UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Women’s Representation in the Lok Sabha: Significance and Trends

Jul 10, 2024

Representation of women in the Lok Sabha has shown a significant increase since the first parliamentary election in 1952. This trend highlights the ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in Indian politics. 1. Historical Growth: • 1952: 22 women MPs out of 489 (4.5%) • 1957: 27 women MPs out of 494 (5.5%) • 2019 (17th Lok Sabha): 78 women MPs out of 543 (14.4%) • 2024 (18th Lok Sabha): 74 women MPs out of 543 (13.6%) 2. Party-wise Comparison (2019 vs. 2024): Read More...

FUTURE OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION: A REALITY

Jul 10, 2024

FUTURE OF THE NATIONAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION: A REALITY? In the Union budget for 2021-22, the government announced a significant allocation of Rs 50,000 crore for the National Research Foundation (NRF) over five years, marking a major step towards enhancing scientific research and innovation in India. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023, aims to establish the NRF and replace the Science and Engineering Research Board Act, 2008. This Act also seeks to centralize scientific research funding, which was first proposed under... Read More...

Miracle material: graphene.

Jul 10, 2024

1. What is graphene? Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern. It's an allotrope of carbon, like diamond and graphite. 2. Why is graphene called a "wonder material"? It's incredibly strong, lightweight, f... Read More...

"Jumping genes" and RNA bridges

Jul 10, 2024

They are new discoveries in genetics that could greatly impact medicine and biology: 1. Jumping genes (transposons): - Discovered in 1948 by Barbara McClintock - These are genes that can move around in the genome - They can turn other genes on or off, creating diversity in nature - About 45% of human DNA consists of these elements - Scientists are trying to reactivate dormant jumping genes for potential medical use 2. RNA bridges: - Recently discovered gene editin... Read More...

Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS)

Jul 10, 2024

Q1: What is the purpose of the BAS? A: The BAS will serve multiple purposes, including: - Scientific research: e.g., studying the effects of microgravity on plant growth - Earth observation: e.g., monitoring climate patterns and natural disasters - Technology development: e.g., testing new life support systems for long-duration spaceflight - International collaboration: e.g., hosting experiments from global research in... Read More...

Lightning strikes in India:Silent Killer

Jul 10, 2024

What: Read More...

Myanmar - China relation

Jul 09, 2024

1. What's happening in Myanmar currently? Myanmar is experiencing intense fighting in Shan State, particularly in the northern regions. This conflict has erupted following the collapse of a China-brokered ceasefire. The fighting has escalated dramatically, with ethnic armed groups launching offensives against the military junta's positions. The situation is fluid and rapidly evolving, with reports of clashes near major cities and strategic locations. This resurgence of conflict represents a significant challenge to the military junta&#... Read More...

"Bharat Mata" (Mother India), its origins, and significance:

Jul 09, 2024

1. Origin of the term: The concept of Bharat Mata as a personification of India as a mother goddess emerged during the Indian independence movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. - The term gained popularity after Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1882 novel "Anandamath," which included the patriotic song "Vande Mataram" (I bow to thee, Mother). - The first known depiction of Bharat Mata is believed to be a 1905 painting by Abanindranath Tagore, showing her as a four-armed Hindu goddess. Read More...

Bonalu festival in Telangana:

Jul 09, 2024

1. What is Bonalu? Bonalu is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in Telangana, particularly in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. ... Read More...

BRAZIL’S PANTANAL WILDFIRE RECORDS

Jul 09, 2024

Introduction: The Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, is experiencing unprecedented wildfires. According to a recent study, the region has suffered significant water loss since 1985, contributing to the current spike in fires. This year has set records for January-June fires, as reported by news agency AFP. KEY POINTS: 1. Water Loss: • The annual water surface in 2023 was only 382,000 hectares, 61% below the historical average. • Last year, only 2.6% of the Pan... Read More...

Negative Interest Rates Simplifier

Jul 09, 2024

Negative interest rates are when borrowers are paid to borrow money and savers are charged to keep their money in the bank. It's the opposite of how interest rates usually work. FAQs: 1. What are negative interest rates? When interest rates are negative, banks charge you for keeping your money with them, and they may pay borrowers for taking out loans. 2. Why would a country implement negative interest rates? To encourage spending... Read More...

Repatriation of Indian Artifacts

Jul 09, 2024

1. What is the history of antiquities being looted from India? There was a systemic loot of thousands, if not lakhs, of Indian artefacts by the British, Danish, French and Portuguese between the 17th and 19th centuries. The famed Koh-i-Noor diamond, the remains of the Amravati marbles and the Sultanganj Buddha are just a few examples of India’s treasures that were looted and still remain in foreign countries. 2. How does the government bring back smuggled artefacts? Read More...

EARTH’S INNER CORE ROTATION: KEY POINTS AND IMPLICATIONS

Jul 09, 2024

Key Points 1. Cycle of Core Rotation: • Recent research confirms that Earth’s inner core is part of a 70-year cycle where it speeds up and slows down. • The inner core is currently moving backward relative to Earth’s mantle. 2. Historical Evidence: • This cyclical pattern was first proposed in 2023 and has now been supported by additional evidence. 3. Impact on Magnetic Field: • The rotation of the core... Read More...