UPSC Daily Current Affairs

BORNEO ELEPHANTS: ENDANGERED STATUS ON IUCN RED LIST

Jul 01, 2024

What are Borneo elephants? Borneo elephants, found in Sabah (Malaysia) and Kalimantan (Indonesia), are a unique subspecies of Asian elephants, known scientifically as Elephas maximus borneensis. They are distinguished by their smaller size and genetic distinctiveness from other elephant populations. Why are they classified as ‘Endangered’? As of June 27, 2024, Borneo elephants are classified as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List due to a significan... Read More...

ABHYAS:SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENTAL TRIALS

Jul 01, 2024

Overview The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed six consecutive developmental trials of the High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ with an improved booster configuration. These trials were conducted at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, and mark a significant milestone with ABHYAS having now completed 10 developmental trials, demonstrating the system’s reliability. Key Highlights • Improved ... Read More...

INSTC and India: A Strategic Game Changer

Jul 01, 2024

Overview The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multimodal route that integrates railways, roadways, and seaports, spanning 7,200 km (4,500 miles) from St. Petersburg to the port of Mumbai in India. This corridor is part of Russia’s strategy to diversify trade routes away from Europe to Asia and the Middle East due to Western sanctions. Key Developments • First Coal Shipment: For the first time, Russia... Read More...

INDIA JOINS RACE TO MINE NEW SEA PATCH IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

Jul 01, 2024

Overview In a strategic move, India has applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) in Jamaica for rights to explore two vast tracts in the Indian Ocean seabed, specifically the cobalt-rich Afanasy Nikitin S... Read More...

BATTERY CELL MANUFACTURING IN INDIA

Jul 01, 2024

Overview From electric vehicles (EVs) to renewable energy storage, batteries play a crucial role in shaping a greener future. India, one of the largest automotive markets globally, is witnessing significant growth in EV adoption, supported by government initiatives and increasing customer acceptance. Despite this promising landscape, battery cell manufacturing in India faces several challenges that require innovative solutions. Growing Demand A 2022 analysis by the McKinsey Battery Insights team projects that the entir... Read More...

CORAL TRIANGLE / INDO-AUSTRALIAN ARCHIPELAGO

Jul 01, 2024

Overview The Coral Triangle, also known as the Indo-Australian Archipelago, is renowned for having the greatest marine biodiversity on our planet. Despite its importance, the detailed evolutionary history of this biodiversity hotspot has remained largely a mystery. An international research team has now shed light on this history, reconstructing how biodiversity in the region has developed over the past 40 million years. Evolutionary History: • The archipelago showed an increase in diversif... Read More...

SOUTH CHINA SEA: THE POTENTIAL FLASHPOINT FOR WAR

Jul 01, 2024

Overview The South China Sea has become a critical flashpoint that could spark a great-power conflict, posing significant concerns for regional stability and global security. The situation is exacerbated by increasin... Read More...

CORAL TRIANGLE / INDO-AUSTRALIAN ARCHIPELAGO

Jul 01, 2024

Namdapha National Park: A Unique Sanctuary for Big Cats

Jul 01, 2024

Overview Namdapha National Park, located in the Changlang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India, is a remarkable sanctuary renowned for being the only park in the world that houses four feline species of big cats: the Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard. Spread across 1985.23 sq km, this park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Unique Feline Residents 1. Tiger (Panthera Tigris): &b... Read More...

NAMDAPHA NATIONAL PARK: A UNIQUE SANCTUARY FOR BIG CATS

Jul 01, 2024

WHY TIGERS DON’T LIVE IN AFRICA

Jul 01, 2024

Historical Background Tigers, along with lions and leopards, belong to the Felidae family, which originated in Africa. Despite their common ancestry, tigers have never naturally lived in the wild in Africa. Their evo... Read More...

NARMADA RIVER: INDIA’S UNIQUE WESTWARD-FLOWING RIVER

Jul 01, 2024

Overview In the heart of India, the Narmada River flows uniquely westward from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh. Unlike most Indian rivers that flow east, the Narmada charts a distinctive course, earning it t... Read More...

SEA CUCUMBERS IN INDIA: LEATHERY BOTTOM-DWELLERS

Jun 29, 2024

Overview Sea cucumbers are fascinating marine animals known for their leathery skin and unique body structure. They belong to the class Holothuroidea and are distantly related to starfish and sea urchins, sharing the... Read More...

PM GATI SHAKTI SCHEME

Jun 29, 2024

Overview The PM Gati Shakti scheme has significantly impacted India’s infrastructure development. This initiative focuses on integrating 16 ministries for coordinated infrastructure planning and emphasizes mult... Read More...

CORAL BLEACHING IN INDIA: IMPACT AND REMEDIES

Jun 29, 2024

Overview Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 islands and a Union Territory of India, has been severely affected by coral bleaching. This environmental issue is part of the fourth global coral bleaching event, the most severe recorded to date. Key Findings • Global Impact: Since January 1, 2023, more than 70.7% of coral reefs worldwide have experienced bleaching-level heat stress. • Lakshadweep’s Condition: The latest survey in Lakshadweep sh... Read More...