How many bank accounts have been opened under PMJDY? As of August 16, the number of bank accounts under PMJDY has crossed 50 crore (500 million) accounts. 3. What is the total amount of deposits in PMJDY accounts? The total deposits ... Read More...