UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

DR. AMBEDKAR AND GRADED INEQUALITY

Aug 17, 2024

1. What is Graded Inequality? • Graded Inequality is a concept highlighted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, referring to the structured hierarchy within the Indian caste system where inequalities exist not only between the upper and ... Read More...

CARBON CREDITS For PUNJAB FARMERS

Aug 17, 2024

Introduction In a pioneering move towards environmental sustainability and farmer welfare, Punjab’s Forest Department, in collaboration with The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) and an international company, has launched a carbon credit compensation programme. This initiative financially rewards farmers for planting and maintaining trees, contributing to CO2 reduction and providing an additional income stream. What is the Carbon Credit Compensation Programme? The carbon credit compensation programme pays farmers for the enviro... Read More...

STEM CELLS: SIMPLIFIER

Aug 17, 2024

1. What are Stem Cells? • Stem cells are special cells in the body that have the unique ability to develop into different types of cells (like heart cells, brain cells, or blood cells) and also have the capacity to repair damaged tissues. They can divide and replicate many times, a process known as proliferation. 2. What are the types of Stem Cells? • There are several types of stem cells: • Embryonic Stem Cells: These are derived from early-stage embryos and can differentiate into almost any cell type, making them... Read More...

CRISPR: SIMPLIFIER

Aug 17, 2024

1. What is CRISPR? • CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a technology that allows geneticists and medical researchers to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding, or altering sections of the DNA sequence. It is currently the simplest, most versatile, and precise method of genetic manipulation. 2. How does CRISPR work? • CRISPR works by using a protein called Cas9 or a similar enzyme that acts like molecular scissors to cut DNA at a specific location. This allows scientists to remove a gene... Read More...

DARK TOURISM: KERALA’S WAYANADDARK TOURISM: KERALA’S WAYANAD

Aug 17, 2024

What is Dark Tourism? • Definition: Dark tourism, also known as thanatourism, involves visiting sites associated with death, tragedy, and suffering. Read More...

Natural Caves India

Aug 17, 2024

India is home to an impressive array of natural caves, each offering a unique glimpse into the country's geological and cultural heritage. Here's an overview of some notable natural caves across India: Borra Caves: Located in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh, Borra Caves are one of the largest caves in the country, discovered in 1807. These limestone caves feature spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations and are illuminated with colorful lights, making them a popular tourist attraction. B... Read More...

EXPLAINER: ANTITRUST LAWS AND THEIR INDIAN COUNTERPARTS

Aug 16, 2024

What are Antitrust Laws? Antitrust laws are regulations that help prevent unfair business practices which reduce competition in the market. These laws are designed to protect consumers by ensuring that there are many companies competing fairly, which often leads to lower prices, higher quality products and services, and more i... Read More...

INDIAN MILITARY BASES AROUND THE WORLD: A STRATEGIC OVERVIEW

Aug 16, 2024

India’s global strategic vision involves establishing and maintaining military bases beyond its borders. This international presence helps India protect national interests, extend its influence, and counter rivals like China. Here’s an in-depth look at India’s overseas military bases, their roles, and their geopolitical impacts. Read More...

Face Recognition Technology and Good Governance

Aug 16, 2024

**Introduction to Face Recognition Technology** Face recognition technology uses biometrics to map facial features from a photograph or video. It compares the information with a database of known faces to find a match. This technology is increasingly used in various sectors, including security, law enforcement, and consumer applications, such as unlocking phones or tagging friends in social media posts. **Applications in Government** Read More...

BROADCASTING SERVICES (REGULATION) BILL, 2024

Aug 16, 2024

1. What is the purpose of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024? The bill aims to regulate OTT content and digital news broadcasters, extending beyond traditional television broadcasting. It sets standards for content evaluation and ensures compliance with government-prescribed guidelines. 2. Who will be considered a “digital news broadcaster” under the new bill? The term “digital news broadcasters” includes individuals and entities that publish content online, such as videos on YouTube or posts on Instagram, especia... Read More...

STOCK MARKET VOLATILITY INDEX (VIX)

Aug 16, 2024

What is the Volatility Index (VIX)? Think of the Volatility Index, or VIX, as a tool that measures how much people think stock prices might go up and down. It’s like a weather forecast but for the stock market! How does the VIX work? The VIX looks at the prices of certain agreements called options, which are like promises to buy or sell stocks at certain prices in the future. By looking at these prices, the VIX guesses how much stock prices might jump around in the next 30 days. Why d... Read More...

JAPANESE YEN AND CARRY TRADE: SUPER SIMPLIFIED

Aug 16, 2024

**What is the Japanese Yen?** The Japanese Yen is the money used in Japan, just like rupee in India and dollars are used in the USA. **What is Carry Trade?** Imagine you have a piggy bank with very low interest, so you don’t earn much money by keeping your savings in it. Now, suppose you find another piggy bank where you can earn more money from your savings. Carry trade is similar: it's like borrowing money fro... Read More...