UPSC Daily Current Affairs

CCUS in India: Carbon Capture & Storage

Apr 10, 2024

Introduction to CCUS Definition and Scope: Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies are essential for removing CO2 from flue gas and the atmosphere, enabling its reuse in various industries, thus contributing to th... Read More...

CARBON CREDIT TRADING SCHEME (CCTS) IN INDIA

Apr 10, 2024

1. What is the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)? The CCTS is a strategic initiative by India's Power Ministry, in collaboration with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), designed to encourage the reduction, removal, or avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions. It facilitates the trading of Carbon Credit Certificates (CCCs), where each certificate represents a tonne of CO2 equivalent reduced, removed, or avoided from the atmosphere. Read More...

ENERGY TRANSITIONS TOWARDS NET-ZERO FOR INDIA

Apr 10, 2024

1. What is Net-Zero? Net-Zero refers to balancing the amount of emitted greenhouse gases with the equivalent amount of carbon removal or offsetting from the atmosphere, aiming to achieve a balance where no more carbon is emitted than is removed. 2. Why is India aiming for Net-Zero? India is aiming for Net-Zero to combat climate change, reduce pollution, ensure energy security, and fulfill its commitments under internati... Read More...

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF) IN INDIA

Apr 10, 2024

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)? Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a bio-jet fuel derived from renewable resources such as agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and forestry residue... Read More...

ZIRCONs IN MOUNTAIN FORMATION

Apr 10, 2024

1. What new discovery have scientists made about mountain formation? Scientists have uncovered a previously unrecognized step in the geological process that transforms the seafloor into mountains. This discovery revolves around the role of zircons found in the Andes mountains, which provide insights into plate tectonics and the formation of the Earth’s landscape. 2. Why are zircons important in geological studies? Read More...

COMPRESSED BIOGAS BLENDING OBLIGATION

Apr 10, 2024

What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)? Compressed Biogas, or CBG, is a renewable energy source produced from organic waste materials, including agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and sewage. The primary component of CBG is methane, similar to natural gas, making it an excellent substitute for fossil-based gases. How will the CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) be implemented? The CBO will be phased in gradually, starting voluntarily until the fiscal year 2024-2025. ... Read More...

2024 Amendment: Plastic Waste Management Rules

Apr 09, 2024

Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Here is a summary of the key amendments introduced by the 2024 amendment: Assessment and Reporting by Panchayats at District Level: Read More...

RIGHT to PRIVACY AND PUBLIC INTEREST

Apr 09, 2024

Context: Apple refused ED's request to unlock Arvind Kejriwal's iPhone, citing user privacy 1. What is User Privacy? User privacy refers to the rights and expectations of individuals to keep their personal data and activities private and secure from unauthorized access. This encompasses personal information, communications, and choices made online. The extent of privacy ... Read More...

Ring of Fire:Geological and Seismic View

Apr 09, 2024

It is a vast region encircling the Pacific Ocean, known for its intense seismic and volcanic activity. This activity is primarily due to the movement and interaction of numerous tectonic plates in the area. Geological Perspective: Geologically, the Ring of Fire is characterized by a series of subduction zones where oceanic plates are forced beneath continental plates, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs. The subduction process is responsible for the creation of magma, which rises ... Read More...

Rakhigarhi's Ancient DNA

Apr 09, 2024

1. How is ancient DNA unraveling the history of early Indian civilizations? DNA samples from ancient sites like Rakhigarhi in Haryana, associated with the Indus Valley Civilization (around 2500 BCE), show a lack of genetic influx from Central Asian steppes until after 2000 BCE. This contradicts earlier theories that propose... Read More...

Rakhigarhi DNA and ancient Indian demography

Apr 09, 2024

1. What does the DNA evidence from the Rakhigarhi site reveal about ancient Indian demography? The DNA evidence obtained from the Rakhigarhi site, a major archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization, reveals there was no si... Read More...

NATO at 75: Evolution, Expansion, and Future Outlook

Apr 09, 2024

What is NATO? The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a strategic alliance formed in 1949, primarily focused on collective defense and security cooperation among its member nations. Read More...

UN's First Global Resolution on Artificial Intelligence

Apr 09, 2024

On March 24, 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted its first global resolution on AI, aiming to ensure the technology's safe, secure, and equitable development across all nations, with a strong emphasis on huma... Read More...

Ramnath Kovind Committee on Simultaneous Elections

Apr 09, 2024

The High-Level Committee’s report on simultaneous elections is a comprehensive document that addresses various aspects of conducting elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies concurrently. Here are the key points summarized: Rationale for Simultaneous Elections: ●Stability in Governance: Simultaneous elections are expected to minimize disruptions and policy paralysis, leading to more stable governance. ... Read More...

SIMULTANEOUS ELECTIONS AND SYNCHRONIZATION OF TERMS

Apr 09, 2024

What is the Concept of Simultaneous Elections? Simultaneous elections refer to the proposal of holding elections for the Lok Sabha (House of the People), State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies (Municipalities and Panchayats) at the same time, across the entire country. This concept aims to streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and minimize the impact of frequent elections on governance and development activities. Read More...