UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA'S METEOR IMPACT CRATERS

May 07, 2024

1. What are meteor impact craters? Meteor impact craters, also known as astroblemes, are the result of collisions between Earth and interplanetary bodies such as meteorites. When these meteorites strike the Earth's surface with high velocity, they create depressions or craters. 2. How many meteor impact craters are there in India? India is home to thre... Read More...

Geological Wonders of the Jaisalmer Jurassic Basin

May 07, 2024

FAQ 1: What makes the Jaisalmer Jurassic Basin geologically significant? Rich Fossil Record: The basin preserves a remarkable collection of fossils from the Jurassic Period (approximately 201-145 million years ago), including marine life, dinosaurs, and ancient plants. Unique Rock Formations: The sedimentary layers expose diverse sedimentary rock formations, showcasing geological processes over time. Read More...

Ahmednagar Deccan Geopark in Maharashtra

May 07, 2024

Location & Significance FAQ 1: Where is the Ahmednagar Deccan Geopark situated, and why is this region important? Location: The proposed geopark covers areas in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Significance: This region is part of the Deccan Traps, a massive volcanic formation created about 66 million years ago. It features unique geological formations and provides ... Read More...

Renukaji in Himachal Pradesh

May 07, 2024

It is an ideal candidate for a Geoheritage Site and Geopark Geological Significance FAQ 1: What makes Renukaji's geology unique? It exhibits diverse rock formations from various geological periods, showcasing a long and complex geological history. Fossil-rich: The area contains well-preserved fossils of ancient plants and animals, providing... Read More...

Jodhpur, Rajasthan: A Potential Geopark

May 06, 2024

Jodhpur, the vibrant "Blue City" of Rajasthan, holds hidden treasures beneath its architectural marvels. Its potential as a Geopark lies in the unique geological story it tells and the cultural tapestry woven into its landscape. Here are some FAQs exploring this concept: Read More...

Kurnool Geotourism

May 06, 2024

Unveiling Kurnool's Geological Gems Belum Caves: This extensive natural cave system showcases stunning limestone formations, including stalactites,stalagmites, and underground waterfalls. The unique geological proces... Read More...

Bagh Dinosaur Fossil Site

May 06, 2024

What is the Bagh Dinosaur Fossil Site? The Bagh Dinosaur Fossil Site is a national park situated in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It's considered one of Asia's oldest dinosaur fossil sites, preserving remains from the late Cretaceous period (around 100 to 66 million years ago). What can you find at the Bagh Dinosaur Fossil Site? Th... Read More...

Visakhapatnam: A Potential Geopark of India

May 06, 2024

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, holds immense potential to become a designated Geopark due to its unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some FAQs exploring this concept: Geological Wonders of Visakhapatna... Read More...

Impact of Climate Change on Caves

May 06, 2024

Climate change is significantly impacting biodiversity, with profound effects on ecosystems and the services they provide. This impact extends from the surface down to subterranean environments, such as caves, which are crucial for understanding the broader effects of global warming. Understanding the Impact of Climate Change on Caves and Biodiversity Caves are key to studying subterranean ecosystems, including the mesocavernous shallow environment (MS... Read More...

Ancient DNA (aDNA) and Its Impact on Understanding Human History

May 06, 2024

1. What is ancient DNA (aDNA)? Ancient DNA refers to DNA extracted from ancient specimens, such as bones, teeth, or mummified remains. Advances in genome sequencing technology now allow scientists to study the DNA of individuals who lived thousands of years ago, providing insights into the genetic history and evolution of human populations. 2. How is aDNA used to understand human history? Scientists use aDNA to compa... Read More...

Understanding Prions: FAQs

May 06, 2024

1. What are prions? Prions are infectious agents composed entirely of a protein material that can fold in multiple, structurally abnormal ways. This misfolding alters the protein's structure, causing it to become pathogenic. Unlike other infectious agents, prions contain no nucleic acids (DNA or RNA). 2. How do prions cause disease? Prions propagate by transmitting their misfolded protein state to normal variants... Read More...

Understanding Milankovitch Cycles

May 06, 2024

FAQ 1: What are Milankovitch cycles? Milankovitch cycles are the collective name for long-term, predictable changes in Earth's orbit and orientation that affect the amount and distribution of solar energy reaching our planet. FAQ 2: Name the three key components of Milankovitch cycles and what they affect. Eccentricity (Orbital Shape):... Read More...

Soil Carbon Sequestration

May 06, 2024

What is soil carbon sequestration? Soil carbon sequestration is the process where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and help store it in the soil. This happens mostly through the growth of plants, which use CO2 during photosynthesis. Sometimes, CO2 can also turn into inorganic forms like minerals in the soil, especially in dry areas. How have human activities affected soil carbon... Read More...

Zawar, Rajasthan - A Potential Global Geopark

May 06, 2024

Geological Importance of Zawar FAQ 1: What makes Zawar's geology globally significant? Read More...

Soil Carbon & Climate Change: Impact & Opportunities

May 06, 2024

⇒ The impact of human activities on the Earth's climate is becoming increasingly evident, with carbon dioxide (CO2) playing a significant role in climate change due to its substantial increase since the preindustrial era. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that atmospheric CO2 levels have risen dramatically from about 280 parts per million (ppm) before 1850 to 381.2 ppm in 2006, continuing to rise at an annual rate of approximately 0.88 ppm. ⇒ The substantial increase in CO2 is primarily attributed to the burning of fossil fuels, accounting for about two-t... Read More...