UPSC Daily Current Affairs

PM Suryodaya Yojana

Feb 02, 2024

Q: What is the PM Suryodaya Yojana? A: It’s a government scheme aimed at promoting solar rooftop installations to aid households in saving up to Rs.15,000-18,000 annually by enabling them to obtain free electricity up to 300 units per month. Q: Who will benefit from this scheme? A: The scheme targets one crore households, helping them reduce energy bills and encouraging a shift towards sustainable energy. Q: What are the expected savings for households? A: Households can expect annual savings on en... Read More...

The Square Kilometre Array: India’s Role in the World’s Largest Radio Telescope

Feb 01, 2024

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is an ambitious international endeavor to create the world’s largest radio telescope. India’s recent commitment of Rs 1,250 crore highlights its significant role in this global project. Here’s an overview of the SKA and India’s contribution: Overview of the Square Kilometre Array Location and Structure: The SKA is set to be built in Australia and South Africa, comprised of two separate arrays operating across different radio frequencies. The project’s headquarters are located at the Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK. Phases of Construction: Construction began in D... Read More...

Bacteriophage Research in India: An Overview

Feb 01, 2024

Introduction to Bacteriophage Research in India The emergence of bacteriophage research in India marks a pivotal shift in addressing critical healthcare challenges, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This research aligns with the global trend of exploring viable alternatives to traditional antibiotics, as the rampant misuse of these drugs has led to increased resistance among pathogenic bacteria. In India, where the public awareness about antibiotic misuse is relatively low, bacteriophage technology presents a promising solution. Bacteriophage-Based Technologies in India Combatting A... Read More...

Zorawar Light Tank: India’s Armored Prowess in High Altitudes

Feb 01, 2024

Historical Context 1948 & 1962 Wars: Use of light tanks in Kashmir and against China. Shift in Focus: From medium to main battle tanks in the 1970s. High-Altitude Challenges Terrain Limitations: Difficulty in operating heavy tanks like T-90s in the Himalayas. Chinese Counterpart: Deployment of Chinese ZTQ-15 light tanks. Zorawar: A New Dawn DRDO and L&T Collaboration: Development of ‘Zorawar’ under DRDO with L&T. Operational Trials: Development and field trials scheduled. Technical Specifications ... Read More...

Sudan Conflict: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Feb 01, 2024

Situation Overview: The ongoing war in Sudan, involving rival generals, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations, nearly eight million people have been displaced. This conflict primarily involves Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. UN’s Concerns and Call for Support: The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, during his visit to Ethiopia, highlighted the dire situation of the displaced individuals. He stressed the urgent need for additional support ... Read More...

Transforming Al-Ula: Centerpiece of Saudi Modernization

Feb 01, 2024

Context: Al-Ula, an oasis city in Saudi Arabia’s Madina province, is becoming the focal point of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s (MBS) vision to transform Saudi Arabia. Historically an important market on the incense route, Al-Ula is now central to MBS’s plans to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and pilgrimage, moving towards modernity. Cultural Shift: Traditionally conservative attitudes are being challenged in Al-Ula and across Saudi Arabia. MBS’s Vision 2030 aims to break away from strict traditionalism and open the country to modern influences. This vision includ... Read More...

The Broken Window Fallacy Explained

Feb 01, 2024

Introduction: The Broken Window Fallacy is a concept in economics that helps us understand why destruction doesn’t actually benefit the economy, despite appearances. It was first explained by Frederic Bastiat and later popularised by Henry Hazlitt. Let’s break it down with simple examples. Basic Idea: Imagine a boy accidentally breaks a shop’s window. People might say this is good for the economy because the shopkeeper will buy a new window, giving business to the glazier (window maker). It seems like the broken window is creating economic activity. The Fallacy: Read More...

Rising Tensions in the Korean Peninsula: A Comprehensive Analysis

Feb 01, 2024

Background: The Korean Peninsula, historically unified, was divided post-World War II into North and South Korea, influenced respectively by Soviet and U.S. ideologies. This division led to the Korean War (1950-53), and despite the war’s end, ideological and geopolitical divisions persist. North Korea, an authoritarian regime aligned with China and Russia, contrasts with South Korea’s liberal democracy allied with the U.S. North Korea’s Nuclear Program: A central issue has been North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities. Despite various international efforts for denuclearization, including the... Read More...

