UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Supreme Court's Interim Order: Forest Act Amendment

Feb 21, 2024

Supreme Court’s Interim Order on Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023 1. What does the Supreme Court’s interim order on the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, entail? The Supreme Court has mandated that the identification of forest land in all states and Union Territories must adhere to the “dictionary definition” of forests. This broader definition aims to ensure more comprehensive protection of forest lands, reversing the narrowing of definitions allowed by the 2023 Amendment. Additionally, any plans to construct zoos or wildlife safaris in forest areas now require prior approval from the S... Read More...

A Century of Quantum Revolution

Feb 21, 2024

1. What is quantum mechanics? Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. It represents a comprehensive framework for understanding the universe’s smallest scales, including particles’ behavior and interactions. 2. How did the quantum revolution begin? The quantum revolution began in the early 20th century, initiated by Max Planck’s discovery in 1900 that energy is quantized. This discovery, along with Albert Einstein’s explanation of the p... Read More...

Algal Blooms

Feb 21, 2024

1. What causes algal blooms? Algal blooms are caused by an excess of nutrients (especially nitrogen and phosphorus) in water bodies, warm water temperatures, stagnant water conditions, and ample sunlight. These conditions are often exacerbated by human activities, such as agricultural runoff, untreated sewage discharge, and industrial pollutants. 2. Why are algal blooms a concern? Algal blooms can be harmful to water quality, aquatic life, and human health. They deplete oxygen in the water, leading to dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive, produce toxins that ... Read More...

Microbial Metallurgy

Feb 21, 2024

1. What is biomineralization and its significance? Biomineralization is the process by which living organisms, like bacteria, orchestrate the deposition of minerals. It is significant for transforming organic substances into inorganic mineral deposits, contributing to environmental and industrial applications. 2. How do bacteria contribute to iron and manganese oxide formation? Bacteria facilitate the formation of iron and manganese oxides through enzymatic reactions that precipitate these minerals from solutions. This has practical uses in environmental remediation ... Read More...

Triple-Dip La Niña: Understanding the Phenomenon

Feb 21, 2024

What is a Triple-Dip La Niña? A “triple-dip” La Niña refers to the occurrence of the La Niña climate pattern three consecutive times without returning to a completely neutral or El Niño state in between. La Niña is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The Science Behind La Niña La Niña is driven by changes in the ocean-atmosphere system. During La Niña, strong trade winds blow warmer wa... Read More...

Ultradian Rhythms: The Cycles of Life

Feb 21, 2024

What are ultradian rhythms? Ultradian rhythms are biological cycles that recur more frequently than once every 24 hours, affecting various physiological processes in living organisms, from single-celled entities to humans. These rhythms govern essential functions such as heartbeat, breathing, hormonal release, and brain-wave activity. How do ultradian rhythms differ from circadian rhythms? While circadian rhythms, like the sleep-wake cycle, follow a 24-hour cycle, ultradian rhythms occur more frequently. Circadian rhythms align with the day-night cycle, whereas ultra... Read More...

The Indigenous Marvel: LCH ‘Prachand’

Feb 21, 2024

The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) named ‘Prachand’, which translates to ‘fierce’, represents a leap in India’s defense capabilities. Its induction into the Indian Air Force signifies not only an enhancement of India’s indigenous technological prowess but also a strategic asset in the nation’s defense arsenal. Historical Context and Development: The need for an indigenous attack helicopter was acutely felt during the 1999 Kargil War. The LCH project was sanctioned in 2006 with the Indian Army joining in 2013. After rigorous testing in diverse conditions, th... Read More...

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

Feb 21, 2024

1. What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? The AMOC is a large system of ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream, that transports warm, salty water from the tropics to the North Atlantic. It plays a critical role in regulating the climate by redistributing heat globally and affecting weather patterns. 2. Why is the AMOC important for climate regulation? The AMOC influences climate by controlling the northward flow of warm water and the southward flow of cooler water, acting as a global conveyor belt for ocean heat and salinity. This process ... Read More...

