UPSC Daily Current Affairs

AI SUPERINTELLIGENCE: RISKS AND FUTURE POTENTIAL

Nov 02, 2024

AI SUPERINTELLIGENCE: RISKS AND FUTURE POTENTIAL 1. What is AI superintelligence? AI superintelligence refers to a form of artificial intelligence that surpasses human intelligence across all domains. Unlike narrow AI systems that excel at specific tasks, superintelligence would be capable of learning, reasoning, and adapting in ways that go beyond current human abilities. 2. Are there different types of AI? Yes, AI is generally classified into three types: • Narrow AI: Specialized systems that perform specific tasks, like language translation or playing chess. &b... Read More...

NATURE CONSERVATION INDEX:INDIA @ 176

Nov 02, 2024

NATURE CONSERVATION INDEX:INDIA @ 176 1. What Is the Nature Conservation Index and India’s Rank? The Nature Conservation Index is an international evaluation that ranks countries on conservation efforts across four pillars: protected area management, biodiversity threats, governance, and future trends. India ranked 176th out of 180 countries, scoring 45.5 out of 100. 2. Which Areas Contributed to India’s Low Score? India scored zero in marine conservation, including marine protected area management and protection of marine species. Its limited marine conservation efforts were identified as a sig... Read More...

INDIA JOINS ARIN-AP:ASSET RECOVERY INTER-AGENCY NETWORK FOR ASIA-PACIFIC (ARIN-AP), CARIN

Nov 02, 2024

INDIA JOINS ARIN-AP:ASSET RECOVERY INTER-AGENCY NETWORK FOR ASIA-PACIFIC (ARIN-AP), CARIN FAQs 1. What is ARIN-AP? The Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network Asia-Pacific (ARIN-AP) is a multi-agency network aimed at tracking and recovering assets obtained through criminal activities in the Asia-Pacific region. It is part of the global CARIN (Camden Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network) and includes 28 member countries and nine observers. 2. Why has India joined ARIN-AP’s Steering Committee? By joining the steering committee, India can contribute to ARIN-AP’s decision-making and help sh... Read More...

DANA AND FLASH FLOODS IN SPAIN

Nov 02, 2024

DANA AND FLASH FLOODS IN SPAIN 1. What is DANA? DANA, or “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos” (Isolated Depression at High Altitudes), is a weather pattern in Spain known as a “cold drop” or “gota fría.” It occurs when cold air descends over the warmer waters of the Mediterranean Sea, creating atmospheric instability and causing intense rainfall. 2. How does DANA lead to heavy rains and floods? When cold air collides with the warmer Mediterranean, it causes moist, hot air to rise rapidly, forming thick, heavy clouds that release large amounts of rain over a short pe... Read More...

LiDAR AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Nov 02, 2024

LiDAR AND ITS APPLICATIONS 1. What is LiDAR? LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses pulsed laser light to measure distances between a sensor and the Earth’s surface. It creates high-resolution 3D models of ground elevation, even through dense vegetation. 2. How does LiDAR work? LiDAR systems consist of a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver. The laser pulses towards the ground, reflecting off various surfaces, such as trees or buildings. The sensor records the reflected light, and the system calculates distances, using GPS and IMS data, to produce a detailed elevation ... Read More...

Wayanad Landslides: India's Disaster Levels

Nov 02, 2024

Wayanad Landslides: India's Disaster Levels Q: What are the different levels of disaster in India? A: India uses a three-tier system (L1, L2, L3) to categorize disasters based on their severity. L1: Local disaster, manageable within a district. L2: Requires assistance from the state level. L3: Large-scale disaster needing national and potentially international help. Q: What is an example of an L3 disaster? A: The recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, are being considered for classification as an L3 disaster due to their widespread devastation and ... Read More...

UNPAID WORK IN INDIA:CARE ECONOMY IN INDIA-RECOGNIZING ITS ECONOMIC VALUE

Nov 02, 2024

UNPAID WORK IN INDIA:CARE ECONOMY IN INDIA-RECOGNIZING ITS ECONOMIC VALUE FAQs 1. What is unpaid work, and why is it significant? Unpaid work includes domestic chores, caregiving, and other household responsibilities typically performed without monetary compensation, primarily by women. This labor is vital for social and economic well-being but remains invisible in formal economic metrics like GDP, limiting its recognition and support in policy-making. 2. How does unpaid work contribute to India’s economy? Recent studies estimate that unpaid work in India contributes approximately... Read More...

