UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Pacific Ocean Environmental Threats: Plastic, Overfishing, Acidification

Apr 30, 2024

► FAQs on the Threats to the Pacific Ocean 1. Why is the Pacific Ocean significant? The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering about a third of the globe’s surface. It plays a critical role in regulating weather, producing oxygen, and supporting biodiversity and human economies. 2. What are the main thr... Read More...

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

Apr 30, 2024

1. What makes the Indian Ocean historically significant for trade? The Indian Ocean has been central to long-distance trans-oceanic trading networks for thousands of years, facilitated by the monsoon wind system that allows for predictable navigation. This ocean has connected diverse regions including East Africa, the Middle East, India, and China, fostering extensive cultural and economic exchanges. 2. How did the monsoon winds affect trade in th... Read More...

ABRAM BIN YIJU'S TRADE CONNECTIONS IN INDIA

Apr 30, 2024

1. Who was Abram bin Yiju? Abram bin Yiju was a Jewish merchant and scholar from the 12th century, originally from Tunisia. He is known for his extensive travels and business dealings across the medieval Islamic world, including a significant period of his life spent in India. 2. Why did Abram bin Yiju move to India? Abram bin Yiju moved to India to take advantage of the thriving trade opportunities along the Indian ... Read More...

ISRO’S PROJECT NETRA

Apr 30, 2024

1. What is Project NETRA? Project NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis) is an initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It serves as an early warning system designed to detect and track space debris and other hazards that could pose threats to Indian satellites in orbit. 2. Why is Project NETRA important? Space debris, including spent rocket stages, defunct satellites, and fragment... Read More...

Accelerated Warming in the Indian Ocean: Impact on India

Apr 30, 2024

1. What does accelerated warming mean for the Indian Ocean basin? Accelerated warming refers to the rapid increase in the ocean’s temperatures, projected at a rate of 1.7°C to 3.8°C per century from 2020 to 2100. This trend leads to more severe weather conditions, extended marine heatwaves, and increased cyclone intensity. 2. How does the warming affect monsoon patterns in India? The warming of the Indi... Read More...

THE DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION (DPDP) ACT, 2023

Apr 29, 2024

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, represents a significant step for India in the realm of data protection. As India’s first comprehensive data protection law, the DPDP Act establishes a robust legal framework for managing personal data within and outside the country, emphasizing the protection of digital personal data processed by entities operating in India. This is particularly relevant in our technology-driven age, where data privacy is crucial for both individuals and organizations. Read More...

UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM: G4 and India

Apr 29, 2024

1. What is the UN Security Council? The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for ensuring international peace and security, accepting new members into the UN, and approving any changes to its charter. 2. Why is the reform of the UN Security Council considered necessary? Reform is considered necessary to make the Council more representative, efficient... Read More...

IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report Overview

Apr 29, 2024

► Introduction The Sixth Assessment Cycle’s Synthesis Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), adopted at the 58th Session in Interlaken, Switzerland on March 19, 2023, consolidates findings from the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). It builds on the inputs from three working groups and three special reports, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of climate knowledge, impacts, risks, and necessary actions. Read More...

Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5)

Apr 29, 2024

The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) concluded with significant outcomes, including the adoption of the ‘Doha Political Declaration’. This pivotal event took place under the theme “From Potential to Prosperity” and was hosted in Qatar from March 5-9, 2023. This conference is crucial in setting the agenda for the next decade, particularly in relation to the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for 2022-2031, which aims to guide the 46 most vulnerable countries towards achieving the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Dev... Read More...

Urgent Call for Treaty to Combat Space Debris Crisis

Apr 29, 2024

The urgent call by scientists for a legally-binding treaty to protect Earth’s orbit highlights a growing crisis in space management. The expected rise from 9,000 to 60,000 satellites by 2030 underscores the increasing clutter, while the presence of over 100 trillion untracked pieces of satellite debris intensifies the need for stringent control and cooperation. Key Points: 1. Increasing Satellite Count and Debris: Read More...

UN 2023 Water Conference

Apr 29, 2024

► Introduction The United Nations Water Conference, held from March 22-24, 2023, at the UN Headquarters in New York, marked a pivotal moment in the global approach to water management and sustainability. Known formally as the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the 2018-2028 International Decade for Action, the conference aimed to bolster efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water. Read More...

East Africa's New Ocean: Future Geological Transformation

Apr 29, 2024

► Introduction The potential emergence of a new ocean in East Africa, due to the slow splitting of the continent along the East African Rift, presents a unique geological phenomenon with profound implications. This article explores the ongoing process of continental rifting, its expected outcomes, and the consequential socio-economic and environmental impacts. Read More...

CLIMATE HAZARDS AND VULNERABILITY ATLAS OF INDIA BY IMD

Apr 29, 2024

What is the Climate Hazards and Vulnerability Atlas of India? The Climate Hazards and Vulnerability Atlas of India is a tool developed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to provide impact-based early warning services for the thirteen most hazardous meteorological events, including heat waves. This Atlas uses Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and is available on the IMD Pune website. Read More...

Evolution and Impact of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India

Apr 29, 2024

Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India are undergoing a transformative shift from providing 24x7 back-end operational support to becoming pivotal centers for innovation and front-line operations for their parent multinational corporations (MNCs). These centers are increasingly recognized not just as cost-saving units but as integral, in-house tech outposts driving substantial technological advancements. Key Facts About GCCs in India • P... Read More...

Data Embassies: Ensuring Global Data Security

Apr 29, 2024

1. What is a Data Embassy? A Data Embassy is a facility that hosts the data and digital infrastructure of one nation within the territory of another nation. It acts like an extension of a nation’s own data centers but is located abroad, providing data protection and business continuity by mitigating risks related to physical and cyber threats. 2. Why are Data Embassies important? Read More...