India-Maldives Relations and Geopolitical Shifts

Feb 21, 2024

1. What has caused a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy towards India? The Maldives has shifted its foreign policy stance due to a combination of factors, including political changes within the Maldives and the growing influence of China in the Indian Ocean region. The election of President Mohamed Muizzu, who campaigned on an “India Out” slogan and sought closer ties with countries like Turkey and China, signifies this shift. This realignment reflects broader geopolitical dynamics and a desire to diversify foreign relations beyond India. 2. How has India contributed to the ... Read More...

Claudia Goldin: Nobel Laureate Championing Gender Equality

Feb 21, 2024

Claudia Goldin, a Harvard economist renowned for her groundbreaking research into gender disparities in the labor market, was honored with the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences. Her work meticulously uncovers the historical and structural roots of the gender wage gap and advocates for policies promoting gender equality. Goldin’s Nobel Prize recognizes her profound contributions to understanding how gender-based economic inequalities evolve and persist, highlighting the significance of her research in shaping a more equitable future for all. Claudia Goldin’s Contributions to Women’s Empowerment Introduction Read More...

UPI's Global Expansion: Countries Embracing India's Digital Payment

Feb 21, 2024

UPI’s Global Expansion: Countries Accepting India’s Digital Payment System Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a revolutionary digital payment system from India, has now crossed national boundaries, offering seamless and charge-free transactions in several countries. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI facilitates instant money transfers using just a mobile number or scanning a QR code, directly debiting the linked bank account without any fees. Its convenience and efficiency have made it a preferred payment method, not just in India but also internationally. Countries Accepting UPI... Read More...

Cheetah Reintroduction in Kuno: Progress and Debate

Feb 20, 2024

FAQs on Cheetah Cubs in Kuno National Park Q: How many cheetah cubs were recently born in Kuno National Park? A: Seven cheetah cubs were born in Kuno National Park. Q: What is the significance of these cheetah births? A: The births are part of an ambitious project to reintroduce cheetahs to India, aiming to establish a sustainable cheetah population. Q: What challenges do these new cheetah cubs face? A: The cubs must navigate the critical early stages of life, including threats from predators and the ne... Read More...

Reflecting on M.S. Golwalkar’s Legacy

Feb 20, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Who was M.S. Golwalkar and what was his role in the RSS? M.S. Golwalkar, often referred to as ‘Guruji’, was the second Sarsanghchalak (chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), serving from 1940 until his death in 1973. He is known for solidifying the ideological foundations of the RSS and expanding its institutional strength post-independence. 2. What is ‘Bunch of Thoughts’ and why is it significant? ‘Bunch of Thoughts’ is a book authored by M.S. Golwalkar that outlines his perspectives... Read More...

Hidden Dimensions of Poverty

Feb 20, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What are the hidden dimensions of poverty? The hidden dimensions of poverty include emotional and social aspects such as feelings of powerlessness, discrimination, lack of dignity, and isolation that are not easily measurable but significantly impact people’s lives. 12. How do these hidden dimensions affect policy effectiveness? If policies do not consider these hidden dimensions, they may fail to address the comprehensive needs of those in poverty, leading to ineffective solutions and perpetuating cycles of poverty. ... Read More...

Emerging Economies' Silent Debt Crisis

Feb 20, 2024

The Silent Debt Crisis of Emerging Economies: Causes, Effects, and Remedies The silent debt crisis, particularly affecting developing economies with weak credit ratings, has emerged as a significant challenge in the global economic landscape. This crisis is characterized by a complex interplay of causes, leading to profound effects on the affected countries, and necessitating a range of remedies to mitigate its impact. Causes COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic has drastically affected global economies, but developing nations have been especially hard-hit. Lockdowns and reduced economic activities led to sign... Read More...