UPSC Daily Current Affairs

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON GLOBAL RAINFALL PATTERNS

Aug 02, 2024

Key Definitions Q: What is global warming? A: Global warming is the increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions. Q: What is rainfall variability? A: Rainfall variability refers to the uneven timing and amount of rainfall over a period. Global Mechanisms Q: How does global warming affect rainfall patterns globally... Read More...

INDIA’S MANGROVES FACE COLLAPSE

Aug 02, 2024

A recent report by the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) highlights the severe threats facing India’s mangrove forests. The combined impacts of cyclones and shrimp aquaculture are leading to a potential collapse of these critical ecosystems. KEY FINDINGS 1. Critically Endangered • Southern Indian Coast: Large areas of mangrove forests along the southern Indian coast are classified as critically endangered. 2. Vulnerable to Collapse ... Read More...

GLOBAL BIOFUELS ALLIANCE : 24 COUNTRIES

Aug 02, 2024

The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) has expanded its membership to 24 countries and 12 international organizations, showcasing significant global support and ongoing growth. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9, 2023, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, GBA unites key biofuel consumers and producers worldwide. Read More...

BANGLADESH-BHUTAN-INDIA-NEPAL (BBIN) CORRIDOR

Aug 02, 2024

Q: What is India's Neighbourhood First Policy? A: The Neighbourhood First Policy focuses on improving relations with South Asian neighbors and the extended neighborhood in the Middle East by enhancing connectivity and people-to-people ties. Q: What is India's Act East Policy? A: The Act East Policy aims to strengthen e... Read More...

KANWAR ROUTE:NAMES OF DHABA OWNERS

Aug 02, 2024

ISSUES BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT The Supreme Court is examining the legality and implications of a police notice issued in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, which mandates the display of the names of owners and employees at dhabas, hotels, and shops along the Kanwar Yatra route. This issue raises significant constitutional and legal questions. KEY ISSUES DISCUSSED IN COURT 1. NO GOVERNMENT ORDER • Observation: The Supreme Court noted that there was no formal government ... Read More...

Rainwater Harvesting: Policies, Benefits, and Challenges

Aug 02, 2024

The Need for Rainwater Harvesting • Water Scarcity: With growing urbanization and population, cities across India face severe water shortages. Over-extraction of groundwater and insufficient rainfall management exacerbate this issue. • Depleting Groundwater Levels: Excessive groundwater extraction for domestic and industrial use has led to critically low water levels in many regions. • Urbanization Impact: Urban areas, including majo... Read More...

2029 Close Approach and ISRO-ESA Collaboration

Aug 02, 2024

1. What is Apophis? Apophis (99942 Apophis) is a near-Earth asteroid discovered in 2004. 2. Why was Apophis initially concerning? Initial observations suggested a possibility of it impacting Earth in 2029, but further analysis ruled this out. 3. When will Apophis make its close approach to Earth? Apophis will pass within 32,000 km of Earth in 2029. Read More...

TRANSITIONING SUGAR MILLS INTO BIO-REFINERIES

Aug 02, 2024

The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has introduced a comprehensive policy framework to transition traditional sugar mills into modern bio-refineries. This strategic initiative aims to diversify the products derived from sugarcane, thereby enhancing both the sustainability and profitability of the industry. Below are the key components of this policy framework: 1. Bio-Ethanol Production • Expansion of Capabilities: Increase bio-ethanol production within sugar mills. • Utilization of Sugarcane... Read More...

NITI AAYOG 9th MEETING AND ‘VIKSIT BHARAT 2047’

Aug 02, 2024

What is ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’? ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ is an initiative aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by the year 2047, marking the centenary of India’s independence. Read More...

GROWTH-INDIA TELESCOPE:HANLE, LADAKH

Aug 02, 2024

Q1: What is the GROWTH-India telescope? • The GROWTH-India telescope is India’s first fully robotic optical research telescope, located at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. It is a 0.7m wide-field telescope used primarily for time-domain astronomy. Q2: Who developed the GROWTH-India telescope? • The telescope was developed through a joint partnership between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) and the Indian Ins... Read More...

INDIA-UK TECHNOLOGY SECURITY INITIATIVE

Aug 01, 2024

What is the India-UK Technology Security Initiative (TSI)? • The Technology Security Initiative (TSI) is a collaborative effort between India and the UK aimed at ensuring telecommunications security and fostering cooperation in critical technology areas. These include critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and health technology. When was the TSI announced? • The TSI was announced on a Wednesday following ... Read More...

Climate finance taxonomy:Budget 2024-25

Aug 01, 2024

The Budget 2024-25 addresses climate finance through the development of a climate finance taxonomy, which is a significant step towards channeling investments into climate-friendly projects. Here's an expanded explanation: 1. Definition: A climate finance taxonomy is a classification system that defines and categorizes economic activities that are considered environmentally sustainable or climate-friendly. 2. Purpose: It aims to provide clear guidelines for investors, companies, and policymakers on what qualifies as a green or sustaina... Read More...

KARGIL WAR AND INDIA’S DEFENCE REFORMS

Aug 01, 2024

What was the significance of the Kargil War in 1999? • The Kargil War of May-July 1999 with Pakistan was a significant conflict in India’s history due to its high casualties, intensity of operations, and geopolitical impact. It was a “mini-war” that marked a turning point in India-Pakistan relations and had substantial strategic implications. What were the primary reasons behind the Kargil conflict? • The conflict arose from P... Read More...

OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT CHALLENGES OF MALNUTRITION IN INDIA

Aug 01, 2024

What are the current statistics on obesity and overweight in India? • According to the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) conducted from 2016-2018, 1.3% of children aged 5-9 years and 1.1% of adolescents aged 10-19 years were classified as obese. The prevalence of obesity among adult females (18+ years) increased from 2.3% in 2000 to 5.1% in 2015. Why is obesity a growing concern in India? • Obesity leads to several non-commu... Read More...

CRYPTOGRAPHY

Aug 01, 2024

Definition of Cryptography Cryptography is the practice and study of techniques for securing communication and data in the presence of adversaries. It involves creating written or generated codes that allow information to be kept secret. Types of Cryptography 1. Symmetric-Key Cryptography • Description: Uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. • Examples:... Read More...