UPSC Daily Current Affairs

TANTALUM DISCOVERY IN SUTLEJ RIVER

Mar 30, 2024

What is tantalum and why is it important? Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray metal known for its extensive use in the electronics industry. Its ability to store and release electrical charge makes it essential for manufacturing capacitors and high-power resistors found in smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. Tantalum’s high melting point, resistance to corrosion, and excellent conductivity further cement its indispensable role in technology. Read More...

Geologic Hydrogen: Potential and Challenges

Mar 30, 2024

Definition: Geologic hydrogen (natural, white, or gold hydrogen) refers to hydrogen deposits formed naturally within the Earth's crust. Growing Interest: A significant increase in exploration efforts is underway, driven by the potential for a zero-carbon hydrogen source. Projects are active in numerous countries globally. Potential Benefit... Read More...

ANTARCTIC CIRCUMPOLAR CURRENT

Mar 30, 2024

What is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC)? The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is the world’s most powerful ocean current, encircling Antarctica and connecting the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. It plays a vital role in global climate regulation by facilitating the exchange of heat, carbon dioxide, and other substances across the ocean basins. How does the ACC influence global climate? The ACC influ... Read More...

HYDROGRAPHY: GEOPOLITICAL COMPETITION IN INDIAN OCEAN

Mar 30, 2024

Hydrography, the science of mapping the world’s water bodies and the seabed, has emerged as a new front in the geopolitical battle for influence in the Indian Ocean. Nations like India and China are intensifying efforts to chart not only international waters but also the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of regional countries, amidst growing concerns from smaller states about sovereignty and control over their maritime data. The Importance of Hydrography Read More...

THE INDIAN NAVY’S ANTI-PIRACY OPERATIONS:Operation Sankalp

Mar 30, 2024

What happened on March 17, 2024, involving the Indian Navy and Somali pirates? The Indian Navy conducted a precision operation against Somali pirates who had hijacked the MV Ruen, a Bulgarian commercial ship, in December 2023. The operation involved the elite commandos, MARCOS PRAHARs, being air-dropped by a C-17 aircraft, leading to the rescue of 17 crew members and the apprehension of 35 pirates. Why was the hijacking of MV Ruen significant?... Read More...

Luna crater in Kutch in Gujarat

Mar 30, 2024

The Luna crater in Gujarat stands out as a fascinating anomaly in the world of impact craters. Here's a deeper dive into what makes it unique: Unusual Location: Most Indian craters are nestled in hard, rocky terrains. In contrast, Luna lies in the low-lying, soft plains of the Rann of Kutch. This unusual location contributes to its shallow depth and large diameter, making it a visually deceptive crater compared to its meteorite-forged brethren. Read More...

THE GEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF KUTCH

Mar 30, 2024

What Makes the Kutch Region Geologically Significant? Kutch is known for its remarkable geological diversity, including sedimentary formations, fossil sites, and seismic activities. It offers insights into Earth’s tectonic movements, past climates, and extinct ecosystems, making it a crucial area for geological and paleontological research. Read More...

INDIA’S MYANMAR BORDER FENCING PROJECT

Mar 30, 2024

What is the purpose of the fencing project along the India-Myanmar border? The project aims to enhance national security, prevent smuggling and illegal activities, and maintain the demographic structure of India’s northeastern region in the wake of the military coup in Myanmar and ensuing refugee flows into India. How long is the India-Myanmar border that will be fenced, and what is the estimated cost of the project? Read More...

National Geo-heritage Sites India

Mar 30, 2024

India, with its vast and diverse geographical expanse, hosts a multitude of National Geo-heritage Sites recognized for their outstanding geological features. These sites span across the country, representing significant geological phenomena such as unique rock formations, fossil records, and geomorphological features. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) plays a crucial role in identifying and preserving these sites for their scientific, educational, and aesthetic values. Below are some of the notable National Geo-heritage Sites across India: Read More...

ERRA MATTI DIBBALU: NATIONAL GEO-HERITAGE MONUMENT

Mar 30, 2024

Erra Matti Dibbalu, also known as the Red Sand Hills, is recognized as a National Geo-heritage Monument and is located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam City. This remarkable site is renowned for its striking red sand dunes, which are a significant geological feature representing sedimentary formation and providing insights into the Earth’s historical climatic conditions. Significance of Erra Matti Dibbalu 1. Geolo... Read More...

UNESCO Geopark Status for Maharashtra and Karnataka

Mar 30, 2024

Lonar Lake in Maharashtra and the duo of St. Mary’s Island and Malpe beach in coastal Karnataka In an ambitious move by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), two geological marvels in India are on their path to gaining international recognition as UNESCO Global Geoparks. The initiative targets Lonar Lake in Maharashtra and the duo of St. Mary’s Island and Malpe beach in coastal Karnataka, marking a significant step in showcasing India’s geological h... Read More...

JOHN RAWLS AND THE CONCEPT OF JUSTICE

Mar 29, 2024

John Rawls, an influential 20th-century American philosopher, profoundly shaped the contemporary understanding of justice. His seminal work, “A Theory of Justice” (1971), presents a comprehensive account of justice as fairness, which has become a pivotal reference in political and moral philosophy. Rawls’s theory offers a framework for conceiving justice in a structured society, prioritizing the principles of liberty and equality. Read More...

Madhya Pradesh Set to Host India's First UNESCO Geopark

Mar 29, 2024

Dinosaur Fossil National Park located in Bagh, Madhya Pradesh India is on the verge of attaining its first UNESCO Global Geopark, a significant achievement that underscores the nation’s rich geological heritage and the efforts to garner international recognition for the same. The focal point of this effort is the Dinosaur Fossil National Park located in Bagh, Madhya Pradesh, a site of profound paleontological significance. This site stands out not only as the oldest dinosaur site in Asia but a... Read More...

INDIA’S GEOHERITAGE SITES: JHAMARKOTRA AND ZAWAR

Mar 29, 2024

What Is Geoheritage? Geoheritage encompasses sites of significant geological interest that provide insights into the Earth’s evolution, including its life forms, natural processes, and geological features. These sites are valuable for scientific research, education, and increasing public awareness of geodiversity. Why Are Jhamarkotra and Zawar Significant? Jhamarkotra is home to a fossil park with stromatolites dating back... Read More...

BASMATI RICE DISPUTE BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN

Mar 29, 2024

What is the Basmati Rice Dispute Between India and Pakistan? The dispute centers on India’s application for an exclusive trademark granting it sole ownership of the basmati title in the European Union. Pakistan opposes this, arguing that it also produces basmati rice and is a major exporter to the EU. Why is Basmati Rice Important to India and Pakistan? Read More...