UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SALINE INTRUSION IN INDIA: IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

Apr 19, 2024

► What is saline intrusion? Saline intrusion, also known as saltwater intrusion, is the process by which saltwater enters freshwater aquifers. This can occur naturally or be exacerbated by human activities such as groundwater over-extraction, leading to a decrease in freshwater availability for communities and agriculture. ► Where is saline intrusion occurring in India? Read More...

Invasive Species Threat & Response Measures in India

Apr 19, 2024

Invasive species pose a significant threat to biodiversity worldwide, including in India. These organisms can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native species, and lead to unforeseen environmental consequences. Global Overview: Globally, invasive species such as the zebra mussel, kudzu plant, and grey squirrel have spread beyond their native ranges, primarily due to human activities. Their introduction into new environments often leads to ecological imbalance. Methods like ecoacoust... Read More...

THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ & INDIA

Apr 19, 2024

Geoeconomic Significance: The Strait of Hormuz plays a crucial role in India’s energy security and economic stability due to its position as a primary route for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). About 85% of India’s crude oil and 70% of natural gas imports traverse through this strait. The flow of energy resources through the strait directly impacts global oil prices, and any disruption can lead to significant increases in energy costs for India, affecting the overall economic growth. Read More...

Understanding Winter Dzud: Impact and Mitigation

Apr 19, 2024

► Winter Dzud 1. What is a dzud? A dzud is a severe winter weather phenomenon in Mongolia and parts of Siberia, characterized by harsh conditions that lead to significant livestock mortality. This occurs due to heavy snow, extreme cold, or ice covering the ground, preventing livestock from accessing forage. Read More...

Choke Points: The Lifelines and Vulnerabilities of Global Trade

Apr 19, 2024

What is a choke point? A choke point refers to a point of natural congestion along two broader and more critical navigable passages. In military strategy, it is a geographical feature on land such as a valley, defile or bridge, or maritime passage through a critical waterway such as a strait. Why are choke points important for global trade? Choke points are vital for global trade as they are n... Read More...

Net Zero and India's Climate Strategy

Apr 19, 2024

What is Net Zero? Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. This balance is crucial for stabilizing global temperatures. When a country, company, or individual reaches net zero emissions, it means their actions result in no net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases. This is achieved by reducing emissions as much as possible and balancing remaining emissions with equivalent ca... Read More...

THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Apr 19, 2024

GEOECONOMIC, GEOPOLITICAL, AND GEOSTRATEGIC IMPORTANCE Geoeconomic Significance: The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for the global economy, through which approximately 21% of the world’s petroleum consumption passes. This narrow passage is essential for the transportation of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from major producers like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other Gulf countries to global markets. The strait's stability directly affects... Read More...

Carbon Offsetting:Concepts

Apr 19, 2024

1. What is Carbon Offsetting? Carbon offsetting is a method used by individuals, companies, and governments to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by funding an equivalent amount of carbon savings elsewhere. This often involves investing in projects that reduce emissions, such as renewable energy, forest conservation, or reforestation initiatives. 2. How does Carbon Offsetting work? Read More...

Abanindranath Tagore: Reviving Indian Artistry

Apr 19, 2024

What was the Bengal School of Art and how was Abanindranath Tagore related to it? The Bengal School of Art was an art movement and a style of Indian painting that originated in Bengal, primarily Kolkata and Shantiniketan, around the early 20th century. Abanindranath Tagore founded this school in an effort to counter the dominant academic art styles taught in India at the time, which were largely influenced by European styles. He promoted a revival of indigenous Indian artistic traditions, incorporating elements... Read More...

IRAN-ISRAEL TENSIONS:SIMPLIFIER

Apr 19, 2024

1. Historical Context: The tensions between Iran and Israel have deep historical roots, primarily stemming from ideological differences and regional power dynamics. Iran’s Islamic Revolution in 1979 and its subsequent anti-Israel stance, along with Israel’s alliances with Western powers, have fueled decades of animosity. 2. Key Issues: Read More...

Iron Age in India: Malhar and Mayiladumparai Discoveries

Apr 19, 2024

Q1: What's the significance of the Mayiladumparai discovery? A: The excavation revealed the Iron Age in southern India began as early as 2172 BCE, much earlier than previously believed. This pushes the timeline further back than the Malhar sites in Uttar Pradesh. Q2: How does Mayiladumparai challenge established ideas about the Iron Age? A: It challenges these ideas in multiple ways: Read More...

SIACHEN GLACIER: GEOGRAPHY,GEOPOLITICS and GEOSTRATEGY

Apr 19, 2024

Geography: The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, is at an altitude of approximately 5,400 meters (17,700 feet) above sea level. It spans about 76 kilometers (47 miles), making it the longest glacier in the Karakoram and the second-longest in the world’s non-polar areas. The glacier lies between the Saltoro Ridge line to the west and the main Karakoram range to the east. The rugged terrain is characterized by steep slopes, harsh weather, and creva... Read More...

40 YEARS AT SIACHEN GLACIER:Operation Meghdoot

Apr 19, 2024

As the Indian Army celebrates its 40th year of continuous presence at the Siachen Glacier under “Operation Meghdoot”, several updates and technological advancements have significantly boosted both the living conditions and operational capabilities at the world’s highest battlefield. Here’s an overview of the key improvements and initiatives: 1. Mobility Enhancements: The development of an extensive network of tracks and the introduction of all-terrain vehicles have significa... Read More...

ANCIENT INDIAN MATHEMATICAL TRADITIONS

Apr 19, 2024

What are some key mathematical discoveries made in ancient India? Ancient Indian mathematicians made significant contributions across various fields of mathematics. For example, the concept of zero as a number was first used in the ancient Indian text, the Bakshali manuscript. The Baudhayana theorem, known in the West as the Pythagorean theorem, was described in ancient Indian texts long before Pythagoras. Additionally, Aryabhata's treatise, Aryabhatiya, introduced the trigonometric functions of sine (jya) ... Read More...

Drug Manufacturing in Microgravity in Space

Apr 19, 2024

1. What is microgravity? Microgravity is the condition in which people or objects appear to be weightless. The effects of microgravity can be seen when astronauts and objects float in space. It occurs in environments that are in continuous free fall towards Earth, such as the International Space Station (ISS). 2. How does microgravity affect pharmaceutical manufacturing? In microgravity, the proces... Read More...