UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA IN THE NEW INTERNATIONAL SPACE ORDER

May 23, 2024

India’s accomplishments in space exploration have significantly contributed to its rising prominence in the new international space order. The successful lunar missions by India, along with those by China and Japan, have positioned Asia at the forefront of space exploration and have sparked discussions about a new space race and multipolarity in space governance. Key Achievements: 1. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: &bull... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: ROOM-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS

May 23, 2024

Room-temperature superconductors are materials that conduct electricity with zero resistance at room temperatures, eliminating the need for extreme cooling that traditional superconductors require. This significant advancement could revolutionize how we use and manage electricity across various technologies. Key Points: 1. Efficiency in Electronics: Superconductors allow electricity to flow without any energy loss, which can greatly improve the efficiency of electrical devices and power grids. ... Read More...

FRACTALS: HOW THEY HELP US UNDERSTAND THE WORLD:Simplifier

May 23, 2024

Fractals are complex shapes that look similar at any scale, which means if you zoom in on a part of a fractal, you will see a shape that is similar to the whole. This characteristic is known as “self-similarity.” Fractals are not just mathematical concepts but are also commonly found in nature. Examples in Nature: 1. Trees: Look at a tree – the way branches split off from the main trunk and then smaller branches split off from those branches repeats the pattern at different scales. Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: DEBRIS MANAGEMENT IN SPACE – ISRO’S STRATEGY

May 23, 2024

1. What is space debris and its sources? Space debris encompasses non-functional objects left in space, including defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and smaller fragments like metal and paint flakes. These objects, even as small as a paint flake, can damage operational satellites due to their high velocities—approximately 10 kilometers per second. 2. Why is managing space debris critical? With over 1 million pieces of debris larger than a centimeter and ... Read More...

Chennai's Water Supply: Desalination Plant Impacts

May 23, 2024

Chennai, with its ever-expanding population and recurring water shortages, is set to welcome its fourth desalination plant, touted to be one of the largest in Asia. However, experts warn that relying on desalination plants may have significant long-term costs and suggest alternative solutions. CHALLENGES WITH DESALINATION Environmental Impact: Environmentalists argue that desalination plants cause significant environmental damage. The ... Read More...

EARTH’S MAGNETOTAIL

May 23, 2024

1. What is Earth’s magnetotail? Earth’s magnetotail is a long, shadow-like tail of the planet’s magnetic field created by the solar wind from the sun. 2. How is the magnetotail formed? The magnetotail is formed when the solar wind hits Earth, pushing the magnetic field into a long tail behind the planet. Read More...

ISRO's NETRA Project: Safeguarding Space with Advanced Tracking

May 23, 2024

NETRA is an initiative aimed at enhancing India’s capabilities in space situational awareness, particularly in monitoring and managing space debris. Here are some detailed facts about NETRA: 1. Purpose and Scope: NETRA is designed to provide ISRO with autonomous capability to track and monitor the position of satellites and space debris as small as 10 cm in size at geostationary orbit, and even smaller debris in lower orbits. This enables precise tracking of objects that pose collision risks to operational s... Read More...

RETURN OF THE SEI WHALE: A BEACON OF HOPE FOR CONSERVATION

May 23, 2024

The recent reappearance of the majestic sei whale along Argentina’s Patagonian coast after nearly 100 years is an extraordinary event in marine biology and conservation. This resurgence is not only a testament to the resilience of nature but also highlights the effectiveness of global conservation efforts. Characteristics of Sei Whales • Size and Appearance: Sei whales are among the largest whale species, reaching lengths of... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: ADDRESSING THE CRITICAL ISSUE OF SPACE JUNK

May 23, 2024

1. What is space junk and why is it concerning? Space junk refers to defunct man-made objects in space, such as old satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from disintegration, all orbiting Earth. These objects, some as large as 10 centimeters across, orbit at speeds of about 10 kilometers per second, posing serious risks to active satellites, spacecraft, and even safety on Earth due to potential re-entry impacts. 2. How extensive is the space junk problem? Read More...

"ANIMAL SPIRITS” IN ECONOMICS

May 23, 2024

John Maynard Keynes, a renowned British economist, introduced the concept of “animal spirits” in his seminal work, “The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money,” published in 1936. This term has since become a crucial element in understanding economic behavior and decision-making. Definition of “Animal Spirits” “Animal spirits” refers to the human emotions and instincts that influence economic d... Read More...

Simplifier:GREEN AMMONIA

May 23, 2024

Green ammonia is essentially ammonia produced in an environmentally friendly way. Here’s how it works in simple terms: 1. What is Green Ammonia? • Green ammonia is just like regular ammonia, a chemical made up of nitrogen and hydrogen, but it’s made using clean energy sources instead of fossil fuels. 2. How is it Produced? • Water Electrolysis: This method uses electricity from renewable energy sources like solar... Read More...

INDIA AND RUSSIA:NUCLEAR ENERGY COLLABORATION

May 23, 2024

Key Points from the Announcement Expansion of Nuclear Infrastructure India and Russia are in the process of identifying additional sites for the construction of Russian-built nuclear reactors in India. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s nuclear energy infrastructure, with significant progress already seen at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)... Read More...

Meghalaya's Dinosaur Teeth: A Fossil Revelation

May 23, 2024

For the first time in Northeast India, fossilized teeth of Titanosaurian sauropods have been discovered in the South West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. This discovery, made by the Palaeontology Division of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), marks a significant addition to the paleontological record of the region. Key Details of the Discovery: • Location and Timing: The teeth were found in Mawphuli village near Ranikor. The fossils were discovered in January of this year, but the announcement was postponed... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: “TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS

May 23, 2024

The “tragedy of the commons” is a principle in economics where individual users of a shared, limited resource act according to their own self-interest, leading to the depletion and degradation of that resource. This concept, first popularized by Garrett Hardin in 1968, has been widely observed in environmental science with examples including overgrazing, overfishing, and pollution. Examples from Environment and Economics: 1. Overfishing: Individual fishermen might catch as many fish as possible to... Read More...

GREEN CREDITS

May 23, 2024

Restoring India's Ecosystems: Green Credit Program Approves Afforestation, Water Conservation, and Waste Management Projects Introduction to Green Credit Program (GCP) The Green Credit Program (GCP) is an initiative launched by the Indian government to incentivize voluntary participation in environmental positive actions such as afforestation, water conservation, and waste management. Notified on October 13, 2023, the GCP encourages public-sector u... Read More...