UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA’S CONTRIBUTION TO UNRWA

Jul 18, 2024

WHAT IS UNRWA? The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a UN agency that provides education, healthcare, relief, and social services to Palestinian refugees. HOW MUCH HAS INDIA CONTRIBUTED TO UNRWA FOR 2024-25? India has released $2.5 million as the first tranche of its annual $5 million contribution for 2024-25. HOW MUCH HAS INDIA CONTRIBUTED TO UNRWA OVER THE YEARS? ... Read More...

ABO BLOOD GROUP CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Jul 18, 2024

WHAT IS THE ABO CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM? The ABO classification system is a method of classifying human blood into four main groups based on the presence or absence of specific antigens and antibodies in the blood. Read More...

LUCA:Last Universal Common Ancestor

Jul 18, 2024

1. What is LUCA?... Read More...

CHANDIPURA VIRUS: FAQs

Jul 18, 2024

WHAT IS THE CHANDIPURA VIRUS? Chandipura virus is an arbovirus from the vesicular virus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family, primarily transmitted through phlebotomine sandflies, and sometimes through ticks and mosquitoes. Read More...

LIMATE-RESISTANT SEEDS INDIANAGRICULTURE

Jul 17, 2024

Government’s Target for Kharif Season The Indian government aims to cover 25% of the kharif paddy area with climate-resistant seeds in 2024. This initiative builds on the success seen in the bumper wheat harves... Read More...

EVIDENCE OF LUNAR TUNNEL & HUMAN HABITATION

Jul 17, 2024

Discovery of Underground Tunnel on the Moon Scientists from the University of Trento, Italy, have discovered an underground tunnel on the Moon’s surface, revealed through radar images. This study, published in ... Read More...

Is Pluto a planet?

Jul 17, 2024

History of Pluto’s Classification 1. Discovery and Initial Classification: • Discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930. • Initially classified as the ninth planet in the Solar System. 2. Debate and Reclassification: • Advances in astronomy led to the discovery of other similar-sized objects in the Kuiper Belt. • The International Astronomical Union (IAU) redefined the criteria for planet classification in 2006. IAU Definition of ... Read More...

CAN MARS BE TRANSFORMED INTO ANOTHER EARTH?

Jul 17, 2024

The idea of transforming Mars into a life-friendly world like Earth has long been a fascination in science fiction and scientific research. Here’s an exploration of what it would take to turn Mars’ barren landscape into a habitable planet. Read More...

AI:AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS IN MODERN WARFARE

Jul 17, 2024

The integration of AI-enabled weapons in military operations is rapidly increasing, with significant implications for the future of conflict and defense strategies. This growth is fueled by advancements in AI technology and a booming industry dedicated to developing autonomous weapon systems. Read More...

CROP DIVERSIFICATION IN INDIA

Jul 17, 2024

The Indian government is actively promoting crop diversification to boost domestic production of pulses and oilseeds, reduce import reliance, and increase farmers’ incomes. Key measures include 100% procurement of certain pulse varieties and various support schemes. What is Crop Diversification? • Definition: Crop diversification involves growing a variety of crops to improve productivity, reduce dependency on a single crop, and enhance food security. • Benefits: Helps man... Read More...

WHY DO EARTH’S MAGNETIC POLES REVERSE?

Jul 17, 2024

Every so often, Earth’s magnetic poles completely reverse. This phenomenon, driven by the dynamic flow of molten metallic material in the outer core, has intrigued scientists for years. But what exactly causes these reversals, and how do they impact life on Earth? Read More...

CLIMATE CHANGE AND EARTH’S SLOWING ROTATION

Jul 17, 2024

Impacts of Melting Ice Caps The melting ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica are causing ocean levels to rise, particularly near the equator. This shift in mass is affecting the Earth’s rotation, leading to a s... Read More...

Electroencephalography (EEG):Simplifier

Jul 17, 2024

CENTURY OF EEG: UNDERSTANDING ITS WORKINGS AND SIGNIFICANCE Introduction to EEG Electroencephalography (EEG) is a powerful tool that measures electrical activity in the brain. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first human EEG, produced by German physiologist Hans Berger. EEG provides invaluable insights into brain function without invasive procedures. The Invention of EEG - Early Discoveries: The groundwork for EEG was laid in the late 19th century with discoveries by Richard... Read More...

Rupee-Rouble Payments

Jul 17, 2024

What are Rupee-Rouble Payments? Rupee-rouble payments refer to trade transactions between India and Russia that are settled directly in their respective national currencies, the Indian rupee (INR) and the Russian rouble (RUB), rather than using an intermediary currency such as the US dollar or the euro. This arrangement helps facilitate smoother trade by reducing dependency on foreign currencies, which can be subject to sanctions or other financial controls. Read More...

Tirzepatide: Diabetes Breakthrough

Jul 17, 2024

What is Tirzepatide? Tirzepatide is a novel medication designed to help manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. It is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Mechanism of Action Tirzepatide works by mimicking the activity of the GIP and GLP-1 hormones, which play key roles in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. By activating these receptors, tirzepatide helps: Read More...