UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Cicadas and Their Role in Heralding Monsoon in India

Apr 24, 2024

The Discovery of Homo Luzonensis

Apr 24, 2024

The discovery of Homo luzonensis, a species of ancient human, was announced in 2019 and marked a significant addition to our understanding of human evolution. This species was identified from fossils found in the Callao Cave on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The findings were based on 13 bones and teeth from at least three individuals that exhibited a combination of ancient and modern traits not seen in other species. Read More...

VVPAT-Based Audit of EVMs in India: Significant Electoral Reform

Apr 24, 2024

Introduction to VVPAT and Current Audit Practices Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems are used alongside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to allow voters to verify their cast vote is recorded correctly. In the current practice, the Election Commission of India (ECI) conducts a VVPAT-based audit by selecting a uniform sample of five EVMs from each Assembly constituency for manual verification of the VVPAT slips against the EVM tallies. This audit is desi... Read More...

Hindu Kush Glacial Loss: Climate Change Impact

Apr 24, 2024

What recent findings have been reported about glaciers in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH)? Recent reports indicate a significant acceleration in glacier mass loss in the HKH region. Between 2010 and 2019, glaciers lost mass at a rate of 0.28 met... Read More...

CENTRAL BANKS AND GOLD RESERVES: ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS

Apr 24, 2024

What is the role of gold in central bank reserves? Gold serves as a stabilizing and diversifying asset for central bank reserves. It is considered a safe haven during economic uncertainty and geopolitical turmoil, providing a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations. Why do central banks buy gold? Central banks purchase gold to diversify their foreign exchange reserves away from fiat currencies, which can be volatile. G... Read More...

CENTRAL BANKS AND GOLD RESERVES: ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS

Apr 24, 2024

FDI IN INDIA: Inter-State Variation

Apr 24, 2024

Why do some Indian states attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) in the automotive sector? Some states provide strategic advantages such as proximity to ports, well-developed infrastructure, and a robust network of ancillary services, which are critical for automotive manufacturing and export operations. What challenges do other states face in attracting FDI? States without these advantages, especially those lacking access... Read More...

SOIL ACIDIFICATION AND ITS IMPACT ON CARBON STORAGE IN INDIA

Apr 24, 2024

What is soil acidification and how does it occur? Soil acidification is the process by which soils become more acidic, primarily due to industrial activities and intensive farming practices. The use of nitrogen fertilizers and acid rain are major contributors to this phenomenon. Why is soil inorganic carbon (SIC) important? SIC, including forms like calciu... Read More...

Richat Structure: The Mysterious Eye of the Sahara

Apr 24, 2024

What is the Richat Structure? The Richat Structure is a prominent circular geological formation in the Sahara Desert of Mauritania. It is notable for its concentric ring-like appearance and is often visible from space. How was the Richat Structure formed? The formation of the Richat Structure is attributed to the geological processes of erosion. It is not caused by volcanic activity or meteorite impacts, as previously speculated. The differential ero... Read More...

Estuaries in India:Destruction and Protection

Apr 24, 2024

Over the past 35 years, rapid development has significantly impacted estuarine habitats globally, including in India. Estuaries, where rivers meet the sea, are crucial for biodiversity, supporting unique ecosystems that provide habitat for a wide range of species. In India, these areas are essential not only for wildlife but also for the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the resources such as fish and mangroves provided by estuaries. ► Impact of Development on Estuarine Habitats i... Read More...

The toxic impact of microplastics in the human body

Apr 24, 2024

Microplastics, tiny particles of plastic less than five millimeters in length, have become a global environmental concern due to their widespread presence and potential harmful effects on human health. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the toxic impact of microplastics in the human body: 1. What are microplastics? Answer: Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long which can be harmful to our oce... Read More...

COVID-19 and GIS Mapping

Apr 24, 2024

1. What is GIS mapping? Answer: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a technology that enables the visualization, analysis, and interpretation of data based on geographic or spatial locations. GIS combines mapping software and data to reveal patterns, relationships, and trends in maps, globes, reports, and charts. 2. How was GIS mapping used in monitoring COVID-19 cases in ... Read More...

Maldives Elections: Impact on India, China & Region

Apr 24, 2024

1. What was the outcome of the recent parliamentary elections in the Maldives? President Mohamed Muizzu's party, the People's National Congress (PNC), won a decisive victory in the Maldives' parliamentary elections, securing 66 out ... Read More...

YASUKUNI SHRINE

Apr 24, 2024

1. What is Yasukuni Shrine? Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to commemorating those who have died in service to Japan, particularly during military conflicts. Read More...

INDIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH AND GLOBAL AMBITIONS

Apr 24, 2024

1. What are India’s economic goals for 2047? India aims to achieve a GDP of US$30 trillion and a GDP per capita of US$18,000 by 2047, a target that would categorize it as a developed economy, aligning with the centenary of its independence. 2. How does India’s economy compare globally? India currently has the world’s fifth-largest GDP and is noted as the fastest growing major economy. This rapid growth enhances its stature on the global economi... Read More...