UPSC Daily Current Affairs

AGRICULTURAL REFORMS IN 2024: FAQs

Sep 24, 2024

AGRICULTURAL REFORMS IN 2024: FAQs SYNOPSIS In 2024, the focus of India’s agricultural reforms continues to address farmers’ needs and boost rural development. Key initiatives include schemes like PM-KISAN, which provides direct cash transfers to farmers, and efforts to digitise agriculture to improve efficiency and reduce data fragmentation. The reforms also emphasize investments in rural infrastructure, ensuring better crop yields, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and improving farmers’ livelihoods. A major goal is to create a comprehensive agricultural stack by integrating various data sets, ensu... Read More...

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS IN INDIA’S FREEDOM STRUGGLE:PORT BLAIR RENAMED SRI VIJAYA PURAM

Sep 23, 2024

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS IN INDIA’S FREEDOM STRUGGLE:PORT BLAIR RENAMED SRI VIJAYA PURAM 1. What is the historical significance of Andaman & Nicobar Islands during the freedom struggle? The Andaman & Nicobar Islands hold a significant place in India’s freedom struggle as they were home to the infamous Cellular Jail, also known as “Kala Pani.” Many Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned here by the British for their revolutionary activities. 2. What was the Cellular Jail, and why is it important? Cellular Jail was a colonial prison built by the British in Port Blair. It became a... Read More...

MAGIC DUST:CRUSHED BASALT FOR CARBON CAPTURE IN AGRICULTURE

Sep 24, 2024

MAGIC DUST:CRUSHED BASALT FOR CARBON CAPTURE IN AGRICULTURE 1. What is the ‘magic dust’ being used on farms? The ‘magic dust’ refers to crushed basalt, a volcanic rock, which can capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and improve crop growth. It is being spread on farms to aid in carbon capture through a process called enhanced rock weathering. 2. How does enhanced rock weathering work? Enhanced rock weathering accelerates a natural process where rainwater, containing dissolved carbon dioxide, reacts with the crushed basalt. This reaction solidifies the carbon and removes it from the atm... Read More...

Financial Intermediation in India: Simplifier

Sep 23, 2024

Financial Intermediation in India: Simplifier 1. What is financial intermediation? Financial intermediation is the process of channeling funds from savers to borrowers through financial institutions. These institutions act as intermediaries, mobilizing savings from individuals and businesses and providing loans and other financial services to those who need them. 2. What are some examples of financial intermediaries in India? Banks: Commercial banks like State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank collect deposits from savers and provide loans to individuals and ... Read More...

Engineer the Ocean to Absorb More Carbon Dioxide: FAQs

Sep 23, 2024

Engineer the Ocean to Absorb More Carbon Dioxide: FAQs What is it? Scientists are exploring various methods to enhance the ocean's natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. These methods, collectively known as Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR), aim to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels. Why is it important? The ocean currently absorbs about 25% of human-caused CO2 emissions. However, increasing CO2 levels are contributing to ocean acidification and harming marine life. Enhancing the ocean's carbon uptake capacity could help to combat climat... Read More...

HARAPPAN CIVILISATION: CONTRIBUTION TO ANCIENT INDIAN KNOWLEDGE AND TOWN PLANNING

Sep 23, 2024

HARAPPAN CIVILISATION: CONTRIBUTION TO ANCIENT INDIAN KNOWLEDGE AND TOWN PLANNING 1. How did the Harappans contribute to urban development? The Harappans were pioneers in urban planning, with cities like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, Dholavira, and Rakhigarhi showcasing advanced infrastructure. Their towns were meticulously laid out in a grid pattern, with streets running at right angles, dividing the cities into blocks. They had multi-tiered houses, public baths, granaries, and well-designed drainage systems. Every house had access to a sophisticated sewage network, and public wells were strategically placed to ensure a consistent water supply. This level of ... Read More...

PLANETARY RINGS and JUPITER’S RINGS:SIMPLIFIER

Sep 23, 2024

PLANETARY RINGS and JUPITER’S RINGS:SIMPLIFIER 1. What are Jupiter’s rings made of? Jupiter’s rings consist primarily of microscopic dust particles, which are likely debris from impacts on Jupiter’s small moons, especially Metis, Adrastea, Amalthea, and Thebe. 2. How were Jupiter’s rings discovered? Jupiter’s rings were first discovered by the Voyager 1 spacecraft in 1979, during its flyby of the planet. 3. Why are Jupiter’s rings difficult to observe? Jupiter’s rings are faint and ma... Read More...

