UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Nagorno-Karabakh: A Land of Ethnic Conflict and Territorial Dispute

Oct 03, 2023

Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, is a landlocked region in the South Caucasus, located within the borders of Azerbaijan. However, it has a predominantly Armenian population and has been a source of ethnic and territorial conflict for decades. Here are some key characteristics of Nagorno-Karabakh: Ethnic Composition: Nagorno-Karabakh has a majority Armenian population, with historical ties to Armenia. The region is home to ethnic Armenians who have lived there for generations. Historical Conflict: The conflict over Nagorno-... Read More...

Parliamentary Privileges and Immunities:PV Narasimha Rao case or the "JMM bribery case":1998

Oct 03, 2023

The 1998 Verdict Issue: The central issue was whether Members of Parliament (MPs) and legislative assemblies (MLAs) should have immunity from prosecution for actions taken in the House, including accepting bribes. Articles Involved: Articles 105 and 194 of the Indian Constitution, which deal with privileges and immunities of MPs and MLAs. Background: The case originated from the proceedings in Parliament on July 28, 1993, when the government led by Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao... Read More...

Supreme Court of India:Permanent Constitution Bench

Oct 03, 2023

A Constitution Bench is a specialized panel of judges within the Supreme Court of India . It is set up for several crucial purposes in the Indian legal system. Why is it Set Up? Interpretation of the Constitution: The primary role of a Constitution Bench is to interpret the Constitution of India. This involves examining complex legal questions and ensuring that the Constitution's provisions are understood and applied correctly. Resolving Constitutional Disputes: It handles disputes between th... Read More...

Afghanistan:Moscow Format

Oct 03, 2023

Kazan Meet and Afghanistan's Current Situation Q1: What was the "Moscow Format" meeting in Kazan, Russia, and who participated? A1: The "Moscow Format" meeting in Kazan included representatives from nine nations, including India, Read More...

NABARD's Social Bonds

Sep 30, 2023

What Are Social Bonds? Social bonds are financial instruments issued by governments, corporations, or international organizations to raise capital specifically for projects that will have a positive social impact. The funds raised are designated for social causes such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability. NABARD's Inaugural Social Bonds Step 1: Issuer Q1: Who issued the social bonds? A1: The National Bank for Agric... Read More...

The fall of Nagorno-Karabakh

Sep 30, 2023

Understanding the Fall of Nagorno-Karabakh and Its Impact on the Armenian Diaspora Q1: What is Nagorno-Karabakh? Answer: Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked region in the South Caucasus, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but historically home to an ethnic Armenian majority. Q2: What Happened Recently? Answer: Azerbaijan's military launched a swift offensive, recapturing Nagorno-Karabakh and leading to the exodus of its majority Armenian population. Read More...

India's Vanishing Grasslands: A Lifeline for Endangered Species and Ecosystems

Sep 30, 2023

The Geographic Tapestry: A Closer Look at India's Five Key Grasslands Banni, Gujarat: Located in the Kutch District, Banni is one of Asia's largest grasslands. It's a unique salt-tolerant ecosystem hosting the endangered Indian Wild Ass. Shola, Western Ghats: Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, Shola grasslands are interspersed with forests. These are vital for endemic species like the Nilgiri Tahr. Thar Desert, Rajasthan and Gujarat: Not just sand du... Read More...

Hycean" worlds:Unlocking Cosmic Mysteries: The Quest for Alien Life Revitalized by Exoplanet K2-18b's Atmospheric Clues

Sep 30, 2023

The Dawn of a New Cosmic Era: The James Webb Space Telescope Launched in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has revolutionized our hunt for extraterrestrial life. One of its landmark observations is the exoplanet K2-18b, situated 120 light-years from Earth, encircling the star K2. Reading the Atmospheric Code: Gaseous Footprints Data from K2-18b's atmosphere have unveiled traces of carbon dioxide and methane, substances generally linked to life, though not irrefutable evidence. The Dimethyl Sul... Read More...

Multilateral Development Banks: Challenges in Global Development

Sep 30, 2023

Understanding MDBs: Catalysts for Global Progress Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are financial powerhouses that offer both monetary aid and technical know-how to countries for diverse development ventures. These institutions, like the World Bank and regional development banks, are pivotal in promoting economic growth, poverty alleviation, and tackling universal issues like climate change. How MDBs Make an Impact 1 Financial Backing: MDBs open up fiscal avenues, providing loans and grants for infrastructure, education, h... Read More...

IMEC and Geopolitical Routes Shape US-China Rivalry

Sep 30, 2023

1: The IMEC Blueprint: America's Counterplay to China's BRI In the volatile landscape of global geopolitics, land routes have evolved into chess pieces in the rivalry between superpowers Read More...

MS Swaminathan:A Tribute

Sep 30, 2023

1. Introduction Prof MS Swaminathan, India's eminent agricultural scientist and the driving force behind the Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98. 2. Legacy and Transformative Contributions Swaminathan's legacy extends beyond grain production. He introduced scientific rigor to Indian agriculture and established pioneering institutions. 3. Distinguished Career Throughout his career, Swaminathan held key positions, including Director of IARI, Director General of ICAR, and Director General of IRRI i... Read More...

What is Zealandia?

Sep 29, 2023

Zealandia, also known as Te Riu-a-Maui, is a recently rediscovered continent that had gone unnoticed for nearly 375 years. It is a vast landmass, covering approximately 1.89 million square miles (4.9 million square kilometers), making it about six times the size of Madagascar. Zealandia is located mostly underwater, with only a few islands, resembling the geography of New Zealand. How was Zealandia rediscovered? Geologists and seismologists used data from dredged rock samples collected from the ocean floor to refine... Read More...

Diamond Trade & Russia-Ukraine Conflict: A Guide to Sanctions & Compliance

Sep 29, 2023

Key Players Global 7 Countries (G7): United States, Canada, France, Italy, Germany, UK, Japan Russia: Specifically, Alrosa (Russian state mining company) India: Firms in Surat Ukraine: National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) Diamond Industry Certification Bodies: Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Key Issues Russia's War on Ukraine Funding for War Diamond Trade as Funding Source Sanction... Read More...

Kidney Shortage and Exchange

Sep 29, 2023

Organ Donation The Issue Problem: India faces a severe shortage of kidneys for transplantation. With over 200,000 patients needing a kidney in 2022, only about 3.4% (7,500 transplants) were actually conducted. Underlying Causes: High prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) due to factors like diabetes, malnourishment, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. Regulatory hurdles restricting innovative kidney exchange methods such as swaps and chains. The Response... Read More...

Purana Qila, or the Old Fort

Sep 29, 2023

It symbolizes India's rich history and culture in several ways: Historical Layers: It represents over 2,500 years of continuous habitation, showcasing the dynastic changes that shaped India. Architectural Marvel: The fort's Mughal and Afghan architectural fusion stands as a testament to India's architectural diversity. Cultural Heritage: It reflects the amalgamation of Indian and Central Asian influences, showcasing India's multicultural roots. Historical Events: The fort witnessed pivotal moments in Indian history, from battles to shifts in ... Read More...