UPSC Daily Current Affairs

RBI’S GOLD RESERVES

Nov 05, 2024

RBI’S GOLD RESERVES Synopsis The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has repatriated about 130 metric tonnes of gold from the Bank of England over the past two years, enhancing its domestic gold holding capacity. This move aims to increase safety, reduce foreign risks, and strengthen India’s financial security. By moving its gold back, India is also mitigating international storage costs and preparing against global economic uncertainties. FAQs 1. Why Has RBI Increased Its Domestic Gold Holdings? The RBI has shifted a significant portion of its gold reserves from foreign banks to India to... Read More...

URBAN CHALLENGES IN INDIA AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSES

Nov 05, 2024

URBAN CHALLENGES IN INDIA AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSES 1. WHAT ARE THE CORE URBAN CHALLENGES IN INDIA? • Indian cities face multiple, interconnected issues, driven largely by rapid urbanisation. These challenges include insufficient infrastructure, inadequate housing, water scarcity, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. Additionally, climate change, pollution, and social inequality create significant hurdles. Cities struggle with spatial planning and governance, while issues like poverty and unemployment worsen as more people migrate to urban areas in search of better livelihoods. 2. HOW DOES RAPID URBANISATION AFFECT INDIA... Read More...

VOICE OF GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT (VOGSS)

Nov 05, 2024

VOICE OF GLOBAL SOUTH SUMMIT (VOGSS) The Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS) is a diplomatic initiative led by India to bring together developing nations from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific, collectively known as the Global South. These countries share common challenges such as poverty, limited infrastructure, vulnerability to climate change, and developmental needs. The summit provides a platform for these nations to address issues collaboratively and to amplify their voices in the global arena. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES 1. Creating a Unified Voice: VOGSS allows the Global South to present a collective stance on issue... Read More...

Space Weather and Aditya-L1: Simplifier

Nov 05, 2024

Space Weather and Aditya-L1: Simplifier Q: What is space weather? A: Space weather describes the dynamic conditions in space driven by the Sun's activity. This includes solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and the solar wind, which can affect Earth and our technology. Q: How does space weather impact us on Earth? A: Space weather can disrupt satellites, communication systems, and power grids. It can also cause stunning auroras. Q: What is Aditya-L1? A: Aditya-L1 is India's pioneering solar mission dedicated to studying the Sun from... Read More...

ADITYA-L1 AND CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS (CMEs)

Nov 05, 2024

ADITYA-L1 AND CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS (CMEs) 1. What is Aditya-L1? Aditya-L1 is India’s first dedicated solar mission, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on September 2, 2023. Positioned at the Lagrange Point 1 (L1), approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, it continuously observes the Sun, focusing on solar activities like solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). 2. What are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)? CMEs are massive bursts of plasma and magnetic fields released from the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer. When CMEs reach Earth, they can impact satellites, power... Read More...

COP16-DIGITAL SEQUENCE INFORMATION (DSI) & NATURE’S SEQUENCED GENES:BENEFIT SHARING

Nov 05, 2024

COP16-DIGITAL SEQUENCE INFORMATION (DSI) & NATURE’S SEQUENCED GENES:BENEFIT SHARING 1. WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL VANILLA FLAVOR MADE FROM? Artificial vanilla flavor is created using genetic information derived from vanilla plants. This genetic data, available in public databases, is used to synthesize vanilla flavor without relying on natural vanilla beans, impacting farmers who traditionally grow vanilla. 2. WHY DON’T POOR FARMERS BENEFIT FROM THIS INDUSTRY? The artificial vanilla industry primarily benefits large corporations rather than small-scale farmers or indigenous commun... Read More...

MILLET MARKET IN RURAL INDIA:OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Nov 05, 2024

MILLET MARKET IN RURAL INDIA:OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FAQs 1. What Are the Main Challenges Facing the Millet Market in Rural India? The primary challenges include low awareness about millets’ nutritional benefits, traditional dietary preferences, and limited market access. Additionally, affordability, accessibility, and product diversification remain major obstacles in rural regions. 2. Why Is Rural Millet Consumption Lower Than in Urban Areas? Millet consumption is lower in rural areas due to misconceptions about their nutritional value and the prevalence of traditional grains in diets. Ur... Read More...

