Daily Current Affairs for IAS PCS (UPSC CSE)

  The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India. Every year, millions of aspirants appear for the exam, but only a few make it to the final list. Given the low success rate , it is essential for every UPSC aspirant to have a Plan B —an alternative career path to secure their future. This not only reduces stress but also provides a sense of security and direction in case things don’t go as planned. The Harsh Reality of UPSC Success Rate Despite hard work and dedication, the statistics are daunting: Over 10 lakh aspirants register for the Prelims every year. Only about 10,000 candidates qualify for the Mains . Around 2,500 candidates make it to the Interview (Personality Test) . Finally, only 800–1,000 candidates are selected for the prestigious services . With such stiff competition, even brilliant candidates might not clear the exam due to unpredictable factors like exam pattern changes, stress, or sheer luck. Having ...

Introduction Amir Khusrau, a 13th-century poet, musician, and scholar, is one of India’s most revered historical figures. His contributions to literature, music, and the Sufi tradition have left a lasting impact on Indian culture. Often called the “Tuti-yi-Hind” (Parrot of India), Khusrau’s works reflect a unique fusion of Persian and Indian influences, shaping the literary and musical landscape of the subcontinent. Who Was Amir Khusrau? A Persian and Hindavi poet, court musician, and Sufi scholar. Disciple of the renowned Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya . Served as a court poet under five Delhi Sultans: Muizuddin Qaiqabad, Jalaluddin Khalji, Alauddin Khalji, Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah, and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq . Family & Early Life Born in 1253 CE in Patiyali, Uttar Pradesh . His father was a Turkic noble from Central Asia, and his mother was an Indian Muslim. Migrated to India due to the Mongol invasions of Transoxiana . Amir Khusrau’s Contributions Literary Contributions Wrote in Persi...

Introduction Avalanches are one of the most devastating natural disasters in mountainous regions, particularly in the Himalayas. The recent avalanche in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, which trapped 22 workers at a BRO project site, highlights the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness. Understanding avalanches, their causes, and mitigation strategies is crucial for disaster management and environmental sustainability. What is an Avalanche? An avalanche is the rapid descent of snow, ice, and debris down a mountain slope. It can be triggered by natural factors like heavy snowfall and earthquakes or human activities like deforestation and tourism. Avalanches can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h , making them extremely destructive. Types of Avalanches Loose Snow Avalanche: Begins at a single point and gathers snow as it moves downward. Common on steep slopes (>40°) after fresh snowfall. Slab Avalanche: Occurs when a compacted layer of snow breaks away as a single slab. The most dangerous ...

Introduction Marine litter is an escalating global environmental crisis, severely impacting marine biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and human health. A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier) highlights that Lakshadweep's coral reef ecosystem faces an existential threat due to increasing plastic pollution. Addressing marine litter is crucial for preserving ocean health and ensuring sustainable development. What is Marine Litter? Marine litter refers to persistent, human-made waste that accumulates in marine and coastal environments. This includes both: Macroplastics: Large plastic debris such as bottles, fishing nets, and packaging materials. Microplastics: Small plastic particles (<5mm) originating from cosmetic products, synthetic textiles, and the breakdown of larger plastic waste. Major Sources of Marine Litter: Land-Based Waste: Poor solid waste management leads to plastic entering rivers and oceans. Fishing Industry: Abandoned, lo...

  Biodiversity leakage is an emerging environmental challenge that threatens global conservation initiatives. A recent study published in Science highlights how biodiversity leakage is undermining efforts to curb biodiversity loss worldwide. While protecting and restoring ecosystems in one region, human activities often shift to other areas, causing environmental degradation elsewhere. This unintended consequence needs urgent attention to ensure that conservation policies are truly effective on a global scale. What is Biodiversity Leakage? Biodiversity leakage occurs when environmental conservation policies lead to the displacement of destructive human activities to other regions. For instance, if agricultural production is restricted in conservation zones, demand for imports from biodiversity-rich regions increases, leading to habitat destruction. This phenomenon is similar to carbon leakage, where emissions reductions in one area result in increased emissions elsewhere. How Biod...

Introduction The Champakam Dorairajan Case (1951) was the first instance of conflict between Fundamental Rights (FRs) and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) . This landmark case led to significant constitutional amendments and shaped India's legal framework regarding reservations and equality. Background of the Case In 1948, the Madras Government issued a Communal General Order (GO) , reserving seats in educational institutions based on caste and religion. The government justified the order by citing Article 46 , which mandates the promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other weaker sections . However, Champakam Dorairajan , a Brahmin woman, challenged this order in the Madras High Court , arguing that it violated her Right to Equality (Article 14) . Supreme Court Verdict (1951) A five-judge Supreme Court (SC) bench upheld the Madras High Court’s decision , striking down the Communal GO as unconstitution...