UPSC Daily Current Affairs

GANGOTRI GLACIER: A DETAILED OVERVIEW

May 14, 2024

Introduction Gangotri Glacier is one of the largest and most important glaciers in the Indian Himalayas. It is the primary source of the Ganges River, which is one of the most significant rivers in India both culturally and geographically. Locat... Read More...

United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF 19) and INDIA

May 14, 2024

Introduction At the 19th United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF 19) in New York, India highlighted its advancements in conservation and sustainable forest management. The forum, held from May 6 to 10, focused on global forest goals and sustainable development by 2030. India's Achievements - Increase in Forest Cover: Over the past 15 years, India has seen a consistent rise in forest cover. - Biodiversity an... Read More...

INDIA'S COMPRESSED BIOGAS SECTOR OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES

May 14, 2024

Introduction to Compressed Biogas (CBG) Compressed Biogas (CBG) is a renewable form of energy produced from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste such as agricultural residue, municipal waste, and animal waste. This process produces biogas, which is then purified and compressed to form CBG. The advantages of CBG include enhancing waste management, promoting local clean energy production, and reducing reliance on imported compressed natural gas (CNG). Current Scenario... Read More...

Venezuela's Disappearing Glaciers: Crisis in Ice Fields

May 14, 2024

Introduction Venezuela is on the verge of becoming the first country in modern history to lose all its glaciers. Climate scientists have recently downgraded the nation's last glacier, the Humboldt Glacier, to an ice field. Definitions - Glacier: A large, persistent body of ice that moves under its own weight. Read More...

COW DUNG'S KEY ROLE IN INDIA'S ENERGY INDUSTRY

May 14, 2024

Introduction Cow dung is playing a pivotal role in India's energy industry by contributing to the production of biomethane, a renewable energy source. This transformation is part of a broader effort to enhance waste management, promote clean energy production, and reduce dependence on imported natural gas. Read More...

ICMR-NIN's New Dietary Guidelines for India

May 14, 2024

Introduction The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) has released updated dietary guidelines advising against sugar for children under two years old and limiting sugar intake to 5% of daily calories for those over two. Guideline Overview - For Children Under 2: No added sugar. Read More...

CHANDRAYAAN-4 LUNAR MISSION

May 14, 2024

What is Chandrayaan-4? Chandrayaan-4 is the next chapter in India’s ambitious lunar exploration program, aiming to be the first Indian mission to return samples from the Moon. This complex mission involves a meticulously planned sequence and impressive technology. What are the main components of Chandrayaan-4? Chandrayaan-4 consists of multiple modules: - Reentry Module (RM) - Transfer Module (TM) - Lander Modul... Read More...

SUPREME COURT EXEMPTS ADVOCATES FROM CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

May 14, 2024

1. What did the Supreme Court rule regarding advocates and the Consumer Protection Act? The Supreme Court ruled that advocates cannot be held liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1986 (as re-enacted in 2019) for deficiency of services. 2. Why are advocates exempt from the Consumer Protection Act? The Court distinguished professionals, who require high levels of education, skill, and mental labor, from those engaged in business and trade. The success of profe... Read More...

ICMR and PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS

May 14, 2024

Introduction The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has updated its dietary guidelines, recommending that individuals avoid protein supplements. The guidelines emphasize the importance of obtaining essential amino acids from a diverse and balanced diet. Protein Requirements - Daily Intake: 0.66 to 0.83 grams of protein... Read More...

HIGH ALTITUDE PSEUDO-SATELLITE (HAPS)

May 14, 2024

What is a High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS)? A High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) is a solar-powered, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that flies in the stratosphere at about 20 kilometers above the ground. Also known as high-altitude platform stations or systems, HAPS can provide communication and observation services similar to artificial satellites while still operating within Earth's atmosphere. What are the key benefits of HAPS? - Long Endur... Read More...

ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS (EAAs)

May 14, 2024

What Are Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)? Essential amino acids (EAAs) are amino acids that cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet. They are crucial for various bodily functions, including protein synthesis, tissue repair, and nutrient absorption. Which Amino Acids Are Classified as EAAs? The nine essential amino acids are:... Read More...

“MOON DUST”

May 14, 2024

1. What is lunar regolith simulant? Lunar regolith simulant is an Earth-based material designed to mimic the physical, chemical, and mineral properties of lunar soil. It is used for testing hardware and conducting experiments related to Moon missions. 2. Why do scientists need lunar regolith simulant? Scientists and engineers need lunar regolith simulant to: - Test spacecraft and spacesuits. - Develop new coatings to prevent dust ac... Read More...

Geomagnetic Storms and Auroras

May 14, 2024

1. What causes the northern and southern lights (auroras)? The auroras occur when charged particles emitted from the sun reach the Earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases around the magnetic poles. These collisions produce the breathtaking night-time displays known as the northern lights (aurora borealis) and southern lights (aurora australis). 2. What is a geomagnetic storm? A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere that oc... Read More...

Legal position on live-in relationships in India

May 14, 2024

What is the legal position on live-in relationships in India? India does not have specific laws directly addressing live-in relationships. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that cohabitation between two consenting adults is not a criminal offense and falls under the "right to life." The court has also extended certain legal protections to live-in partners, such as those under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. What did the Allahabad High Court stat... Read More...

Sodium-Ion Batteries

May 14, 2024

1. What are sodium-ion batteries? Sodium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries that use sodium ions as the charge carriers. They are similar in function to lithium-ion batteries but use sodium instead of lithium. 2. Why are sodium-ion batteries important? Sodium-ion batteries are important because they offer a potentially cheaper and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Sodium is more abundant and widely available than lithium, making these ... Read More...