UPSC Daily Current Affairs

GREEN NATIONAL HIGHWAY CORRIDOR PROJECT (GNHCP)

Aug 10, 2024

What is the Green National Highway Corridor Project? The GNHCP is an initiative by the Government of India, in partnership with the World Bank, to construct environmentally sustainable highways across four Indian states: Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. The project covers a total length of 781 kilometers and integrates green technologies and bio-engineering solutions to enhance climate resilience and reduce carbon emissions. Which states are involved in the GNHCP... Read More...

RESCUING THE WESTERN GHATS: WAYANAD TRAGEDY

Aug 10, 2024

The recent tragedy in Wayanad, Kerala, highlights the urgent need to address environmental degradation in the Western Ghats, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and biodiversity. Recognized as one of the most important ecological hotspots globally, the Western Ghats face significant threats from human activity and climate change. Here are some frequently asked questions that shed light on the importance of this region and the measures needed to protect it. What makes the Western Ghats significant? The Western Ghats stretch approx... Read More...

INDIAN-RUSSIAN PARTNERSHIP AND WESTERN CONCERNS

Aug 10, 2024

The Northern Sea Route (NSR), also known as the Arctic Polar Sea Route, has become a focal point of global maritime interest as climate change increases the accessibility of Arctic waters. This development has significant implications for global trade, particularly for countries like India and Russia, while also raising concerns among Western nations. Q1: What is the Northern Sea Route (NSR)? The NSR is a shipping route that lies in Arctic waters, stretching along the Russian Arctic coast from the Kara Sea, along Siberia, to the... Read More...

BIG CAT ALLIANCE

Aug 10, 2024

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a pioneering initiative led by India, has successfully attracted participation from 16 countries and 9 international organizations. This alliance is set to play a critical role in global conservation efforts for big cats, with its headquarters strategically based in New Delhi, India. The establishment of the IBCA underscores India’s leadership in global environmental conservation and its commitment to promoting a green economy. Member Countries and Organizations: Read More...

Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Ocean Warming

Aug 10, 2024

1. Q: What is the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)? A: The IOD is a climate pattern in the Indian Ocean characterized by differences in sea surface temperatures between the western and eastern parts of the ocean. 2. Q: What are the phases of the IOD? A: The IOD has two main phases: positive and negative. In the positive phase, the western Indian Ocean is warmer than the eastern part. In the negative phase, this pattern is reversed. Read More...

India's Youth Workforce

Aug 10, 2024

India's burgeoning tech sector, fueled by advancements in 5G, electronics fabrication, telecom, electric vehicles (EVs),and Industry 4.0, presents a wealth of job opportunities for the nation's youth. However, these opportunities demand new skill sets, particularly in cutting-edge fields like AI, Big Data, IoT, and sustainability. To fully capitalize on this tech boom, continuous learning and skill development are essential. Electronics Fabrication Technological Transformations: India'... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0

Aug 10, 2024

What is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 3.0? PMKVY 3.0 is the latest version of the flagship skill development scheme under the Skill India Mission. It aims to provide skill training, re-skilling, and up-skilling opportunities to Indian youth, making them job-ready and aligning their skills with the evolving demands of the industry. What are the Key Components of PMKVY 3.0? Short Term Training (STT): This component offers tr... Read More...

Revitalizing India's Agricultural Exports

Aug 10, 2024

India's Agricultural Export Landscape: Current Status: India is the eighth-largest exporter of agricultural products globally. 2022 Exports: Reached $55 billion. 2023 Decline: Dropped to $51 billion due to global events and domestic policy decisions. Major Exports: Basmati rice, non-basmati rice, sugar, spices, and oil meals. The Importance of Agricultural Exports for India: Economic Growth: Generates foreign exchange earnings. Employment: Creates job op... Read More...

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE AND SOIL DEGRADATION IN INDIA

Aug 10, 2024

Q1: What is regenerative agriculture? A1: Regenerative agriculture is a farming approach that aims to improve soil fertility, sequester atmospheric CO2, increase biodiversity, and enhance water and energy management. It involves practices such as minimal soil disturbance, diverse crop rotations, and the use of organic materials. This method seeks to restore soil health and ecosystem balance, making agriculture more sustainable and resilient. Q2: What is soil degradation, and why ... Read More...

Lesson from Wayanad: Need for Disaster Mitigation

Aug 10, 2024

Q: What is the difference between disaster mitigation and disaster management? • Disaster mitigation involves measures taken to reduce the severity of a disaster’s effects, such as planning and constructing safer infrastructure or enforcing zoning laws to avoid building in high-risk areas. Disaster management, on the other hand, involves responding to and managing the impacts of a disaster after it has occurred, such as rescue operations and providing relief to affected individuals. Read More...

GEOSPATIAL POLICY AND ITS IMPACT

Aug 09, 2024

The National Geospatial Policy (NGP) of 2022 aims to position India as a leader in the global geospatial sector, supporting national development, economic prosperity, and the information economy. It is built on the Department of Science and Technology’s (DST) “Guidelines for Acquiring and Producing Geospatial Data and Geospatial Data Services including Maps,” which deregulated the sector and liberalized access to geospatial data. The goals of the NGP include: Read More...

LANDSLIDES IN KERALA : CAUSES and IMPACT

Aug 09, 2024

Concept Clarity: Landslides involve the movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope, often caused by natural events like rainfall or human activities. Key factors include geological conditions, soil characteristics, and water accumulation. Understanding these elements helps in assessing and mitigating landslide risks. Key Factors in Wayanad Landslide • Geological Characteristics: • Fractured Rocks: The Vellarimala region’s geological structure includes fractured rocks. These fractures, or breaks in the rocks, can fill with water, leading to slope instabi... Read More...

ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREAS (ESAs) IN THE WESTERN GHATS

Aug 09, 2024

1. What are Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs)? Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are regions designated for environmental protection due to their significant ecological importance and vulnerability. Activities that could harm the environment, such as mining, quarrying, and large infrastructure projects, are restricted in these areas to preserve their biodiversity and natural resources. 2. Why are certain areas in the Western Ghats classified as ESAs? The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot with unique flora and fauna. They also play a crucial ... Read More...

Fast breeder reactor @Kalpakkam:FAQs

Aug 09, 2024

1. What is a fast breeder reactor? A fast breeder reactor is an advanced type of nuclear reactor that generates more fissile material than it consumes, allowing for more efficient use of uranium resources. 2. Where is India's prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) located? The PFBR is located at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, India. 3. What is the capacity of India's PFBR? The reactor has a capacity of 500 MWe (Megawatt electrical). 4. ... Read More...

OLD AGE-ABANDONMENT OF ELDERLY IN INDIA

Aug 09, 2024

The growing issue of elderly abandonment in India presents significant social justice challenges, highlighting the need for equitable treatment and protection of vulnerable populations. From a social justice perspective, this problem can be analyzed through the lenses of rights, equality, and access to resources and support. Read More...