UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

EXTRADITION OF SHEIKH HASINA: LEGAL AND DIPLOMATIC CONSIDERATIONS

Sep 21, 2024

EXTRADITION OF SHEIKH HASINA: LEGAL AND DIPLOMATIC CONSIDERATIONS 1. What is the basis for Bangladesh’s request to extradite Sheikh Hasina? Bangladesh may rely on the 2013 India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty, signed during Sheikh Hasina’s government, to request her extradition from India. This treaty obligates both countries to extradite individuals found guilty of committing an extraditable offence, which typically involves crimes that carry at least a one-year jail term in both countries. Hasina has faced charges under Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for crimes including genocide and war crim... Read More...

Chinese FDI in India: The Issues and the Policy Dilemma

Sep 12, 2024

Chinese FDI in India: The Issues and the Policy Dilemma 1. What is the current state of Chinese FDI in India? Chinese investment in India has been significantly restricted since 2020 due to heightened scrutiny and red tape following border tensions. This has led to billions of dollars in potential investments being turned away, impacting sectors like electric vehicles, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. 2. Why is India reconsidering its stance on Chinese investment? India's push to become a manufacturing powerhouse has faced challenges. It recognize... Read More...

PREVENTIVE DETENTION: ARTICLE 22 and GUIDELINES

Sep 21, 2024

PREVENTIVE DETENTION: ARTICLE 22 and GUIDELINES 1. What is preventive detention? Preventive detention refers to the detention of a person without trial to prevent them from committing actions that may endanger public order or national security. It is a preventive measure used in cases related to smuggling, terrorism, and other national security concerns. 2. What did the Supreme Court rule regarding preventive detention? The Supreme Court issued strict guidelines for authorities handling preventive detention, mandating that all relevant documents and grounds for detention be pr... Read More...

TAPI Pipeline: Simplifier

Sep 12, 2024

TAPI Pipeline: Simplifier What is the TAPI pipeline? The TAPI pipeline is a $10 billion natural gas pipeline project that will transport natural gas from Turkmenistan to India through Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is named after the initial letters of the participating countries: Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. What is the current status of the project? The Turkmen section of the pipeline is complete, and work is set to begin on the Afghan side. The project has faced repeated delays due to security challenges in Afghanistan. Experts estimat... Read More...

ARCHAEOPTERYX: AN INSIGHT INTO THE JURASSIC ERA

Sep 21, 2024

ARCHAEOPTERYX: AN INSIGHT INTO THE JURASSIC ERA Archaeopteryx is a fascinating prehistoric creature that serves as a key link between dinosaurs and birds. Discovered in the 19th century in the limestone deposits of Solnhofen, Germany, it lived during the Late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. Archaeopteryx is renowned for its mixture of avian and reptilian features; it had feathered wings similar to those of modern birds but also sported a full set of teeth, a long bony tail, and three-clawed hands, which are characteristics of theropod dinosaurs. The fossils of Archaeopteryx include well-preserved feathers, which not only suggest th... Read More...

PITTU IN MADHYA PRADESH: A TRADITIONAL INDIAN GAME RETURNS TO COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS

Sep 21, 2024

PITTU IN MADHYA PRADESH: A TRADITIONAL INDIAN GAME RETURNS TO COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS 1. What is Pittu, and why is it being revived in Madhya Pradesh? Pittu, also known as “seven stones,” is one of the oldest traditi... Read More...

PREVENTIVE DETENTION,ARTICLE 22:SUPREME COURT GUIDELINES

Sep 21, 2024

PREVENTIVE DETENTION,ARTICLE 22:SUPREME COURT GUIDELINES 1. What is preventive detention? Preventive detention refers to the detention of a person without trial to prevent them from committing actions that may endanger public order or national security. It is a preventive measure used in cases related to smuggling, terrorism, and other national security concerns. 2. What did the Supreme Court rule regarding preventive detention? The Supreme Court issued strict guidelines for authorities handling preventive detention, mandating that all relevant documents and grounds for detention be... Read More...

Brain On A Chip:Indian Institute of Science (IISc) creates

Sep 21, 2024

Brain On A Chip:Indian Institute of Science (IISc) creates 1. What did the scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) create? The scientists developed a new technology called “Brain On A Chip,” which can store and process information in a way similar to how the human brain works. 2. How is this technology different from regular computers? Unlike regular computers that use just two states (0 and 1) to process information, this new technology can handle 16,500 different states. This allows it to perform more complex tasks efficiently. 3. Wh... Read More...

FIRST PRIVATE SPACEWALK BY SPACEX

Sep 21, 2024

FIRST PRIVATE SPACEWALK BY SPACEX 1. What is a spacewalk? A spacewalk, officially known as an Extravehicular Activity (EVA), involves an astronaut leaving their spacecraft and stepping into outer space. This is typically done to conduct scientific research, carry out repairs, test new equipment, or perform other specific tasks outside the spacecraft. 2. Who led the world’s first private spacewalk? Jared Isaacman, the founder of Shift4 Payments and the commander of the Polaris Dawn mission, led the first private spacewalk. 3. What was the main purpose of ... Read More...

KATTAS OF KASARAGOD: TRADITIONAL ENGINEERING MARVELS

Sep 21, 2024

KATTAS OF KASARAGOD: TRADITIONAL ENGINEERING MARVELS 1. What are the Kattas of Kasaragod? Kattas are traditional small dams located in Kasaragod, a district in Kerala, India. These structures are engineered by local communities to manage water resources effectively. They are primarily used for storing and channeling water to farmlands during the dry seasons. 2. How are the Kattas constructed? The Kattas are built using local materials like mud, stones, and vegetation, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The construction and maintenance of these dams are communit... Read More...

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

Sep 21, 2024

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)? SCD is a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cells. In people with SCD, the red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to blockages in blood vessels. This can cause severe pain, organ damage, and other complications. What is the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission? It's a government initiative launched in 2023 aiming to eliminate sickle cell disease as a public health problem by 2047. It involves a nationwide screening program, incr... Read More...

India @ Chess Olympiad

Sep 21, 2024

India @ Chess Olympiad 1. What is the Chess Olympiad? The Chess Olympiad is the most prestigious team chess event, held every two years. It involves national teams competing against each other in a series of matches. 2. How has India performed historically at the Chess Olympiad? India has participated since 1956 and consistently since 1980. The country has won two bronze medals, in 2014 and 2022. 3. How does the current Indian team compare to previous ones? The 2024 team in Budapest is India's strongest ever,... Read More...

PM E-drive Scheme: Simplifier

Sep 20, 2024

PM E-drive Scheme: Simplifier 1. What is the PM E-Drive scheme? PM E-Drive (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) is a government initiative to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. 2. What is the budget allocated for the PM E-Drive scheme? The Union Cabinet has approved a budget of ₹10,900 crore for the scheme, which will be valid for two years. 3. What are the key objectives of the scheme? The scheme aims to support the procurement of e-buses and set up over 72,000 charging stations across Ind... Read More...

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND GLOBAL REACH OF THE SANCHI STUPA

Sep 21, 2024

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND GLOBAL REACH OF THE SANCHI STUPA 1. What is the Sanchi Stupa, and why is it important? The Great Stupa of Sanchi is a significant Buddhist monument that was originally built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It is considered one of the oldest stone structures in India, serving as a commemorative monument containing sacred relics of the Buddha and other Buddhist saints. The stupa symbolizes the Buddha’s spiritual presence and teachings, and it has been a center of pilgrimage and devotion for Buddhists. 2. What are the architectural features of the Great Stupa? The Sanchi Stu... Read More...