BANYAN TREES LIVE FOR CENTURIES AND EXPAND LIMITLESSLY:HOW

Sep 23, 2024

BANYAN TREES LIVE FOR CENTURIES AND EXPAND LIMITLESSLY:HOW 1. What makes banyan trees grow for centuries and spread extensively? Banyan trees (Ficus benghalensis) can survive for centuries and spread indefinitely due to their aerial roots, which grow from the branches, touch the ground, and become secondary trunks. These roots strengthen the tree’s canopy and allow it to expand its coverage gradually over time. 2. How do banyan trees adapt to different environments? Banyan trees are highly adaptable, thriving in various soil types and climates, from humid to arid regions. Thei... Read More...

Freebies: FAQs

Sep 23, 2024

Freebies: FAQs What are freebies? Freebies are goods or services provided to citizens at no cost, typically by governments or political entities. Examples: Free electricity or water for a specific demographic or income group. Subsidized food grains through a public distribution system. Free laptops or bicycles for students. Farm loan waivers or cash transfer schemes for farmers. Why are freebies controversial? Critics argue they strain government finances, leading to fiscal deficits and debt. Some see them as a form of... Read More...

SRI VIJAYA PURAM:PORT BLAIR'S HISTORICAL LINK TO THE CHOLA EMPIRE AND THE CONQUEST OF SRIVIJAYA

Sep 23, 2024

SRI VIJAYA PURAM:PORT BLAIR'S HISTORICAL LINK TO THE CHOLA EMPIRE AND THE CONQUEST OF SRIVIJAYA 1. What is the historical significance of Port Blair? Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has significant historical importance. Originally surveyed by naval officer Archibald Blair in the late 18th century, the port was later named after him. It became a penal colony for Indian freedom fighters during British rule. The area is now being renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram, a nod to the historical Chola Empire’s maritime influence and its conquest of the Srivijaya kingdom in Southeast Asia. Read More...

CHANDRAYAAN-3 DISCOVERIES

Sep 23, 2024

CHANDRAYAAN-3 DISCOVERIES 1. What did Chandrayaan-3 find on the Moon? Chandrayaan-3, India’s latest mission to the Moon, found evidence that the Moon’s surface was once covered by a huge ocean of magma, which is melted rock. Scientists used data from the Pragyan rover, which moved on the Moon’s surface and studied its soil over a distance of 100 meters. The data helps us understand how the Moon formed billions of years ago. 2. How did the Moon form, according to the data? The scientists suggest that the Moon was formed when two giant space objects col... Read More...

URBAN FLOODS IN INDIA:2024 POST-MONSOON

Sep 23, 2024

URBAN FLOODS IN INDIA:2024 POST-MONSOON Urban flooding has become a recurrent issue in Indian cities, exacerbated by climate change, poor infrastructure, and ineffective urban planning. Cities like Vijayawada, Hyderabad, and several parts of Telangana, along with Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam have faced heavy rainfall and flooding this monsoon season. These floods not only disrupt daily life but also damage infrastructure, affect livelihoods, and pose significant challenges to urban management. The causes of urban floods range from increasing extreme rainfall events to inadequate drainage systems, poor land-use policies, and lack of stor... Read More...

Body Mass Index(BMI)

Sep 23, 2024

Body Mass Index(BMI) Move Over, BMI: Body Roundness Index Takes the Spotlight The body mass index, or BMI, a simple ratio of height to weight, has held sway as a medical screening tool for far too long. Despite its widespread use, it's also one of the most criticized health metrics, often unfairly labeling individuals as overweight, obese, or even extremely obese. Athletes like American Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher, whose BMI of 30 technically puts her on the cusp of obesity, have publicly challenged these classifications. Her response to online trolls? "I'm going to the Olympics and you're no... Read More...

Arvind Kejriwal vs. Central Bureau of Investigation (2024)

Sep 24, 2024

Arvind Kejriwal vs. Central Bureau of Investigation (2024) Right to Silence in India: A Fundamental Right In criminal law, the right to silence a cornerstone of justice, ensuring that individuals accused of a crime are not forced to say that they are guilty. This right is not merely a procedural technicality; it is a fundamental safeguard that upholds the presumption of innocence and protects individuals from unfair or abusive practices during investigations and trials. Constitutional Foundation The right to silence is deeply entrenched in the Indian Constitution. Article ... Read More...

WTO Fisheries Subsidies and India

Sep 23, 2024

WTO Fisheries Subsidies and India The Basics Fisheries Subsidies and Overfishing: Governments around the world provide financial support (subsidies) to their fishing industries. While these subsidies can be beneficial for supporting livelihoods and economic growth, certain types of subsidies can lead to overfishing, where fish stocks are depleted beyond sustainable levels. This threatens marine ecosystems and the long-term viability of the fishing industry itself. WTO Negotiations on Fisheries Subsidies: The World Trade O... Read More...