UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Global Framework on Chemicals Management

Feb 19, 2024

What is the Global Framework on Chemicals? The Global Framework on Chemicals is an international agreement aimed at reducing harm from chemicals and waste, ensuring a safe, healthy, and sustainable future. It is supported by a High-Level Declaration to ensure its effective implementation. How does the Global Framework on Chemicals relate to other international agreements? It complements and strengthens the commitments made under various international agreements such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the nego... Read More...

SAMAR Air Defence Missile System Overview

Feb 19, 2024

India’s SAMAR (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation) air defence missile system is a significant advancement in the country’s defense capabilities. Developed by the Indian Air Force’s Maintenance Command and specifically by the 7 Base Repair Depot Tughlakabad (BRD), the SAMAR system represents an innovative repurposing of existing military resources. Originally showcased at Aero India 2023, the system was test-fired with positive results during Exercise AstraShakti, marking its operational readiness. The SAMAR system is capable of launching missiles at speeds ranging from Mach 2 to Mach 2.5, enabling it to effectively co... Read More...

National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) FAQs

Feb 19, 2024

What is the NCMC? The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), part of the ‘One Nation, One Card’ initiative, is a versatile, interoperable transport card designed for cashless payments across various public transport modes in India. It extends to retail purchases, toll taxes, and parking fees, promoting a unified and digital payment ecosystem. How can I apply for an NCMC? To apply for an NCMC, check with the participating banks that offer this card. Applications can be made through the banks’ online banking platforms or directly at the bank branches, ... Read More...

Kerala’s Antimicrobial Resistance Initiative

Feb 19, 2024

1. What is Kerala’s initiative against antimicrobial resistance (AMR)? Kerala’s initiative is a pioneering project designed to check the abuse of antibiotics and battle AMR. It involves steps like AMR surveillance, hospital-based audits, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the misuse of antibiotics. . Why is AMR a significant concern? AMR poses a global health threat, leading to infections that are harder to treat and an increased risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. It undermines the effectiveness of antibiotics, making infections more... Read More...

Municipal Bonds for Urban Development

Feb 19, 2024

1. What are Municipal Bonds? Municipal bonds are debt securities issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to finance public projects such as infrastructure development, enabling cities to raise capital from investors, who are repaid with interest over time. 2. Why are Municipal Bonds important for ULBs? Municipal bonds provide an alternative financing mechanism for ULBs (Urban Local Bodies), allowing them to become financially autonomous and reduce dependence on state grants. They are crucial for infrastructure development, essential for improving residents’ quality... Read More...

Macrophages: The Versatile Cells of the Immune System

Feb 19, 2024

Macrophages are crucial components of the immune system, playing a multifaceted role in both innate and adaptive immunity. These cells are derived from monocytes, a type of white blood cell that circulates in the bloodstream. Upon encountering a site of infection or tissue damage, monocytes migrate into tissues, where they differentiate into macrophages. Key Functions: 1. Phagocytosis: Macrophages are best known for their ability to engulf and digest cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells, and anything else that does not have the types of proteins specific to healthy body cells on its surface, in a process... Read More...

Raisina Dialogue

Feb 19, 2024

Who is the chief guest for this year’s Raisina Dialogue? Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will be the chief guest at the Ministry of External Affairs’ annual Raisina Dialogue in Delhi. When is the Raisina Dialogue scheduled? The Raisina Dialogue is scheduled to be held from February 21 to 23. Will there be any notable attendees besides the Greek Prime Minister? Yes, several Foreign Ministers and Deputy Foreign Ministers from European countries including Latvia, Romania, Eston... Read More...

“Naughty Boy” GSLV-II’s Journey

Feb 19, 2024

1. What is GSLV-II? The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-II (GSLV-II) is an Indian space launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is designed to place satellites into geostationary orbits and has played a crucial role in India’s space exploration efforts. 2. Why was GSLV-II called the “Naughty Boy”? GSLV-II earned the nickname “Naughty Boy” due to its spotty success rate in the early years of its development and operation. This moniker reflected the challenges and unpredictability associated wi... Read More...

