UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Indian Gharial in Kaziranga

Feb 27, 2024

What is the Indian Gharial The Indian Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a critically endangered crocodilian species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is distinguished by its long, narrow snout and inhabits riverine environments. Why is the Indian Gharial important The Indian Gharial plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of riverine ecosystems. As a top predator, it helps control the populations of fish and other aquatic species, contributing to the overall health of its habitat. Where was the Indian Gharial r... Read More...

Benthic Predators: Masters of the Ocean Floor

Feb 27, 2024

What Are Benthic Predators Benthic predators are organisms that live on or near the ocean floor (the benthic zone) and prey on other marine creatures. They play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems by controlling prey populations and contributing to the biodiversity of the ocean floor. Where Can Benthic Predators Be Found They inhabit the benthic zone of oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers worldwide, from shallow coastal areas to the deep sea. Their specific habitats can range from sandy bottoms and coral reefs to rocky substrates and... Read More...

Guitarfish in India: Conservation and Habitat

Feb 27, 2024

What is a Guitarfish Guitarfishes are a group of rays belonging to the family Rhinobatidae. They are characterized by their unique body shape, which blends features of both sharks and rays, resembling a guitar, hence their name. These marine creatures have a flattened body with a long, pointed snout and pectoral fins that are fused to the head and body, creating a guitar-like shape. Are Guitarfish found in India Yes, guitarfish are found in Indian waters. India’s long coastline provides a suitable habitat for various species of guitarfish, especially in the coa... Read More...

India's Water Crisis: A Challenge and Path Forward

Feb 27, 2024

1. How serious is India's water crisis India's water crisis is a pressing concern with wide-ranging consequences. The 2018 Composite Water Management Index report by the National Institution for Transforming India paints a grim picture, with an estimated 600 million people experiencing high to extreme water stress and nearly 70% of the country's water contaminated. This lack of access to safe drinking water is estimated to cause 200,000 deaths annually, further highlighting the gravity of the situation. Looking ahead, projections by the Interconnected Disaster Risks Report in October 2023... Read More...

Understanding “Woke”: A Brief History

Feb 27, 2024

The word “woke” has evolved significantly over time. Initially, it emerged from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the 1940s, meaning to be aware of social and racial injustices. It was a call to stay alert and informed about issues affecting the community. From Awareness to Political Symbol “Woke” gained prominence in mainstream culture through music and literature, emphasizing awareness and action against inequality. The term became widely politicized during the Black Lives Matter movement, symbolizing a broader awareness of social injustices beyond racial issues. Shift in... Read More...

Comprehensive Land Management Policies

Feb 27, 2024

What is land management? Land management involves the process of managing the use and development (in both urban and rural settings) of land resources. Land resources are used for various purposes, including agriculture, forestry, urban development, and conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems. Effective land management aims to balance these uses while ensuring sustainability and environmental protection. Why is an expansive land management policy needed? An expansive land management policy is crucial due to the multi-dimensional character of land, which inclu... Read More...

Central Asia: Geopolitics

Feb 27, 2024

Central Asia, a strategically significant region bordered by Russia and China, finds itself at a crossroads. While seeking independent development and connections with the West, these nations navigate complex relationships with powerful regional actors. Russia's influence is significant, particularly following the Ukraine conflict. The nation exerts its influence through various means, prompting Central Asian states to cautiously maintain engagement while distancing themselves from certain actions. Afghanistan's situation adds another layer of complexity. The rise of the Taliban and regional conflicts create anxieties, while ... Read More...

Leap Second Abolition Explained

Feb 27, 2024

The leap second, a periodic time adjustment added to clocks to align them with the Earth’s slowing rotation, is set to be abolished by 2035. This decision comes from a vote by an international group of scientists and government agencies, aiming to streamline global timekeeping and address the challenges leap seconds pose to modern technology and systems reliant on precise timing. Understanding Leap Seconds Leap seconds are added to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to correct for the discrepancy between astronomical time (UT1) and atomic time. Since the Earth’s rotation is not constant but gradually slows down, leap... Read More...

Enhancing India’s Dairy Sector through Amul’s Global Growth

Feb 26, 2024

1. What commitment has Prime Minister Modi made to Amul? Prime Minister Modi has pledged government support to help Amul, owned by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), become the world’s topmost dairy company. This commitment was made during the GCMMF’s 50th anniversary celebrations. 2. Why is Amul’s growth important to India’s dairy sector? Amul’s growth is pivotal for India’s dairy sector because it represents a successful cooperative model that benefits millions of farmers. Enhancing Amul’s global standing co... Read More...

Snakebite Management and Awareness in India

Feb 26, 2024

1. What recent action has the Karnataka government taken regarding snakebite incidents? The Karnataka government issued a directive on February 12 to all hospitals and medical colleges in the state to mandatorily record snakebite cases and deaths in the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), following the inclusion of snakebite as a ‘notifiable disease’ under Section 3 of the Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Act, 2020. 2. Why is it important to record snakebite cases and deaths? Recording snakebite cases and deaths is crucial for getting an accurate pi... Read More...

Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI)

Feb 26, 2024

1. What was the purpose of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program? The SPAI Program aimed to conduct the first-ever comprehensive survey of snow leopards in India. Its purpose was to estimate the population of this vulnerable species within the country and contribute to global efforts in assessing the worldwide numbers of snow leopards. 2. How many snow leopards are there in India according to the SPAI Program? The SPAI Program estimated that there are 718 snow leopards in India. This figure represents approximately 10-15% of the global popula... Read More...

Hydrogen in Heavy Industries

Feb 26, 2024

What is the significance of hydrogen in heavy industries? Hydrogen is emerging as a critical player in the transition to cleaner energy sources within heavy industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals manufacturing. Its significance lies in its ability to serve as a clean fuel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and subsequently lowering carbon emissions. Hydrogen, particularly when produced via green methods, offers a sustainable pathway to power industrial processes, fuel transportation, and store energy, aligning with global decarbonization goals. How does hydrogen contribute to reducing c... Read More...

Ice Stupas in Ladakh

Feb 26, 2024

What is the problem Ladakh is facing? Ladakh, a cold desert high in the Himalayas, is facing a water shortage due to: Decreasing snowfall and melting glaciers: This threatens the region's agriculture and livestock farming. Fast warming climate: This makes the problem worse by accelerating glacier retreat. What are ice stupas, and how do they help? Ice stupas are artificial glaciers that resemble Buddhist monasteries. They are built by: Diverting stream water: Water is diverted and channeled through a pipe... Read More...

Women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

Feb 26, 2024

Women-led Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are making significant strides in transforming India’s agricultural landscape, highlighting the crucial role of gender equality and empowerment in the sector’s development. Here’s a deeper dive into the transformative impact of women-led FPOs, addressing frequently asked questions: 1. What are Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)? FPOs are collective farming groups where producers, especially small farmers, band together to improve access to resources, technology, markets, and credit. They aim to enhance income and ensure sustainability in farming. ... Read More...

Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024

Feb 26, 2024

What is the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024? This bill is a central legislative measure introduced to combat the widespread issue of cheating in public sector recruitment exams across India. What provisions are included in the Bill? The bill aims to criminalize the leakage of question papers, unauthorized assistance to candidates, and tampering with computer networks, making these offenses cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. Who does the Bill apply to? It covers ex... Read More...