UPSC Daily Current Affairs

CLOUD ENGINEERING and CLIMATE CHANGE

Apr 26, 2024

What is cloud engineering? Cloud engineering, also known as cloud brightening, is a form of climate intervention that aims to temporarily reduce Earth’s temperature. It involves injecting tiny particles (aerosols) into the atmosphere, which serve as additional cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). These particles increase the density and brightness of clouds, enhancing their ability to reflect sunlight back into space and thereby cooling the planet. Read More...

UNEP FOOD WASTE INDEX REPORT 2024

Apr 26, 2024

What is the UNEP Food Waste Index Report? The UNEP Food Waste Index Report is an assessment that tracks global progress in reducing food waste. It aims to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which targets halving per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030. The report, first published in 2021, compiles data to evaluate the scale of food waste and the effectiveness of interventions across different countries. ... Read More...

FOREVER CHEMICALS' (PFAS)

Apr 26, 2024

What are 'forever chemicals'? 'Forever chemicals' is a nickname for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are a group of man-made chemicals. These chemicals are characterized by their strong chemical bonds and resistance to degradation, making them highly persistent in the environment and in living organisms. Why are PFAS a concern? PFAS are concerning due to th... Read More...

Ecosystem Engineers: How Species Shape Their Habitats

Apr 26, 2024

The term "ecosystem engineer" refers to species that create, modify, maintain, or destroy habitats, significantly influencing the conditions and resources available in their ecosystem. Here are a few examples of organisms that are commonly recognized as ecosystem engineers: Beavers (Castor canadensis): Beavers are perhaps the most famous ecosystem engineers due to their ability to dramatically alter landscapes. By building dams, they create wetlands—rich, biodiverse habitats that can support a ... Read More...

Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO)

Apr 26, 2024

The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) is a pivotal regional group comprising eight Amazon Basin countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela) aimed at promoting sustainable development and conservation of the Amazon Rainforest. ACTO was established following the signing of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT) on July 3, 1978. This organization coordinates the efforts of member countries to ensure that development in the region integrates their economic, social, and environmental priorities effectively. Read More...

"Invasive Alien Species and their Control"

Apr 25, 2024

10TH PLENARY OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL SCIENCE-POLICY PLATFORM ON BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (IPBES) What is the focus of the 10th plenary of IPBES? The 10th plenary of IPBES, held in Bonn, Germany, focuses on approving the scientific assessment report on "Invasive Alien Species and their Control." This report is crucial as invasive alien species are significant drivers of biodivers... Read More...

UN Recognizes Children's Rights to a Clean Environment

Apr 25, 2024

What is General Comment No. 26? General Comment No. 26 is a guidance document adopted by the UN on August 28, 2023. It serves as a legal framework to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental degradation and climate change on children's rights, ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for both the present and future generations. What rights are included in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child rela... Read More...

Hydrogen Mission: India's Path to Decarbonization & Net-Zero

Apr 25, 2024

Introduction On the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Hydrogen Mission, aiming to position India as a leader in green hydrogen production and export. The Mission was officially approved on January 4, 2022, by the Union Cabinet. This initiative is seen as a critical step toward making India self-reliant in energy, significantly reducing its dependence on energy imports which currently exceed $160 billion annually. ... Read More...

Electricity Plan 2022-32: Key Highlights

Apr 25, 2024

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued the National Electricity Plan (NEP) for the years 2022 to 2032, emphasizing a transition towards renewable energy and addressing future electricity demands. Here are the key aspects of this plan: 1. Increase in Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: ● The share of non-fossil based capacity is projected to rise from the current approximately 43% to around 57% by 2026-27 and to approximately 68% by the end of 2031-32. Read More...

BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATE (BEC)

Apr 25, 2024

What is a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)? A Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) is a state of matter formed when particles known as bosons are cooled to temperatures near absolute zero. Under these conditions, the particles clump together and enter the same energy state, exhibiting quantum phenomena on a macroscopic scale. How is a BEC created? Creating a BEC involves cooling a cloud of atoms (usua... Read More...

AERIAL DEFENCE SYSTEMS of INDIA

Apr 25, 2024

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE AERIAL DEFENCE SYSTEMS INDIA POSSESSES? India has a variety of systems including the S-400 air defense system, multi-layered air defense network, and the indigenous Akash and Barak-8 systems. HOW IS INDIA PLANNING TO ENHANCE ITS AERIAL DEFENSE SYSTEMS? India is looking to upgrade its capabilities with new technologies, including the enhancement of radar systems and int... Read More...

RISING SHIPPING COSTS and INDIA'S ECONOMY

Apr 25, 2024

The rising shipping costs, particularly due to disruptions like those in the Red Sea, impact economies such as India.Here is a list of key factors and their implications: Increase in Shipping Costs: Read More...

PMO:EVOLUTION OF THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE IN INDIA

Apr 25, 2024

1. What led to the establishment of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (PMS)? The PMS, later known as the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), was established by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on June 16, 1964, with the objective of providing secretarial assistance to the Prime Minister. This decision was aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Prime Minister’s decision-making process. 2. How did the role of the Cabinet Secretary change a... Read More...

INDIA’S THORIUM-BASED NUCLEAR ENERGY

Apr 25, 2024

1. What is thorium, and why is it important for India’s nuclear energy? Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in large quantities in India, particularly in Kerala and Odisha. It is seen as a potentially sustainable energy source because it is more abundant than uranium and produces less nuclear waste during energy production. 2. How does thorium work as a nuclear fuel? Thorium itself is not fissile and cannot sustain a nuclear chain re... Read More...

India-Bangladesh Enclave Exchange: History & Challenges

Apr 25, 2024

The complex issue of enclaves between India and Bangladesh dates back to the partition of India in 1947, which left many small pockets of land isolated within the territory of the neighboring country. These enclaves were essentially landlocked territories that belonged to one country but were completely surrounded by the territory of another. Over the decades, these enclaves created significant administrative and humanitarian issues, as they lacked proper governance and access to basic s... Read More...