UPSC Daily Current Affairs

India’s New Solar Initiative PM-Surya Ghar Yojana

Mar 01, 2024

India has embarked on a substantial renewable energy journey with the Union Cabinet’s approval of the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM Free Electricity scheme), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations across the country. With a budget of ₹75,021 crore, this scheme is designed to revolutionize how households access and utilize electricity, moving towards sustainable and renewable energy sources. Key Features of the Scheme Objective To provide 300 units of “free electricity” monthly to one crore households, enhancing energy security and reducing carbon footpri... Read More...

New Sea Slug Species Named After President Murmu

Mar 01, 2024

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has recently discovered a new species of sea slug along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, named in honor of President Droupadi Murmu. This sea slug, identified as Melanochlamys droupadi, is unique to the region and characterized by its distinctive morphology and behavior. Key Characteristics of Melanochlamys droupadi: Genus: Melanochlamys, known for a short, blunt, cylindrical body with a smooth dorsal surface featuring two shields. Appearance: It has a brownish-black color with a notable ruby red spot on its hind end and contains a shell inside its body. ... Read More...

India's Space Odyssey: Gaganyaan, Space Station, Moon

Feb 29, 2024

India’s Ambitious Leap into Space: Gaganyaan, Space Station, and Moon Mission India is gearing up to expand its footprint in space with a series of ambitious projects. Following the launch of the Gaganyaan mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set its sights on establishing the country’s first space station by 2035 and achieving a manned lunar landing by 2040. These initiatives, unfolding in the era deemed ‘Amrit Kaal’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are poised to build on the foundation laid by Gaganyaan, which marks India’s foray into manned spaceflights. Bharatiya Antar... Read More...

The Transformative Impact of Regenerative Agriculture on Soil Health

Feb 29, 2024

FAQs on Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health 1. What is regenerative agriculture? Regenerative agriculture is a sustainable farming approach focused on revitalizing the earth and enhancing soil health. It employs specific techniques like no-till farming, composting, and cover cropping to build nutrient-dense, thriving soils, promoting a bountiful harvest and a revitalized earth. 2. How does no-till farming benefit the soil? No-till farming, a key practice in regenerative agriculture, avoids disturbing the soil through plowing. This preserves the soil’s structure, reduces erosion, ... Read More...

Early Blossoming of Buransh in Uttarakhand

Feb 29, 2024

1. What is Buransh, and why is it significant? Buransh, known scientifically as Rhododendron, is Uttarakhand’s state tree, celebrated for its vibrant red flowers. It holds cultural significance in the region and is renowned for its medicinal properties, including benefits for the heart, liver, skin allergies, and its antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic characteristics. 2. Why did Buransh blossom earlier than usual this year? The early blossoming of Buransh this year is attributed to climate change, characterized by a long dry spell and ... Read More...

Exclusion of Scheduled Tribes from Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code

Feb 29, 2024

1. Why are Scheduled Tribes excluded from Uttarakhand’s UCC? Scheduled Tribes are excluded from Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) due to constitutional protections under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, which safeguard their customs and practices. Laws affecting these communities require the approval of the Governor. The UCC also references Part XXI of the Constitution, protecting the special status of certain states and their tribal communities. 2. Is the exclusion of STs from the UCC a political decision? While the exclusion has constitutional and le... Read More...

Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Sloth Bear Habitat Utilization in Gujarat

Feb 29, 2024

1. What is Prosopis juliflora, and why is it a concern? Prosopis juliflora is an invasive plant species originating from Central and South America. It was introduced to India in 1877 with the intention of transforming arid landscapes into green spaces. Its resilience and ability to withstand harsh conditions have led to widespread encroachment, adversely affecting native vegetation, wildlife diversity, and ecosystem functioning. 2. How does Prosopis juliflora impact sloth bears in Gujarat? The presence of higher quantities of Prosopis juliflora negatively impacts slo... Read More...

