UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Climate Action: Prioritizing Communities

Oct 25, 2023

Introduction: The most profound impacts of climate change are often felt by the vulnerable communities that have contributed the least to the problem. As a result, any comprehensive climate action plan must prioritize these communities, ensuring their well-being and active participation in mitigation and adaptation strategies. Steps to Put Communities First in Climate Action: 1. Community Engagement: Description: Actively involve local communities in the decision-making process, ensuring their voices are heard. Example: A ... Read More...

Melting Ice and Snow in Antarctic: Causes and Consequences

Oct 25, 2023

Introduction: The Antarctic, Earth’s southernmost continent, is undergoing dramatic shifts. The ice sheets and glacial structures are melting at accelerated rates, prompting scientific scrutiny and global concern. Why is Antarctic Ice Melting at a Record Pace? 1. Anthropogenic Global Warming: Human activities release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures. 2. Oceanic Changes: Upwelling of warmer sub-surface ocean waters causes b... Read More...

Ashfaqulla Khan - The Revolutionary Hero

Oct 25, 2023

Who was Ashfaqulla Khan? Ashfaqulla Khan was a key figure in India's freedom movement. He is most renowned for leading the 1925 Kakori train robbery alongside Ram Prasad Bismil, the leader of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). The objective of the robbery was to seize the British state treasury being transported from Kakori to Lucknow and use the funds to purchase arms for the freedom struggle. Khan, Bismil, and nine other associates were eventually captured and executed by British forces. Is Ashfaqulla Khan's story depicted in a Bollywood film? Read More...

Promise of Vizhinjam: A Vision for India’s Blue Economy

Oct 25, 2023

Get Ready for Civil Services with SRIRAM’s Classes Introduction: India’s maritime sector holds vast potential, waiting to be tapped. The Vizhinjam port, located in Kerala, is one such promise in the vast landscape of opportunities that the Indian maritime domain presents. Beyond being a mere port, Vizhinjam symbolizes a vision for India’s blue economy - a holistic approach to leveraging the nation’s oceanic resources. FAQs about Vizhinjam and India’s Blue Economy Vision: 1. What is the... Read More...

Cybercrime Trends: Navigating the Digital Threat Landscape

Oct 25, 2023

The digital age, while offering numerous conveniences, has also brought forth a new wave of cybercrimes. States like Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh are no exception to this trend, with each facing unique challenges and responding with specific countermeasures. Punjab’s Landscape: Punjab, a state with both urban and rural diversities, has noticed a rise in cybercrimes spanning domestic and international territories. The primary challenge remains in tracking the core operatives behind these intricate networks. Key Insights for Punjab: Read More...

International Humanitarian Law and the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Oct 25, 2023

What is the purpose of International Humanitarian Law? A: International humanitarian law, also known as the law of armed conflict, is designed to constrain the ways wars are fought. Its primary objective is to protect non-combatants and set limitations on the means and methods of warfare. How does International Humanitarian Law view the Israel-Hamas conflict? A: International humanitarian law aims to protect civilians and ensure that all combatants, whether state or non-state actors, conduct warfare within its confines. Violations include attacks targeting civ... Read More...

SRIRAM’s Overview: Ashoka and Buddhism

Oct 25, 2023

Title: Ashoka’s Relationship with Buddhism Introduction: Emperor Ashoka, the third monarch of the Maurya Dynasty, ruled the Indian subcontinent from circa 268 to 232 BCE. He is often remembered for his conversion to Buddhism and the subsequent spread of its teachings. Ashoka’s Early Association with Buddhism: 1. Minor Rock Edict: In his first Minor Rock Edict, Ashoka does mention his commitment to the teachings of the Buddha. He talks about the “Dhamma victories” instead of military conquests, hi... Read More...

SRIRAM’s Overview: Dark Matter

Oct 25, 2023

Title: Deciphering Dark Matter Introduction: Dark matter is a form of matter that doesn’t emit, absorb, or reflect light. It doesn’t interact with electromagnetic forces, which means it doesn’t produce or interact with light. Though invisible directly, its presence is inferred from gravitational effects on visible matter, radiation, and the structure of the universe. Key Features: 1. Gravitational Influence: While we cannot see or detect dark matter directly, we can observe its effects through its gravitation... Read More...

SRIRAM’s Overview: Dark Energy

Oct 25, 2023

Title: Understanding Dark Energy Introduction: Dark energy is a mysterious force believed to be driving the accelerated expansion of our universe. Although it makes up approximately 68% of the universe, its nature remains one of the biggest enigmas in modern astrophysics. Key Features: 1. Cosmological Constant: Proposed by Albert Einstein, it represents a constant energy density filling space homogeneously. It was initially introduced to allow a static universe solution to his equations, but later abandoned by Einstein ... Read More...

SRIRAM’s Guide to Lok Sabha Ethics Committee

Oct 25, 2023

FAQs on Lok Sabha Ethics Committee and the Mahua Moitra Case Q1: What is the current controversy surrounding TMC MP Mahua Moitra? Answer: Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra is facing an inquiry by the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee over allegations of bribery and misconduct. Businessman Darshan Hiranandani has claimed that he paid Moitra to raise specific questions in the Parliament on his behalf. Q2: What is the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee and its purpose? Answer: The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee is a body that investigates any comp... Read More...

Earthquakes in Afghanistan

Oct 23, 2023

1. What causes earthquakes? Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. When these plates shift or collide, it can generate seismic activity and lead to an earthquake. 2. What is the epicenter of an earthquake? The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's origin, which is called the focus or hypocenter. It's the location where the earthquake's effects are typically the strongest. 3. How are earthquakes measured? Read More...

Reforming India's Criminal Laws: Challenge of Special and Local Laws

Oct 23, 2023

Introduction: Special and Local Laws (SLLs) refer to a category of laws in India that are distinct from the general laws applicable throughout the country. These laws are specialized and are often enacted to address specific issues or circumstances in particular regions or states. The recent presentation of bills aiming to reform criminal laws in India has garnered significant attention. These bills primarily target amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act (IEA). While these amendments are essential, it's crucial to recognize that a substantial... Read More...

Are Southern States Paying for Their Success?

Oct 23, 2023

Introduction: India's diverse landscape encompasses various states with their unique socio-economic backgrounds. Recently, a series of concerns has emerged from leaders representing Southern Indian states. They argue that these states are being subjected to a "step-motherly attitude" by the Union government, particularly in terms of the devolution of funds and forthcoming constituency delimitation. In this essay, we will delve into the factors behind the perception that "Southern states are being punished for their success" and explore potential solutions to address these concerns. Read More...

India's Food System: Sustainability

Oct 23, 2023

Q1: What were the key observations made about India's food system sustainability in the article? A1: The article highlights the interconnectedness of nutrition security, livelihoods, and environmental security within India's food system. It discusses the double burden of malnutrition faced by India and the challenges related to farm incomes and environmental sustainability. Q2: What are the major challenges faced in India's food system? A2: India faces challenges related to malnutrition, inadequate farm incomes, and environmental vulnerabilities. Malnutri... Read More...

Transforming Ophthalmology with AI

Oct 23, 2023

Green federalism and climate justice in India Q1: What were the key outcomes of the G-20 summit held in Delhi regarding climate goals? A1: The G-20 summit in Delhi agreed to triple renewable energy capacity and double the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. However, consensus was not reached on the phasing out of fossil fuels, which remains a contentious issue. Q2: What are the two normative ideals that any energy transition initiative should embrace, as mentioned in the article? A2: The two normative ideals are: Read More...