UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Far side of the Moon

May 04, 2024

Why the Far Side Matters Unexplored Territory: Landing on the lunar far side (also called the dark side, though it does receive sunlight!) represents a major milestone in space exploration. This side of the moon is less-explored than the near side, making each mission a chance for novel discoveries. Unique Composition: The far side's surface composition is thought to be different from the familiar near side. Sample... Read More...

Public Rapid Transportation (PRT) in India

May 04, 2024

What is Public Rapid Transportation (PRT)? Public Rapid Transportation (PRT) in India refers to modern transit solutions designed to decrease travel time and enhance connectivity between urban and suburban areas. These include metro systems, monorails, and high-speed rail projects. Which cities in India currently have PRT systems? Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have operational metro systems, which are part of the broader PRT infrastr... Read More...

The Lesser Florican: India's Endangered Grassland Bird

May 04, 2024

What is the Lesser Florican? The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) is a bird species belonging to the Bustard family, and is the smallest bustard in India. It is a characteristic bird of grasslands, endemic to the Indian subcontinent. What is its habitat? The Lesser Florican inhabits grasslands and grassland-like habitats, including certain croplands. It prefers areas with tall grasses and good ground cover, and ... Read More...

India's Circular Economy: Waste Management Innovations

May 04, 2024

What is a circular economy? A circular economy is an economic system focused on minimizing waste and making the most of resources. This model involves redesigning product life cycles to maximize reuse and recycling, reducing the environmental impact of production and consumption. What are major government programs promoting a circular economy in India? 1. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM... Read More...

Understanding Biochar

May 04, 2024

FAQ 1: What is biochar, and how is it produced through pyrolysis? Biochar is a charcoal-like material created by heating organic matter (wood waste, crop residues) in an oxygen-limited environment (pyrolysis). This process breaks down organic material, leaving behind a stable carbon-rich structure called biochar. FAQ 2: What makes biochar beneficial for soil and ... Read More...

Challenges of the Jal Jeevan Mission

May 04, 2024

_India's Drinking Water Issue_ 1. What are the historical context and evolution of India's drinking water challenges? Answer: India's drinking water challenges have evolved over time, with traditional water management systems like stepwells and community ponds playing a crucial role in ensuring water availability for centuries. However, rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization have strained these systems, leading ... Read More...

Zero Waste and Circular Economy Initiatives in India

May 04, 2024

What is Zero Waste? Zero Waste is a comprehensive waste management approach that aims to eliminate all discharges to land, water, or air that may be a threat to planetary, human, animal, or plant health. In the context of waste management, Zero Waste pertains to waste prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, striving to ensure that products are designed to be repaired, refurbished, or recycled. What is a Circular Economy? A circular economy is an ec... Read More...

Space Medicine: Basics

May 04, 2024

1. What is space medicine? - Space medicine is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of astronauts during space missions, as well as the effects of space travel on the human body. 2. What are the main challenges of space medicine? - The main challenges include dealing with microgravity, radiation exposure, isolation, confined environments, and the physiolog... Read More...

Unopposed Lok Sabha poll wins

May 04, 2024

► Introduction In Indian electoral law, specific provisions enable a candidate to be declared the winner of an election without any votes being cast, particularly in scenarios where the candidate faces no opposition after the nomination process concludes. This situation is governed by the Representation of Peoples Act of 1951, particularly under Section 53(3). This provision ensures that if there are fewer candidates than the seats available, those candidates are declared elected immediately. Read More...

India's Green Hydrogen Standards and Mission

May 04, 2024

1. What is green hydrogen, and why is it important? ● Green hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power through electrolysis (splitting water) or biomass conversion. ● Importance: Green hydrogen is a clean energy source with no direct carbon emissions, making it crucial for decarbonizing industries and achieving climate goals. 2. How has India defined "green hydrogen" in its new standards? Read More...

INDIA-FRANCE DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP: Horizon 2047

May 04, 2024

The defence partnership between India and France is rapidly evolving, driven by significant agreements and high-level exchanges. Two key documents, Horizon 2047 and the defence industrial roadmap, have become central to this deepening alliance. Signed during high-profile visits between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, these documents underscore a commitment to long-term cooperation in defence and technology. ► Key Developments in the India-France Defence... Read More...

Membrane Transporters: Key Functions and Types

May 03, 2024

1. What are membrane transporters? Membrane transporters are proteins embedded within the cell membrane that shuttle molecules and ions across the otherwise impermeable barrier. They are crucial for nutrient uptake, waste removal, communication between cells, and maintaining cellular balance. 2. What are the two main types of membrane transporters? ● Carriers: Physically bind the transported substance and change their own shape to move ... Read More...

Vaccines: Safeguarding Public Health Through Science (FAQs)

May 03, 2024

Vaccines are one of the greatest advancements in modern medicine. They work by exposing the body to a weakened or inactive form of a virus or bacteria, stimulating the immune system to develop antibodies that can fight off future infections. This significantly reduces the risk of getting sick and helps control the spread of infectious diseases. Here are some FAQs about vaccines: 1. How... Read More...

Perovskite Photovoltaics: Fundamentals

May 03, 2024

1. What are perovskites? Perovskites are a class of materials with a specific crystal structure, named after the mineral perovskite (calcium titanium oxide). For photovoltaics, the term refers to a broad range of materials sharing the same basic structure, often including organic and inorganic components. 2. Why are perovskites exciting for solar cells? ● High Efficiency: Perovskite solar cells have achieved incredible progress in rec... Read More...

Green Chemistry and Engineering

May 03, 2024

1. What are the core principles guiding green chemistry and engineering? ● Waste Prevention: Design processes that generate minimal waste. ● Atom Economy: Utilize processes that incorporate as much of the starting materials into the final product as possible. ● Less Hazardous Synthesis: Employ less toxic chemicals in procedures. ● Safer Solvents & Auxiliaries: Opt for eco-friendly sol... Read More...