Current affairs

Editorial of the day (15th Apr): The Asian Edge-US China in Asia

Context: Recent US summits with Asian allies (Japan, Philippines) and China's reaction suggested a new era of political and military manoeuvring in Asia, with potential for major conflict. US-Asia Alliances US summits with Japan and the Philippines were seen as...

Microplastics, Types, Efforts to Combat Microplastics

Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have designed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water. What is a Hydrogel? Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks that can retain a large amount of water while maintaining structure...

Current Affairs 13th April 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Peace Conference Context Switzerland will host a peace conference in mid-June as the first step towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The conference aims to create a framework and roadmap for peace, although it is not expected to result in a...

Mount Etna’s Volcanic Vortex Rings

Context: Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, and among the world’s most active and iconic volcanoes, has been sending up almost perfect rings of smoke into the air. About Mount Etna Location: Mount Etna, located on the east coast...

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) and Space Debris

Context: ISRO's PSLV-C58 mission successfully minimised space debris by transforming the spent fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) into an orbital platform named PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3). What is PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)? Developed by...

Asian Development Outlook Report Findings for 2024

Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised its GDP growth forecast for India, raising it to 7% for the current fiscal year (2023-24) from its previous projection of 6.7%. Asian Development Outlook Report Findings GDP Growth Forecast 2023-24: India's...

India Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)

Context India has signed a protocol amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Mauritius to plug treaty abuse for tax evasion or avoidance. The India-Mauritius Tax Treaty Amendment includes the introduction of the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) in Article...

Poll Candidates don’t Need to Disclose Every Asset

Context The Supreme Court recently held that candidates need not disclose every piece of information and possession in their election affidavit unless it is substantial in nature. An independent candidate from Arunachal Pradesh was initially disqualified for failing to declare...

Current Affairs 12th April 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Statue of Valour Context: The 125-foot statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan in Assam symbolises local pride and influences political dynamics amid elections. The Statue of Valour: A Tribute to Lachit Borphukan Location: Jorhat district, eastern Assam (at Lachit Borphukan's...

God Particle or Higgs Boson Particle, Discovery, Significance

Context: Physicist Peter Higgs who came up with the idea of the “Higgs boson particle” or “God particle”, has passed away aged 94. Higgs Boson Particle or God Particle The "God Particle" is a popular nickname for the Higgs boson,...