UPSC Daily Current Affairs

KANCHANA CHITRA RAMAYANA

Apr 27, 2024

1. What is the Kanchana Chitra Ramayana? The Kanchana Chitra Ramayana is a highly detailed and ornately illustrated version of the Ramcharitmanas, commissioned by the Narayan dynasty of Benares in the late 18th century. It consists of nearly 1,100 pages, 548 of which include vivid illustrations depicting scenes from the Ramayana, enhanced with gold leaf and richly detailed artwork. 2. Why was the Kanchana Chitra Ramayana created? Read More...

ALGAE-BACTERIUM SYMBIOSIS

Apr 27, 2024

Q: What is primary endosymbiosis? A: Primary endosymbiosis is a rare evolutionary event where one cell engulfs another, leading to a symbiotic relationship. This event is responsible for the development of critical cell organelles in the past, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts. Read More...

REITs and SM REITs: Exploring Real Estate Investments

Apr 27, 2024

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating real estate. Modeled similar to mutual funds, REITs provide individuals with the opportunity to own valuable real estate, present the ability to access dividend-based income and total returns, and help communities grow, thrive, and revitalize. REITs allow anyone to invest in portfolios of real estate assets the same way they invest in other industries – through the purchase of indivi... Read More...

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Apr 27, 2024

What are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)? MPAs are geographically defined zones within marine environments where human activities are restricted or managed to achieve long-term conservation goals. They encompass various marine and coastal ecosystems. Why are MPAs important? ● Biodiversity Conservation: They protect vulnerable ecosystems and endangered species by creating z... Read More...

Bioluminescence in the Western Ghats: Mycena Bacteria

Apr 27, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is bioluminescence? Read More...

Ocean Heat Absorption and Its Impact on Climate Change

Apr 27, 2024

What percentage of human-induced warming is absorbed by the oceans? About 89% of the warming caused by human activities over the last 50 years has been absorbed by the oceans. This significant absorption plays a crucial role in moderating the global climate by delaying the effects of global warming on land. How much heat has accumulated on Earth due to anthropogenic emissions? From 1971 to 2020, Earth... Read More...

SAF Development and ASTM D1655 Standards in India

Apr 27, 2024

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)? Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a bio-jet fuel produced from renewable resources such as cooking oil and seeds of oil-bearing plants. It aims to reduce emissions from aviation, contributing to global efforts to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions targets. Which Indian institution leads the SAF development? The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), a laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial R... Read More...

World Bank Shareholding and Voting Power

Apr 27, 2024

What is the shareholding structure of the World Bank? The World Bank’s shareholding structure is based on the financial contributions made by its member countries, which reflect their economic size and capacity. Shares are allocated primarily based on a country's GDP, economic openness, economic variability, and international reserves. This allocation determines each member's financial stake and voting power in the institution. Read More...

Debt-for-Climate and Nature Swaps

Apr 27, 2024

What are debt-for-climate and nature swaps? Debt-for-climate and nature swaps are financial tools where a portion of a country's debt is forgiven or restructured in exchange for commitments to specific environmental projects. These swaps aim to address environmental challenges such as climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration. How much debt could potentially be freed up for climate act... Read More...

Cluster-Based Business Orgs in India's FPO Scheme

Apr 27, 2024

What is a Cluster Based Business Organisation (CBBO)? A Cluster Based Business Organisation (CBBO) is a professional entity engaged to support the formation and growth of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) under the Indian government’s scheme to establish 10,000 new FPOs. CBBOs facilitate the entire agricultural value chain from mobilizing farmers, aiding in registration, and providing ongoing support to ensure sustainable market linkage. Read More...

India’s ROCKS missile

Apr 27, 2024

Q: What is ROCKS? A: ROCKS is a quasi-ballistic missile developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Q: What is the range of ROCKS? A: The range of ROCKS is less than 300 km. Q: What type of targets can ROCKS strike? Read More...

INDIA'S FIRST COMPREHENSIVE WATER BODIES CENSUS

Apr 27, 2024

The "Water Bodies First Census Report" released by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in March 2023 provides a comprehensive inventory of water bodies across India, encompassing both rural and urban settings. This census, an extension of the minor irrigation census conducted every five years since 1986, is notable for its inclusion of various types of water bodies used for multiple purposes such as irrigation, industry, pisciculture, and more. According to the census, India hosts approximately 2,424,540 water bodies, with a vast majority (97%) located in rural areas. The census categoriz... Read More...

Inheritance tax in India

Apr 27, 2024

Q: What is inheritance tax? A: Inheritance tax, also known as estate duty, is a tax levied on the transfer of wealth or property from a deceased person to their heirs or beneficiaries. Q: Which countries have inheritance tax? A: Several countries have inheritance tax, including the US, UK, France, and others. Read More...

WHO GUIDELINES ON NON-SUGAR SWEETENERS (NSS)

Apr 27, 2024

What are non-sugar sweeteners (NSS)? Non-sugar sweeteners include both synthetic and naturally occurring or modified non-nutritive sweeteners that are not classified as sugars. Common types of NSS are acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, and stevia derivatives. These substances are used in various foods and beverages to provide sweetness without the caloric content of sugars. What ... Read More...

INDIA'S EXPERIMENTAL HEAT INDEX

Apr 27, 2024

What is the Heat Index? The Heat Index is a measure that combines air temperature and humidity to reflect the perceived temperature or "feels like" temperature. It provides an indication of human discomfort due to elevated apparent temperatures. Why has the India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched an experimental Heat Index? The IMD has introduced the experimental Heat Index to offer guidance on the impact of high temperatures combined wi... Read More...