UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

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...

CCUS Technologies in India: Advancements and Challenges

Aug 22, 2024

1. What is CCUS? • CCUS stands for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage. It’s a technology used to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial facilities. • Once captured, the CO2 can either be used in various industrial applications or stored deep underground in geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers, to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. Read More...

COP16 in Colombia and Biodiversity

Aug 22, 2024

Q1: What is COP16, and why is it important? A: COP16 is the sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It will be held in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1, 2024. This conference is crucial because it focuses on implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15, with the goal of protecting 30% of land and sea areas and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. Q2: What are the main goals of COP16?... 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...

A DYNAMIC FORCE IN GLOBAL CLIMATE

Aug 22, 2024

The Southern Ocean is a vital but volatile component of the Earth’s environmental system, distinguished by its extreme conditions and profound impact on global climate dynamics. Characterized by the planet’s strongest currents, tallest waves, and most formidable winds, it plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. Read More...

WAYANAD(KERALA) LANDSLIDES

Aug 21, 2024

Causes Unplanned Development • Deforestation: • Extensive tree cutting for agriculture,... Read More...

Stalagmites: Geological Wonders in India

Aug 21, 2024

Stalagmites are one of the most intriguing natural formations found in the limestone caves of India. These features form as water carrying dissolved minerals, primarily calcium carbonate, drips from the ceiling and deposits the minerals onto the cave floor. Over centuries, these deposits grow from mere droplets to impressive, towering structures, often creating stunning visual spectacles in caves across India. Formation and Features: Stalagmites form through a slow and continuous process of mineral deposition. As water p... Read More...

MICROPLASTICS AND THEIR IMPACT ON HEALTH

Aug 21, 2024

What Are Microplastics? • Definition: • Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that originate from larger plastic debris or are manufactured to be small. • They can be as small as a fraction of a human hair and are found in the environment and various products. • Sources: • Produced from the breakdown of larger plastic waste through exposure to environmental elements. • Present in consumer products like cosmetics, clothing, and industrial processes. Where Are M... Read More...

ASSET CLASS

Aug 21, 2024

Introduction An asset class is a group of financial instruments that have similar characteristics and behave similarly in the marketplace. Understanding different asset classes is essential for investors as it helps in diversif... Read More...

Calcareous Sandstones in India

Aug 21, 2024

Calcareous sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock composed of sand-sized grains and a significant amount of calcium carbonate, often in the form of calcite. This rock type is prevalent in various regions across India, highlighting the diverse geological landscape of the country. Here’s a look at some key areas where calcareous sandstones are found: 1. Himalayan Region: The vast geological diversity of the Himalayas includes layers of sedimentary rocks such as calcareous sandstone. These formations are part of the sedimentary sequences that were uplifted duri... Read More...

Mawjymbuin Cave

Aug 21, 2024

Mawjymbuin Cave, situated approximately 60 km southwest of Shillong near Mawsynram in Meghalaya, is renowned for its remarkable formations made of calcareous sandstone. This 209-meter-high cave is particularly noted for its naturally occurring stalagmite that strikingly resembles a Shivalinga, drawing both spiritual significance and geological interest. Read More...

Stalagmites in India:

Aug 21, 2024

PYROCUMULONIMBUS CLOUDS/FIRE CLOUDS

Aug 21, 2024

**What Are Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds?** Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are essentially thunderstorms that form within the smoke plumes of large, intense fires. They can also develop from other heat sources like volcanic ash clouds or nuclear explosions. The term 'flammagenitus' is used officially to describe clouds generated by... Read More...