UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Baloch Violence:India's Concerns

Aug 17, 2023

lochistan, a province in southwestern Pakistan, stem from several factors: Human Rights and Humanitarian Concerns: Reports of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, and suppression of dissent, in Balochistan have raised humanitarian concerns. India, like other nations, is concerned about the well-being and rights of people affected by such violence and repression. Ethnic and Nationalist Movements: Balochistan has a history of ethnic and nationalist movements seeking greater autonomy or ev... Read More...

Balochistan Violence:causes and Effects

Aug 17, 2023

Q: What drives the insurgency in Balochistan? A: The insurgency's complexity stems from various factors. The primary driver is the Gwadar port project funded by China. While strategically crucial, it has marginalized Balochs from development, fostering resentment. Natural gas exploration, including the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline, has led to targeted attacks on infrastructure due to federal exploitation. The influx of refugees and militants from the Afghan war has marginalized Balochs numerically and increased military presence, escalating tensions. Q: How does the Gwadar port ... Read More...

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Ethnic Tensions: Case Studies from Global South

Aug 16, 2023

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has highlighted how ethnic tensions in host countries can escalate when massive capital flows from BRI projects are involved. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) case is illustrative, and similar dynamics can be observed in other BRI projects. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan and Balochistan: The CPEC, connecting China to Gwadar port in Balochistan, Pakistan, has exacerbated ethnic tensions. Balochistan, home to violent insurgencies, bears a disproportionate burden of CPEC projects. It provides land and resources but receives fewer benefits. The ... Read More...

Niger Coup,Strategic Importance and India

Aug 16, 2023

Niger holds significant strategic importance due to several factors: Security and Counterterrorism: Niger's location in the Sahel region, which is plagued by Islamist extremist groups like Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and ISIS affiliates, makes it a crucial player in regional security efforts. The country collaborates with international partners to combat terrorism and prevent the spread of extremism across West Africa. Regional Stability: As a landlocked country sharing borders with multiple nations, including Libya, Chad, ... Read More...

Carbon Farming and India

Aug 16, 2023

Q: What is carbon farming and how does it contribute to sustainable agricultural management? A: Carbon farming, also known as carbon sequestration, is an agricultural management system designed to store more carbon in the land and reduce the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This practice is crucial for mitigating climate change. Agroforestry practices in India and sustainable forest management also aid in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and accumulating carbon dioxide in wood. Q: How can agricultural producers practice carbon farming? Read More...

Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and India

Aug 16, 2023

Q: What is the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)? A: The Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) is a regional initiative launched by US President Joe Biden, aiming to promote economic cooperation and trade among countries in the Indo-Pacific region. It seeks to counter China's influence in the region and establish new supply chains based on emerging technologies. Q: Who are the members of the IPEF? A: The IPEF includes 14 countries, mostly dynamic economic powers in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably, China and its three close allies fr... Read More...

Indian Agriculture and Carbon Credits

Aug 16, 2023

Q: What are carbon credits and their purpose? A: Carbon credits are permits equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide, allowing polluters to emit within a limit by purchasing credits. The invested funds support environmental projects to offset global warming. Q: How does carbon credit trading work in agriculture? A: The use of "Pusa bio-decomposer," developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, prevents burning of agricultural waste, generating carbon credits. These credits are earned through emission reduction and can be ... Read More...

Gwadar: Chinese Engineers Attacked

Aug 16, 2023

Gwadar,Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC:India's Concerns In Gwadar, Pakistan, a convoy of Chinese engineers came under attack by the Baloch Liberation Army's Majeed Brigade, a militant group. The assailants used small arms and hand grenades, prompting swift response from Pakistani security forces. While no Chinese citizens were harmed, the incident underscores security challenges linked to China's investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Chinese embassy demanded a thorough investigation and affirmed cooperation with Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects. This incid... Read More...

Indian National Army:The Turning Point: INA, Mutinies, and the British Exit from India

Aug 16, 2023

The British colonial rule in India faced a turning point when they publicly tried members of the Indian National Army (INA) at the Red Fort in Delhi from 1945-46, accusing them of waging war against the King-Emperor. These members included Col Prem Sahgal, Major Gen Shah Nawaz Khan, and Col Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, who had served as officers in the British Indian Army. They had initially been taken as prisoners of war but later joined the INA to fight for India's liberation. The trial of these INA officers led to widespread disenchantment within the armed forces and among the public. The trial highlighted the... Read More...

The Indian Penal Code: A Pillar of Justice and Accountability and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)2023

Aug 16, 2023

The Indian Penal Code (IPC) is the official criminal code of India, encompassing various aspects of criminal law. It was formulated based on the recommendations of the first law commission established in 1834 under Thomas Babington Macaulay's leadership, following the Charter Act of 1833. The IPC was enacted in 1862 during the British colonial rule and has undergone multiple amendments over time, supplemented by additional criminal provisions. Following the partition of India, the IPC continued to be adopted by India and served as the nation's criminal code. However, as of August 2023, the ... Read More...

General Essay

Aug 16, 2023

Delayed Gratification: Harnessing Patience for Long-Term Success In a world where instant results are celebrated, the concept of delayed gratification might seem old-fashioned. However, in India, this practice is deeply ingrained in various aspects of life, showcasing how patience and persistence lead to lasting achievements. Understanding Delayed Gratification: Delayed gratification refers to the ability to resist immediate rewards or pleasures in favor of obtaining larger, more enduring benefits in the future. It's like planting a seed t... Read More...

Maya Operating System(OS)

Aug 16, 2023

1. What is Maya OS? Maya OS is an operating system developed by Indian government agencies as an alternative to Microsoft's operating system. It is based on the Ubuntu Linux distribution and is designed with a focus on cybersecurity and preventing malware attacks. 2. Why was Maya OS developed? Maya OS was developed to enhance cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure and government agencies from cyber threats and malware attacks. It aims to provide a secure and reliable computing environment for sensitive operations. &... Read More...

Dalit Christians

Aug 16, 2023

Q1: What was the purpose of the commission headed by K.G. Balakrishnan? A1: The commission, headed by former Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan, was constituted by the Union Government to study the possibility of granting Scheduled Caste (SC) status to Dalit Christians. Q2: What recent development has taken place in this regard? A2: The Tamil Nadu Assembly recently adopted a resolution to amend the 1950 Presidential (SC) order to grant SC status to Dalit Christians. Q3: What were the reco... Read More...

PM-USHA

Aug 16, 2023

Q1: What are the NEP reforms that have been earmarked? A1: The NEP (National Education Policy) reforms include changes to improve the quality of higher education in State universities. These reforms encompass curricular and program changes, teacher training, enhancement of physical and digital infrastructure, accreditation, and the promotion of employability skills. Q2: What is PM-USHA and what does it entail? A2: PM-USHA stands for the Prime Minister's Unnat Shiksha Abhiyan, which is a scheme aimed at enhancing the quality of higher educa... Read More...

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Bill), 2023 and Marital Sex Below the Age of 18 Years

Aug 16, 2023

Q: What does the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Bill), 2023 propose? A: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Bill), 2023 proposes to give statutory backing to the ruling that sex with a minor wife amounts to rape. Q: What is Exception 2 to Clause 63 of the Bill? A: Exception 2 to Clause 63 of the Bill states that sexual intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, who is not under 18 years of age, is not considered rape. Q: How does the proposed provision differ from the current law? Read More...