UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ROLE OF WILDLIFE CORRIDORS IN TIGER CONSERVATION

May 08, 2024

Maharashtra's plan to translocate tigers to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) is a strategic effort to rejuvenate the tiger population in the region. STR, established in 2010, spans the districts of Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ratnagiri. Despite its significant area and status as a tiger reserve, STR has struggled with low tiger numbers due to various factors including poaching, an inadequate prey base, and habitat degradation. Why Translocate Tigers to STR? The primary goal of translocating tigers from the Tadoba-Andhari T... Read More...

Bhimashankar Glow

May 08, 2024

The Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, offers a mesmerizing natural spectacle during the monsoon season. This 131-square-kilometer reserve, located approximately 100 km east of Mumbai, is not only a sanctuary for the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel and various reptiles but also a site of stunning natural beauty. Read More...

Climate Financing FAQs

May 08, 2024

1. What is climate finance? Climate finance refers to local, national, or transnational financing that supports mitigation and adaptation actions to address climate change. 2. What is the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)? The NCQG is a goal for climate finance, currently set at $100 billion per year after 2025, to help developing countries meet their ... Read More...

MicroRNAs (miRNAs)

May 07, 2024

FAQ 1: What are miRNAs? Answer:MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules, typically about 22 nucleotides long, that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. They do not encode proteins but instead function by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, leading to the repression of gene expression either by degrading the mRNA or inhibiting its translation into protein. Read More...

Koalas and Australian Bushfires

May 07, 2024

Koalas are iconic marsupials native to Australia, known for their tree-dwelling lifestyle and reliance on eucalyptus leaves for food. Here are some basic facts about koalas: Koala Basics Scientific Name: Phascolarctos cinereus Diet: Koalas are herbivores, primarily feeding on eucalyptus leaves. They are highly selective, eating leaves from only a few of the over 600 eucalyptus species. Read More...

DNA barcoding

May 07, 2024

What is DNA Barcoding? FAQ 1: Can you explain DNA barcoding in simple terms? Think of it like a supermarket barcode, but for living things. DNA barcoding uses a short, standardized section of DNA to identify different species. FAQ 2: Why do we need DNA barcoding? Traditional Identification: Ident... Read More...

Boreal Forests and their response to Climate Change:

May 07, 2024

What are boreal forests? Boreal forests, also known as taiga, encompass the vast forested regions in the northern parts of the world, including parts of Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Siberia. They primarily consist of coniferous trees such a... Read More...

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

May 07, 2024

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)? Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. It is especially effective for imaging soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and connective tissues. How does an MRI work?... Read More...

TREATMENTS FOR SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

May 07, 2024

Sickle cell anemia, a severe genetic disorder impacting red blood cells, has traditionally been managed by alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. However, recent advancements have introduced treatments that address the condition's root causes, significantly improving patient outcomes. Read More...

The Boreal Forest (and Taiga)

May 07, 2024

FAQ 1: What is the boreal forest, and where is it found? The Green Belt: The boreal forest encircles the globe in the Northern Hemisphere, primarily between 50°N and 65°N latitude. It's a vast biome dominated by con... Read More...

CubeSats and India:

May 07, 2024

CubeSats 1. What is a CubeSat? Read More...

Optimizing Agriculture: Carbon Farming Techniques

May 07, 2024

Carbon farming is an agricultural practice focused on optimizing carbon capture by the ecosystem, while also enhancing soil quality, productivity, and biodiversity. This approach involves adopting farming methods that are capable of absorbing more CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in the vegetation and soil over the long term. The primary goal is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which are major contributors to climate change. By implementing these practices, farmers can contribute significantly to environmental health and achieve mor... Read More...

Allee effects

May 07, 2024

Allee effects refer to a phenomenon in ecology where the population density of a species impacts its survival and reproduction rates. Specifically, when the population density is too low, the survival and reproduction rates may decrease, making it harder for the population to sustain itself or grow. This can occur due to various factors such as difficulty in finding mates, lack of cooperation among individuals for certain behaviors, increased vulnerability to predators, and more. Read More...

The Coral Triangle: A Biodiversity Hotspot

May 07, 2024

Location: Western Pacific Ocean, encompassing waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands. Incredible Biodiversity: Home to 600 coral species, 6 of the world's 7 marine turtle species, and over 2,000 r... Read More...

DIATOMS: INVALUABLE INDICATORS OF HISTORICAL ENVIRONMENTS

May 07, 2024

⇒ Diatoms are a type of microscopic, golden-brown algae found in both freshwater and marine environments. Recognized for their unique ability to fossilize due to their silica-based cell walls, diatoms have proven to be indispensable in the study of past environmental conditions. These organisms are often preserved in the sediments of lakes, rivers, and oceans, similar to the way tree rings preserve historical climatic data. ⇒ In the field of archaeology, diatoms have emerged as significant tools for reconstructing ancient climates and environmental set... Read More...