UPSC Daily Current Affairs

WTO’S INVESTMENT FACILITATION NEGOTIATIONS

Apr 03, 2024

At the heart of recent discussions within the World Trade Organization (WTO) is the debate over the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, particularly spotlighted during the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi. The negotiation of the IFD Agreement marks a critical juncture in the evolution of global trade and investment norms, reflecting broader trends towards integrating investment facilitation within the framework of international trade regulations. Read More...

UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEXITY OF HUMANITARIAN AID

Apr 03, 2024

Sri Muralidhara Swamigal explains how God, likened to a devoted farmer, employs various methods to guide humanity toward spiritual enlightenment. Through the Vedas' pure teachings and the exemplary lives of deities and sages, God offers a path out of the cycle of birth and rebirth, leading us towards ultimate liberation. What is humanitarian aid? Read More...

Divine Guidance: God's Efforts to Elevate Souls

Apr 03, 2024

FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSHK BUDIJI RICE

Apr 03, 2024

Mushk budiji is a unique rice variety native to the Kashmir Himalayas, celebrated for its exceptional aroma and taste. This indigenous variety thrives particularly well at altitudes between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, where specific environmental conditions accentuate its distinctive aromatic profile. Researchers from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) have identified about 35 aromatic compounds contributing to its unique scent, including the notable presence of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) in samples from higher altitudes. Read More...

INDIA'S PROGRESS IN TUBERCULOSIS REDUCTION

Apr 03, 2024

India has reported a significant reduction in the incidence and mortality rates of tuberculosis (TB) since 2015, according to the India TB report 2024 released by the Union Health Ministry. The concerted efforts towards early detection and treatment initiation, coupled with community engagement initiatives, have led to a 16% decline in new TB cases and an 18% reduction in TB mortality rates over the period. Key Highlights: Incidenc... Read More...

MV RUEN AND AL ASHKAAN PIRACY INCIDENT

Apr 03, 2024

What Happened to MV Ruen and Al Ashkaan? MV Ruen, a Malta-flagged merchant vessel, was hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023. The pirates used the Iranian-flagged fishing vessel Al Ashkaan, which they had hijacked earlier on November 29, 2023, off Yemen's coast, as a mother ship for this operation. How Were the Crew Members Affected? ... Read More...

DASARATHA'S LEGACY: STEERING TOWARD SPIRITUALITY

Apr 03, 2024

Swami Mitranandaji teaches us about the importance of mastering our senses to find peace and connect with the divine. He uses Dasaratha's life to illustrate this point. Dasaratha, known for his ability to control his senses, shows us that true power lies in self-discipline and detachment from material pleasures. His rule over Ayodhya, a place of no conflict, symbolizes the peace one finds through self-control. Dasaratha's story encourages us to conquer our inner struggles to lead a harmonious and fulfilled life. Read More...

Kerala Heatwave Alert: IMD Warning.

Apr 03, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions 1.What areas in Kerala are under a heatwave alert? - The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for Thrissur, predicting temperatures to reach 40°C, and for Kollam and Palakkad, where temperatures are expected to hit 39°C in the next five days. 2. What are the criteria for declaring a heatwave? - A heatwave is declared when temperature... Read More...

ILO India Report: Employment Challenges 2024

Apr 03, 2024

1. What does the ILO India Employment Report 2024 reveal about the educational profile of unemployed youth in India? - The report reveals that the share of unemployed youth with secondary or higher education in India has almost doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022. 2. How significant is the youth's share in India's unemployed workforce according to the report? - Youngster... Read More...

China-Russia relations since Ukraine war

Apr 03, 2024

Q: How has the Ukraine war impacted China-Russia relations? A: The Ukraine war has pushed China and Russia into a closer partnership, but it has also highlighted potential sources of tension: Strategic Alignment: The war and subsequent Western sanctions on Russia have reinforced a shared view of the West as an adversary. Both China and Russia seek to challenge US dominance and influence in the global order. NATO expansion is ... Read More...

Atomic clocks and NavIC of India

Apr 03, 2024

What are atomic clocks? Atomic clocks are extremely precise timekeeping devices that measure time based on the vibration frequencies of atoms. The stability and consistency of these atomic vibrations make atomic clocks the most accurate timekeeping instruments available. How do atomic clocks work? Atomic clocks work by measuring the electromagnetic signal ... Read More...

Wildlife Corridors: Nature's Pathways

Apr 03, 2024

What are wildlife corridors? ● Wildlife corridors are strategically located strips of land or water that connect larger, often fragmented habitats. These vital connections allow for the safe movement of animals, facilitating essential activities like foraging, breeding, and seasonal migrations. ● Corridors are crucial for maintaining healthy populations by promoting genetic diversity, reducing the risk of inbreeding and maki... Read More...

Geomagnetic Storms: Auroras & Effects

Apr 03, 2024

1. Geomagnetic Storms: ● A geomagnetic storm, also known as a magnetic storm, is a temporary disturbance of the Earth’s magnetosphere caused by a shock wave from the solar wind. These disturbances can be triggered by either a solar coronal mass ejection (CME) or, to a lesser extent, a co-rotating interaction region (CIR)—a high-speed stream of solar wind originating from the Sun. ● When a CME or CIR reaches Earth, it interacts with our planet’s magnetic field, leadin... Read More...

MEWAR SCHOOL OF MINIATURE PAINTING

Apr 03, 2024

1. What is the Mewar school of miniature painting? The Mewar school is a tradition of miniature painting that originated in the Mewar region of Rajasthan, India, during the 17th century. It was patronized by the Sisodia dynasty and is known for its unique style and themes, including religious and mythological narratives, portraits, and historical events. 2. How did the Mewar school differentiate itself from the Mughal painting tradition? Read More...

Internal Security: Challenges & Responses

Apr 02, 2024

Definition of Internal Security Internal security encompasses measures a state adopts to protect its citizens, infrastructure, and institutions from threats within its borders. It aims at maintaining the nation’s safety, security, and resilience against terrorism, hazards, and any internal disturbances. This broad spectrum of activities includes defending against external aggression and dealing with internal threats like terrorism, insurgency, cyber-attacks, and viole... Read More...