UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Chimeras: A Comprehensive Overview

Jan 25, 2024

Definition of Chimera Chimeras: Organisms possessing cells with distinct genetic compositions. Natural Examples of Chimeras In Nature: Animals and humans can exhibit natural chimerism due to various biological phenomena. Human-Animal Chimeras in Scientific Research Objective: To generate human-compatible organs for transplants using hybrids like human-pig chimeras. Methodology: Utilization of cutting-edge techniques such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Chimerism in Humans: Natural Occurrences How It Occurs:... Read More...

NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite

Jan 24, 2024

1. What is the NISAR satellite? NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a collaborative satellite mission between NASA and ISRO. It is designed to monitor Earth's landscapes and study the impacts of climate change. 2. What are the key features of NISAR? NISAR will scan Earth's surface using two different synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems. NASA is developing the L-band SAR, while ISRO is developing the S-band SAR. These systems will provide detailed observations of Earth using different wavelengths. 3. What is the ... Read More...

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe)

Jan 24, 2024

1. What is IN-SPACe? The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous nodal agency operating under the Department of Space (DOS). It was established to facilitate the entry and participation of private players in the space sector, in line with the recent space sector reforms. 2. What are the main responsibilities of IN-SPACe? IN-SPACe is tasked with promoting, enabling, authorizing, and supervising space activities conducted by non-governmental entities. This includes overseeing the development of launch vehicles and satellites... Read More...

NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)

Jan 24, 2024

1. What is NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)? NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a wholly owned Government of India company, established on 6 March 2019 under the Companies Act, 2013. It operates under the administrative control of the Department of Space (DOS). NSIL serves as the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). 2. What are the primary responsibilities of NSIL? NSIL's primary responsibilities include enabling Indian industries to undertake high technology space-related activities. It also focuses on the promotion and commercial exploita... Read More...

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Jan 24, 2024

Understanding the Great Pacific Garbage Patch The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a significant environmental concern, comprising a vast expanse of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean. This patch, often misunderstood, presents several key aspects: Composition and Location: The patch spans from the West Coast of North America to Japan. It consists of the Western Garbage Patch (near Japan) and the Eastern Garbage Patch (between Hawai'i and California). Linked by the North Pacific Subtropical Convergence Zone, debris moves between the two patches. Formation: ... Read More...

Ocean Gyre

Jan 24, 2024

What is an Ocean Gyre? An ocean gyre is a large system of circular ocean currents, formed by global wind patterns and the Coriolis effect due to Earth's rotation. These gyres are essential in driving the "ocean conveyor belt," which circulates ocean water globally, regulating temperature, salinity, and nutrient flow. How Does a Gyre Form? Gyres are shaped by three primary forces: Global Wind Patterns: Wind drags on the ocean surface, moving water in the wind's direction. Earth’s Rotation and the Coriolis Effect: Th... Read More...

Ocean Circulation: A Crucial Component of Earth's Climate System

Jan 24, 2024

Overview of Ocean Currents and Their Impact The Earth's oceans are characterized by a complex system of currents that circulate water, heat, salt, and nutrients globally. These currents, both at the surface and in the depths, play a vital role in shaping the Earth's climate. Surface Currents: Driven by Wind The top 400 meters of the ocean are predominantly influenced by wind, creating surface currents. These currents are integral in redistributing heat from the tropics towards the poles, significantly impacting global climate patterns. Gyres: The Large-Scale Ocean Currents Read More...

Ocean Salinity and Temperature

Jan 24, 2024

Salinity in Seawater: Its Importance and Measurement Seawater's salinity primarily results from rivers dissolving minerals from rocks and soil, with sodium chloride being the predominant component. Standard ocean water contains about 35 grams of salt per liter, equivalent to 35 parts per thousand (ppt). However, salinity can vary across different ocean regions. Key Properties Affected by Salinity: Density: Salt increases seawater density compared to freshwater. Freezing Point: Salty water freezes at a lower temperature than freshwater. Salinity Variations: H... Read More...

New Cold War: Key Issues and Dynamics

Jan 24, 2024

The term "New Cold War" refers to the heightened geopolitical tensions in the 21st century, particularly involving major global powers like the United States, China, and Russia. This complex situation mirrors the original Cold War's dynamics but unfolds in a significantly different global context. Key issues and dynamics include: US-China and US-Russia Tensions: Relations between these countries are pivotal. US-China tensions encompass trade disputes, technological competition, and military presence in regions like the South China Sea. US-Russia relations are strained due to conflicts in regions like Ukraine and differing global strat... Read More...

Tides and Their Impact

Jan 24, 2024

What are Tides? Tides are the regular rise and fall of the ocean's waters. They occur along coasts where the water slowly rises over the shore (high tide) and then falls back (low tide). Tides can also affect some lakes and rivers. What Causes Tides? Tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and, to a lesser extent, the sun. The moon's closer proximity to Earth makes its gravitational impact more significant. Earth's rotation also influences tides. How Do Tides Affect the Earth? Read More...

Coral Reef Types and Indian Coral Reefs

Jan 24, 2024

Types of Coral Reefs: Fringing Reefs: Description: Fringing reefs are the most common type of coral reefs. They grow directly along the shoreline, extending outwards into the sea. These reefs are usually closely attached to the shore, forming a border along the coast. Growth: They develop in shallow waters and are directly connected to the island or mainland, with no significant water body separating them from the land. Barrier Reefs: Description: Barrier reefs are separated from the shore by a body of water, known as a lagoon. They are typically farther from land comp... Read More...

Lateral and Medial Moraines

Jan 24, 2024

Lateral Moraines: Imagine a glacier like a giant conveyor belt moving rocks and debris. As the glacier moves and eventually starts to melt, it leaves behind piles of these rocks and debris along its sides. These piles are known as lateral moraines. They form only in areas where the glacier is melting faster than it's gaining ice and snow each year. This makes them like markers showing where the glacier used to be, particularly indicating the balance point between the glacier growing and melting areas. These piles can last a long time, even after the glacier has retreated, and sometimes they connect with the piles at the glacier&rs... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana: FAQs

Jan 24, 2024

1. What is the main objective of the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana? The Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana aims to equip one crore poor to middle-class households with rooftop solar panels, providing electricity from solar energy. 2. How will the Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana benefit the poor and middle class? The scheme is designed to reduce the electricity bill of the poor and middle class, contributing to India’s self-reliance in the energy sector. 3. Has there been a national campaign related to this scheme? Read More...

Southern Ocean's Role in Heat and Carbon Absorption

Jan 24, 2024

1. Why is the Southern Ocean significant in absorbing heat? The Southern Ocean's unique ability to absorb heat is largely due to its geographic setting. Strong westerly winds around Antarctica, combined with an uninterrupted ocean expanse, facilitate continuous upwelling of cold water. This cold water, moving northward, efficiently absorbs heat from the warmer atmosphere. The absorbed heat is then transported into the ocean's interior, particularly around 45-55°S latitude. 2. How does the Southern Ocean contribute to CO2 absorption? The Southern Ocean plays a piv... Read More...

Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) Overview

Jan 24, 2024

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is a significant feature in the Southern Ocean, playing a crucial role in Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. Here are key facts about the ACC: Direction and Flow: The ACC flows clockwise from west to east around Antarctica, as viewed from the South Pole. This unique flow pattern is influenced by the Earth's rotation and wind patterns. Alternative Name: It is also known as the West Wind Drift, reflecting its association with the westerly winds in the Southern Hemisphere. Volume and Strength: The ACC is the largest ocean current, with a mean transport estimated between ... Read More...