UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Transforming India's Forest Conservation

Apr 19, 2024

1. What initiated the change in the definition of forests in India? The change initiated with the Supreme Court's landmark judgment in 1996, known as the Godavarman judgment. This ruling expanded the definition of forests to include all areas that fit the "dictionary meaning" of forests, irrespective of their legal classification or ownership. This was a significant shift aimed at ensuring broader protection of forest areas in India. 2. What was... Read More...

Longpi Pottery: Ancient Artistry from Manipur

Apr 19, 2024

Q: What is Longpi pottery? A: A unique, black pottery tradition from Manipur, Northeast India, known for its minimalist design and handcrafted nature. Q: Who makes Longpi pottery? A: Traditionally created by men of the Tangkhul Naga community, though women can practice it as well. Q: Where does the name Longp... Read More...

Volcanic Vortex rings or ‘Smoke rings’

Apr 19, 2024

They are a rare and fascinating phenomenon observed in active volcanoes like Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. These rings are generated by the combination of rapid gas release and the specific shape of the volcanic vent. Here’s a more detailed explanation: Formation: The formation of volcanic vortex rings is believed to be the result of a combination of fast gas release at the top of the magma conduit and regularity in the shape of t... Read More...

Nataraja: The Divine Dance of Lord Shiva

Apr 19, 2024

What is Nataraja? Nataraja is a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the divine dancer. It symbolizes Lord Shiva dancing in a ring of flames, performing the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. The iconography of Nataraja is rich with symbolism, reflecting key aspects of Hindu philosophy. What does the Nataraja statue represent? The Nataraja statue represents the cosmic cycl... Read More...

Patua: The Artistry of Narrative Scrolls

Apr 19, 2024

What is Patua Art? Patua art is a traditional form of scroll painting from the region of present-day West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. It involves both the creation of painted scrolls, known as patas, and a performance element where stories are sung or narrated as the scroll is unrolled. Who are the Patuas? The term 'Patua' has three connotati... Read More...

Bali Jatra: Cuttack's Maritime Legacy

Apr 19, 2024

What is Bali Jatra? Bali Jatra, literally meaning "Voyage to Bali," is an annual festival celebrated in Cuttack, Odisha. This festival commemorates the ancient maritime tradition of Odisha, where sailors (known as Sadhabas) embarked on voyages to distant lands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange. The festival is held on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar), symbolizing the day the ancient voyages would traditionally begin. Read More...

Brahmagiri Archaeological Site

Apr 19, 2024

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA) and INDIA

Apr 18, 2024

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous intergovernmental organization headquartered in Paris. It was established in 1974 following the 1973 oil crisis. The agency was set up under the aegis of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to addre... Read More...

Dakar Declaration on Climate Change 2023

Apr 18, 2024

What is the Dakar Declaration on Climate Change 2023? Key Point: The Dakar Declaration is a formal statement issued by ministers representing the world's 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Read More...

Indian Economy and Monsoons

Apr 18, 2024

The southwest monsoon season concluded with rainfall categorized as 'below normal', marking the first occurrence in four years. India experienced a rainfall deficit of six percent during the monsoon of 2023 compared to the long-term average spanning 50 years. However, this ... Read More...

Dancing Frogs of the Western Ghats:

Apr 18, 2024

What makes the dancing frogs unique? Dancing frogs exhibit a distinctive mating behavior known as "foot flagging," where males wave their webbed toes in the air in a rapid motion to attract mates and ward off competitors. This behavior is crucial for their reproduction and species sur... Read More...

Neelakurinji: Symbolic Shrub of Western Ghats

Apr 18, 2024

What is Neelakurinji, and what is the significance of its flowering cycle? Neelakurinji (genus Strobilanthes) is a group of flowering shrubs endemic to India's Western Ghats. It is renowned for its distinctive blue-purple blooms and infrequent flowering cycles that can range from one to 16 ... Read More...

Fentanyl and Its Precursors: US-China Cooperation

Apr 18, 2024

What is fentanyl? Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid primarily used for pain relief in medical settings. It's significantly stronger than morphine. Read More...

STROMATOLITES IN INDIA

Apr 18, 2024

WHAT ARE STROMATOLITES? Stromatolites are layered rock-like structures created by the activity of microbes, mainly cyanobacteria ("blue-green algae"). Read More...

India's Future Space Station: Bharatiya Antariksh Station

Apr 18, 2024

1. What is the Bharatiya Antariksh Station? • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is India’s planned space station, which ISRO aims to establish by 2035. The station will be assembled in phases, with its architecture including multiple modules necessary for long-term space operations. 2. How will the Bharatiya Antariksh Station be assembled? • The assembly of BAS will occur in a phased manner, involving the launch and integration of various modules... Read More...