UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA’S FOREX RESERVES REACH ALL-TIME HIGH

Jun 18, 2024

India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $4.307 billion, reaching a new record of $655.817 billion for the week ending June 7, 2024, as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This marks a significant increase from the previous high of $648.87 billion recorded on May 10, 2024. The reserves have shown substantial growth in recent weeks. Read More...

Deccani Sheep in Goa: Challenges of the Dhangar Nomads

Jun 18, 2024

Overview Recently, large flocks of Deccani sheep, managed by the nomadic Dhangar community, have been spotted grazing in Goa’s fields. The Dhangars migrate seasonally from Karnataka and Maharashtra, reflecting a traditional pastoral lifestyle that relies on local farmers for grazing and fertilization. However, the movement of these food animals has implications for food security and disease spread. Key Points Pastoral Lifestyle: &b... Read More...

HIMALAYAN GLACIERS: IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Jun 18, 2024

Overview The Himalayan region hosts 55,000 glaciers, covering approximately 3 million hectares. These glaciers form the largest ice bodies outside the polar caps. However, climate change is causing severe impacts on this fragile ecosystem, affecting the economy, ecology, and environment of the region. Key Concerns 1. Glacier Melt: • Projections indicate that around one-third of the Himalayan glaciers could vanish by ... Read More...

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary: Madhya Pradesh's Cheetah Haven

Jun 18, 2024

The Madhya Pradesh government has completed the preparations for its ambitious cheetah reintroduction project at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, which will serve as the second home for cheetahs in India after Kuno National Park (KNP). This significant development was confirmed by an official on Tuesday. Preparations and Assessments Teams from Kenya and South Africa had previously visited Gandhi Sagar to assess the conditions and feasibility of the project. Following their evaluations, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yada... Read More...

The Power of Positive Psychology

Jun 18, 2024

Positive psychology is a relatively new field of psychology that focuses on the study of positive emotions, strengths, and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It aims to understand and promote factors that lead to happiness, well-being, and a fulfilling life. Key Concepts in Positive Psychology: Happiness: Positive psychology explores different types of happiness, including pleasure, engagement, and meaning, and investigates the factors that contribute to them. ... Read More...

CRATERS ON MARS:NAMED AFTER GEOPHYSICIST AND TOWNS

Jun 18, 2024

Scientists from Ahmedabad’s Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have discovered three new craters on Mars, named to honor the institute and two towns in India. These craters are named Lal, Mursan, and Hilsa. Lal Crater is named after the renowned Indian geophysicist and former PRL director Devendra Lal, while Mursan and Hilsa are named after towns in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, respectively. The naming of these craters was approved by the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) on June 5. The craters are located in the Thar... Read More...

India's Economic Engines: Consumption and Investment

Jun 18, 2024

Q: Why is India emphasizing both consumption and investment in its economic strategy? A: India’s economy has traditionally been driven by consumption, accounting for 55% to 60% of GDP. However, to achieve sustained growth and address structural challenges, investment in infrastructure and capital projects is also necessary. Q: How has India’s consumption pattern changed recently? A: Post-pandemic, private purchases of goods and services have slowed to a ... Read More...

NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS: INDIA’S IMPACT AND CHALLENGES

Jun 18, 2024

India is the world’s second-largest emitter of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, contributing nearly 11% of global man-made emissions in 2020, second only to China at 16%. This significant contribution stems mainly from the use of nitrogen fertilizers and animal manure. SOURCES OF NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS • Nitrogen Fertilizers: Usage in agricultural production is the primary source. • Animal Manure: Emissions from animal waste also contribute signifi... Read More...

ENVIRONMENT PERFORMANCE INDEX (EPI): 2024 KEY POINTS

Jun 18, 2024

WHAT IS EPI? The Environment Performance Index (EPI) is a biennial report that evaluates countries’ environmental performance based on their environmental health, ecosystem vitality, and climate change mitigation efforts. CRITERIA The EPI assesses countries across 11 categories, including: • Air quality • Water quality • Waste management • Biodiversity and habitat • Climate change... Read More...

SMALL MODULAR REACTORS: OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIA

Jun 18, 2024

Introduction: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) represent a significant advancement in nuclear technology, offering a range of benefits over traditional nuclear reactors. For India, SMRs provide a unique opportunity to enhance energy security, meet climate goals, and forge important international collaborations. What are SMRs? SMRs are a type of nuclear reactor that are smaller in size and capacity compared to conventional reactors. They are designed to be modula... Read More...

SOHRA: THE WETTEST DESERT

Jun 18, 2024

Introduction: Sohra, historically known as Cherrapunji, is renowned for its record-breaking rainfall. Despite this, the region faces a paradox of acute water shortages during the dry months. This article delves into the factors contributing to this contradiction and explores potential solutions. Rainfall Patterns: • Monsoon Influence: Sohra receives heavy rainfall from May to September due to monsoon winds from the Bay ... Read More...

IMPORTANCE OF 1.5°C GLOBAL WARMING TARGET

Jun 18, 2024

Introduction: The global community must remain committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This goal, set by the Paris Agreement, is critical for minimizing the risks associated with climate change. As COP29 approaches, there is an urgent need to enhance climate ambitions and actions. Current Climate Trends: • Rising Temperatures: Global temperatures have increased by 1.1°C in the ... Read More...

GLOBAL SEA LEVEL RISE: AN OVERVIEW

Jun 17, 2024

Introduction: NASA’s recent analysis highlights a significant rise in global sea levels, attributed to climate change and seasonal phenomena. This rise has critical implications for coastal regions worldwide. Key Findings: • Significant Increase: The global average sea level rose by 0.76 centimeters between 2022 and 2023, a relatively larger jump than previous years. • Long-term Data: Ove... Read More...

CUTTING-EDGE COMPUTER CHIPS & THE AI REVOLUTION:GPUs etc

Jun 17, 2024

Introduction: Engineers are leveraging advanced computer chips, including graphics processing units (GPUs) and other technologies, to meet the high computational demands of artificial intelligence (AI). These cutting-edge chips are pivotal in accelerating the development and deployment of AI applications. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs): • Parallel Processing Power: GPUs are designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneo... Read More...

MICROGRAVITY and HEALTH DURING SPACEFLIGHT

Jun 17, 2024

Introduction: Microgravity, the condition in which objects appear to be weightless, significantly impacts the human body. During spaceflight, astronauts experience a range of physiological changes due to the lack of gravitational force. Understanding these effects is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of astronauts during their missions. Muscular and Skeletal Effects: • Muscle Atrophy: In microgravity, muscles do not have ... Read More...