MUZIRIS AND PATTANAM EXCAVATIONS: INSIGHTS INTO INDIA’S MARITIME HISTORY

Nov 05, 2024

MUZIRIS AND PATTANAM EXCAVATIONS: INSIGHTS INTO INDIA’S MARITIME HISTORY Synopsis The Muziris and Pattanam excavations in Kerala have unearthed valuable artifacts that shed light on ancient India’s maritime trade links, particularly during the Roman period. These findings indicate that Muziris, a prominent port on the Malabar Coast, was a thriving hub for international trade with the Roman Empire and other regions. The site at Pattanam, believed to be Muziris, reveals evidence of extensive trade, cultural exchanges, and urban development from as early as the 1st century BCE. FAQs 1. What Is Muziris, and Why Is It... Read More...

GLACIAL LAKES EXPANSION AND GLOF RISKS in INDIA

Nov 05, 2024

GLACIAL LAKES EXPANSION AND GLOF RISKS in INDIA What are Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)? GLOFs occur when water from a glacial lake breaches its natural dam—often composed of ice or moraine—leading to sudden and severe downstream flooding. These events can cause significant damage to infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities. Why are glacial lakes expanding in the Himalayas? Climate change has accelerated glacier melt in the Himalayan region, resulting in the formation and enlargement of glacial lakes. A recent report by the Central Water Commission (CWC) indicates a 10.81%... Read More...

Nepal's New Currency Note Might Upset India

Nov 04, 2024

Nepal's New Currency Note Might Upset India Key Points: Disputed Territories on Currency: Nepal's redesigned 100 rupee note features a map that includes the disputed areas of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, which are also claimed by India. This has led to diplomatic tension between the two countries. China's Involvement: The contract to print the new banknotes was awarded to a Chinese state-owned company, raising concerns in India about China's growing influence in Nepal. Strategic Importance: The disputed areas are strategically significant due ... Read More...

INDIA’S FIRST ANALOGUE SPACE MISSION:LADAKH

Nov 04, 2024

INDIA’S FIRST ANALOGUE SPACE MISSION:LADAKH 1. What is an analogue space mission? An analogue space mission is a simulated space environment created on Earth to replicate conditions found on other planets or in space. It helps scientists study human and equipment responses to challenges like isolation, low gravity, and extreme weather, which are similar to those encountered on extraterrestrial bodies. 2. What is the objective of India’s first analogue space mission? This mission aims to simulate extraterrestrial conditions to understand how humans can adapt to the challenges of extended space miss... Read More...

Irawati Karve: Indian Anthropology & Sociology

Nov 04, 2024

Irawati Karve: Indian Anthropology & Sociology Pioneer Q: Who was Irawati Karve? A: Irawati Karve (1905-1970) was a pioneering Indian sociologist, anthropologist, educationist, and writer. She is considered one of the most important social scientists of 20th century India. Q: What is Irawati Karve known for? A: Karve is known for her groundbreaking work in kinship studies, particularly her analysis of kinship systems in India. She also made significant contributions to the study of caste, gender, and Indian mythology. Q: What are some of her major work... Read More...

HOKERSAR: THE QUEEN OF WETLANDS AND KASHMIR’S AVIAN AIRPORT AT RISK

Nov 04, 2024

HOKERSAR: THE QUEEN OF WETLANDS AND KASHMIR’S AVIAN AIRPORT AT RISK 1. What makes Hokersar Wetland unique in Kashmir? Hokersar, often called the “queen of wetlands,” is one of the largest and most ecologically important wetlands in Kashmir. Known as an “avian airport,” it supports nearly half a million migratory birds each year, providing them with an ideal habitat from October to April. 2. Why is Hokersar referred to as the “avian airport”? This title highlights Hokersar’s role as a major stopover for migratory birds traveling from Siberia, China, Russia, and Europe.... Read More...

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN RURAL INDIA: DICSC CENTERS

Nov 04, 2024

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN RURAL INDIA: DICSC CENTERS FAQs 1. What is the Digital India Common Service Center (DICSC) project? • The DICSC project is an initiative by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to establish digital service centers across rural India. These centers aim to bring e-governance, financial, education, and telemedicine services closer to villages, with 4,740 centers planned nationwide. 2. Where are the first DICSC centers being set up? • The initial phase includes Pilibhit and Gorakhpur, which will see the establishment of nearly ... Read More...

INDIA’S METHANE DIPLOMACY AND COP29: IN PERSPECTIVE

Nov 04, 2024

INDIA’S METHANE DIPLOMACY AND COP29: IN PERSPECTIVE 1. What is COP29? COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024. This “Finance COP” focuses on global climate finance, setting goals for increasing carbon storage, expanding renewable energy, and cutting methane emissions. 2. Why is methane reduction a priority in climate discussions? Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with 28 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 100-year timescale. Its concentration is rising rap... Read More...