UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Tsunamis: Forces of Nature and Oceanic Impact

Jan 03, 2024

1. What is a Tsunami? A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves usually caused by an underwater earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or near-Earth object impact. 2. Why are tsunamis most common in the Pacific Ocean? The Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire” is home to many subduction zones where tectonic plates collide, leading to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, the primary causes of tsunamis. 3. How fast can a tsunami travel? Tsunamis can travel up to 500 miles (805 kilomete... Read More...

Free Movement Regime Along India-Myanmar Border

Jan 03, 2024

Background: The Indian government’s decision to suspend the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the India-Myanmar border marks a significant shift in border management. The FMR, allowing tribes to travel 16 kilometers into the neighboring country without a visa, was part of India’s “Act East” policy initiated in 2018. This policy aimed to boost local trade and strengthen ties with Southeast Asian neighbors. Recent Developments: 1. Suspension of FMR: Amidst ethnic conflicts in Manipur, concerns over illegal immigration, drug, and arms trafficking have led to the suspension of t... Read More...

POSH Act 2013: Empowering Women in the Workplace

Jan 03, 2024

Objective and Overview: The Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013 (POSH Act 2013) is a cornerstone of women’s rights in India. Designed to combat sexual harassment, it empowers women, fostering autonomy and safety in professional settings. This legislation is a significant stride towards a harassment-free workplace, prioritizing women’s dignity and security. Key Provisions: 1. Mandatory Notice Display: Employers are required to display notices detailing protections against sexual harassment. 2. Formation of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): A critical feat... Read More...

Border Infrastructure Development in 2023

Jan 03, 2024

Overview In 2023, the Indian government emphasized the development of border areas, particularly in response to the ongoing stand-off with China. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and communication networks in these regions. Key Initiatives 1. Vibrant Villages Programme: Launched in April, this program aimed to foster comprehensive development in 46 blocks across 19 districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh. With a budget of Rs 4,800 crore allocated for 2022-2026, it focused on improving the quality... Read More...

Painted Grey Ware in Ancient India’s History

Jan 03, 2024

Painted Grey Ware (PGW), with its hallmark grey color and painted motifs, was first discovered at Ahichchhatra in Bareilly in 1944. Subsequent findings of PGW have spanned a range of sites including Hastinapur, Alamgirpur, Atranjikhera, Noh, Rupar, Bhagwanpura, Chak 86, Kampil, and Gosna. These sites highlight the extensive distribution and cultural significance of PGW, traditionally dated between 1000 and 600 BCE. PGW's fine fabric and consistent quality, achieved through precise clay preparation and advanced kilning techniques, indicate a high degree of technological sophistication. The artifacts suggest a phase of cultural and economic devel... Read More...

Gram Nyayalayas Act: Village Courts Provisions

Jan 03, 2024

Objective of the Gram Nyayalayas Act: The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, aims to establish village courts called Gram Nyayalayas to ensure quick and accessible justice to the rural population. Provisions Under the Act: 1. Establishment of Courts: Gram Nyayalayas are to be set up by the state governments in consultation with the respective High Courts. 2. Jurisdiction: They have the jurisdiction of a civil court for certain types of civil cases and a criminal court for certain categories of criminal offences. 3. Location: These courts are to be established at the Panchayat level or a group of adj... Read More...

PM-AASHA Scheme

Jan 03, 2024

What is PM-AASHA? PM-AASHA is an initiative by the Indian government to support farmers by ensuring fair prices for their crops, primarily pulses, oilseeds, and copra, through various price support mechanisms. What components are included in PM-AASHA? The scheme includes the Price Support Scheme (PSS), Price Stabilisation Fund, and Price Deficiency Payment System. How does PM-AASHA benefit farmers? PM-AASHA benefits farmers by providing them with a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops, which helps... Read More...