Kasturba Gandhi and the 1913 Satyagraha Movement

Feb 29, 2024

1. Who was Kasturba Gandhi Kasturba Gandhi was a pivotal figure in India’s independence struggle and a key participant in South Africa’s civil rights movement, advocating for the rights and recognition of the Indian community. 2. What initiated the 1913 Satyagraha movement in South Africa The movement was prompted by a legal decision that invalidated marriages not solemnized within South Africa, except those conducted under Christian rites, impacting the Indian diaspora. 3. How did Kasturba Gandhi contribute to the 1913 ... Read More...

Shahpur Kandi Barrage and Water Allocation

Feb 28, 2024

1. What is the Shahpur Kandi Barrage? The Shahpur Kandi Barrage is a crucial infrastructure project located on the border of Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir, India. It is designed for irrigation and hydropower generation. 2. Why was water flow to Pakistan halted? The completion of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage enabled the diversion of 1,150 cusecs of water from the Ravi River, previously flowing into Pakistan, to be utilized for irrigation purposes in Jammu & Kashmir, in line with the rights accorded under the Indus Water Treaty. 3. ... Read More...

Explainer:Selection of Astronauts for Gaganyaan Mission

Feb 28, 2024

Why No Woman Among 4 Pilots Chosen For Gaganyaan Mission? The recent announcement of the four Air Force pilots selected for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission has sparked questions about the absence of women in the crew. The chosen astronauts are Group Captains Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. Given the iconic status of female astronauts like Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, the question arises: why were no women selected for this mission? Selection Criteria Based on Test Pilot Pool The primary reason... Read More...

Understanding the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2024

Feb 28, 2024

1. What is the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey? The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey is a comprehensive analysis conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) to assess the spending habits of households across India. It measures various aspects of household expenditure, including the average monthly per capita consumer expenditure (MPCE), and provides insights into economic well-being, income distribution, and poverty levels. 2. Why is the latest survey significant? The latest survey, covering August 2022 to July 2023, is particularly signifi... Read More...

Obelisks: New Discoveries in Human Microbiomes

Feb 28, 2024

1. What are obelisks? Obelisks are newly discovered microscopic entities found in the human mouth and gut. They are circular bits of genetic material that self-organize into rod-like shapes and contain one or two genes. 2. How were obelisks discovered? Obelisks were identified by a research team at Stanford University through the analysis of existing datasets from the human microbiome. They used a specialized method to detect these entities, which are circular single-stranded RNA molecules. 3. Are obelisks considered living organism... Read More...

Discovering Obelisks: A New Form of Life

Feb 28, 2024

Scientists have recently identified a new form of life, dubbed ‘obelisks,’ expanding our understanding of the boundary between the living and non-living. This discovery adds to the known categories of viruses and viroids, offering a fresh perspective on the simplicity and diversity of life forms. Key Discoveries and Insights New Life Form: Obelisks represent a third category of simple life forms, alongside viruses and viroids. They were identified through an extensive analysis of RNA sequences from bacteria in the human gut. Research Methodology: Utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS), researcher... Read More...

India’s Milestone: Completing the ‘10,000 Genome’ Project

Feb 28, 2024

India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has achieved a significant milestone in genetic research by completing the ‘10,000 genome’ project. This initiative marks a pivotal advancement in understanding the genetic diversity of India’s vast population and its implications for healthcare and medicine. Key Aspects of the ‘10,000 Genome’ Project Objective: The project aimed to sequence 10,000 whole genomes to create a reference database reflective of India’s diverse population. This database is expected to uncover genetic variants unique to Indian population groups, facilitating t... Read More...

Wildlife Conflicts in Western Ghats

Feb 28, 2024

What are the main causes of wildlife conflicts in the Western Ghats? Wildlife conflicts in the Western Ghats are primarily caused by habitat fragmentation, leading to reduced and isolated forest patches. This drives wildlife into closer contact with human settlements, increasing the chances of conflict. Additionally, the expansion of human activities, such as agriculture, urban development, and tourism, into wildlife habitats exacerbates the situation. Which states in the Western Ghats are most affected by wildlife conflicts? The states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tami... Read More...