UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Atmospheric River

Feb 07, 2024

What is an Atmospheric River? An atmospheric river (AR) is akin to a colossal ribbon in the sky, carrying intense moisture from the tropics towards the poles. These can be thousands of kilometers long and are a critical part of the global water cycle, contributing to significant rainfall events when they make landfall. Relevance to India: While India does not typically experience atmospheric rivers in the same way as the west coast of North America, the concept is relevant in understanding the monsoon system. The Indian monsoon can exhibit characteristics similar to atmospheric rivers, with mo... Read More...

Pineapple Express

Feb 07, 2024

1. What is the Pineapple Express? The Pineapple Express is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a strong, moisture-laden atmospheric river originating from the Hawaiian Islands’ vicinity. It transports warm air and vast amounts of moisture to the west coast of North America, particularly affecting the Pacific Northwest, leading to heavy rainfall and sometimes flooding. 2. Why is it called “Pineapple Express”? The term “Pineapple Express” derives from the atmospheric river’s origin near Hawaii, a region known for its pineapp... Read More...

Indian Parliament Approves National Research Foundation

Feb 07, 2024

India’s Parliament recently approved the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Bill, 2023. This development aims to enhance research funding in universities, colleges, institutes, and laboratories across the country, with a focus on increasing support for meagerly funded institutions. Key Points: 1. NRF is modeled after the US National Science Foundation and is expected to inject 500 billion rupees (US$6 billion) into research funding over the next five years. Notably, 70% of this funding is anticipated to come from non-government sources, i... Read More...

Decoding the Amla Genome

Feb 07, 2024

Researchers have successfully decoded the genome of the amla, or Indian gooseberry, shedding light on its super antioxidant properties and pathogen resistance. This breakthrough was achieved by a team at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Key Findings: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and flavonoids are responsible for the amla’s super-antioxidant properties. The genome sequencing revealed 3,520 expanded gene families and 1,048 contracted gene families, which help the plant adapt to different environmental conditions. Expanded gene families are involved... Read More...

Environmental DNA (eDNA)

Feb 07, 2024

What is environmental DNA (eDNA)? Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to genetic material that organisms leave behind in their environment, such as skin cells, scales, feathers, fur, feces, and saliva, in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This DNA can be collected from water, soil, air, or ice samples and analyzed to detect the presence of various species without needing to physically capture or observe them. How is eDNA collected? eDNA is collected by taking samples from the environment where organisms live. For aquatic environments, this involves filtering water... Read More...

Ozone Pollution and Its Impact in India

Feb 07, 2024

What is tropospheric ozone and why is it a concern? Tropospheric ozone, or ground-level ozone, is a secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. It is a concern because it is the third most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to global warming. Additionally, high concentrations of tropospheric ozone can cause health problems, including breathing difficulties and premature death, and can also damage vegetation and ecosystems. How is tropospheric ozone formed? Read More...

India’s Quantum Satellite Communication Initiative

Feb 07, 2024

What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and how does it enhance communication security? Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure communication method that uses quantum mechanics principles to generate and share cryptographic keys between parties. Unlike traditional encryption methods that rely on complex mathematical algorithms, QKD’s security is based on the laws of quantum physics, making it virtually impossible for a third party to intercept or break the encryption without detection. Why is India investing in quantum communication technology? India is inves... Read More...

India’s Arctic Winter Expedition

Feb 07, 2024

Why are Indian scientists undertaking a winter voyage to the Arctic? Indian scientists are embarking on a winter expedition to the Arctic to enable year-round monitoring of climatic and astrophysical conditions. This mission aims to bridge the data gaps present due to the absence of winter field experiments, offering new insights into climate change, sea-ice and ocean circulation, ecosystem adaptations, and astrophysical phenomena. What challenges do scientists face during the Arctic winter expedition? Scientists face several challenges, including acclimatizing to ex... Read More...

SARAS 3 Telescope and Cosmic Dawn Research

Feb 07, 2024

What is SARAS 3 and its significance in astronomy? SARAS 3 (Shaped Antenna measurement of the background Radio Spectrum 3) is a radio telescope designed and built at the Raman Research Institute, India. It is significant for its role in studying the Cosmic Dawn—the period when the universe’s first stars and galaxies formed. By measuring the 21-centimeter line from hydrogen atoms, SARAS 3 provides insights into the properties of the earliest radio-loud galaxies. How does SARAS 3 detect signals from the Cosmic Dawn? SARAS 3 detects faint signals emitted by ... Read More...

Northeast India’s Extended Rainy Season

Feb 07, 2024

What causes the extended rainy season in northeast India compared to central India? The extended rainy season in northeast India, which lasts significantly longer than the central Indian monsoon season, is primarily influenced by the region’s unique geographical and climatic conditions. Factors such as the rate of temperature change with altitude in the troposphere, used as a proxy for the heat source over the region, play a crucial role. How do climate phenomena like ENSO affect northeast India’s rainy season? The El Niño and Southern Oscillation ... Read More...

India’s 3D Bioprinting Industry Advancements

Feb 07, 2024

What is 3D bioprinting and how is it being utilized in India? 3D bioprinting is a process of creating cell patterns in a confined space using 3D printing technologies, where cell function and viability are preserved within the printed construct. In India, this technology is used to print human tissues for drug testing and potential transplantation. How has the 2019 New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules amendment in 2023 impacted Indian research? The amendment allows researchers to use alternative methods like 3D bioprinted tissues for testing the safety and efficacy of ... Read More...

DRDO’s ABHYAS High-Speed Aerial Target

Feb 06, 2024

What is ABHYAS? ABHYAS is a high-speed expendable aerial target (HEAT) developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in India. It is designed for autonomous flight and is used to help in the evaluation of various missile systems. How does ABHYAS enhance safety and reliability during missions? ABHYAS is equipped with an Indigenous Radio Altimeter for safe low-altitude flights and encrypted data link communications for secure command and control, ensuring safety and reliability throughout its mission. What are ... Read More...

Discovery of Trichoglossum syamviswanathii:Fungus

Feb 06, 2024

What is Trichoglossum syamviswanathii? Trichoglossum syamviswanathii is a newly discovered species of fungus within the Geoglossaceae family, recognized for its unique “hairy earth tongue” appearance. It was identified by researchers from the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), and the University of Hyderabad, and named in honor of Dr. Syam Viswanath, a former director of KFRI and a notable figure in forestry research. Why was it named after Dr. Syam Viswanath? The fungus was named Trichoglossum syamviswanathii to... Read More...

3D-Printed Brain Tissue Breakthrough

Feb 06, 2024

What is 3D-Printed Brain Tissue? 3D-printed brain tissue refers to brain cells derived from pluripotent stem cells, arranged in a bio-ink gel, and then printed to form tissues that mimic the structure and function of human brain tissue. This technology represents a significant advance in neuroscience, offering new avenues for research and therapy development for neurological conditions. How Does This Technology Differ From Traditional 3D Printing? Traditional 3D printing builds objects by layering material on top of itself. In contrast, this new method places brain c... Read More...

Innovation in India

Feb 05, 2024

1. What is the current state of innovation in India? India has made significant strides in innovation, as indicated by improvements in the Global Innovation Index (GII), where it scored within the top third out of 132 countries in 2023. This reflects India’s robust commitment to transforming into a leading nation in innovation and technology development. 2. How is the Indian government promoting innovation? The government has declared a Rs.1 trillion investment in technology advancement, showcasing its dedication to fostering a sustainable and self-reliant ecos... Read More...