UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Nobel Prize 2023-Physiology or Medicine: How Two Scientists Revolutionized Vaccines with mRNA Technology

Oct 03, 2023

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to two individuals, Hungarian biochemist Katalin Karikó and American physician-scientist Drew Weissman. They received the Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking work in the field of mRNA (messenger RNA) technology, which paved the way for the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. 1. What is mRNA? mRNA stands for messenger RNA. It's a type of molecule that carries instructions from our DNA to a cell's cytoplasm, where these instructions are used to produce proteins. Read More...

Caste Survey in Bihar:Findings and Effects

Oct 03, 2023

Q1: What is a caste-based survey in Bihar? A1: The caste-based survey in Bihar is a comprehensive study conducted by the government to gather data about the population's caste composition. It aims to provide information about the distribution of different caste groups in the state. Q2: What are the major findings of the Bihar caste-based survey? A2: The survey revealed that: Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitute approximately 27.13% of the population. Read More...

Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP):

Oct 03, 2023

1 What is the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP)? • ABP is a government initiative aimed at improving the quality of life in 500 of the most backward and poorest blocks in India. 2 Who is implementing the ABP? • The Niti Aayog, a federal think tank, is responsible for implementing the ABP. 3 What are the key focus areas of the ABP? • The program focuses on improving socio-economic indicators in areas like health, education, agriculture, drinking... Read More...

Global Innovation Index (GII), 2023 and India

Oct 03, 2023

Q1: What is the Global Innovation Index (GII)? A: The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual report that assesses and ranks countries' innovation capabilities and performance. It provides valuable insights into a country's innovation ecosystem, including factors such as research and development, market sophistication, and knowledge outputs. Q2: Who releases the GII report? A: The GII report is released by Niti Aayog, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (W... Read More...

Nagorno-Karabakh: A Land of Ethnic Conflict and Territorial Dispute

Oct 03, 2023

Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh, is a landlocked region in the South Caucasus, located within the borders of Azerbaijan. However, it has a predominantly Armenian population and has been a source of ethnic and territorial conflict for decades. Here are some key characteristics of Nagorno-Karabakh: Ethnic Composition: Nagorno-Karabakh has a majority Armenian population, with historical ties to Armenia. The region is home to ethnic Armenians who have lived there for generations. Historical Conflict: The conflict over Nagorno-... Read More...

Parliamentary Privileges and Immunities:PV Narasimha Rao case or the "JMM bribery case":1998

Oct 03, 2023

The 1998 Verdict Issue: The central issue was whether Members of Parliament (MPs) and legislative assemblies (MLAs) should have immunity from prosecution for actions taken in the House, including accepting bribes. Articles Involved: Articles 105 and 194 of the Indian Constitution, which deal with privileges and immunities of MPs and MLAs. Background: The case originated from the proceedings in Parliament on July 28, 1993, when the government led by Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao... Read More...

Supreme Court of India:Permanent Constitution Bench

Oct 03, 2023

A Constitution Bench is a specialized panel of judges within the Supreme Court of India . It is set up for several crucial purposes in the Indian legal system. Why is it Set Up? Interpretation of the Constitution: The primary role of a Constitution Bench is to interpret the Constitution of India. This involves examining complex legal questions and ensuring that the Constitution's provisions are understood and applied correctly. Resolving Constitutional Disputes: It handles disputes between th... Read More...

Afghanistan:Moscow Format

Oct 03, 2023

Kazan Meet and Afghanistan's Current Situation Q1: What was the "Moscow Format" meeting in Kazan, Russia, and who participated? A1: The "Moscow Format" meeting in Kazan included representatives from nine nations, including India, Read More...

NABARD's Social Bonds

Sep 30, 2023

What Are Social Bonds? Social bonds are financial instruments issued by governments, corporations, or international organizations to raise capital specifically for projects that will have a positive social impact. The funds raised are designated for social causes such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability. NABARD's Inaugural Social Bonds Step 1: Issuer Q1: Who issued the social bonds? A1: The National Bank for Agric... Read More...

The fall of Nagorno-Karabakh

Sep 30, 2023

Understanding the Fall of Nagorno-Karabakh and Its Impact on the Armenian Diaspora Q1: What is Nagorno-Karabakh? Answer: Nagorno-Karabakh is a landlocked region in the South Caucasus, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but historically home to an ethnic Armenian majority. Q2: What Happened Recently? Answer: Azerbaijan's military launched a swift offensive, recapturing Nagorno-Karabakh and leading to the exodus of its majority Armenian population. Read More...

India's Vanishing Grasslands: A Lifeline for Endangered Species and Ecosystems

Sep 30, 2023

The Geographic Tapestry: A Closer Look at India's Five Key Grasslands Banni, Gujarat: Located in the Kutch District, Banni is one of Asia's largest grasslands. It's a unique salt-tolerant ecosystem hosting the endangered Indian Wild Ass. Shola, Western Ghats: Nestled in the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, Shola grasslands are interspersed with forests. These are vital for endemic species like the Nilgiri Tahr. Thar Desert, Rajasthan and Gujarat: Not just sand du... Read More...

Hycean" worlds:Unlocking Cosmic Mysteries: The Quest for Alien Life Revitalized by Exoplanet K2-18b's Atmospheric Clues

Sep 30, 2023

The Dawn of a New Cosmic Era: The James Webb Space Telescope Launched in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has revolutionized our hunt for extraterrestrial life. One of its landmark observations is the exoplanet K2-18b, situated 120 light-years from Earth, encircling the star K2. Reading the Atmospheric Code: Gaseous Footprints Data from K2-18b's atmosphere have unveiled traces of carbon dioxide and methane, substances generally linked to life, though not irrefutable evidence. The Dimethyl Sul... Read More...

Multilateral Development Banks: Challenges in Global Development

Sep 30, 2023

Understanding MDBs: Catalysts for Global Progress Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) are financial powerhouses that offer both monetary aid and technical know-how to countries for diverse development ventures. These institutions, like the World Bank and regional development banks, are pivotal in promoting economic growth, poverty alleviation, and tackling universal issues like climate change. How MDBs Make an Impact 1 Financial Backing: MDBs open up fiscal avenues, providing loans and grants for infrastructure, education, h... Read More...

IMEC and Geopolitical Routes Shape US-China Rivalry

Sep 30, 2023

1: The IMEC Blueprint: America's Counterplay to China's BRI In the volatile landscape of global geopolitics, land routes have evolved into chess pieces in the rivalry between superpowers Read More...

MS Swaminathan:A Tribute

Sep 30, 2023

1. Introduction Prof MS Swaminathan, India's eminent agricultural scientist and the driving force behind the Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98. 2. Legacy and Transformative Contributions Swaminathan's legacy extends beyond grain production. He introduced scientific rigor to Indian agriculture and established pioneering institutions. 3. Distinguished Career Throughout his career, Swaminathan held key positions, including Director of IARI, Director General of ICAR, and Director General of IRRI i... Read More...