UPSC Daily Current Affairs

LIGHT POLLUTION and Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

May 06, 2024

What is light pollution? Light pollution refers to human-made alterations in natural outdoor lighting levels. It occurs due to the presence of unwanted, excessive, or inappropriate artificial lighting. Read More...

India-Sri Lanka Reopen Passenger Ferry Service After 40 Years

May 04, 2024

India and Sri Lanka have resumed a passenger ferry service after a hiatus of nearly 40 years, reinstating an important link between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in the northern province of Sri Lanka. This service, launched on October 14, signifies a rejuvenation of both diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. The ferry, named Cheriyapani, made its inaugural journey with 50 passengers and 12 crew members, managed by Captain Biju George. The travel duration is approximately three hours. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, highlighted this event as a crucial milestone in ... Read More...

Floor Space Index Reforms in India

May 04, 2024

► Understanding FSI and the Need for Reform FAQ 1: What is FSI (Floor Space Index), and why is it important for urban planning? FSI is a ratio: the total buildable floor area allowed on a plot of land divided by the plot size. It determines how much development is permitted, greatly influencing urban density and land use. Read More...

Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) in India

May 04, 2024

What is a Pumped Storage Project (PSP)? A Pumped Storage Project (PSP) is a type of hydroelectric power system that serves as a large-scale energy storage facility. It works by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir during p... Read More...

Lipids from Biomass: A Sustainable Energy Solution

May 04, 2024

Lipids, or fats, are crucial organic molecules that play vital roles in various biological processes and are key components of all living cells. Beyond their biological importance, lipids derived from biomass are increasingly recognized as a sustainable source of green energy. Significance in Biological Systems Lipids include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids, serving as essential energy stores, structural elements of cell membranes, and hormone precursors. Their extraction from biomass is pivotal for industries a... Read More...

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in India

May 04, 2024

What are India's goals for non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030? India aims to achieve 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Additionally, India has pledged to reduce the emission intensity of it... Read More...

Biopesticides: Indian Agriculture

May 04, 2024

What are biopesticides? Biopesticides are pesticides derived from natural sources such as plants, bacteria, fungi, and minerals. They are used to control pests and diseases in agriculture through mechanisms that are often specific to the target pest, reducing the impact on non-target species and the environment. How are biopesticides produced? Biopesticide... Read More...

Locust threat to Agriculture

May 04, 2024

The Basics: Locusts and Agriculture FAQ 1: What are locusts, and how do they differ from ordinary grasshoppers? Locusts are specific grasshopper species that can shift between solitary and swarming phases. The gregarious (swarming) phase is triggered by specific environmental conditions and is responsible for major crop damage. ... Read More...

Energy Storage Obligation (ESO) in India

May 04, 2024

What is the Energy Storage Obligation (ESO)? The Energy Storage Obligation (ESO) in India is a regulatory framework that mandates a gradual increase in the proportion of energy consumed from solar and/or wind sources, incorporating energy stora... Read More...

Agave Cultivation in India: Opportunities and Impacts

May 04, 2024

What is the current status of Agave cultivation in India? Agave cultivation in India is currently in the early stages, primarily focused on small-scale experimental plantations and research facilities. Despite its nascent stage, the plant's resilience to challenging climates and low water requirements signal strong growth potential, particularly in arid and drought-prone areas. What are th... Read More...

Biofuels: From First-Generation to Third-Generation Technologies

May 04, 2024

What are first-generation (1G) biofuels? First-generation biofuels are derived from food crops such as corn, sugarcane, rapeseed, and soybean. They are primarily produced through fermentation to produce bioethanol and transesterification for biodiesel. These biofuels can be used in pure form or mixed with traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel. What are the main concerns associated with 1G biofuels? The main conc... Read More...

Food Storage and Processing Yards in Rural India

May 04, 2024

What is the importance of establishing food storage and processing yards in rural India? Food storage and processing yards are crucial for reducing post-harvest losses, enhancing food security, and increasing the shelf life of agricultural products. In rural India, these facilities help stabilize prices by managing supply fluctuations and ensuring that surplus produce is stored and processed efficiently. How does the proposed plan aim to implement these storage and ... Read More...

Understanding Hydroponics

May 04, 2024

FAQ 1: Define hydroponics and explain its fundamental principles. Hydroponics is a soilless cultivation technique where plants receive essential nutrients directly through a nutrient-rich aqueous solution. It offers precise control over the root zone environment for optimal growth. FAQ 2: Outline the historical development of hydroponics. While its roots lie in ancient practices like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, m... Read More...

India's VGF Scheme for Battery Energy Storage Systems

May 04, 2024

Geothermal Energy in India

May 04, 2024

What is geothermal energy? Geothermal energy is the heat derived from the sub-surface of the earth. This heat can be sourced from shallow ground to hot water and hot rock found a few miles beneath the Earth's surface, and even farther down to the extremely high temperatures of molten rock called magma. It can be harnessed to generate electricity or for heating purposes. What is the current status of geothermal energy in India? As of now, geothermal e... Read More...