UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ISRO and RLV: REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLES

Jun 14, 2024

The Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Programme The Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) programme by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) represents a significant leap in space technology. The primary goal of the RLV programme is to develop reusable spacecraft to reduce the cost of access to space, enhance mission efficiency, and promote sustainable space exploration. Benefits of RLVs 1. Cost Efficiency: • Reusable la... Read More...

Heat Health Action: Safeguarding Public Health from Heat

Jun 14, 2024

Immediate Implementation The Heat Health Action Plan (HHAP) has been mandated for urgent implementation to protect public health and ensure the readiness of healthcare systems to manage heat-related illnesses. Key Components of the Heat Health Action Plan 1. Healthcare Facility Preparedness: • Assessment: All healthcare facilities must assess their preparedness to handle heat-related emergencies. Read More...

MODI 3.0: GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS

Jun 14, 2024

Enhanced Global Stature Narendra Modi’s re-election for a rare third term as India’s Prime Minister continues to elevate the country’s position on the global stage. Modi’s administration has positioned India and its fast-growing economy as crucial players in addressing global issues such as climate change, development, and international security. Shifting Political Landscape Unlike his previous terms, Modi’s Bharatiya Jana... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: CPEC 2.0 , PAKISTAN AND CHINA. IMPLICATIONS for INDIA

Jun 14, 2024

What is the recent agreement between Pakistan and China regarding CPEC? Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and advance its development into a second phase. This decision was made during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking Mr. Sharif’s first official visit to China since assuming office in 2024. What is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)? Read More...

URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT IN KOLKATA: SIMPLIFIER

Jun 14, 2024

Why is Kolkata experiencing such high temperatures and humidity levels? Kolkata is currently facing extreme heat and humidity due to the delay in monsoon arrival. The city’s relative humidity is around 90%, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C. What is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect? The Urban Heat Island effect occurs when urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities. This is caused by incre... Read More...

HIGH SEAS TREATY 2023

Jun 13, 2024

The High Seas Treaty, also known as the agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction or ‘BBNJ’, was signed in New York on 20 September during the United Nations High-Level Week. Numerous countries signed the treaty, marking a significant step towards global ocean governance. Key Provisions of the High Seas Treaty The treaty aims to: 1. Promote Equity and Fairness: Ensure that all nations benefit from the resources and opportunities of the high seas. ... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: NATIONAL HEALTH CLAIM EXCHANGE

Jun 13, 2024

What is the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX)? The NHCX is a digital platform launched by the Health Ministry and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to facilitate the exchange of claims-related information among insurance companies, healthcare service providers, and government insurance scheme administrators. It aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in the health insurance ecosystem. Will the platform help patients access healthcare easily?... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: GREATER ADJUTANT STORKS IN ASSAM

Jun 13, 2024

Q: What is the greater adjutant stork? A: The greater adjutant stork is one of the most endangered bird species, primarily found in the Brahmaputra valley of Assam, India. These birds are known for their large size, some reaching almost five feet in height. Q: Where are greater adjutant storks found in Assam? A: They are mostly found in the districts of Guwahati, Morigaon, and Nagaon. Historically, Guwahati had the largest concentration of these storks in the country. ... Read More...

GLOBAL CORAL BLEACHING EVENTS

Jun 13, 2024

Q: What is a global coral bleaching event? A: It is a widespread phenomenon where corals expel the algae living within their tissues due to environmental stress, primarily from rising ocean temperatures. This causes corals to lose their color and become vulnerable to disease and death. Q: Why is this the fourth global bleaching event? A: Scientists have identified three previous events: 1998, 2010, and 2014-2017. The current event, declared in 2023, marks the fourth time such wides... Read More...

CLIMATE CHANGE:WORLD’S OCEANS ARE CHANGING COLOR

Jun 13, 2024

Climate change is causing the world’s oceans to change color, with 56% of the global sea surface affected over the last 20 years. This change, mapped by satellites, is largely due to shifts in the amount of plankton and other organic materials in the water. While the color change is not visible to the naked eye, it indicates significant environmental impacts. Key Points 1. Emergence of Green Waters: • Low-latitude regions near the equator are turning greener. • This is due... Read More...

UNITED STATES HUB-AND-SPOKE ALLIANCE SYSTEM

Jun 13, 2024

The hub-and-spoke alliance system, also known as the San Francisco System, is a network of bilateral alliances between the United States and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In this system, the United States acts as the “hub,” and the other countries are the “spokes.” The alliances involve political, military, and economic commitments. Bilateral vs. Multilateral Alliances The hub-and-spoke system is different from multilateral alliances like NATO. Here’s the hub-and-spokes alliance sys... Read More...

Indian Ocean: A climate game-changer

Jun 13, 2024

Q: How is the Indian Ocean affected by climate change? A: The Indian Ocean is warming faster than any other ocean, with temperatures rising by 1°C since 1880. Q: What are the consequences of a warming Indian Ocean? A: Warmer waters lead to more intense cyclones, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and changes in monsoon patterns. Q: How does the Indian Ocean influence global climate patterns? A: The Ind... Read More...

Preserving Indian Traditions with GI Tags Amid Climate Change

Jun 13, 2024

What is a Geographical Indication (GI) tag? A GI tag is a form of intellectual property protection for products that have a specific geographical origin and possess unique characteristics inherent to that location. It helps in preventing misuse of traditional knowledge and provides economic benefits to local communities. Examples of GI-tagged products in India: • Darjeeling Tea: Known for its unique flavor, grown in Darjeeling, West Bengal. • Kanchip... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: LIFE WITH NEURALINK

Jun 13, 2024

What is Neuralink? Neuralink is an intracortical brain-computer interface (BCI) developed to facilitate communication between the brain and external devices. It consists of 64 superfine threads with 1,024 electrodes that are implanted in the brain’s motor cortex. How does Neuralink work? The electrodes in the Neuralink device transmit compressed neural data via Bluetooth. An algorithm tailored to the user’s unique neural patterns translates t... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: AGNIVEER SCHEME

Jun 13, 2024

What is the Agniveer Scheme? The Agniveer scheme, introduced in June 2022, recruits youth between 17.5 to 21 years for a four-year service in the armed forces. After four years, they receive a certificate and a ‘Seva Nidhi’ of Rs 11.71 lakh. Only 25% are retained for longer service. What are the main criticisms of the Agniveer scheme? Critics argue that: • 75% of recruits do not receive long-term ben... Read More...