Neuralink’s First Human Implant: Understanding the Breakthrough

Feb 01, 2024

What is Neuralink? Neuralink, co-founded by Elon Musk, is a company developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). These devices aim to connect the human brain directly to computers, potentially aiding in treating brain disorders and injuries. What is the Recent Development? Elon Musk announced that the first human has received a Neuralink implant. This is a significant step in the company’s journey, marking the transition from animal trials to human applications. What is Known About the Patient? Det... Read More...

Agricultural Resilience in Ancient Vadnagar

Feb 01, 2024

Q: What has the new study on Vadnagar revealed about ancient agriculture? A: The study has uncovered that Vadnagar had a robust agricultural economy that successfully withstood monsoon fluctuations over centuries due to the diversification of crops and socio-economic practices. Q: How did researchers analyze Vadnagar’s agricultural history? A: Researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences combined archaeological, botanical, and isotopic data to create a 2500-year timeline of human activity and crop production in Vadnagar. Read More...

EU vs China:EV Subsidies

Feb 01, 2024

Q: Why has the European Union launched an investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles? A: The EU is investigating Chinese subsidies to determine if they provide Chinese EV manufacturers with an unfair competitive advantage, which could have implications for the European market and its automotive industry. Q: What concerns does Europe have regarding Chinese EV subsidies? A: There’s a concern that systematic government support for Chinese EV manufacturers could lead to a repeat of what happened to Europe’s solar industry, which struggled agai... Read More...

Gautam Buddha’s First Sermon: Dharmachakra Pravartana Sutra

Jan 31, 2024

Gautam Buddha’s first sermon, known as the Dharmachakra Pravartana Sutra, is a pivotal moment in Buddhist tradition. This event took place in Sarnath, near Varanasi, India, and marked the start of Buddha’s teaching journey following his enlightenment. Key Elements: 1. Dharmachakra: The “Wheel of Dharma” symbol represents the commencement of Buddha’s teachings. 2. Four Noble Truths: The sermon introduces these truths, addressing the nature of suffering, its cause, cessation, and the path to cessation. 3. Eightfold Path: Detailed within the sermon, it outlines the path to liberation fr... Read More...

The Indus Valley Bull Seal

Jan 31, 2024

The Indus Valley Bull Seal represents a significant artifact from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300 – 1300 BCE). This civilization, primarily located in what is now Pakistan and northwest India, was known for its advanced urban planning, architecture, and social organization. Symbolism and Importance: 1. Bull Imagery: The bull on these seals is often interpreted as a symbol of strength and fertility, common themes in many ancient cultures. 2. Seal Function: These seals were likely used for trade and administrative purposes, suggesting a complex economic system. 3. Script and Language: The scrip... Read More...

PLI Scheme in India - Challenges and Prospects

Jan 31, 2024

Introduction India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, introduced in 2020, was a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering vital industries. However, after three years, it encounters challenges, including regulatory complexities and budget limitations. This essay scrutinizes the PLI Scheme, highlighting its objectives, implementation hurdles, and the necessity for a refined approach to realize its goals. Background Historical Context: The urgency for an industrial policy in India was recognized post the 2006 crisis in manufacturing. The PLI Scheme, conceived as part of this broader policy fra... Read More...

Conservation Efforts for Northern White Rhinos

Jan 31, 2024

The Struggle for Survival: The northern white rhino faces imminent extinction, with the last male passing in 2018. Efforts to save the species focus on in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF Milestones: Scientists have successfully created a northern white rhino embryo, a significant step in conservation, using a closely-related subspecies for surrogacy. Location of Hope: The two remaining females, Najin and Fatu, reside at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, symbolizing the race against time for their species. Challenges in Reproduction: The process is complex and costly, requiring precise conditions for embryo development... Read More...