UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SPICE EXPORTS and ETHYLENE OXIDE: SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

CURRENT STATUS OF INDIAN SPICE EXPORTS India is a major player in the global spice market, exporting spices worth $4.4 billion in 2023-2024, marking a 12.3% increase from the previous financial year. Major exported spices include chilli, spice oils and oleoresins, curry powder and paste, cumin, mint products, cardamom, and pepper. Key markets for Indian spices are China, Bangladesh, West Asian countries, and the U.S. WHY ETHYLENE OXIDE IS USED FOR STERILISATION Ethylene Oxide (ETO) is used in India not as a pesticide but as a sterilis... Read More...

EUROPE’S AI CONVENTION SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

WHAT IS EUROPE'S AI CONVENTION? Europe's AI convention, formally known as Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and Rule of Law, was adopted by Council of Europe (COE) on May 17, 2024. This convention aims to ensure AI activities align with human rights, democracy, and rule of law. WHAT IS A FRAMEWORK CONVENTION? Framework convention is a legally binding treaty that sets broad commitments and objectives. Specific targets and detail... Read More...

DAKHNI: SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

WHAT IS DAKHNI? Dakhni is a language that shares the Perso-Arabic script with Urdu and Farsi. It is prevalent across the Deccan plateau, particularly in Hyderabad. Variants of Dakhni are spoken in Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. WHY IS DAKHNI SIGNIFICANT? Dakhni has historical and cultural significance. It has been a language of the common people since medieval times, with loan words from Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi. Sufis used Dakhni to ... Read More...

PRADHAN MANTRI JANMAN SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

WHAT IS PM JANMAN? PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) is a government initiative launched in November 2023 with a budget of ₹24,000 crore. It aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. OBJECTIVES Provide safe housing, clean drinking water, and sanitation. Reach 4.90 lakh PVTG households by 2026. Ensure each household receives ₹2.39 lakh in three instalments for housing.... Read More...

THE SPECTRE OF NUCLEAR CONFLICT SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

WHAT IS THE CURRENT NUCLEAR THREAT? The world is witnessing increased threats of nuclear conflict, with major powers like Russia and France engaging in rhetoric and actions that raise concerns about the use of nuclear weapons. WHY IS THIS ISSUE RESURFACING? Global Tensions: Ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, have heightened fears of nuclear escalation. Weakening Nuclear Protocols: Russia's withdraw... Read More...

ASTRONOMICAL TRANSIENTS:SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

WHAT IS AN ASTRONOMICAL TRANSIENT? An astronomical transient is any celestial object whose brightness changes rapidly over a short period. These objects are known for their violent and energetic phenomena. WHY ARE TRANSIENTS IMPORTANT? Astronomers study transients to understand the powerful processes behind their rapid brightness changes. This helps in understanding more stable astronomical events and the dynamics of the universe. EXAMPLES OF ASTRONOMI... Read More...

HEATWAVES SLOWING AND LASTING LONGER: SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

WHAT IS HAPPENING? Heatwaves around the world are moving slower and lasting longer compared to previous decades. This change has significant impacts on human health, agriculture, and the environment. WHY ARE HEATWAVES SLOWING DOWN AND LASTING LONGER? Scientists found that the jet stream, a fast and narrow air current in the upper atmosphere, has become weaker. This weakening causes atmospheric waves to move more slowly, resulting in prolonged and sluggish heatwa... Read More...

THEATER COMMANDS IN THE INDIAN MILITARY SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

What are theater commands? Theater commands are military structures where all forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) in a particular geographic area operate under a single commander. This unified command aims to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness in responding to security threats. Why is India implementing theater commands? India is moving towards theater commands to improve coordination and integration among its military branches. This approach ensures a more... Read More...

TRADE DEFICIT SIMPLIFIER WHAT IS A TRADE DEFICIT?

Jun 01, 2024

A trade deficit occurs when a country's imports exceed its exports. This means the country is buying more goods and services from other countries than it is selling to them. WHY DOES INDIA HAVE A TRADE DEFICIT WITH NINE OF ITS TOP TEN TRADING PARTNERS? India's trade deficit with countries like China, Russia, Singapore, and Korea is due to high import volumes of raw materials, machinery, electronics, and oil, which are essential for its economy. Despite efforts to boost exports, the value of imports continues to outstrip ... Read More...

BLOCKCHAIN IN INDIAN AGRICULTURE

Jun 01, 2024

What is Blockchain? Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed ledger technology that records transactions across multiple computers. It ensures that the recorded transactions cannot be altered retroactively, providing security, transparency, and trust. Key Features of Blockchain: • Decentralization: No single authority controls the data; it is distributed across multiple nodes. • Transparency: ... Read More...

DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

What is Dark Matter? Dark matter is a mysterious substance that makes up about 27% of the universe’s mass and energy. It does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as stars and galaxies. Key Characteristics of Dark Matter: • Invisible: Does not interact with electromagnetic forces, meaning it cannot be seen with conventional telescopes. Read More...

INDIA’S X-RAY SATELLITE SYSTEM DAKSHA

Jun 01, 2024

What is Daksha? Daksha is an Indian astronomical mission led by IIT Bombay. It involves two satellites placed in orbit on opposite sides of the Earth to monitor most of the sky for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and other X-ray and gamma-ray phenomena. What is Dark Matter? Dark matter is the invisible mass that makes up about five-sixths of the universe’s total mass. It does not interact with light, revealing its existence only through its gravitational effects on visible matter. Read More...

GUT MICROBIOME SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

What is the gut microbiome? The gut microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that reside in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals. Why is the gut microbiome important? The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system function, and protecting against harmful pathogens. It also influences mental health and may impact conditions like obesity and diabetes.... Read More...

SALT MARSHES IN INDIA

Jun 01, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SALT MARSHES Q: What are salt marshes? A: Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by saltwater brought in by the tides. They are characterized by salt-tolerant plants and are rich in biodiversity. Q: Where are the major salt marshes located in India? Read More...

REMAL CYCLONE: DISASTER MANAGEMENT SIMPLIFIER

Jun 01, 2024

WHAT HAPPENED Cyclone Remal made landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh around 9.15 p.m. on Sunday. The cyclone intensified, causing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant disruptions in transportation and services. WHY IT HAPPENED Cyclones form due to low-pressure areas over warm ocean waters. Remal developed in the Bay of Bengal and moved northwards, making landfall along the West Bengal and Bangladesh coastline. ... Read More...