UPSC Daily Current Affairs

MRI Scanners

Aug 14, 2023

What are MRI scanners? MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI scanners are advanced medical devices used to create detailed images of the internal structures of the body. These images provide valuable information about organs, tissues, and various medical conditions. How do MRI scanners work? MRI scanners use a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body. When a patient enters the MRI machine, the magnetic field aligns the hydrogen atoms in their body. Radio waves are the... Read More...

Article 370:The Legal and Historical Context

Aug 14, 2023

What is Article 370? Article 370 was a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution that granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It allowed the state to have its own constitution, flag, and autonomy over various matters except foreign affairs, defense, and communications. Why was Jammu and Kashmir given special status? Jammu and Kashmir was granted special status due to the circumstances of its accession to India after Independence. The state's ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, sought India's help to fend off m... Read More...

Assam Rifles:All You Need to Know for

Aug 14, 2023

1. What are the Assam Rifles? The Assam Rifles is one of the oldest paramilitary forces in India. It was originally raised by the British in 1835 as the 'Cachar Levy' to protect settlements from tribals in hilly areas. 2. What is the primary area of operation for the Assam Rifles? The northeast region of India is the primary area of operation for the Assam Rifles. 3. How has the Assam Rifles evolved over the years? The force expanded from its initial fo... Read More...

Restrictions on Importing Electronic Goods:For and Against

Aug 14, 2023

What did the government do? The government restricted the import of certain electronic products, including laptops, tablets, all-in-one personal computers, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers. These products fall under the Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) 8471 category, which includes automated data processing machines and units. The import of these items will be restricted from November 1, and a valid license will be required to import them for sale to consumers. What is the purpose of the move? The primary goal of restricti... Read More...

Coral Reefs and Marine Heat Waves

Aug 14, 2023

1. What are marine heatwaves? Marine heatwaves refer to extended periods of unusually high sea surface temperatures in a specific area of the ocean. These heatwaves are distinct from regular seasonal temperature variations and can have significant and often adverse impacts on marine ecosystems. 2. How do marine heatwaves affect coral reefs? Marine heatwaves can have severe and detrimental effects on coral reefs. When ocean temperatures rise above normal levels for an extended period, corals experience a phenomenon known as coral bleaching. Cor... Read More...

NEET Bill

Aug 14, 2023

Q: What is the recent issue in Tamil Nadu related to the NEET exemption Bill? A: There is a legal conflict in Tamil Nadu concerning the NEET exemption Bill. The Governor's decision to return the bill, expressing reservations about its impact on underprivileged students, has raised questions about the legality of his actions and the legislative process. Q: What is the role of the Governor in the legislative process? A: The Governor, as a constitutional entity, is part of the state's "Legislature." When bills are presented to t... Read More...

TB:National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (TB) elimination.India

Aug 14, 2023

1. What are the goals of India's National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (TB) elimination? India's NSP aims to eliminate TB by 2025. It focuses on early detection of TB cases using highly sensitive diagnostic tools and enhancing precision diagnostic services. 2. What were the targets set by NSP 2017-2025 for TB diagnostics? The NSP 2017-2025 aimed to reduce the number of presumptive TB cases tested through smear microscopy from over 9.1 million in 2015 to 5.8 million in 2022, while increasing molecular tests from 40,000 in 2015 ... Read More...

El Nino,La Nina and India:North and South India Variation

Aug 14, 2023

1. What is El Niño and how does it impact monsoon rainfall in India? El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This warming disrupts the normal atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to significant weather changes around the world, including India. 2. What is the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)? ENSO refers to the natural climate cycle that includes both El Niño and its opposite phase, La Niña. During El Niñ... Read More...

Islamic State-Khorasan

Aug 14, 2023

What is IS-K? IS-K, or the Islamic State – Khorasan Province, is a terrorist group that emerged in Afghanistan in 2015. It is the local affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). IS-K has carried out a number of deadly attacks in Afghanistan, including suicide bombings and mass shootings. Khorasan was a historical region and realm comprising a vast territory in what is now northeastern Iran, southern Turkmenistan, and northern Afghanistan. What are IS-K's goals? IS-K's goal i... Read More...

Social Evil:Kadu Golla community

Aug 14, 2023

In a rural village called Mallenahalli in Karnataka, a tragic incident occurred due to an age-old tradition. The Kadu Golla community practices a custom where newborns and their mothers are confined to makeshift structures called "gudlu" for a period of four to eight weeks after birth due to the belief that the postpartum period is impure (sutaka). Vasantha, a young mother from this community, lost her newborn due to this practice. Despite protests against this tradition, some within the community still enforce it. The Kadu Golla community, an OBC group, faces challenges in terms of basic facilities an... Read More...

Lignite and Neyveli Lignite Corporation of India Ltd (NLCIL)

Aug 14, 2023

What is Lignite? Lignite, also known as brown coal, is a type of coal characterized by its relatively low energy content and high moisture content. It is considered the lowest rank of coal in terms of carbon content and energy density. Lignite is formed from the remains of plants that have undergone partial decay in swampy environments over millions of years. It is the earliest stage in the coal formation process. Key Characteristics of Lignite: Low Energy Content: Lignite contains a lower amount of carbon and therefore has a lower energy cont... Read More...

Travelogues on India

Aug 14, 2023

Former Attorney General K.K. Venugopal decided to digitize and share his vast collection of antiquarian books through his digital library. Some of them are: Book 1: The Oldest Travelogue "Travels In Hindustan: The History Of The Late Revolution Of The Dominions Of The Great Mogol" by Francois Bernier, dating back to 1676, is the oldest travelogue in the collection. Book 2: Early Indian Travelogues The collection includes "Varthamanappusthakam" by Paremmakkal Thoma Kath... Read More...

Fed Rates and Debt Crisis in the Developing Countries

Aug 12, 2023

The whole of the fiscal year 2022-23 Indian rupee was under pressure as the Fed rates were going up to deal with the US inflation and foreign currency was leaving India in search of yield-yielding US dollar. RBI used up much forex defending the rupee. India is not alone. Most developing countries went into a sovereign debt crisis-Sri Lanka and Pakistan in our neighbourhood. The link between Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rates and potential debt crises in developing countries is an interconnected phenomenon that can have far-reaching economic implications. The relationship between these two factors highlights th... Read More...

Reserve Bank of India's MPC Decision Incremental CRR August 2023

Aug 12, 2023

Reserve Bank of India's MPC Decision: The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India has unanimously kept the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.5%. Inflation Projection: The MPC raised the retail inflation projection for the current fiscal year by 30 basis points to 5.4% due to rising vegetable prices and potential El Niño weather conditions. Withdrawal of Accommodation: The MPC, with a majority of 5 out of 6 members, aims to withdraw accommodation gradually to align inflation with the target while supporting economi... Read More...

Addressing Ecological Destruction in the Himalayan Region

Aug 12, 2023

Q: What are the concerns related to the Himalayan region's ecological health? A: The Himalayan region is facing challenges due to various factors, including uncontrolled tourist activities, over-exploitation of natural resources, and illegal constructions, all of which threaten its delicate ecosystem. Q: What has been suggested to address these concerns? A: The parliamentary standing committee on science and technology, environment, forests, and climate change has recommended that the Union environment ministry take proactive steps to tack... Read More...