BRICS :13 NEW “PARTNER COUNTRIES” at KAZAN 2024

Nov 02, 2024

BRICS :13 NEW “PARTNER COUNTRIES” at KAZAN 2024 1. What is BRICS? BRICS is an international political organization of major emerging economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group focuses on mutual cooperation and aims to create an alternative governance structure less dominated by Western powers. 2. What occurred at the 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia? During the summit in October 2024, 13 new partner countries were welcomed into BRICS. This move is part of a broader strategy to increase the organization’s global influence and collaboration capabilities. ... Read More...

ARABIAN GULF-INDIA:SAUDI ARABIA’S NEW SHIPPING ROUTE:

Nov 02, 2024

ARABIAN GULF-INDIA:SAUDI ARABIA’S NEW SHIPPING ROUTE: 1. What Is the Objective of the New ‘Arabian Gulf-India’ Shipping Route? • This route, launched by Saudi Arabia’s Folk Maritime Services (a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund), aims to boost trade between Saudi Arabia and India. It will facilitate the movement of consumer goods, petrochemicals, and essential commodities, strengthening economic ties and fulfilling Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to make Dammam a global logistics hub. 2. Which Ports Are Connected by This New Route? • The new route links key GC... Read More...

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Explained

Oct 30, 2024

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Explained What are APIs? APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. Imagine them as “messengers” that help various apps or websites share information and work together. APIs make it possible for applications to use features or data from other systems without needing to understand all the technical details behind them. Example: When you check the weather on an app, the app isn’t doing its own weather analysis. Instead, it connects to a weather API that pr... Read More...

FPO-FARMER PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS PROMOTION SCHEME: EXPLAINER

Oct 30, 2024

FPO-FARMER PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS PROMOTION SCHEME: EXPLAINER 1. What is the FPO Promotion Scheme? The Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) Promotion Scheme is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in 2020 to support the formation and promotion of FPOs. With a budget of Rs. 6,865 crore, the scheme aims to create 10,000 FPOs by 2025 to enhance farmers’ incomes through the aggregation of agricultural produce and collective bargaining power. FPOs are typically registered as companies or cooperatives and provide small and marginal farmers a platform for better market access, financial assistance, and sustaina... Read More...

Medical Negligence:Neeraj Sud and Another vs Jaswinder Singh (Minor) and Another 2024

Oct 30, 2024

Medical Negligence:Neeraj Sud and Another vs Jaswinder Singh (Minor) and Another 2024 Background of the Case This case involved a medical negligence claim against a doctor who performed a ptosis surgery (to correct drooping of the eyelid) on a minor in 1996. The child’s father claimed the surgery was done negligently, leading to worsening of the eye condition and sought compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and potential loss of earnings. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) initially ruled against the doctor, holding him liable for medical negligence. Supreme Court Ruling Read More...

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Ban in Pakistan: FAQs

Oct 30, 2024

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Ban in Pakistan: FAQs What is the PTM? A grassroots organization advocating for the rights of the Pashtun community in Pakistan, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and tribal areas. Focuses on protecting the community from persecution and alleged human rights abuses by the Pakistani military. Gained prominence for its peaceful protests and demands for accountability for alleged enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and landmine clearance. Why did the Pakistani government ban the PTM? The government banned the PTM under anti-terror ... Read More...

Digital Fraud: Explainer

Oct 30, 2024

Digital Fraud: Explainer Digital fraud, especially in a rapidly digitizing society like India, has become a pressing issue, affecting various aspects of life—from financial transactions to identity verification, and even public service access. As digital platforms become increasingly integrated into daily life, the need for robust countermeasures against fraud is essential. Here’s a 360-degree view of digital fraud, its challenges, and preventive strategies. 1. What is Digital Fraud? Digital fraud encompasses fraudulent activities conducted through digital platforms, which include: • Phishin... Read More...

Digital Arrest” and Its Implications in Digital Fraud Prevention

Oct 30, 2024

Digital Arrest” and Its Implications in Digital Fraud Prevention “Digital arrest” is a term that has recently been highlighted to describe a specific type of digital scam that leverages fear and urgency to deceive people. Here, scammers impersonate government authorities or other official entities, informing victims that they are under investigation or facing legal action, and must pay a fee or penalty to avoid immediate arrest. This type of digital fraud is especially effective because it taps into a sense of urgency and panic, often pushing individuals to act without verifying the authenticity of the message or call. How “Digita... Read More...