UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India's Agricultural Revolution Using Space Technology

Nov 23, 2023

IN-SPACe's Revolutionary Role in Agriculture IN-SPACe, a pivotal organization in India's space sector, is transforming agriculture by encouraging the adoption of space technology. This includes the use of satellites for detailed earth observation, enabling precise monitoring and management of agricultural activities. Through initiatives like seed fund schemes, IN-SPACe is actively supporting startups that aim to utilize space data and technologies like drones to increase crop yields, improve resource management, and reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture. Digitization: Reshapi... Read More...

Earthshine

Nov 23, 2023

1. What is Earthshine? Earthshine is the faint glow on the dark portion of the Moon, caused by sunlight reflecting off the Earth's surface and atmosphere, back towards the Moon. This phenomenon is particularly visible during the crescent phase of the Moon. 2. Why is Earthshine most noticeable during the crescent phase of the Moon? During the crescent phase, only a small part of the Moon is directly illuminated by the Sun. The majority of the lunar surface facing us is in shadow, making the faint glow of Earthshine more noticeable against the darkened surface. Read More...

Rural Retail Inflation in India

Nov 22, 2023

What is retail inflation? Retail inflation refers to the increase in the price of goods and services sold directly to consumers. It is measured by tracking price changes across a standard set of consumer goods and services over time. Why has rural retail inflation been higher than urban in recent times? Rural retail inflation has been higher than urban in 18 of the past 22 months primarily due to factors such as food price volatility, the high market penetration of processed foods, and supply-side constraints. What are the main driv... Read More...

Reform Details and Implications

Nov 22, 2023

Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEI) in India The UGC’s new regulation is a liberal move that permits foreign universities to establish campuses in India and collaborate with Indian institutions. The regulation stipulates that these FHEIs should be among the top 500 globally recognized universities and must maintain high academic and research standards. The aim is to create opportunities for joint degrees, twinning programs, and exchange programs, potentially leading to a more globalized educational environment within India. Significance of the Reform: Read More...

WHO’s Campaign Against Loneliness:A Panel Set Up

Nov 22, 2023

What is the focus of the new WHO panel? The panel is dedicated to addressing the global health threat of loneliness, recognized as a pressing issue comparable to the health risks of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Who are leading the WHO panel on loneliness? US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba are appointed as co-chairs of the commission. What are the health risks associated with loneliness? Loneliness can lead to a greater risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, an... Read More...

Understanding Air Quality Index(AQI)

Nov 22, 2023

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)? The AQI is a tool used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. Public health risks increase as the AQI rises. How has AQI become important in India? With the rise in air pollution levels, especially during events like Diwali and the stubble burning season, AQI has become crucial for Indians to check the level of air pollution in their neighborhoods. What are the sources for AQI information in India? Platforms such as ... Read More...

Butterfly Effect

Nov 22, 2023

The “Butterfly Effect” is a concept from chaos theory, illustrating how small changes in a complex system can have large, unpredictable consequences. Key Features: 1. Origin in Meteorology: Coined by meteorologist Edward Lorenz, it suggests that the flap of a butterfly’s wings might ultimately cause a tornado weeks later. 2. Sensitivity to Initial Conditions: The effect emphasizes how slight variations at the start of a process can significantly impact the outcome. 3. Implications in Various Fields: While originating in weather prediction, it applies to... Read More...

Myanmar Crisis and Its Impact on Northeast India

Nov 22, 2023

The civil war in Myanmar has had significant repercussions in India’s northeastern states, particularly Mizoram, leading to a humanitarian crisis and complex geopolitical dynamics. Reasons for Fleeing to Mizoram: 1. Civil War in Myanmar: The ongoing civil war in Myanmar, particularly in Chin State, has forced many to seek refuge in neighboring Mizoram. 2. Ethnic Ties: The people of Mizoram share ethnic ties with the Chin community, making Mizoram a natural refuge for those fleeing Myanmar. 3. Violent Crackdowns: The Myanmar military’s crackdown on ethnic arme... Read More...

India’s Space Programme: 60 Years of Stellar Achievements

Nov 22, 2023

India’s space journey, starting with a modest rocket launch 60 years ago, has seen remarkable growth, positioning the country as a key player in the global space arena. Milestones and Achievements: 1. Historic Beginnings: The journey began on November 21, 1963, with the launch of a Nike Apache rocket from Thumba, marking India’s entry into space research. 2. Indigenous Rocket Development: A significant leap occurred on February 22, 1969, with the launch of India’s first indigenous rocket, a milestone in self-reliant space technology. 3. Entry into Elite... Read More...

RBI’s Measures to Regulate Unsecured Loans

Nov 22, 2023

1. What prompted the RBI’s recent action on unsecured loans? The RBI increased the risk weight for consumer and credit card loans to slow the rapid growth of unsecured credit and address unscrupulous recovery methods. 2. How does increasing the risk weight impact lenders and borrowers? Lenders must reserve more capital for these loans, raising their costs, which they may pass to borrowers through higher interest rates, ultimately discouraging unsecured loans. 3. What are unsecured loans? Unsecured ... Read More...

Gaza War’s Economic Impact on Israel

Nov 22, 2023

What is the estimated economic impact of the Gawar on Israel? Analysts expect the conflict to have a substantial negative effect, particularly in labor supply, technology, and tourism sectors, with a potential $1 billion loss in exports. How have credit rating agencies reacted to the conflict? Credit rating agencies, including Fitch, Moody’s, and S&P, have signaled potential downgrades to Israel’s debt rating, citing economic risks from the conflict. What were the initial events of the conflict and its effects? ... Read More...

US-China Summit- Thaw in the New Cold War?

Nov 22, 2023

1. What is the ‘new cold war’? The term refers to the recent period of heightened tensions and rivalry between major powers, particularly the U.S. and China, characterized by trade disputes, technological competition, and differing governance ideologies. 2. What signs indicate a possible thaw in U.S.-China relations? Indications of a thaw may include renewed diplomatic talks, agreements on specific issues, or a reduction in the rhetoric and sanctions that have characterized relations in recent years. 3. Why is a thaw in ... Read More...

Right to Repair Movement

Nov 22, 2023

What is the ‘Right to Repair’? It’s a consumer-driven movement demanding that manufacturers make their products repairable and provide access to repair information, parts, and tools. Why is ‘Right to Repair’ important for consumers? It empowers consumers to fix their own products, potentially extending the life of products and reducing waste. How does ‘Right to Repair’ affect product obsolescence? It can slow down obsolescence by allowing consumers to repair rath... Read More...

India-Myanmar Border Conflict

Nov 22, 2023

What has caused the recent escalation in conflict near the India-Myanmar border? The recent conflict escalation is a result of resistance groups intensifying their efforts against the Myanmar military junta, which has been in power since the coup d’état in February 2021. Who are the main groups involved in the conflict? Various ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) are involved, including the Kachin Independence Army and the Arakan Army, among others that have formed alliances against the junta. What are the consequences for the local population? Read More...

Unearthing the Mysteries of Sinauli: India’s Largest 4000-Year-Old Burial Site

Nov 22, 2023

Discovery of Sinauli In 2005, a farmer in Sinauli village, Uttar Pradesh, accidentally stumbled upon an incredible archaeological site while ploughing his field. This discovery led to the uncovering of a burial site that has left archaeologists and historians astounded. Ancient Artefacts and Skeletons The initial excavation revealed a treasure trove of ancient artefacts, including copper pots, skeletons, chariots, and more. Among the findings was a copper helmet, possibly the world’s oldest, dating back to around 2000 BCE. The remarkable preservation of wooden ... Read More...