Satellite Technology in Indian Agriculture: ISRO’s Role and Impact

Jan 03, 2024

Overview Satellite technology, specifically Earth observation and meteorological data from ISRO’s remote sensing satellites, plays a crucial role in advancing Indian agriculture. ISRO’s Contribution Building Satellites: ISRO develops satellites and payloads and processes the satellite data. Data Distribution: It provides state-specific satellite data to State Remote Sensing Application Centres (SRSACs) across India. Satellite Types and Objectives 1. Resourcesat-2 & Resourcesat-2A: Multispectral imaging for crop forecasts, resource managem... Read More...

Genome Sequencing: Healthcare Implications

Jan 03, 2024

What is Genome Sequencing? Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism’s genome. It involves decoding the precise order of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA) within the entire genome. This comprehensive understanding of genetic information can reveal a lot about an organism, including humans. Evolution of Genome Sequencing: 1. Early Days: Initially, genome sequencing was a lengthy and expensive process, limited to specialized research facilities. 2. Technological Advancements: With the advent of next-generation sequencing technolo... Read More...

Loktak Lake

Jan 03, 2024

1. What are phumdis in Loktak Lake? Answer: Phumdis are naturally occurring floating masses in Loktak Lake made of vegetation, soil, and organic matter. Some are large enough to support structures like houses and shops. 2. What is unique about Keibul Lamjao National Park? Answer: Keibul Lamjao National Park, part of Loktak Lake, is the world’s only floating national park and acts as a sanctuary for the endangered Sangai deer. 3. Why is Loktak Lake important for biodiversity? Answer: Loktak Lake hos... Read More...

ISRO’s Scramjet Engine Technology

Jan 02, 2024

1. What is the scramjet engine technology that ISRO is developing? Answer: Scramjet engine technology is a type of propulsion that allows engines to operate efficiently at hypersonic speeds (faster than Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound). Unlike traditional jet engines, scramjets don’t carry their own oxygen; instead, they use the oxygen from the atmosphere to burn fuel, making them lighter and potentially more efficient for high-speed travel. 2. Why is the scramjet engine important for ISRO? Answer: The scramjet engine can propel vehicles to hyper... Read More...

India’s Role in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project

Jan 02, 2024

1. What is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project? Answer: The SKA project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope, which will conduct deep space observations from two remote, quiet locations in Western Australia and South Africa. 2. What is India’s contribution to the SKA project? Answer: India is set to supervise the development of the software necessary to monitor and control the SKA telescopes. Indian institutes are also actively involved in the various stages of planning, design, and execution of the project. ... Read More...

ISRO’s XPoSat Mission

Jan 02, 2024

What is XPoSat? XPoSat, or the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, is an Indian space mission dedicated to studying cosmic X-rays. It’s set to explore the mysteries of space objects like black holes and neutron stars. Launch Details: The satellite is scheduled to launch aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Main Goals of XPoSat: 1. Studying X-Rays: XPoSat will examine X-rays, which are a type of light that’s invisible to us but comes from various cosmic sources like stars and black hol... Read More...

LIGO India and Fermilab Initiative

Jan 02, 2024

1. What is LIGO India? Answer: LIGO India (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) is an ambitious project aimed at detecting gravitational waves. It consists of two large interferometers, each spanning about 4 kilometers, arranged in an ‘L’ shape. This design enables the detection of gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime caused by violent astronomical events. The project, set to be built in Hingoli, Maharashtra, will complement the existing LIGO setups in Louisiana and Washington in the United States. 2. How much is the Indian government investing in LIGO ... Read More...

Biomass Conversion: Paving the Way for Sustainable Energy Solutions

Jan 02, 2024

The quest for sustainable energy solutions is more critical than ever in the face of climate change and fossil fuel depletion. A promising path in this journey is the conversion of biomass waste into sustainable fuels like hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO), sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and cellulosic ethanol. This blog delves into the innovative processes of transforming biomass into energy and their role in maintaining nature’s carbon balance. Transforming Biomass into Renewable Energy: 1. Carbon-Neutral Cycle: Through photosynthesis, plants absorb CO₂ and store it as biomass. Converting this biomass into biofuels... Read More...