UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Great Green Wall of Africa

Apr 23, 2024

What is the Great Green Wall? The Great Green Wall is an African-led initiative aimed at combating the effects of climate change and desertification in the Sahel region of Africa. It involves the restoration of 100 million hectares of land across 11 countries by 2030. Why was the Great Green Wall initiative launched? The initiative was launched in response to the increasing threat of desertification, which was encroa... Read More...

EVERYDAY APPLICATIONS OF CRYOGENICS

Apr 23, 2024

Cryogenics, while often associated with complex scientific research and industrial applications, also has significant uses in everyday life. Here are some common applications: 1. Medical Technologies: Cryogenics is crucial in the field of medical diagn... Read More...

Cryogenics: The Basics

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is cryogenics? Cryogenics is the study of how materials behave at very low temperatures, typically below -153 degrees Celsius. It involves understanding and manipulating the properties of substances at these extreme conditions. ... Read More...

DEDICATED FREIGHT CORRIDOR IN INDIA

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC)? The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is a massive railway infrastructure project undertaken by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd (DFCCIL). It consists of two main corridors: the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC), spanning a total length of approximately 2,843 km across India.a 2. What are the primary... Read More...

DOXXING: THE CYBER CRIME

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is doxxing? Doxxing involves the unauthorized sharing or publication of private information about an individual, typically online. This information can include home addresses, phone numbers, email IDs, and other sensitive details that can lead to harassment or even physical harm. 2. What motivates someone to dox another person? Motivations can vary... Read More...

FOOD INFLATION IN INDIA

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is food inflation? Food inflation refers to the increase in the prices of food items over time. It measures how much more expensive food has become compared to a previous reference period. 2. Why are food prices in India rising? Several factors contribute to rising food prices in India, including supply chain disruptions, weather-related impacts like droughts or floods, rising fuel cos... Read More...

FALLING FERTILITY RATES IN ASIA

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is the total fertility rate (TFR)? The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is an estimate of the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime. A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level, necessary to keep a population stable without immigration. 2. Why are fertility rates falling in many Asian countries? The decline in fertility rates in Asian countries can be attributed to several factors, inc... Read More...

EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is Earth's magnetic field? Earth's magnetic field, also known as the geomagnetic field, is generated from deep within the planet's interior and extends out into space, forming a protective region called the magnetosphere. This field is crucial for protecting life on Earth by shielding us from the solar wind—streams of charged particles emitted by the sun. 2. How is Earth's magnetic field generated... Read More...

Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules in India 2024

Apr 23, 2024

WHAT RECENT CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE SURROGACY (REGULATION) RULES IN INDIA? In February 2024, the Indian government amended the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules to allow the use of donor gametes for married couples if one partner has a medical condition that necessitates it. Read More...

AFRICA’S DEBT CRISIS

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is Africa’s debt crisis? Africa’s debt crisis refers to the situation where many African countries are struggling under the burden of heavy foreign debts that have escalated due to high interest rates, aggressive loan conditions from international creditors, and challenging economic conditions. This crisis impacts government revenue and hampers development. 2. Why are African countries in so much debt? Several factors contribute to the high l... Read More...

SHOMPEN TRIBE OF GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND

Apr 23, 2024

1. Who are the Shompen? The Shompen are one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India, residing in the dense tropical rainforests of Great Nicobar Island. They are indigenous people known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, largely isolated from the outside world. 2. Where do the Shompen live? The Shompen live on Great Nicobar Island, which is part of the Nicobar Islands, located in the eastern Indian Ocean. They inhabit the interior areas of t... Read More...

Aadharshila: Anganwadi Curriculum

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is the new curriculum framework for anganwadis? The new curriculum framework, titled ‘Aadharshila’, is designed for children aged three to six years attending anganwadis across India. It aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and is intended to enhance early childhood educat... Read More...

INDIA’S BRAHMOS MISSILES TO THE PHILIPPINES

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is the BrahMos missile? The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. It is named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers and can be launched from land, sea, sub-sea, and air platforms, targ... Read More...

DISCOVERY OF VASUKI INDICUS

Apr 23, 2024

Newly discovered species of prehistoric snake 1. What is Vasuki Indicus? Vasuki Indicus is the name given to a newly discovered specie... Read More...

CRISPR: Treating Sickle Cell & Thalassemia

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is CRISPR gene-editing? CRISPR gene-editing is a revolutionary technology that acts like molecular scissors to make precise cuts in DNA. In the context of this therapy, it is used to disable the faulty gene that causes sickle cell disea... Read More...