UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Diego Garcia: A Strategic Island in the Indian Ocean

Oct 31, 2023

Overview Diego Garcia is a small atoll located in the central Indian Ocean. It is a British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and serves as a critical military base for the United Kingdom and the United States. Originally inhabited by the Chagossians, the island was depopulated between 1968 and 1973 as a result of a U.K.-U.S. agreement to establish a military base there. Strategic Importance Geopolitical Location: Diego Garcia sits at a strategic point in the Indian Ocean, making it a crucial location for monitoring naval and aerial activities in the region.... Read More...

Cheetah Conservation Project: 2.0

Oct 31, 2023

1.Objective: Project Cheetah aims to conserve and manage the endangered cheetah population in India. 2.Expansion: A second batch of cheetahs from South Africa is expected to be introduced to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in MP’s Mandsaur. 3.Recent Mission: A delegation from India, comprising representatives from the Indian Forest Service, recently concluded a 10-day mission to South Africa to exchange insights and enhance strategies for Project Cheetah. 4.Key Focus: The delegation engaged in discussions and field visits to understand effective wild cheetah management practices. ... Read More...

India’s Climate Diplomacy

Oct 31, 2023

1. How has India’s approach to climate diplomacy evolved over the years? India’s climate diplomacy has transitioned from cautious participation to a more assertive and influential role on the global stage. 2. What factors have contributed to India’s growing influence in climate negotiations? India’s growing influence is attributed to its proactive engagement in bilateral negotiations, participation in COPs, involvement in multilateral forums, and collaborations in independent alliances for carbon transition. ... Read More...

Afghan Deportation Crisis: An Unprecedented Crackdown in Pakistan

Oct 31, 2023

Context: Pakistan is forcing 1.7 million Afghans, termed as illegal immigrants, to leave the country by November 1. The move comes amidst a growing anti-Afghan sentiment in Pakistan, which the government cites as a measure for the "welfare and security" of the nation. Key Points: Historical Background: Millions of Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan over decades due to conflicts like the Soviet war. Anti-Afghan Sentiment: Rising economic hardships and security issues have led to a shift in public opinion against Afghans in Pa... Read More...

COP28's Cooling Pledge

Oct 31, 2023

Context: The COP28 climate summit is set to unveil a "cooling pledge" aimed at reducing cooling-related emissions by 68% by the year 2050. Cooling technologies, like air conditioners and refrigerators, currently contribute to over 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Key Points: Emissions Target: The pledge seeks a 68% reduction in cooling-related emissions by 2050 compared to 2022 levels. High-Stakes Players: Countries like China and India, where the demand for cooling technologies is surging, have not yet committed to the pl... Read More...

Implications of Li Keqiang's Death

Oct 31, 2023

Context: Li Keqiang, a significant political figure who served as China's Premier, has passed away. He was one of the last remaining reformist politicians in China, a nation that has been gradually centralizing its political power. Li was largely seen as a more pragmatic, economy-focused leader as compared to President Xi Jinping's ideology-driven leadership style. Key Points: Political Sensitivity: Li's death comes at a delicate moment for the Communist Party of China (CPC), especially when Xi Jinping has consolidated power within the party... Read More...

The Ascent of Kabaddi: From Village Grounds to National Stardom

Oct 31, 2023

Kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport, has undergone a tremendous transformation over the years, especially with the introduction of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). This league has not only monetized the sport but has also turned it into a career option for young aspirants. The PKL is particularly popular in north India, with many players hailing from Haryana, a state that has emerged as a Kabaddi powerhouse. Training academies have sprouted across its villages, shaping raw talent into professional athletes. The league’s impact is far-reaching. It has elevated players like Rahul Chaudhari and Pawan Sehrawat to celebrity status, draw... Read More...

China-India Partnership: Unleashing Global Potential Amidst Emerging Crises

Oct 31, 2023

Setting the Stage: Global Challenges and Queries The Ukraine crisis and new conflicts in West Asia highlight that the world is grappling with both traditional and non-traditional security threats. These challenges raise important questions about how to foster peace, development, security, and governance on a global scale. China and India: Ancient Neighbors, New Allies China and India are two Asian civilizations with ancient links and shared visions for global fairness and justice. Both nations initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence in the 1950s, which... Read More...

