UPSC Daily Current Affairs

“Tropical cyclones,” “hurricanes,” and “typhoons”

Apr 06, 2024

Tropical cyclones are powerful storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and have a variety of names depending on their location around the world. Understanding the distinctions between terms like “tropical cyclones,” “hurricanes,” and “typhoons” involves examining their formation, characteristics, and regional impacts. Let’s delve into a more detailed explanation of these phenomena. Definition and Formation Read More...

Behavioural economics of Richard Thaler

Apr 06, 2024

Behavioral economics, introduced by scholars like Richard Thaler, challenges the traditional economic assumption that people always act rationally. Here are so... Read More...

Behavioral Evonomics and Rationality

Apr 06, 2024

Q1: What is the basic assumption of economic decision-making? A1: The basic assumption in economics is that humans make decisions based on rational self-interest. This means they aim to benefit themselves in the most efficient way possible, such as buying more apples when their price drops to get more value for their money. Q2: How did classical economists view self-interest in markets? A2: Classical economists like Adam ... Read More...

AGRICULTURE IN VIKSIT BHARAT

Apr 06, 2024

What is Viksit Bharat? Viksit Bharat, meaning Developed India, is a vision for India to become a developed nation by the year 2047, focusing on economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Why is agriculture important in Viksit Bharat? Agriculture is crucial because it employs approximately 45.8% of India’s workforce, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP and food security. Achieving development goals re... Read More...

DANIEL KAHNEMAN: BRIDGING PSYCHOLOGY AND ECONOMICS

Apr 06, 2024

Daniel Kahneman, a pioneering figure in psychology and economics, significantly impacted our understanding of human decision-making. His work, which traverses the realms of psychology and economic theory, has led to the development of behavioral economics, a field that scrutinizes the psychological underpinnings of economic decisions. Kahneman’s contributions reveal that human choices often diverge from the purely rational paths anticipated by classical economic theory. The Psychology of De... Read More...

The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO)

Apr 06, 2024

KSO is a remarkable institution with a storied history of solar observation and research. Here’s an overview of the observatory and its significance: Kodaikanal Solar Observatory: A Century of Solar Gazing ●Establishment: Founded in 1899, KSO is operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and is located in the Palani Hills of Tam... Read More...

India's Indicator Species: Environmental Guardians

Apr 06, 2024

Indicator species are organisms used to assess the health of a particular ecosystem or to signal the effects of environmental changes. In India, a country known for its vast biodiversity and range of ecosystems, from the Himalayan mountains to the coastal regions, the concept of indicator species plays a critical role in conservation and environmental management efforts. Types of Indicator Species in India 1. Aquatic Eco... Read More...

INDICATOR SPECIES: SNOW LEOPARDS

Apr 06, 2024

Indicator species serve as barometers for the health of their ecosystems, providing insights into the impact of environmental changes or stressors on biological communities. Snow leopards are a prime example of such species, primarily because of their unique ecological niche and habitat requirements. Snow leopards inhabit high-altitude mountains across Central and South Asia, including parts of the Himalayas in India. These regions are characterized by harsh climates and rugged terrain, making them relatively inaccessible and less impacted by direct human activi... Read More...

“Artificial Sun” fusion reactor

Apr 06, 2024

What is the Korean ‘Artificial Sun’ reactor? The Korean “Artificial Sun” reactor, also known as the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), is a nuclear fusion reactor designed to replicate the fusion process that powers stars, including our Sun. What record did the KSTAR reactor set? The KSTAR reactor set a new world record by generating plasma temperatures of 100 million deg... Read More...

WATER CRISIS IN BENGALURU

Apr 06, 2024

What causes Bengaluru’s water crisis? Bengaluru faces a water crisis due to rapid urban expansion without corresponding updates to the water infrastructure, leading to depleted aquifers and reliance on deep bore wells. Does Bengaluru receive enough rainfall to meet its water needs? Yes, Bengaluru receives substantial rainfall, comparable to cities kn... Read More...

Mines & Minerals Act 2023: Overview

Apr 06, 2024

has indeed brought about pivotal changes to India’s mining laws, with a focus on atomic minerals. Here’s a summary of the key amendments: Amendments to Atomic Minerals Act: Omission of Certain Minerals: Six minerals have been removed from the list of atomic minerals, ... Read More...

SUSTAINABILITY and SOIL MANAGEMENT

Apr 05, 2024

What is the significance of soil in sustainable development? Soil plays a crucial role in sustainable development by supporting agriculture, filtering water, and serving as a carbon sink. Its health is vital for ecosystem balance, food security, and climate change mitigation. How do human activities impact soil health? Human activities like deforestation, industrial pollution, overuse of fertilizers, and urbanization can degrade soil, leading to loss of fertilit... Read More...

Havana Syndrome: Unexplained Medical Mystery

Apr 05, 2024

What is Havana Syndrome? Havana Syndrome is a set of unexplained medical symptoms with various neurological and physical manifestations. It was first reported in 2016 by U.S. and Canadian Embassy staff in Havana, Cuba. Since then, cases have been reported worldwide. What are the symptoms of Havana Syndrome? Symptoms vary... Read More...

INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORTS: A DETAILED OVERVIEW

Apr 05, 2024

What constitutes India’s defence exports? India’s defence exports include a variety of sophisticated weaponry and equipment. Key items are BrahMos cruise missiles, artillery guns, radars, armoured vehicles, torpedo loading mechanisms, electronic warfare systems, and light combat aircraft like the Tejas. Read More...

Microplastics: Understanding the Menace and Seeking Solutions

Apr 05, 2024

What exactly are microplastics? Microplastics are diminutive fragments of plastic, each smaller than 5 millimeters in length, often resulting from the degradation of larger plastic waste. These particles are robust and persistent, creating environmental challenges. Why should we be concerned abou... Read More...