UPSC Daily Current Affairs

US LAW CHALLENGES CHINA’S CONTROL OF TIBET

Jun 19, 2024

The United States has enacted a new law aimed at countering China’s long-standing claim over Tibet and promoting dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama. This law, the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, seeks to harden Washington’s stance on Tibet and pressure Beijing into resuming negotiations with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. Objectives of the New Law 1. Countering Chinese Disinformation: The law directs funds to counter disinformation from China regarding Tibet&r... Read More...

TEN DASH LINE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS

Jun 19, 2024

CHINA’S NEW “STANDARD MAP” Q: What is China’s new standard map? A: China’s new “standard map” features a 10-dash line claim to the South China Sea, which is a disputed territory. Q: Why has China released this new map? A: China has released this map to assert its claims in the South China Sea and to distract from its domestic issues, such as economic challenges and youth unemployment. Read More...

FIRST INDIGENOUS LOITERING MUNITION: NAGASTRA-1

Jun 19, 2024

Solar Industries, based in Nagpur, has delivered the first indigenously developed Loitering Munition, Nagastra-1, to the Indian Army. The Indian Army has ordered 480 Loiter Munitions from Solar Industries’ Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) under Emergency Procurement Powers. Recently, EEL delivered 120 Loiter Munitions to an Army Ammunition Depot after successful pre-delivery inspections. Key Features of Nagastra-1 • Functionality: Nagastra-1 is a UAV-based system that functions as an aerial... Read More...

ETHICS:GREATER GOOD IN CIVIL SERVICE

Jun 19, 2024

What Is the Greater Good? The greater good refers to actions or policies that benefit the majority of people, even if they come at a cost to individuals or smaller groups. In public service, the concept of the greater good often guides decisions and actions that aim to improve societal well-being. Importance of the Greater Good in Public Service 1. Enhancing Public Welfare • Public servants are entrusted with the responsibility ... Read More...

ARTIFICIAL SUN: EXPLAINER

Jun 19, 2024

What is an artificial sun? An artificial sun refers to a fusion reactor designed to replicate the nuclear fusion processes that occur in the sun, generating vast amounts of energy by fusing hydrogen atoms into helium under extreme temperature and pressure. How does nuclear fusion work in an artificial sun? In a fusion reactor, isotopes of hydrogen, such as deuterium and tritium, are heated to extremely high temperatures (millions of degrees Celsius) to form a plasma... Read More...

INDIA’S INNOVATION CHALLENGES:Explainer

Jun 19, 2024

Introduction India has made significant strides in technological advancements and digital infrastructure, yet it lags behind in the global innovation sector. Despite notable achievements, several factors contribute to this gap, including insufficient public funding for research, a lack of cutting-edge research labs, and an underdeveloped hardware industry. Key Ingredients of the Innovation System Human Capital • Digit... Read More...

NEET 2024: CONTROVERSY

Jun 19, 2024

What is NEET? NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a national-level examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for undergraduate medical and dental courses in India. It is a crucial exam for students aspiring to join medical colleges across the country. Why is NEET Important? • Admission Gateway: NEET is the sole entrance examination for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses in India.... Read More...

NAGALAND: FALCON CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Jun 19, 2024

Understanding the Amur Falcon Key Facts • Species: Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) • Migration: Breeds in Eastern Russia and China, migrates across Asia, and winters in Southern Africa. • Distance: Annual migration of approximately 22,000 km. Significance of Nagaland • Roosting Site: Nagaland hosts the largest known ... Read More...

AMUR FALCON CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN INDIA

Jun 19, 2024

The Amur falcon (Falco amurensis) is a small bird of prey known for its remarkable migration from southeastern Siberia and northern China to southern and East Africa. In India, the species is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 and is listed in Schedule 4 of the law. Key Regions and Conservation Initiatives Potential Roosting Sites in Arunachal Pradesh • Districts Identified: Longding, Tirap, and Changlang in the Patkai Hills range. &bull... Read More...

Lakhpati Didi Scheme: Empowering Women through Self-Help

Jun 19, 2024

The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is a focused initiative aimed at empowering women, particularly those involved in Self Help Groups (SHGs), by helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency. This scheme has enabled numerous women across India to earn over ₹1.0 lakh annually, thus becoming ‘lakhpati,’ a term used in India to denote individuals with substantial earnings. Key Features of the Lakhpati Didi Scheme • Economic Empowerment: The scheme targets women in SHGs, providing them with training to ... Read More...

BAOBAB TREES IN INDIA

Jun 19, 2024

Baobab trees, native to Africa, have found a significant presence in India, particularly in the semi-arid central regions and the wetter parts of the Western Ghats. These trees, known for their unique appearance with thick, twisted trunks and leafless branches resembling roots reaching into the sky, stand as natural marvels. A Glimpse of Baobabs in Shirala In Shirala, Sangli, an ancient baobab stands tall at 22 meters with a trunk girth of 6.35 meters. This tree, along with another surviving baobab in the area, is revered by ... Read More...

INTEREST EQUALISATION SCHEME FOR EXPORTERS

Jun 19, 2024

BASICS OF THE INTEREST EQUALISATION SCHEME What is the Interest Equalisation Scheme? The Interest Equalisation Scheme provides exporters with access to bank credit at subsidized interest rates. It is aimed at reducing the cost of borrowing for exporters and enhancing their competitiveness. Who benefits from the scheme? Exporters of 410 identified products and all MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) exporters... Read More...

FILM HAMARE BAARAH and Art.19

Jun 18, 2024

BACKGROUND “Hamare Baarah,” a film directed by Kamal Chandra, has sparked significant controversy due to its portrayal of the Islamic faith and married Muslim women in India. The Supreme Court has intervened to stay the film’s release following allegations of derogatory content. OBJECTIONS • Content Concerns: Petitioners argue that the film contains anti-Muslim tropes and misquotes a verse from the Qur... Read More...

CREATING NEW DISTRICTS:PROCEDURE, RATIONALE, AND CRITICISM

Jun 18, 2024

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS India has seen the creation of 50 new districts since 2020, with states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam leading the way. This trend reflects both administrative and political motives. DRIVERS BEHIND NEW DISTRICTS 1. Administrative Convenience: Smaller districts bring administration closer to the people, facilitating better governance and service delivery. 2. Political Expediency: Read More...

HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN BREED COW

Jun 18, 2024

OVERVIEW Holstein-Friesian cows are a prominent dairy breed known for their high milk production. Originating from the Netherlands, these cows have become a staple in dairy farming globally due to their efficiency and productivity. CHARACTERISTICS • Appearance: Holstein-Friesian cows are easily recognizable by their distinctive black and white markings. Some may also have red and white patterns. • S... Read More...