Korean Peninsula

Syllabus: International relations. Source: IE  Context: Simmering tensions between North and South Korea, are now seemingly boiling over. The North Korea has adopted a renewed aggressive stance in the face of tensions with its neighbour, South Korea. History: Japanese occupation: Korea was under Japanese control from 1910 to 1945. Post-WWII division: After Japan’s defeat, Korea …

India – Canada

 Syllabus: International relations.  Source:   IE  Context: Relations between India and Canada are at a nadir, amidst the row regarding India’s alleged involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Background of Bilateral Relations: Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1947, upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2015. Trade: India was Canada’s 10th largest trading partner …

United Nations Women Report

Syllabus: Multilateral institution and Women Source:   Down to Earth Context: A new report from United Nations Women has unveiled a significant gender gap in social protection worldwide, leaving billions of women and girls vulnerable to poverty. Data points and status: 2 billion women and girls worldwide lack access to social protection (e.g., cash benefits, healthcare, …

Exit Poll

 Syllabus: Elections, Representation of People Act.  Source:  TH  Context: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that exit polls were causing distractions and asked media houses to self-introspect before publishing the verdict.  What is an Exit Poll? Exit Polls are surveys conducted immediately after voters exit polling stations. These polls aim to predict the election outcome …

Rare Diseases

 Syllabus: Health and Diseases  Source: IE  Context: The Delhi High Court last week issued directions aimed at improving the availability of so-called “orphan drugs”, which are medications used to treat “rare diseases” — defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a debilitating, lifelong condition that affects 1 or fewer people in 1,000. Definition of …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 October 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These …

India – ASEAN

 Syllabus: India and its neighbourhood.  Source:  IE  Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called 21st century as the century of India and ASEAN nations, adding that the INDIA-ASEAN friendship was important at a time when parts of the world are facing conflicts and tensions. Recent Summit Host: The summit was held in Vientiane, Laos, with leaders from all 10 ASEAN …

Rice fortification

Syllabus: Food and Nutrition Source:  IE Context: The Union Cabinet has extended the universal supply of fortified rice in all central government schemes providing free food grain under the National Food Security Act, 2021, in its present form, until December 2028. What is rice fortification, and why is it needed? Definition: Rice fortification involves adding …

Charon moon

Source: TH Context: Scientists have recently detected carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Charon, Pluto’s largest moon, using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). About Charon Largest moon of Pluto: Charon is the largest of Pluto’s five moons, roughly half the size of Pluto itself. Discovery: It was discovered on June 22, 1978, by James …

Global Digital Compact

Syllabus: Governance Source: TH Context:  The Global Digital Compact (GDC), adopted during the UN’s ‘Summit of the Future,’ focuses on harnessing digital technologies for the common good while promoting sustainable development and responsible data governance. It aims to address challenges like the digital divide, data privacy, and ethical AI use. Key points on Global Digital …

Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana

Source: PIB  Context: Union Health Minister unveils key initiatives to boost Nutrition Support for TB Patients and their Families. Monthly support under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana increased from the existing ₹500 per month to ₹1000 per month for all TB patients. Recent Changes in Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) Increased monthly support: Nutritional support under Ni-Kshay Poshan …

“Free to Think 2024” report

Source: TH  Context: India’s academic freedom has significantly declined over the past decade, with growing concerns over political influence and restrictions on student protests at universities. This trend has been highlighted in the “Free to Think 2024” report, which examines global academic freedom. More about the report: Published by: Scholars at Risk (SAR) Academic Freedom …

India – Maldives

 Syllabus: International relations  Source: IE  Context: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Muizzu in New Delhi, India decided to extend support in the form of INR 30 billion and USD 400 million as part of a bilateral currency swap agreement, instrumental in tackling the ongoing financial challenges faced by the Maldives. Background on India-Maldives relations: Political …

Casteism in Prison

Syllabus: Governance  Source: TH  Context:  The Supreme Court on October 3 declared caste-based labour assignments in prisons as “unconstitutional”, striking down provisions in State prison manuals across more than 10 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The court highlighted that assigning menial jobs like cleaning to marginalized castes while reserving cooking for higher …