UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Havana Syndrome: Unexplained Medical Mystery

Apr 05, 2024

What is Havana Syndrome? Havana Syndrome is a set of unexplained medical symptoms with various neurological and physical manifestations. It was first reported in 2016 by U.S. and Canadian Embassy staff in Havana, Cuba. Since then, cases have been reported worldwide. What are the symptoms of Havana Syndrome? Symptoms vary... Read More...

INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORTS: A DETAILED OVERVIEW

Apr 05, 2024

What constitutes India’s defence exports? India’s defence exports include a variety of sophisticated weaponry and equipment. Key items are BrahMos cruise missiles, artillery guns, radars, armoured vehicles, torpedo loading mechanisms, electronic warfare systems, and light combat aircraft like the Tejas. Read More...

Microplastics: Understanding the Menace and Seeking Solutions

Apr 05, 2024

What exactly are microplastics? Microplastics are diminutive fragments of plastic, each smaller than 5 millimeters in length, often resulting from the degradation of larger plastic waste. These particles are robust and persistent, creating environmental challenges. Why should we be concerned abou... Read More...

India's First AI Election

Apr 05, 2024

AI's Growing Impact on Indian Elections India's electoral landscape has consistently evolved alongside technological advancements. The upcoming 2024 elections are poised to mark a turning point as Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly influences campaign strategies and voter engagement. Historical Context Indian elections have a tra... Read More...

Money Laundering and PMLA

Apr 05, 2024

Illicit Funds: Money laundering is the process of concealing the true source of funds earned through illegal activities (such as drug trafficking, corruption, organized crime, or even tax evasion). Layers of Complexity: Criminals use various techniques to disguise the origin of their money. This could involve moving it through a web of shell companies, investing in real estate, purchasing luxury goods, or using other financial instruments to blur the trail. Purpose: The goal of money laundering is... Read More...

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

Apr 05, 2024

What is the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)? ●An independent agency within Digital India Corporation focused on developing India's semiconductor manufacturing and design capabilities. ● Works to establish a sustainable semiconductor and display industry in India. Key Objectives of ISM: ● Develop long-term semiconductor and display manufa... Read More...

Employment Challenges in India: ILO Report

Apr 05, 2024

- Highlights the growing educational qualifications among India's unemployed youth and the significant share of youth in the country's unemployment figures. Discusses the impact of the pandemic on youth employment and the long-term trends observed in India's labor market, emphasizing the need for skill development and addressing gender and social inequalities. Read More...

INDIA’S TRANSNATIONAL TRANSPORT CORRIDORS: OVERVIEW

Apr 05, 2024

India’s foray into developing transnational transport corridors marks a significant strategic and economic venture, aimed at enhancing its connectivity from the East to the West, linking the Atlantic to the Pacific via Asia. Spearheaded by the Modi government, these corridors are viewed as essential for India’s fast-paced economic growth and for fostering strategic alliances on a global scale. The move involves the participation of multiple countries, including some with whom India shares complex relations. Read More...

Resurgence of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K)

Apr 05, 2024

What is Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K)? Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-K, is a branch of the Islamic State (IS) group that operates primarily in the Khorasan region, encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia. It emerged in early 2015 and aims to establish a Caliphate in the region, adhering to I... Read More...

Impact of Suicide Bombing on Chinese in Shangla

Apr 05, 2024

What Happened? A suicide bombing in Shangla, a district within Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulted in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver. The victims were associated with the Dasu Dam project, serving as construction workers and engineers. This tragic event underscores the escalating viol... Read More...

LOKTAK LAKE AND UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS

Apr 05, 2024

QUESTION 1: What unique geological feature is Loktak Lake known for? A) Saltwater geysers Read More...

Loktak Lake: India's Potential UNESCO Global Geopark

Apr 05, 2024

Loktak Lake, renowned for its ecological and cultural significance, emerges as a strong contender for becoming the first UNESCO Global Geopark (UGGp) in India. This distinction would not only highlight the lake’s unique geological features but also its role in sustaining local biodiversity and communities. Read More...

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)

Apr 05, 2024

1. What is CDSCO? CDSCO, under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,Government of India, is the National Regulatory Authority for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India. 2. What are CDSCO’s primary responsibilities? o Approving new drugs and overseeing clinical trials. o Setting drug standards. o Regulating the quality of imported... Read More...

The Denisovans: Ancient Humans

Apr 05, 2024

The Denisovans are an extinct group of archaic humans that lived across Asia during the Lower and Middle Paleolithic periods. They are known primarily through DNA evidence, as physical remains are scarce. The first Denisovan individual was identified in 2010 from a finger bone found in Denisova Cave in Siberia. They are closely related to Neanderthals and interbred with both Neanderthals and modern humans. Genetic studies suggest that Denisovans had dark skin, eyes, and hair, and contributed to the genetic makeup of present-day Melanesians, Aboriginal Australians, and F... Read More...

United States and Pakistan

Apr 04, 2024

The relationship between the United States and Pakistan is characterized by both convergence anddivergence on various issues. Here’s a brief overview addressing the FAQs, including the China and India factors: Convergence: • Counterterrorism: Both nations have shared interests in combating terroris... Read More...