UPSC Daily Current Affairs

TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE IN INDIA

Jun 28, 2024

Introduction: • India is leveraging multi-omics approaches, combining genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like tuberculosis (TB), canc... Read More...

INDIA’S EXTERNAL DEBT SIMPLIFIER

Jun 28, 2024

What is the current status of India’s external debt? • As of end-March 2024, India’s external debt is $663.8 billion, an increase of $39.7 billion from March 2023. What is the external debt to GDP ratio? • The external debt to GDP ratio decreased to 18.7% from 19.0% between March 2023 and March 2024. What is the valuation effect on external debt? • The v... Read More...

AI AND PERSONALITY RIGHTS SIMPLIFIER

Jun 28, 2024

Introduction: • AI technology can now create highly realistic deepfake videos and imitate human voices, leading to legal ambiguities and threats to intellectual property and personality rights. What Are Personality Rights? • Personality rights include an individual’s likeness, images, name, and voice. • These rights are protected under existing Intellectual Property (IP) laws but lack specific legal provisions. • In India, personality rights have been... Read More...

GLOBAL WARMING and FOOD SECURITY SIMPLIFIER

Jun 28, 2024

Threats to Food Security: 1. Impact on Soil and Plant Development: • Rising temperatures affect soil health, reducing nutrient availability and hindering plant growth. • Heat stress can impair plant development, leading to lower crop yields. 2. Increased Pest Infestations: • Higher temperatures exacerbate pest infestations, increasing crop losses. A 2018 study projected a 10-25% increase in crops lost to insect attacks for e... Read More...

ADAM’S BRIDGE/ RAMA SETU SIMPLIFIER

Jun 28, 2024

What is Adam’s Bridge? • Adam’s Bridge, also known as Rama’s Bridge or Rama Setu, is a chain of limestone shoals connecting Pamban Island in Tamil Nadu, India, and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. Historical Significance: • Geological evidence indicates it was once a land connection between India and Sri Lanka. Historical records suggest it was passable on foot until the 15th century when a cyclone deepened the channel in 1480. Geographical Detai... Read More...

Oropouche Virus

Jun 28, 2024

What is the Oropouche virus? A virus transmitted by midges (small flies) causing Oropouche fever. What are the symptoms? Sudden fever, headache, joint pain, chills, nausea, vomiting. Similar to dengue. How serious is it? Mostly mild, but can cause meningitis in rare cases. No specific treatment. Where is it found?... Read More...

EU-CHINA TENSIONS SIMPLIFIER

Jun 28, 2024

Current State of Relations: • The EU and China have strong economic ties but face significant political and strategic disagreements. Trade is a major component, but issues like human rights, technology transfer, and regional security create friction. Mutual Expectations: • The EU expects China to adhere to international norms, improve market access, and address human rights concerns. • China expects the EU to recognize its... Read More...

EU-CHINA TRADE TENSIONS OVER EV TARIFFS

Jun 28, 2024

Introduction The European Union (EU) is poised to impose significant tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China. This move is a response to the EU’s findings that China’s EV industry benefits from subsidies, creating unfair competition for European manufacturers. These tariffs could lead to increased trade tensions between the EU and China, potentially sparking a trade war. Key Concepts and Context Tariffs and Their Purpose Read More...

SAMPLES FROM FAR SIDE OF THE MOON

Jun 28, 2024

Significance of the Mission China’s Chang’e 6 probe has accomplished a historic milestone by returning to Earth with rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon. This mission marks the first time any country has collected and returned samples from this unexplored lunar region. Key Achievements • Historic First: The Chang’e 6 mission is the first to collect samples from the far side of the moon, a feat not... Read More...

K-SHAPED RECOVERY IN ECONOMIC GROWTH

Jun 28, 2024

Understanding K-Shaped Recovery A K-shaped recovery is a type of economic recovery where different sectors or groups in the economy recover at significantly different rates, leading to a divergence in economic outcomes. This pattern can result in increased economic inequality, with some segments of the economy thriving while others continue to struggle. Characteristics of K-Shaped Recovery 1. Divergent Outcomes: Certain industries or g... Read More...

AGNIPATH SCHEME: AN OVERVIEW

Jun 28, 2024

Current Status and Feedback The Agnipath scheme, aimed at recruiting soldiers, sailors, and airmen for a four-year tenure, has been a significant topic of discussion in recent times. Following the general election results, NDA allies such as the Janata Dal (United) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) have called for a thorough discussion and potential revisions of the scheme. The government is open to changes, and discussions are ongoing. About the Agnipath Scheme Read More...

RoDTEP SCHEME

Jun 28, 2024

Introduction to RoDTEP The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme is a government initiative designed to refund duties and taxes incurred during the production or export process to exporters... Read More...

RAIN-SHADOW EFFECT & MAHARASHTRA’S WATER CRISIS

Jun 27, 2024

Understanding the Rain-Shadow Effect The rain-shadow effect plays a significant role in shaping the climate and water availability in different regions of Maharashtra. Marathwada, in particular, is heavily influenced... Read More...

CLIMATE CRISIS and MARGINAL FARMERS

Jun 27, 2024

GANGA WATER TREATY RENEWAL AND WEST BENGAL’S STANCE

Jun 27, 2024

Key Points Overview What is the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty? The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty is an agreement between India and Bangladesh to share the waters of the Ganga River at the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal for 30 years. The treaty expires in 2026 and can be renewed by mutual consent. Why is West Bengal concerned about the treaty renewal? West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed strong reservations ab... Read More...