UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Decline of Migratory Species

Mar 19, 2024

1. What percentage of the world’s migratory species are in decline, and what is their risk of extinction? Approximately 44% of migratory species globally are experiencing a decline in their populations, with one in five facing the imminent threat of extinction. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of conservation efforts. 2. Which migratory species are most at risk? Read More...

Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape FAQs

Mar 19, 2024

What is the Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape? The Brahmagiri-Nilgiris Landscape is one of the four major landscapes in the Western Ghats, known for its rich biodiversity and significant wildlife habitats. This landscape is especially notable for hosting over 50% of the Western Ghats’ elephant population, making it a crucial area for the conservation of Asian Elephants. Its contiguity with the Eastern Ghats elephant landscape enhances its importance as ... Read More...

Discovery of “Ghost Particles” Through Earth

Mar 19, 2024

Astronomers have made a significant breakthrough by detecting seven elusive “ghost particles” or astrophysical tau neutrinos piercing through Earth. This discovery was made at the IceCube Observatory, a sophisticated facility embedded deep within the Antarctic ice, over an observation period of 9.7 years. Understanding Ghost Particles What are Neutrinos? Neutrinos are fundamental particles with unique characteristics: they possess nearly zero mass, carry no electric charge, and can travel through space at speeds clo... Read More...

Parasnath Hill

Mar 19, 2024

What is Parasnath Hill? Parasnath Hill is a significant range of hills located in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Jains, known as Sammed Shikhar or Sammed Sikhar. The hill is named after Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) of Jainism. It holds immense religious significance as 20 out of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras are believed to have attained Moksha (liberation or salvation) here. For each Tirthankara, there is a dedicated shrine (gumti or tuk) on the hill, mak... Read More...

Maru-Gurjara Architectural Style

Mar 19, 2024

The Maru-Gurjara architectural style, also known as the Māru-Gurjara or Rajasthan architecture, is a distinct architectural style that originated in the region of Rajasthan, in the northwest of India, around the 6th century. This style is characterized by its intricate detailing, elaborate carvings, and the use of symbolism in architecture. Over time, it influenced and was influenced by neighboring regions, including Gujarat, leading to a rich blend of artistic and architectural traditions. Here are some key features and historical insights into the Maru-Gurjara architectural style: Key Features: Read More...

The India-EFTA TEPA

Mar 19, 2024

What are the key components of the India-EFTA TEPA? The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) encompasses several key areas aimed at deepening economic engagement between India and the EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein). The major components include: • Investment: A target of $100 billion investment into India from EFTA countries, aiming to create one million jobs over a 15-year period, with provisions for India to withdraw tariff concessions if these investments do not materialize. Read More...

National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary

Mar 19, 2024

What is the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary? The National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is a protected area located on the Chambal River, near the trijunction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh in India. It was first declared a protected area in Madhya Pradesh in 1978 and now operates as a long, narrow eco-reserve co-administered by the three states. The sanctuary is renowned for conserving a diverse array of wildlife, including the critically endangered gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), the red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur kachuga), and the Ganges river dolphin (P... Read More...

Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

Mar 18, 2024

What is the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve? The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) is an area designated by the Union Territory of Ladakh to control man-made light pollution and preserve its naturally dark skies. Spanning approximately 1,073 square kilometers, it's located in eastern Ladakh and is home to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics' Indian Astronomical Observatory. The reserve's pristine dark skies and dry weather make it an ideal location for astronomical research and astrophotography. Why is Hanle ideal for... Read More...

Ferghana Valley

Mar 18, 2024

The Ferghana Valley is a rich and historically significant region in Central Asia. It spans across eastern Uzbekistan, southern Kyrgyzstan, and northern Tajikistan. This area is known for its fertile land, crucial for agriculture, and has been a center of various cultures and empires throughout history. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Ferghana Valley: 1. What is the Ferghana Valley known for? The Ferghana Valley is known for its fertile lands, making it a vital agricultural hub, especially for cotton and silk production. It's also famous for its rich h... Read More...

India's First Commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) Observatory: A Big Leap Forward

Mar 18, 2024

This explainer dives into the significance of India's first-ever commercial SSA observatory set up in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. What is Space Situational Awareness (SSA)? SSA is the practice of monitoring human-made objects orbiting Earth, including operational satellites, defunct satellites, and space debris. It's crucial for: Preventing collisions: Predicting the trajectories of objects in space helps avoid accidents between satellites and other spacecraft. Read More...

Mangarh Hillock tragedy of Bhils

Mar 18, 2024

What happened at Mangarh Hillock on 17th November 1913? On November 17th, 1913, a horrific event unfolded at Mangarh Hillock (also referred to as Mangarh Hilltop) in Rajasthan, India. A large gathering of Bhil tribals, estimated to be around 1500, were massacred by the British Indian Army. Background: ● The Bhil community faced... Read More...

Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve

Mar 18, 2024

1. What is the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve? The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is a protected area and biodiversity hotspot located at the southernmost tip of the Western Ghats mountain range in India. Established in 2001, it spans across the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is recognized for its rich ecological diversity and unique flora and fauna. 2. What makes the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve significant? Read More...

Largest Floating Solar Power Plant in Ramagundam, Telangana

Mar 18, 2024

1. What is the significance of the floating solar power plant in Ramagundam, Telangana? The floating solar power plant in Ramagundam, Telangana, is the largest of its kind in India. It harnesses solar energy using photovoltaic (PV) modules mounted on platforms that float on water reservoirs or lakes. This innovative approach to solar energy generation offers several advantages, including efficient land use and reduced environmental impact. Read More...

European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva, Switzerland

Mar 18, 2024

1. What is CERN? CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world's largest and most respected centers for scientific research. It operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, focusing on fundamental research into the basic constituents of matter and the forces that hold them together. 2. Where is CERN located? Read More...

Greenbushes Lithium Mine, Australia

Mar 18, 2024

1. What is the Greenbushes Lithium Mine? The Greenbushes Lithium Mine is the world's largest hard-rock lithium mining operation, located in Western Australia. It is renowned for extracting lithium spodumene of the highest grade, making it a pivotal site in the global lithium supply chain, essential for battery production and renewable energy solutions. 2. Why is the Greenbushes mine significant in the lit... Read More...