UPSC Daily Current Affairs

The Japanese Occupation of the Andaman Islands: A Dark Chapter in WWII

Nov 10, 2023

Contextual Background: During World War II, the Andaman Islands, part of India, fell under Japanese control. This event marked a significant but often overlooked chapter in the war's history and Indian nationalism. Key Details: Japanese Occupation: In March 1942, the Japanese forces occupied the Andaman Islands with little resistance. They took control from the British, marking a rare instance of Japanese territorial control in India. Indian National Army (INA): Led by Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA was technically in charge of the Anda... Read More...

Direct Foreign Listing of Indian Companies

Nov 10, 2023

Overview: The Indian government recently approved direct listing of certain Indian companies on select foreign stock exchanges. This move aims to enable these companies to access global capital and enhance capital inflows. Q: What does the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' notification entail? The MCA, in its October 30 notification, announced that Section 5 of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020, permitting certain public companies to list securities on foreign exchanges, is now in effect. Q: What changes does the amendment bring?... Read More...

Advocate-on-Record System in the Supreme Court of India

Nov 10, 2023

Context:Supreme Court's recent criticism of an AoR for filing a frivolous case, highlighting the responsibilities and expectations of an AoR in the Indian legal system. Q: What is the Advocate-on-Record (AoR) system in the Supreme Court of India? An Advocate-on-Record (AoR) is a category of lawyers in the Supreme Court who are authorized to file cases directly before the Court. They act as a vital link between the litigant and the Supreme Court, playing a key role in the legal process. Q: Who is an AoR? An AoR is a lawyer with... Read More...

Venus’s Oxygen Discovery

Nov 10, 2023

Q: How was oxygen detected on Venus? A: Oxygen was detected on Venus using the SOFIA airborne observatory, which carries an infrared telescope on a Boeing 747SP aircraft. This was a joint project by NASA and the German Aerospace Center. Q: What is atomic oxygen? A: Atomic oxygen consists of single oxygen atoms, different from the molecular oxygen (O2) that is breathable on Earth, which consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together. Q: Where in the atmosphere of Venus was oxygen found? A: Oxygen was detect... Read More...

AQI and Its Impact on Delhi's Pollution Crisis

Nov 10, 2023

What is AQI? AQI Definition: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale used to communicate the quality of air. A higher AQI number indicates poorer air quality. Color-Coded Index: Introduced in India in 2014, the AQI classifies air quality into six categories: 'Good' (0-50), 'Satisfactory' (50-100), 'Moderately polluted' (100-200), 'Poor' (200-300), 'Very Poor' (300-400), and 'Severe' (400-500). Recent Scenario in Delhi: On November 3, 2023, Delhi's AQI hit an alarming 471, indicating 'Severe' air quality. ... Read More...

UNESCO's Recognition of Gwalior as the 'City of Music'

Nov 10, 2023

Gwalior's Musical Heritage: A UNESCO Creative City UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Inclusion: Gwalior, alongside Kozhikode, has been recognized for its commitment to culture and creativity, particularly in music. The Gwalior Gharana: An Integral Part of Indian Music History Origins in the 15th Century: Raja Man Singh Tomar's patronage saw the rise of the Gwalior Gharana, the oldest in Hindustani classical music. Musical Treatises by Dungarendra Singh Tomar: His contributions, such as 'Sangeet Shiromani' and 'Sangeet Choodamani', wer... Read More...

Upgradation of National Highway 144A

Nov 10, 2023

What is NH 144A? Location: Jammu to Rajouri and Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Establishment: Became a national highway in 2015. Purpose: Connects Akhnoor, parts of Reasi district, Rajouri, and Poonch. Why is NH 144A Upgraded? Upgrade: From two lanes to four lanes. Significance: Enhanced connectivity for Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu, and Reasi districts. Reduced travel time (Jammu-Poonch): From 6-7 hours to 4.5 hours. Read More...

