UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: New Economic Order

May 22, 2024

The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) is set to transform global trade and economics. Announced at the G20 Summit in New Delhi, the IMEC MoU includes signatories like the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, the EU, and India. IMEC aims to create a comprehensive transportation network, including rail, ship-to-rail, and road links, which will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and generate employment. This network will consist of two routes: the East Corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf and the Northern Corridor linking the Arabian ... Read More...

India & EEU: Free Trade Talks

May 22, 2024

Overview: India is set to begin negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), aiming to enhance trade relations and economic ties. The EEU consists of five post-Soviet states: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. These talks are expected to significantly boost trade between India and the EEU. Key Details: Read More...

INDIA: ADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR-POWERED AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

May 21, 2024

Introduction: India currently operates two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, and plans to build a third, the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-3 (IAC-3). As part of its strategic vision, India aims to enhance its naval capabilities to secure maritime interests and strengthen its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The proposal to develop a nuclear-powered IAC-3 with advanced electromagnetic catapult systems (EMALS) offers several significant advantages: Read More...

Wind Power Geopolitics: Global Transformation

May 21, 2024

Wind energy is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of global power generation. In 2023, the global wind industry installed a record 117 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity — a 50% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights wind energy’s expanding role in the global energy landscape and its increasing influence on global politics. A Strategic Tool for Energy Independence Wind energy is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it is also a strategic asset for na... Read More...

SLOVAKIA POLITICAL CRISIS: GEOPOLITICAL AND GEOECONOMIC IMPACT

May 21, 2024

1. WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION IN SLOVAKIA? Slovakia is facing a severe political crisis following an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. The incident has intensified political polarization and raised concerns about the country's stability. 2. WHO IS ROBERT FICO? Robert Fico is the Prime Minister of Slovakia and a key political figure in the country. He has been involved in Slovak politics for over two dec... Read More...

REDUCING PESTICIDE USE WHILE EMPOWERING FARMERS IN INDIA

May 21, 2024

INTRODUCTION Pesticides are crucial for crop protection but pose risks to health, wildlife, and the environment. An immediate ban could reduce yields and spike prices. A balanced, India-centric approach can help reduce pesticide use sustainably. THE CHALLENGE Indian farmers face economic pressures that compel pesticide use. Reducing reliance on pesticides requires innovation and support. EMPOWERING FARMERS... Read More...

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) IN INDIA

May 21, 2024

INTRODUCTION Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. KEY COMPONENTS OF IPM 1. Biological Control: - Use of natural predators, parasites, and pathogens to control pest populations. - Example: Introducing ladybug... Read More...

FUTURE OF INDIA'S LAB-GROWN DIAMOND INDUSTRY

May 21, 2024

INTRODUCTION India is a major player in the lab-grown diamond industry, producing over three million diamonds annually. Despite its significant role, the industry faces challenges such as rising global competition and falling prices. SCIENCE AND PRODUCTION Lab-grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in chemical and physical properties, produced using high-pressure, high-temperature methods. Their affordability and ethical advantages have increased their... Read More...

HAPs in Indian Military Surveillance

May 21, 2024

WHAT ARE HIGH-ALTITUDE PLATFORMS (HAPs)? High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) are long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to operate at high altitudes, providing advanced surveillance capabilities over large areas for extended periods. HOW ARE HAPs BENEFICIAL FOR THE INDIAN MILITARY? HAPs offer several advantages over traditional surveillance methods like satellites and patrol aircraft: - Extended Endurance: Capable of s... Read More...

REDISCOVERY OF SRI LANKAN GOLDEN-BACKED FROG IN INDIA

May 21, 2024

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS REDISCOVERY? The rediscovery of the Sri Lankan golden-backed frog (Hylarana gracilis) in India after 200 years is significant because it provides evidence of a historic land bridge between India and Sri Lanka during the late Pleistocene period, or the Ice Age. WHERE WAS THE FROG FOUND? The frog was sighted in the Palamaner forest range of the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in Chittoor district, the southernmost point of the Eastern... Read More...

THE WORLD WATER FORUM

May 21, 2024

1. What is the World Water Forum? - The World Water Forum is an international conference that focuses on the discussion, planning, and implementation of solutions to global water challenges. It is the largest global event on water and brings together stakeholders from various sectors, including government, NGOs,... Read More...

RATE CUTS and THE RESERVE BANK OF INDIA(RBI)

May 21, 2024

1. What are rate cuts and why are they important? - Rate cuts refer to the lowering of interest rates by a central bank, such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These cuts can make borrowing cheaper, potentially stimulating economic growth by encouraging both personal and business spending and investment.... Read More...

THE GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (GSP)

May 21, 2024

1. What is the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)? - The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) is an international trade program adopted by developed countries to promote economic growth in developing countries by offering reduced tariffs for their exports. It aims to encourage economic reforms and sustainable development in less developed nations by providing them preferential access to markets of developed countries. 2. How d... Read More...

2023: Minor Girl Victim Support Scheme under POCSO

May 21, 2024

1. What is the purpose of the Minor Girl Victim Support Scheme? - The scheme aims to provide integrated care and support to minor pregnant girl victims under the POCSO Act, ensuring they have access to both emergency and non-emergency services for their immediate and long-term rehabilitation. 2. Who are... Read More...

SNCA PROTEIN

May 21, 2024

1. What is SNCA(synuclein alpha)? - SNCA, or synuclein alpha, is a protein predominantly found in the brain, especially within neurons. It plays a role in neuronal function, although its exact functions are not fully understood. 2. Why is SNCA important in the context of Parkinson’s disease? - SNCA is significant in Parkinso... Read More...