The Economic Lens: From Masculine to Feminine Perspectives

Oct 31, 2023

Introduction: The Male-Dominated Economics Field The field of economics has historically been male-centric, from the focus on men's contributions to the male-majority recipients of Nobel Prizes in Economics. This has overshadowed the valuable work and perspectives that women bring to the table. Breaking Barriers: Women Nobel Laureates in Economics However, there has been some breakthrough in the form of Nobel Prizes awarded to women economists like Elinor Ostrom, Esther Duflo, and Claudia Goldin. These women have shifted the narrative by bringing in unique... Read More...

Vikram Lander and Lunar Dust

Oct 31, 2023

Organized Summary: Event Description: The Vikram lander of the Chandrayaan-3 mission made a historic landing on the south pole of the moon on August 23, 2023. The landing generated a significant "ejecta halo," a bright patch of lunar dust displaced around the landing site. Study Findings: A study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing estimates that Vikram ejected and displaced about 2.06 tonnes of lunar epi regolith. The displaced material covered an area of 108.4 m² around the landing site. These f... Read More...

Guru Ramdas

Oct 30, 2023

Devotees Converge in Amritsar to Celebrate Faith and Heritage The holy city of Amritsar is currently a hub of spiritual activity, drawing devotees from various religious backgrounds and from all walks of life. This pilgrimage spot is deeply rooted in religious history and traditions that go beyond just one faith. Guru Ramdas and the Sikh Faith The birth anniversary of Guru Ramdas, falling on October 30, makes this time especially significant. Guru Ramdas, originally named Jetha, was the fourth Guru of Sikhs and a profound figure in the Sikh religion. Under his... Read More...

India's Diplomatic and Strategic Avenues for Naval Veterans Sentenced in Qatar

Oct 30, 2023

Eight Indian Naval veterans were recently sentenced to death in Qatar on charges of espionage. As the Ministry of External Affairs awaits the detailed judgment, various experts have proposed multiple paths that India could take to negotiate the release or repatriation of the convicted individuals. Multiple Avenues for Intervention According to Syed Akbaruddin, a former Indian envoy to the United Nations, India has several options for intervention beyond just legal appeals. For instance, the final say on the sentence could rest with Qatar’s head of state, providing an additional ro... Read More...

Understanding Dark Patterns in Airline Sales Tactics

Oct 30, 2023

What is a Dark Pattern? A "Dark Pattern" is a manipulative design strategy used on websites and apps to mislead users into making decisions they did not initially intend. This tactic can be considered a form of cybercrime or unfair trading practices under specific legal frameworks. Meeting Agenda on November 9 The Ministry of Civil Aviation will convene a crucial meeting on November 9. The meeting will involve stakeholders like airlines, online travel agents, and consumer NGOs to discuss complaints. Topics will include unfair charges for seat ... Read More...

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: Unraveling its Complex History

Oct 30, 2023

Located within the Qutb complex in Delhi, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is a monument with a complex and controversial history. While the nearby Qutb Minar is celebrated as an architectural icon, the mosque bears the haunting legacy of destruction, trauma, and fanaticism. Here’s a glimpse into the intricate history and naming of this mosque: 1. Foundations of the Congregational Mosque: The mosque’s history traces back to Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, who laid its foundations after defeating Prithviraj Chauhan. It was constructed on the site of the former Hindu rulers’ bastion, Rai Pithora. The mosque’s construction ut... Read More...

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque: India’s Earliest Surviving Mosque

Oct 30, 2023

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, located in the Qutb Minar enclosure in Delhi, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving mosque in India. Its construction commenced in 1193 under the rule of Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first Sultan of Delhi and the founder of the Slave Dynasty. Within four years, it was completed, and subsequent Sultans in the 13th and 14th centuries made further additions. This historical mosque was erected on the grounds of Rai Pithora’s Hindu temple, utilizing materials salvaged from 27 other Hindu and Jain temples. Intriguingly, the recycled masonry still bears traces of carved Hindu motifs, including... Read More...