UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Vadnagar:Continuous Human Settlement

Apr 20, 2024

Vadnagar's continuous habitation from around 800 BCE until the 19th century is a key finding. This continuity demonstrates that instead of experiencing a decline or "Dark Age" after the fall of major civilizations like the Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization), the region saw sustained human activity and development. The archaeological evidence supports a scenario where societies evolved and adapted through various historical periods without significant interruptions. Cultural Layers and Dynastic I... Read More...

Ophiolites: Oceanic Crust Insights & Geological Significance

Apr 20, 2024

1. What are ophiolites? Ophiolites are sections of the Earth's oceanic crust and the underlying upper mantle that have been uplifted and exposed above sea level and often emplaced ... Read More...

FATIMA SHEIKH: AN UNSUNG HEROINE IN INDIAN EDUCATION

Apr 20, 2024

Who was Fatima Sheikh? Fatima Sheikh was an early Indian educator and social reformer who played a pivotal role alongside Savitribai Phule and Jyotirao Phule in advancing girls' education in India. Despite her significant contributions, Fatima Sheikh's role has not been as prominently recognized or celebrated in mainstream Indian history. What was Fatima Sheikh's contribution to ed... Read More...

Warm Arctic-Cold Continent (WACC) Phenomenon

Apr 20, 2024

The Warm Arctic-Cold Continent (WACC) phenomenon is an important and complex climate pattern characterized by unusually warm temperatures in the Arctic regions coupled with severe cold spells across mid-latitude continents such as North America and Asia. This pattern can lead to significant weather extremes that affect millions of people. Read More...

Mahadev Govind Ranade: Social & Economic Reform Pioneer

Apr 20, 2024

Who was Mahadev Govind Ranade? Mahadev Govind Ranade was a distinguished Indian scholar, social reformer, and judge during the British Raj. Born on January 18, 1842, in Niphad, Maharashtra, he was a foundational figure in India’s social reform movements and also contributed significantly to the economic and political thought of his time. What contributions did Ranade make to education in India? Ranade was instr... Read More...

RAJA RAM MOHAN ROY: THE REFORMIST AND EDUCATIONIST

Apr 20, 2024

Who was Raja Ram Mohan Roy? Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent Indian social reformer and the founder of the Brahmo Samaj. He is often called the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" for his role in promoting social and educational reforms in India during the early 19th century. He was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Hooghly, Bengal. What was significant about Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s letter to Lord Amherst in 1823? Read More...

2nd SRC: Need for More Indian States?

Apr 20, 2024

What is the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC)? The SRC was initially set up by the Government of India in 1953 to evaluate the demands for the creation of new states on linguistic lines. Its recommendations led to the formation of 14 states and 6 union territories in 1956, realigning India's federal structure largely based on linguistic demographics. Why are there demands for a second SRC? Continuous demands for the cre... Read More...

LONG COVID: UNDERSTANDING POST-COVID HEALTH ISSUES

Apr 20, 2024

What is Long COVID? Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that continue for more than three months after the initial recovery from a COVID-19 infection and cannot be explained by another diagnosis. The World Health Organization recognizes Long COVID as a significant health issue affecting COVID-19 survivors. How common is Long COVID? Studies show varied incidence rates of Long COVID due to different research methodologies. A ... Read More...

Marine Heatwaves and The Bay of Bengal

Apr 20, 2024

1. What is a marine heatwave? Read More...

INDIA’S ARCTIC INITIATIVE

Apr 20, 2024

1. Why has India started winter expeditions to the Arctic? India began its first winter expedition to the Arctic due to emerging scientific data indicating that the Arctic is warming at a faster rate than previously understood. This data links significant climatic changes in India, including those affecting the monsoon and Himalayan glaciers, to Arctic conditions. 2. What are the strategic reasons for India’s interest in... Read More...

Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023

Apr 20, 2024

Scope: The DPDP Act applies to the processing of digital personal data within India where such data is collected online, or collected offline and is digitised. Salient Features: The Act is designed to protect the digital personal data of individuals by recognising both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes. It emphasizes a narrower mandate and a focus on the prevention of data breaches. Data Protection Board: The Act replace... Read More...

COASTLINES AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Apr 20, 2024

What is a coastline? A coastline is the area where land meets the ocean or sea. These areas can vary greatly in their geographical features, ranging from rocky cliffs and sandy beaches to expansive mangrove forests and estuaries. How do coastlines vary globally? Globally, coastlines are diverse. Some coastlines feature rugged... Read More...

RAILWAYS’ KAVACH ANTI-COLLISION SYSTEM

Apr 20, 2024

1. What is the Kavach system? Kavach, which means “armor” in Hindi, is an indigenous anti-collision system developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation in collaboration with Indian vendors. It’s designed to prevent train accidents by controlling train operations to avoid collisions. 2. How does Kavach work? Kavach works by using radio communications to mai... Read More...

The Four Fundamental Forces: Understanding and Importance

Apr 20, 2024

1. What is gravity? Gravity is the force that attracts two bodies towards each other. It governs the motion of planets and stars, structures galaxies, and influences the entire universe’s evolution. Despite being the weakest force, its influence is vast due to its infinite range. 2. What does the electromagnetic force do? The electromagnetic force is responsible for a wide r... Read More...

UNDERSTANDING MICROBIOMES WITHIN THE HUMAN BODY

Apr 20, 2024

What is a microbiome? A microbiome refers to the collection of microbes or microorganisms that inhabit an environment, creating a mini-ecosystem. In the context of the human body, the microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that live on and inside the human body, particularly in places like the gut, skin, mouth, and respiratory tract. Where are microbiomes fou... Read More...