UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) in Punjab: Challenges and Benefits

Jun 22, 2024

Introduction to DSR: Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) is an innovative technique of sowing paddy seeds that uses less water and labor compared to traditional transplanting methods. Despite its advantages, DSR has not gained widespread popularity in Punjab. Current Adoption: In the previous year, only 1.73 lakh acres out of 79 lakh acres under paddy cultivation in Punjab were sown using DSR, representing a mere 2%. The government’s target is to... Read More...

G7 SUMMIT’S FOCUS ON THE GLOBAL SOUTH

Jun 22, 2024

What was the main focus of the Apulia G7 Summit? The main focus of the Apulia G7 Summit was to address systemic risks posed by the Russia-China alliance, strengthen coordination against Russia, and enhance outreach to the Global South, particularly Africa. Why is Africa significant to the G7 Summit? Africa is central to addressing global challenges such as climate change and migration. The G7 aims to invest in sustainable development in Africa and counter illicit ac... Read More...

Predicate Offenses: Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)

Jun 22, 2024

A predicate offense is a criminal activity that leads to illegal gains and serves as the basis for money laundering. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) designates specific offenses as predicate offenses, which are listed in a schedule divided into three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part C. The aim of identifying predicate offenses is to curb both illicitly gained wealth and legally acquired income that is concealed from public authorities. Purpose of Predicate Offenses: • To identify and prevent the concealment ... Read More...

COVID-19 Origins: Lab Leak Hypothesis and Beyond

Jun 22, 2024

The origins of the Covid-19 pandemic have been a topic of intense scrutiny and debate. Uncovering how the virus that caused this global catastrophe emerged is crucial for preventing future pandemics and enhancing global health security. There are two primary scenarios considered for the origin of SARS-CoV-2: 1. Natural Zoonosis Hypothesis: This widely accepted theory suggests that the virus was transmitted from animals to humans. It is believed that SARS-CoV-2 originated in bats and possibly passed through an intermediate host before infecting humans. This pattern is consistent with... Read More...

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Jun 22, 2024

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Introduction: SDG 6 aims to ensure everyone has access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, with further climate resilience goals by 2050. This FAQ addresses common questions about India's progress and challenges in achieving this goal. Q1: What is the current status of clean water and sanitation in India? A: India has made signific... Read More...

Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Jun 21, 2024

Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy is essential for global development. Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focuses on providing clean and affordable energy to all, which is crucial for the advancement of agriculture, business, communications, education, healthcare, and transportation. Global Targets by 2030: • Achieve universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services. • Triple renewable energy capacity. • Double ann... Read More...

SDG 11: SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES IN INDIA

Jun 21, 2024

Basics of Sustainable Cities and Communities Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. This goal encompasses various targets, including ensuring access to adequate housing and basic services, improving urban living conditions, and enhancing urban sustainability. Key Targets for SDG 11 Access to Adequate, Safe, and Affordable Housing and Basic Services Read More...

INDIAN DIASPORA IN SOUTH AFRICA: Simplifier

Jun 21, 2024

How significant is the Indian population in South Africa? The Indian population in South Africa is about 1.5 million people. They are descendants of indentured laborers and free migrants from British India during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Where do most Indian South Africans live? The majority of Indian South Africans live in and around the city of Durban, making it one of the largest ethnically Indian-populated cities outside of India. Read More...

A Life on Thin Ice: Greenland's Inuit Polar Bear Hunters

Jun 21, 2024

Who are the Inuit hunters? Inuit hunters, like Hjelmer Hammeken, are indigenous people of Greenland who rely on traditional hunting methods to survive. They hunt seals, polar bears, and other Arctic wildlife for food and resources. How has climate change impacted their way of life? • Ice Conditions: The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average, causing the ice to melt earlier and form later. This reduces the time hunters can ... Read More...

PUTIN’S VISIT TO NORTH KOREA: GEOPOLITICS

Jun 21, 2024

Why is Putin visiting North Korea? Putin is visiting North Korea to meet with Kim Jong Un amid growing military cooperation between the two countries. This visit is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties as both nations face increasing confrontations with the United States. When is the visit? Putin’s visit to North Korea is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. What are the main topics of discu... Read More...

DIAPERS AND QUANTUM PHYSICS: FAQ

Jun 21, 2024

What makes diapers so absorbent? Diapers use a material called super-absorbent polymer (SAP), which can absorb large amounts of liquid due to its molecular structure and the presence of sodium ions. How does SAP work? SAP has a mesh-like molecular structure. When it contacts water, the sodium ions in SAP attract water molecules, which then get trapped in the mesh, forming a gel. Why do water molecules ... Read More...

MERCENARIES IN WAR ZONES: FAQ

Jun 21, 2024

Who are mercenaries? Mercenaries are individuals recruited to fight in armed conflicts primarily for personal gain, without being nationals of or officially sent by a party to the conflict. They are not entitled to prisoner-of-war status. What has happened to Indian nationals in Russia? Indian nationals have been lured by promises of lucrative jobs and have ended up fighting in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Nearly 100 Indians were recruited by the Russian Army under ... Read More...

SENIOR CITIZENS:THE VULNERABILITIES OF INDIA’S ELDERLY

Jun 21, 2024

The Ageing Phenomenon • Longevity and Low Reproduction: The 21st century has seen remarkable improvements in human longevity coupled with low reproduction rates, leading to an ageing population. • Redefining Ageing: Ageing is increasingly viewed not just in terms of age but also considering related functional aspects and evolving vulnerabilities. Key Vulnerabilities in India ... Read More...

ATCM-46: Ensuring Antarctica Remains a Pristine Wilderness

Jun 21, 2024

Current Status of Antarctic Tourism Tourism Growth: Since the 1990s, tourist numbers have surged from a few thousand to over 100,000 in the 2022-23 season. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) estimates 118,089 tourists for the 2023-24 season. Main Contributors: The United States and China account for over 40% of tourists. Activities: Tourists engage in wildlife observation, photography, mountain climbi... Read More...

GREAT NICOBAR PROJECT: PROS AND CONS

Jun 21, 2024

Pros 1. Economic Development: • The project is expected to significantly boost economic activities on Great Nicobar Island through the development of a trans-shipment port, an international airport, and township development. • It aims to create jobs and stimulate local businesses, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region. 2. Strategic Advantage: • The trans-shipment port would enhance India’s strategic presence i... Read More...