UPSC Daily Current Affairs

OZONE LAYER AND ITS RECOVERY

Jul 09, 2024

Understanding the Ozone Layer What is the Ozone Layer? • The ozone layer is a region of Earth’s stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules. • It absorbs the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting living organisms from its damaging effects. Ozone Depletion and HCFCs Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS): • Chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) were widely used in ... Read More...

PROMOTING PASTORALISM IN INDIA

Jul 09, 2024

Importance of Rangelands in India Indian Rangelands: Read More...

BOOSTING PASTORALISTS TO PROTECT RANGELANDS

Jul 09, 2024

Importance of Rangelands Global Coverage: Read More...

Four Global Coral Bleaching Events

Jul 09, 2024

Understanding Coral Bleaching What Is Coral Bleaching? Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living within their tissues due to stress, such as elevated sea temperatures. The loss of these algae causes the corals to turn white or pale, indicating a loss of vital nutrients. Causes and Impact Primary Causes: • Climate Change: Rising ocean te... Read More...

RANGELANDS IN INDIA: THREATS AND CONSERVATION

Jul 09, 2024

What are Rangelands? Definition: Rangelands are vast natural landscape... Read More...

FOREVER CHEMICALS

Jul 09, 2024

Understanding Forever Chemicals What are Forever Chemicals? For... Read More...

STARMER and END OF UK RWANDA DEPORTATION PLAN

Jul 09, 2024

What is the Rwanda Deportation Plan? The Rwanda deportation plan was an initiative by the previous U.K. government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and potential resettlement. This plan aimed to deter illegal immigration and manage asylum applications. Why Was the Plan Controversial? The plan faced significant backlash due to concerns over human rights, ethical considerations, and the safety of asylum seekers in Rwanda. Many argued that it violated international laws... Read More...

Microgravity-The Human Body in Extended Space Flight

Jul 09, 2024

NASA astronaut Sunita "Suni" Williams, along with her colleague Barry Wilmore, is currently on an unexpectedly extended mission aboard the International Space Station due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. This situation provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of prolonged space exposure on the human body. FAQs: 1. What happens to muscles and bones during extended space missions? In microgravity, muscles and bones can weaken due to lack of resistance. A... Read More...

Laws and Policies

Jul 09, 2024

1. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA): Read More...

EFFORTS TO SAVE INDIA’S CORAL REEFS

Jul 09, 2024

What are the major threats to India’s coral reefs? Read More...

EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and India

Jul 09, 2024

1. What is the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)? The CBAM is a planned tax by the European Union on carbon emissions produced during the manufacturing of goods imported to the EU from countries like China and India. It focuses mainly on energy-intensive products like iron, steel, cement, fertilizer and aluminum. 2. Why is the EU implementing CBAM? The EU aims to reduce the carbon intensity of imported goods and contribute to global decarb... Read More...

Why Assam Keeps Flooding - Reasons and Remedies

Jul 08, 2024

1. Q: What are the main reasons for Assam's recurring floods? A: Key reasons include: - Geographical factors (numerous rivers, heavy rainfall) - Outdated flood control infrastructure - Climate change intensifying rainfall patterns - Deforestation and loss of natural flood buffers - Poor urban planning and drainage systems 2. Q: How does Assam's geography contribute to flooding? A: Assam has over 120 rivers, m... Read More...

41,000-Year-Old Ostrich Nest Found in Andhra Pradesh

Jul 08, 2024

It provides important insights into the extinction of megafauna in the Indian subcontinent: 1. Timeline refinement: It confirms the presence of ostriches in southern India around 41,000 years ago, helping refine the timeline of when these large birds inhabited the region. 2. Geographic distribution: It expands our understanding of the geographic range of prehistoric ostriches in India, showing they lived further south than previously known. 3. Extinction patterns: The discovery adds to the growing evidence t... Read More...

Indian Gaur

Jul 08, 2024

1. What is an Indian gaur? The Indian gaur (Bos gaurus), also known as the Indian bison, is the largest extant bovine species. It's a large, powerful wild cattle native to South and Southeast Asia. 2. Where are Indian gaurs found? Indian gaurs are found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and parts of Southeast Asia including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 3. What do Indian gaurs look like? Read More...

Bodhana Sivanandan: The 9-Year-Old Chess Prodigy

Jul 08, 2024

1. Who is Bodhana Sivanandan? • A 9-year-old British Tamil chess prodigy • Set to become England's youngest ever international player in any sport 2. What are her major achievements? • Selected for England's Women's Team at the Chess Olympiad • Third-highest rated 8-year-old chess player ever (rating: 2088) • Won all three world championships titles at under-eight level Read More...