UPSC Daily Current Affairs

LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS IN INDIA

Apr 27, 2024

What are lab-grown diamonds? Lab-grown diamonds (LGDs) are diamonds that have been created in a laboratory setting. They are produced using advanced technological processes such as Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) synthesis. These diamonds have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural diamonds. Why have lab-grown diamonds become more popular in India? The popularity of lab-grown diamonds in India has... Read More...

AFANASY NIKITIN SEAMOUNT AND ITS GEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Apr 27, 2024

What is the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount? The Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount) is an underwater mountain located in the Central Indian Basin, about 3,000 km from India's coast. It does not reach the ocean's surface and is known for its considerable size, extending about 400 km in length and 150 km in width. How was the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount formed? This seamount is volcanic in origin... Read More...

NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME (NCAP)

Apr 27, 2024

What is the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)? The NCAP, launched by the Indian government in 2019, aims to reduce particulate matter (PM) concentrations in the air. The programme targets a reduction of PM levels by 20-30% by 2024 from 2017 levels, with this target later revised to 40% by 2026. It focuses on improving air quality in cities that consistently exceed national PM standards. Read More...

SEAMOUNTS AND THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Apr 27, 2024

What is a Seamount? A seamount is an underwater mountain formed by volcanic activity. Unlike islands, seamounts do not reach the ocean's surface. They are typically conical or cylindrical in shape and can vary greatly in size, from small hills to towering peaks thousands of meters tall. How are Seamounts Formed? Seamounts are created by the eruption of... Read More...

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION AND ITS IMPACT

Apr 27, 2024

What is the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)? The Swachh Bharat Mission is a government initiative launched in 2014 aimed at eliminating open defecation and improving waste management practices across India. It includes initiatives to build toilets and promote sanitation. How does SBM relate to India’s ranking in the Environment Performance Index (EPI)? The SBM aims to improve aspects lik... Read More...

LAHARS: UNDERSTANDING VOLCANIC MUDFLOWS

Apr 27, 2024

What are Lahars? Lahars are violent mudflows or debris flows that consist of a mixture of pyroclastic material, rocky debris, and water. Originating from volcanic activity, these flows are particularly dangerous as they travel down volcanoes, typically following river valleys. How are Lahars Formed? Most lahars are triggered by heavy rainfall that mobilizes freshly deposited volcanic ash and debris on the slopes of a volcano. Ot... Read More...

LENTICULAR CLOUDS: AN OVERVIEW AND COMMON QUESTIONS

Apr 27, 2024

Lenticular clouds are intriguing atmospheric phenomena known for their distinctive, lens-shaped appearances, which often lead to misidentification as UFOs. These clouds typically form in the troposphere and are primarily observed over mountainous or hilly regions. Here are some detailed explanations and answers to common questions about lenticular clouds: What are lenticular clouds? Lenticular clouds are stationary clouds that f... Read More...

Cost of Living Crisis

Apr 27, 2024

Q1: What is a cost-of-living crisis? A cost-of-living crisis occurs when the price of essential items like food, energy, and housing increases faster than the price of labor, causing people to lose their standard of living. Q2: What are the causes of cost-of-living crisis? The cost of living crisis has been affecting people worldwide since late 2021, and i... Read More...

IRAN-PAKISTAN RELATIONS And INDIA

Apr 27, 2024

1. History of the Bilateral Relationship Between Iran and Pakistan • Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after its independence in 1947. Over the years, the two countries have maintained diplomatic relations and have cooperated in various sectors, including trade, defense, and energy. • However, the relationship has been strained at times due to a number of factors. These include Iran’s close ties with India, Pakistan’s alignment with Saudi Arabia ... Read More...

GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA: ROLE IN ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Apr 27, 2024

Gram-negative bacteria are a significant group in microbiology due to their unique cell wall structure, which does not retain the crystal violet stain used in Gram staining. This results in a pink coloration under a microscope. Their cell wall includes a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane enriched with lipopolysaccharides, which together confer distinct biochemical properties and influence their interaction with antibiotics. These bacteria are often at the forefront of discussions about antibiotic resistance. They possess several mechanisms to evade antibiotics, including: Read More...

SUPERBUGS: MDR, XDR, AND PDR EXPLAINED

Apr 26, 2024

Superbugs are a type of bacteria that have become resistant to multiple antibiotics, making them particularly challenging to treat. This resistance can lead to severe infections that are difficult to manage with conventional treatments. Here are key details regarding the different categories of superbugs: Read More...

NAVIC: India's Independent Navigation System

Apr 26, 2024

What is NavIC? NavIC, short for Navigation with Indian Constellation, is India’s own navigation system. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), it provides an alternative to foreign GPS systems, ensuring autonomy in navigation services. Why was NavIC developed? The necessity for NavIC arose during the Kargil War in 1999, when Indi... Read More...

PMAY: Affordable housing, funding and land challenges.

Apr 26, 2024

Q: What is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme? A: PMAY is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing affordable housing to all by 2022, with a focus on rehabilitation of slum dwellers, promotion of affordable housing, and subsidy for beneficiary-led construction. Read More...

Blue Whale Challenge and India

Apr 26, 2024

The Blue Whale Challenge is an online game that gained notoriety for its alleged connection to several deaths around the world. Here are some key points about it: ● Origin: The Blue Whale Challenge reportedly originated in Russia around 2013 and was said to consist of a series of tasks assigned to players by administrators over a 50-day period, starting with harmless tasks and escalating to self-harm and the final challenge of suicide. ●Global Concern: The game has been linked to over 130 deaths globally, with players being manipulated into ... Read More...

EARTHQUAKE MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

Apr 26, 2024

What are the main instruments used to measure earthquakes? The primary instruments used to measure earthquakes include seismometers, accelerometers, and GPS receivers. Each of these tools plays a crucial role in detecting and recording the various aspects of seismic activity. How do seismometers work? Seismometers are the mos... Read More...