UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Fundamental Concepts of Ocean Currents

Oct 16, 2023

What is the primary cause of surface ocean currents? The sun's heating of the Earth creates semi-permanent pressure centers near the surface. Winds blowing over these centers generate surface waves, which form surface ocean currents. How do cold currents and warm currents differ? Cold currents flow towards the equator along the west coasts of continents, bringing cool water from polar regions. In contrast, warm currents flow from the equator towards the poles along the east coasts, bringing warm tropical water. How do ocean curr... Read More...

Understanding Ocean Zones

Oct 16, 2023

What is the Epipelagic Zone? The Epipelagic Zone, or the sunlight zone, extends from the surface to 200 meters deep. It contains the most sunlight and experiences temperature variations. How does the Mesopelagic Zone differ? The Mesopelagic Zone extends from 200 to 1,000 meters and is sometimes called the twilight zone. It contains the thermocline, where water temperature rapidly decreases with depth. What is unique about the Bathypelagic Zone? Also called the midnight zone, the Bathypelagic Zone ranges from 1,0... Read More...

Understanding Tides

Oct 16, 2023

What are Tides? Tides are the rise and fall of ocean water levels, usually occurring twice a day. The transition from low to high is called "flood tide," and from high to low is "ebb tide." What Causes Tides? The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth's oceans causes tides. The Moon's pull is stronger due to its closeness to Earth, despite the Sun being much larger. Why are there Two Bulges in the Ocean? Gravitational forces create a water bulge facing the Moon and an... Read More...

Understanding a Strong El Niño

Oct 16, 2023

What is El Niño? El Niño is a climate phenomenon where warm water in the Indo-Western Pacific warm pool moves eastward along the equator, disrupting weather patterns globally. What Constitutes a Strong El Niño? A strong El Niño is characterized by a sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific that is at least 1.5°C (2.7°F) higher than normal. It's measured in an area known as the Nino 3.4 Index. How Does it Affect Weather? Warm water causes the air above it t... Read More...

Understanding the Financial Stability Board (FSB): A Global Regulatory Body

Oct 16, 2023

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) is an essential international organization formed in 2009, following the global financial crisis of 2008. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the FSB serves as a key player in global financial governance. Its membership comprises influential representatives from 24 countries, central banks, regulatory authorities, and major international financial bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. The FSB’s primary role is to assess and monitor risks and vulnerabilities in the global financial system. It works to harmonize regulatory frameworks and promotes effective best p... Read More...

Understanding the Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF)

Oct 16, 2023

What is CDMDF? The Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF) is a backstop fund for mutual funds in India, recently launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The fund is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). With an initial corpus of Rs. 33,000 crore, CDMDF aims to offer a safety net to mutual funds during stressed market conditions by purchasing investment-grade corporate debt securities. Why was CDMDF Created? The CDMDF is designed to be a financial cushion during times of market instability. With liquidity often drying ... Read More...

India and the Palestinian Homeland

Oct 16, 2023

India's position as a home for Palestinians has evolved over time, reflecting changing geopolitical dynamics and India's commitment to principles such as anti-colonialism, self-determination, and support for the Palestinian cause. Here's a brief history of India's stance: Pre-Independence Era: During India's struggle for independence from British colonial rule, Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi expressed solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide, including the Palestinians. They saw similarities between India's fight for freedom and the Palestinian struggle against British and Zionist colonization. Read More...

Tamil Author Sivasankari Honored with 'Saraswati Samman' for Memoir 'Surya Vamsam'

Oct 16, 2023

Tamil author Sivasankari has been honored with the 'Saraswati Samman' for 2022, awarded for her memoir titled "Surya Vamsam. " The prestigious award, presented by former Union Minister M. Veerappa Moily, includes a citation, a plaque, and prize money of Rs.15 lakh. "Surya Vamsam" is a two-volume memoir that not only traces the journey of an innocent child becoming a celebrated author but also reflects the societal changes over seven decades. Sivasankari, with a literary career spanning over five decades, has made significant contributions to Indian literature, including her four-volume work "Knit India Through Litera... Read More...

Intensified Mission Indradhanush

Oct 16, 2023

The "Intensified Mission Indradhanush" (IMI 5.0), a nationwide campaign aimed at ensuring routine immunization services reach children and pregnant women who missed vaccine doses or dropped out of their vaccination schedule, is set to conclude on October 14. The campaign, conducted across India, extended its focus to include children up to five years of age, as opposed to previous campaigns that included children up to two years only. As of September 30, the campaign had already administered doses to over 34,69,705 children and 6,55,480 pregnant women during the first two rounds, with a special emphasis on improving measles and rubella vac... Read More...

Global Hunger Index & India's Objections

Oct 16, 2023

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a crucial tool for assessing and tracking hunger worldwide. It is compiled by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in partnership with Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. The GHI combines four key indicators: Undernourishment: This measures the proportion of the population with insufficient caloric intake to meet their dietary energy requirements. Child Stunting: This indicates the percentage of children under the age of five who suffer from low height-for-age, reflecting chronic undernutrition. Child Wasting: This assesses the percentage of ... Read More...

Evolution of Hand Hygiene Post-COVID-19

Oct 16, 2023

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, hand hygiene has transformed from a routine practice to a crucial defense mechanism. Initially, a meticulous ritual, handwashing has now faded into a custom as the immediacy of the pandemic wanes. Yet, it remains a powerful tool against contagious diseases. Correct handwashing, using soap and water, effectively eliminates not only visible dirt but also invisible pathogens like viruses and bacteria. This practice has the potential to halve child mortality in low and middle-income countries. To promote hand hygiene, schools play a vital role. By integrating handwashing initiatives into the curricul... Read More...

World Arthritis Day: Common Conditions

Oct 16, 2023

What is arthritis? Arthritis refers to joint pain or joint disease, characterized by inflammation or swelling of one or more joints. Who can be affected by arthritis? A: Arthritis can affect people of all ages, sexes, and races, not just senior citizens. What are the common types of arthritis? Two common types are osteoarthritis (affecting cartilage) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammatory arthritis). How prevalent is osteoarthritis in India? Read More...

Caste-Based Census in India: A Step for Social Justice

Oct 16, 2023

Q1: What is the significance of the Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana (caste-based survey)? A: It provides accurate data on caste distribution and socio-economic status, aiding evidence-based policymaking and targeted interventions. Q2: How does accurate caste-based data benefit social justice efforts? A: It helps in designing effective welfare programs, tracking progress, ensuring fair representation, promoting transparency, and preventing misuse of caste certificates. Q3: Why is a caste-based census controversial? Read More...

Operation Ajay: Evacuation of Indian Nationals from Israel

Oct 14, 2023

India initiates a major operation to bring back its citizens from conflict-hit Israel. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announces special chartered flights for evacuation, marking the second such effort this year. Operation Ajay follows the successful Operation Kaveri that rescued Indian citizens from Sudan earlier. Mr. Jaishankar expresses India's commitment to the safety and well-being of its nationals abroad. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv begins contacting registered Indian citizens for the first special flight departing on Thursday, with plans for subsequent flights. The evacuation comes ... Read More...

India's Role in the Indian Ocean and the IORA Meeting

Oct 14, 2023

What is India's strategic interest in the Indian Ocean? India considers the Indian Ocean vital for global trade and aims to promote stability, security, and sustainable development in the region. What did External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasize at the IORA meeting? Mr. Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indian Ocean. He also raised concerns about unsustainable debt,indiurect reference to China’s debt trap diplomacy. What role does India play in supporting countries in the ... Read More...