UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Quantum Computers:Super Simplified

Aug 21, 2024

Imagine you have a magic coloring book where each page can show all the colors at once, not just black or white. Quantum computers are kind of like this magic book. In a regular computer, every tiny piece (called a bit) can only be off (0) or on (1)—like a light switch. But in a quantum computer, each bit (called a qubit) is more like a dimmer switch that can show every shade between completely off and completely on, so it can do much more at once. However, these qubits are very, very picky and sensitive. They don't like noise or anything else that might mess them up, and they ... Read More...

WAYANAD(KERALA) LANDSLIDES

Aug 21, 2024

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

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. Read More...

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...

SCARBOROUGH SHOAL

Aug 21, 2024

**What is Scarborough Shoal?** Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal, is a small ring of reefs located in the South China Sea. It is about 120 nautical miles west of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. Read More...

INDIA-MYANMAR-THAILAND TRILATERAL HIGHWAY (IMT-TH)

Aug 17, 2024

1. What is the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway (IMT-TH)? • The IMT-TH is a major connectivity project intended to create a 1,360-kilometer highway linking India, Myanmar, and Thailand. Starting in Moreh, India, and extending to Mae Sot, Thailand, this highway is designed to facilitate trade, tourism, and economic integration between South Asia and Southeast Asia. 2. What are the objectives of the IMT-TH? • The highway aims to enhance economic growth, foster cultural exchanges, and improve regional stability by provid... Read More...

CLONING: THERAPEUTIC VS. REPRODUCTIVE SIMPLIFIER

Aug 17, 2024

1. What is Cloning? • Cloning refers to the process of creating genetically identical copies of biological material, which can include genes, cells, tissues, or entire organisms. Read More...

DOLLY THE SHEEP: SIMPLIFIER ON CLONING

Aug 17, 2024

1. Who was Dolly the Sheep? • Dolly the Sheep was the first mammal to be cloned from an adult somatic cell, using the process of nuclear transfer. She was cloned by scientists at the Roslin Institute in Scotland and was born on July 5, 1996. 2. How was Dolly cloned? • Dolly was cloned using a technique called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In this process, scientists took a nucleus from a cell of an adult sheep’s mammary gland and inserted it into an egg cell from which the nucleus had been removed. The egg then d... Read More...

Dr.BHIM RAO AMBEDKAR’S “ANNIHILATION OF CASTE”

Aug 17, 2024

1. What is “Annihilation of Caste”? • “Annihilation of Caste” is an undelivered speech written in 1936 by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was a prominent Indian social reformer and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. The speech criticizes the Hindu caste system and advocates for its eradication. 2. Why was the speech undelivered? • Dr. Ambedkar was originally invited to deliver this speech to a Hindu reformist group, the Jat-Pat Todak Mandal in Lahore. However, the group found his views on caste ... Read More...

MUHAMMAD YUNUS AND GRAMEEN BANK

Aug 17, 2024

1. Who is Muhammad Yunus? Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur and economist who founded the Grameen Bank in 1983. He is known as the "Banker to the Poor" for his work in providing microcredit to the impoverished. 2. What is the Grameen Bank, and when was it established? The Grameen Bank is a microfinance organization founded by Muhammad Yunus in 1983 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It provides small loans to the poor without requiring collateral, help... Read More...