UPSC Daily Current Affairs

JAPAN’S MEGAQUAKE ADVISORY:SIMPLIFIER

Aug 23, 2024

1. What triggered Japan’s first-ever “megaquake advisory”? • The advisory was issued after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Japan’s southern coast, increasing concerns about the potential for a larger earthquake in the Nankai Trough region. 2. What is the Ring of Fire? • The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped area in the Pacific Ocean where multiple tectonic plates meet. This region is characterized by frequent eart... Read More...

We, the People of India”:Preamble

Aug 22, 2024

Introduction “We, the People of India” is the opening phrase of the Preamble to the Constitution of India, underscoring the essence of democracy and the sovereign nature of the Indian state, established by the constituent power of its citizens. Here’s a closer look at what this powerful phrase represents and its implications. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What do... Read More...

QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY

Aug 22, 2024

Indian scientists have made a significant discovery in the field of quantum cryptography, which is a way to keep information safe using the principles of quantum mechanics (the science of the very small). What is Quantum Cryptography? Quantum cryptography is a method used to secure communication by transforming data into a secret code that only the intended receiver can read and process. It relies on the laws of quantum mechanics, which are the rules that govern how particles like photons (light particles) behave. ... Read More...

India’s Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS)

Aug 22, 2024

India has recently started using a special system designed to predict landslides before they happen, especially in areas where landslides are common due to heavy rains. This system, created by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), helps people prepare better and stay safe. What Is a Landslide Early Warning System? A Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) is a tool that helps predict when and where landslides might occur. It uses information about rain, the type of land, and other environmental factors to give warnings if ... Read More...

INDIA’S BIO-BITUMEN MIXING POLICY

Aug 22, 2024

What is bio-bitumen? Bio-bitumen is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bitumen, made from biomass such as paddy straw (parali). It is used primarily in road construction and can be mixed with petroleum-based bitumen. How much bio-bitumen can be mixed with traditional bitumen? The government has approved the mixing of up to 35% bio-bitumen with petroleum-based bitumen for road construction. Read More...

NATIONAL MISSION FOR EDIBLE OILS - OIL PALM (NMEO-OP)

Aug 22, 2024

In 2021, the Government of India launched the National Mission for Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) with the aim to boost domestic production of crude palm oil (CPO) and reduce the heavy reliance on imported edible oils. Here’s an overview of the mission and its significance: Goals of the Mission: Read More...

MILLION DESIGNERS, BILLION DREAMS” INITIATIVE

Aug 22, 2024

What is the “Million Designers, Billion Dreams” initiative? This is a new program launched by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) aimed at empowering rural leaders and entrepreneurs across India. It focuses on teaching systems design know-how to tackle complex societal challenges. Who is behind the initiative? The initiative is led by LEAP, a catalyst organization that grew from work at the Harv... Read More...

Climate Change Impacts: Hurricane Intensity and Behavior

Aug 22, 2024

Understanding the terminology and mechanics behind hurricanes is crucial to grasping how climate change is amplifying their intensity. Here’s a breakdown of what these terms mean and how climate change plays a role: Naming of Storms Read More...

Dancing Girl: Indus Valley Art

Aug 22, 2024

The Dancing Girl sculpture, a significant artifact from the Indus Valley Civilization, provides a unique insight into the art and culture of one of the world’s earliest urban societies. This small, yet captivating bronze statue stands as a testament to the advanced metallurgical skills of the Indus Valley people, who thrived around 2500 B.C. in what is now Pakistan. Discovery and Significance Discovered in 1926 during archaeological excavations at Mohenjo-daro, the Dancing Girl sculpture has intrigued histor... Read More...

ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)

Aug 22, 2024

ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is set to revolutionize how satellites are launched, making it faster and more affordable. Designed specifically for small satellites, the SSLV is a compact and efficient launch vehicle that promises to make space missions more accessible to a broader range of users. Key Features of the SSLV • Quick Assembly: The SSLV can be assembled in just 72 hours, significantly faster than other launch vehicles. • Cost-Effecti... Read More...

DNA PROFILING

Aug 22, 2024

DNA profiling is widely regarded as a powerful tool in the criminal justice system, often perceived by the public as decisive evidence. However, its reliability and role in establishing guilt or innocence are complex and subject to limitations. 1. What is... Read More...

RESISTANT FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Aug 22, 2024

The rise of drug-resistant fungal infections, particularly those caused by Trichophyton indotineae, has become a significant health challenge in India. This resilient strain is linked to the misuse of topical steroids and has spread to multiple countries, raising concerns about its treatment and management. 1. What Are Resistant Fungal ... Read More...

Popular Sovereignty and the Preamble

Aug 22, 2024

Introduction Popular sovereignty is a key principle in democracies where the government’s power comes directly from the people. It’s foundational for ensuring that the government listens to and acts according to what the people want. Easy-to-Understand FAQs 1. What is popular sovereignty? • Answer: It’s the idea that the power of a government comes from its c... Read More...

AMBEDKAR’S IDEAS THAT SHAPED INDIAN CONSTITUTION

Aug 22, 2024

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, made profound contributions that have significantly influenced the Indian constitutional discourse. His ideas continue to resonate in India’s legal and social frameworks. Key Contributions of Ambedkar: Read More...

KEY INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS FOR OZONE PROTECTION

Aug 22, 2024

• Montreal Protocol (1987): A groundbreaking global agreement to phase out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It is hailed as one of the most successful environmental treaties. • Copenhagen Amendment (1992): This amendment to the Montreal Protocol set stringent deadlines for the phase-out of CFCs and introduced measures to control hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which have a lower ozone-depleting potential but still pose environmental risks. • Kigali A... Read More...