UPSC Daily Current Affairs

WIND SHEAR

May 28, 2024

What is Wind Shear? Wind shear refers to a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere. This phenomenon can occur either horizontally (along the ground) or vertically (upward into the atmosphere), and it plays a critical role in aviation, meteorology, and the development of weather patterns. Types of Wind Shear 1. Vertical Wind Shear: This type occurs when the wind speed or direction changes with altitude. It is particularly important... Read More...

PROTECTING MARINE ENVIRONMENTS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE

May 28, 2024

What? Protecting marine environments involves preserving and restoring oceans, seas, and coastal areas to prevent further degradation from the adverse effects of climate change. This includes addressing rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea level rise, as well as protecting marine biodiversity. Why? 1. Biodiversity Conservation: Oceans host a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity. Protecting these en... Read More...

How Milk Pasteurization Works

May 28, 2024

What is pasteurization? Pasteurization is a process that uses heat to kill harmful bacteria and other pathogens in food and beverages, including milk. This process helps to ensure the safety and extend the shelf life of the product. How does milk pasteurization work? There are several methods for pasteurizing milk, but the most common ones are: High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST): Milk is heated to 161°F (71.7°C) for at lea... Read More...

KEYSTONE SPECIESand THEIR ROLE IN ECOSYSTEMS

May 28, 2024

Q: Who coined the concept of keystone species? A: The concept of keystone species was coined by ecologist Bob Paine in the 1960s. Q: What was the result of Bob Paine’s experiment involving a purple starfish? A: Removing the purple starfish from a tidal pool led to an overpopulation of mussels, highlighting the starfish’s significant impact on its environment. Q: How are keystone species defined? Read More...

GREATER ADJUTANT STORKS IN BHAGALPUR, BIHAR:

May 28, 2024

Q: What are greater adjutant storks? A: Greater adjutant storks are large birds known for their scavenging behavior, particularly on carrion and waste. Read More...

INDIA INX AND NSE IX AT THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTRE

May 27, 2024

WHAT ARE INDIA INX AND NSE IX? - India INX (India International Exchange): The international arm of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) located at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat, India. - NSE IX (NSE International Exchange): The international arm of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), also situated at the IFSC in GIFT City. WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES... Read More...

DOCTORS and THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

May 27, 2024

WHAT IS THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (CPA)? The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is legislation enacted to protect the rights of consumers and provide a mechanism for addressing grievances related to the purchase of goods and services. It aims to ensure fair practices in the marketplace and provides consumers with the means to seek redressal for grievances. CURRENT LEGAL POSITION As of now, medical professionals and healthcare services are included under the CPA as service providers. This inclu... Read More...

WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY (WHA) and PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS TOOLKIT

May 27, 2024

WHAT IS THE WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY (WHA)? The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), comprising representatives from all WHO member states. It meets annually to discuss global health issues and make policy decisions. WHAT ARE THE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS (IHR)? The International Health Regulations (IHR) are a set of legal guidelines adopted by the WHA to manage public health events that have the pot... Read More...

RHODODENDRON IN INDIA: FAQs

May 27, 2024

WHAT IS RHODODENDRON? Rhododendron is a genus of flowering plants known for their beautiful and vibrant blooms. They are commonly found in mountainous regions and are valued for their ornamental and medicinal properties. WHERE CAN RHODODENDRON BE FOUND IN INDIA? In India, rhododendrons are predominantly found in the Himalayan region, including states like Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. They thrive in cool, temper... Read More...

MICROPLASTICS IN ASHTAMUDI LAKE

May 27, 2024

WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS? Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than five millimeters in length. They can originate from larger plastic debris that degrades into smaller pieces or from microbeads found in personal care products. HOW DID THEY ENTER ASHTAMUDI LAKE? Microplastics enter water bodies through various sources, including: - Runoff: From urban areas carrying plastic waste. - Industrial Discharg... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: PELANG SANGRI IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH-Living Rock

May 27, 2024

Introduction: Pelang Sangri, meaning ‘Living Rock’ in Nyishi, is a geological marvel located in the Yangte circle of Kra Daadi district, Arunachal Pradesh. This site features a group of intriguing rock formations that stand as a testament to the region’s unique geological history and potential for scientific exploration. Location and Access: Situated on the thigh of the Tane Giabe hill near the Bungliso stream, Pelang Sangri is 7 km f... Read More...

WIPO's New Treaty: Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources

May 27, 2024

HISTORIC BREAKTHROUGH IN GENEVA On May 24, 2024, WIPO member states approved a new Treaty addressing intellectual property (IP), genetic resources, and traditional knowledge. This landmark decision concluded decades of negotiations. It is the first WIPO Treaty to include provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE WIPO Director General Daren Tang highlighted the Treaty as a significant achievement, demons... Read More...

NOMINATION REJECTION OF SHYAM RANGEELA

May 27, 2024

BACKGROUND OF SHYAM RANGEELA Shyam Rangeela, originally named Shyam Sunder, is an Indian comedian and politician from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. He intended to contest the 2024 Indian general elections from the Varanasi constituency as an Independent candidate. Shyam Rangeela’s nomination was incomplete, and the Election Commission didn't find it funny! WHAT IS A NOMINATION PAPER?... Read More...

NEW TREATY ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND GENETIC RESOURCES

May 27, 2024

The new Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge, approved by WIPO member states on May 24, 2024, marks a significant milestone in international law. This Treaty mandates the disclosure of the origin of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patent applications. It specifically includes provisions for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, ensuring their contributions are recognized and respected. This historic agreement, resulting from decades of negotiations, aims to promote transparency and fairness in the use of genetic resources and traditional knowle... Read More...

MELTWATER PONDS THREATEN ANTARCTIC STABILITY

May 27, 2024

DEFINITIONS • Meltwater Ponds: Pools of water that form on the surface of ice shelves due to melting ice. • Ice Shelves: Thick, floating sheets of ice that extend from the coastline over the ocean, acting as barriers that hold back the flow of glaciers from the land into the sea. • Flexing and Fracturing: The bending and breaking of ice shelves caused by the weight and movement of meltwater ponds. ... Read More...