India-Bhutan Bonhomie: Operations Rhino, Bajrang, and All Clear

Nov 10, 2023

Context: India's North-Eastern region experienced insurgencies. Militants moved between India and neighboring countries. Operation Rhino and Bajrang (1990): Aim: Suppress Assamese separatist groups in India. Actions: Indian forces' vigorous campaigns. Result: Militants shifted base to Bhutan. Bhutan’s Involvement: Previously: Bhutan was a passive spectator. Later: Militant presence threatened Bhut... Read More...

Understanding Air Pollutants and Their Health Impacts

Nov 10, 2023

1. What are PM 10 and PM 2.5? PM 10 and PM 2.5 refer to particulate matter with diameters less than 10 microns and 2.5 microns, respectively. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to health issues like asthma, heart attacks, and bronchitis. Sources include emissions from factories, vehicles, construction activities, and road dust. 2. How does Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) affect health? NO2 is produced by burning fuels and is commonly emitted by vehicles and power plants. Short-term exposure can worsen respiratory diseases like ... Read More...

The Evolution from Pusa-44 to Pusa-2090 Rice Varieties

Nov 09, 2023

Background on Pusa-44 Pusa-44 is a rice variety developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. Its key characteristics are: Long Duration: It takes about 155-160 days to mature from nursery sowing to grain harvest. Sowing and Harvesting Timeline: Typically sown in nurseries in May, transplanted in mid-June, and ready for harvest by late October. Impact on Subsequent Crops: Its late harvesting leaves little time for farmers to prepare fields for the next wheat crop, which ideally should be sown by mid-November. ... Read More...

Status of Women and Population Growth in India: An In-Depth Look

Nov 09, 2023

Nitish Kumar's comment on status of women and population stabilisation can be considered in a macro context as follows: 1. Impact of Women's Status on Population Growth Education & Empowerment: Higher education and empowerment levels among women lead to lower fertility rates, slowing population growth. Reproductive Autonomy: Increased status grants women more control over reproductive choices, often resulting in smaller family sizes. Health Awareness: Educated women are more informed about healthcare services, influencing family planning decision... Read More...

Bharat Atta Scheme: 5 Takeaways

Nov 09, 2023

1. Scheme Launch and Purpose: Government Initiative: Ahead of Diwali, the Centre introduced the Bharat Atta scheme. Subsidised Wheat Flour: Wheat flour is being sold at Rs.27.50 per kg under this scheme, a significant reduction from the usual market rates of Rs.36-70 per kg. Objective: This initiative aims to offer financial relief to consumers amid high market prices. 2. Wheat Allocation and Pricing: Allocation by FCI: Approximately 2.5 lakh tonnes of wheat will be supplied by the Food Corporation of India (F... Read More...

Understanding the IMF Quota Increase for Developing Nations

Nov 09, 2023

What has the IMF Board decided regarding quotas? The IMF Board has approved a proposal for a 50% increase in quotas for member countries, which would bolster their influence within the organization. Why are quotas important in the IMF? Quotas in the IMF determine a country’s financial contribution, voting power, and access to financing; they are essential in reflecting the economic position of member nations in the organization. What is India’s position in terms of IMF quotas? India is currently the eighth-largest quota-... Read More...

Bletchley Declaration on AI Regulation

Nov 09, 2023

What is the Bletchley Declaration? The Bletchley Declaration is an agreement signed by 28 nations at the AI Safety Summit in the UK, aiming to regulate artificial intelligence globally. It calls for intensified cooperation to mitigate AI risks and act accordingly. What potential harms of AI does the Declaration address? The Bletchley Declaration points to potential AI risks in cybersecurity, biotechnology, and privacy, emphasizing the need for robust regulation. What economic impact does AI have, according to PwC? Read More...

US Investment in Adani’s Sri Lanka Port Project

Nov 09, 2023

What is the significance of the US investment in Adani’s Sri Lanka Port? The US, through its Development Finance Corporation (DFC), is investing $553 million in Adani Ports & SEZ’s Colombo West International Terminal project. This investment is crucial as it not only enhances Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure but also signals strong international confidence in the project. How much is the US investing and for how long? The DFC is providing a project-backed loan of $553 million with a tenure of 20 years, indicating a long-term commitment... Read More...