Examining the Decline of Ladakh Urial: Threats and Conservation Efforts

Feb 19, 2024

Ladakh Urial’s Decline Q1: What is the Ladakh urial? The Ladakh urial is a subspecies of wild sheep native to the high-altitude terrains of the cold desert in Ladakh. It is characterized by its unique adaptation to the region’s specific ecological conditions, relying on the valleys’ rolling hills and floodplains for habitat. Q2: Why is the Ladakh urial endangered? The Ladakh urial is classified as endangered due to a significant decrease in its population, primarily caused by habitat loss and fragmentation. This decline is largely attributed to inf... Read More...

Biofluorescence: Nature’s Glow in the Dark

Feb 19, 2024

Biofluorescence is a fascinating natural phenomenon where organisms absorb light, transform it, and then emit it as a different color. This striking ability is not just a visual spectacle but plays significant roles in communication, camouflage, mate selection, and predation within the natural world. Unlike bioluminescence, where organisms produce their own light through chemical reactions, biofluorescent species must first absorb light from an external source before they can emit light. Key Features of Biofluorescence: Light Transformation: Biofluorescent organisms absorb light at one wavelength (color) and emit light at a lo... Read More...

Human-Animal Encounters: Conflict

Feb 19, 2024

HumanAnimal conflict Concerns Over Kerala's Wildlife Population Control Proposal The Kerala government's recent proposal to amend the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with the intention of addressing humanwildlife conflicts has sparked significant controversy. Introduced by Forest Minister A K Saseendran, the resolution aims to shift the power to permit the killing of wild animals posing a threat to human life from the chief wildlife warden to chief conservators of forests (CCFs), declare wild boar as vermin, and control the reproduction of wild animals. Critics argue that this approach fails to address th... Read More...

Dusted Apollo Butterfly: Conservation Triumph"

Feb 17, 2024

Dusted Apollo Butterfly Sighting in Himachal Pradesh: A Conservation Milestone The recent sighting of the Dusted Apollo butterfly in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district represents a significant conservation milestone, underlining the region's ecological richness. This rare high-altitude butterfly, photographed for the first time in the area, highlights the diversity and presence of unique species in Himachal Pradesh. The discovery poses a call to action for conservation efforts, facing threats like poaching and habitat destruction. Conservation measures, community involvement, and legal protections are crucial in safeguarding these ra... Read More...

ISRO's Space Mission Traditions: Unveiling Superstitions

Feb 17, 2024

Superstitions and Traditions in Space Missions: ISRO’s Unique Approach: Number 13 In the realm of space exploration, where the intersection of cutting-edge technology and age-old beliefs creates a fascinating narrative, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) presents a compelling case study. The decision to skip the number ‘13’ in the naming sequence of its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) series underscores the intriguing blend of science and superstition. The latest GSLV rocket, designated as ‘GSLV-F14’ instead of the sequentially expected ‘GSLV-F13’, highlights a deliberate de... Read More...

Vyommitra: Enhancing Mission Success for Gaganyaan

Feb 17, 2024

Vyommitra, a humanoid robot designed by ISRO's Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), is set to be a cornerstone of the Gaganyaan mission, India's ambitious manned spaceflight program. This semi-humanoid will partake in pre-launch tests and serve multiple functions during the mission.Its design is fundamental for several reasons: System Validation: Vyommitra will validate life-support and control systems in a test flight, ensuring these systems can support human life in space. Emotional Support: Beyond technical tasks, Vyommitra is also designed to provide emotional support to astronauts, which is crucial in the isolating envir... Read More...

Unraveling Antarctica's Sea Ice Mystery

Feb 17, 2024

Sea ice is a layer of frozen ocean water that forms and melts in the ocean. It occurs in polar regions and is subject to seasonal changes, expanding in the cold months and retreating during warmer periods. Sea ice plays a critical role in regulating climate by reflecting solar radiation back into space, which helps maintain cooler global temperatures. It also acts as an insulator, keeping polar regions cool and affecting ocean circulation patterns. Additionally, it provides a vital habitat for wildlife and affects human activities, such as shipping and fishing. Changes in sea ice coverage can indicate shifts in climate patterns. Antarctica's... Read More...