UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Vyommitra: Enhancing Mission Success for Gaganyaan

Feb 17, 2024

Vyommitra, a humanoid robot designed by ISRO's Inertial Systems Unit (IISU), is set to be a cornerstone of the Gaganyaan mission, India's ambitious manned spaceflight program. This semi-humanoid will partake in pre-launch tests and serve multiple functions during the mission.Its design is fundamental for several reasons: System Validation: Vyommitra will validate life-support and control systems in a test flight, ensuring these systems can support human life in space. Emotional Support: Beyond technical tasks, Vyommitra is also designed to provide emotional support to astronauts, which is crucial in the isolating envir... Read More...

Unraveling Antarctica's Sea Ice Mystery

Feb 17, 2024

Sea ice is a layer of frozen ocean water that forms and melts in the ocean. It occurs in polar regions and is subject to seasonal changes, expanding in the cold months and retreating during warmer periods. Sea ice plays a critical role in regulating climate by reflecting solar radiation back into space, which helps maintain cooler global temperatures. It also acts as an insulator, keeping polar regions cool and affecting ocean circulation patterns. Additionally, it provides a vital habitat for wildlife and affects human activities, such as shipping and fishing. Changes in sea ice coverage can indicate shifts in climate patterns. Antarctica's... Read More...

Agritech’s Role in Transforming India’s Agriculture Sector

Feb 17, 2024

Q1. What is agritech and how is it impacting India’s farming sector? Agritech, or agricultural technology, encompasses the use of advanced technologies and innovations to enhance various aspects of farming, from production to supply chain management. In India, the agritech sector has seen significant growth, with the number of startups increasing from around 50 to 6,224 in less than a decade, attracting considerable investment. This surge reflects the sector’s potential to address inefficiencies, improve productivity, create jobs, and revolutionize the agricultural landscape despite challenges like environmental conce... Read More...

Expanding Women's Role in India's Development:

Feb 17, 2024

Interim Budget 202425 Shift in Development Policy: The focus on women in the Interim Budget represents a significant shift in India's policy approach. Women's empowerment and financial autonomy are now core components of India's development strategy, aligning with the country's G20 presidency priorities. Nari Shakti's Impact: 'Nari Shakti' or women power is a government initiative aimed at economic development for women. It has been recognized as a key pillar of the Prime Minister’s policy agenda, with the goal of uplifting the socioeconomic status o... Read More...

Swaminathan Commission and MSP Guidelines

Feb 17, 2024

What did the Swaminathan Commission recommend for MSP? The National Commission on Farmers, led by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, recommended that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be set at a minimum of 50% more than the weighted average cost of production to ensure a fair return for farmers. Why is the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendation significant? The recommendation is significant because it aims to safeguard farmers against the volatility of agricultural markets and ensures their economic viability. How is MSP calculate... Read More...

China’s Defense Villages Along the LAC

Feb 17, 2024

Chinese nationals have started to inhabit several so-called ‘defense villages’ along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the disputed border with India. These villages: Are part of China’s strategy to fortify its claims along the LAC. Have structures including homes, administrative buildings, and military outposts. Serve a dual purpose of habitation and strategic advantage. Are seen as a way to assert Chinese claims over certain areas along the LAC. The legality of these villages is under scrutiny since they are part of China’s land border law, which came into effect in 2022. This developmen... Read More...

Cartosat Series: India's Eye in the Sky for Urban Mapping

Feb 17, 2024

The Cartosat series comprises Indian remote sensing satellites designed for Earth observation. Cartosat2, in particular, was a highresolution imaging satellite, part of ISRO's second generation of such satellites. It served primarily for: Urban and rural development mapping. Infrastructure planning and management. Utilization for various cartographic applications. With its advanced imaging capabilities, Cartosat2 provided data that was indispensable for accurate and detailed urban planning, significantly contributing to the development and monitoring of India's urban infrastructure over more than a decade.... Read More...

GSLV-F14’s Upcoming Launch: “Naughty Boy”

Feb 17, 2024

The GSLV-F14, set to launch the INSAT-3DS, is an integral part of the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) fleet, albeit with a reputation for unpredictability, earning it the nickname “naughty boy.” This moniker stems from its history of both successful missions and some setbacks, highlighting the challenges inherent in space missions. The GSLV-F14’s journey has been a learning curve for ISRO, with each launch providing valuable insights that contribute to the advancement of India’s space capabilities. The forthcoming mission is critical, as it represents the 16th flight of the GSLV series and the 10th utilizin... Read More...

Double Proportionality and the Electoral Bond Ruling

Feb 16, 2024

Clash of Fundamental Rights The Supreme Court’s verdict on electoral bonds presented a unique challenge, pitting the right to information against the right to privacy. This case highlighted the need for a nuanced approach to resolve conflicts between fundamental rights. Double Proportionality Explained Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s “double proportionality” test emerged as a crucial judicial tool in this context. This method involves two major steps: 1. Evaluating the Least Intrusive Means: The court examines if the state’s approach to achieve its goals is th... Read More...

Six Technologies Critical for Climate Adaptation

Feb 15, 2024

Climate change poses an unprecedented challenge to our planet, necessitating innovative approaches to adaptation. A recent report by the World Economic Forum, titled “Innovation and Adaptation in the Climate Crisis,” highlights five key technologies that are pivotal in our fight against climate change. These technologies are essential for enhancing our understanding, preparation, and response to the evolving climate landscape. 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI has the potential to revolutionize climate adaptation strategies. By processing vast amounts of data at an unprecedented speed, AI can predict climate patte... Read More...

Traditional Indian Games: Origins and Descriptions

Feb 15, 2024

Jallikattu: Tamil Nadu’s Test of Bravery Jallikattu, also known as “Eru Thazhuvuthal” and “Maatu Pongal,” is a traditional event in Tamil Nadu, celebrated during the Pongal festival in January. This ancient sport involves young men attempting to grab the bull by its hump and holding on to it while the bull tries to escape. The objective is not just to showcase bravery but also to protect and preserve the native breed of bulls. The event symbolizes Tamil culture and tradition and has been a subject of much debate and legal scrutiny regarding animal welfare. Mallakhamb: A Blend of Gymnastics and ... Read More...

Living Fossils: Timeless Witnesses of Evolutionary History

Feb 15, 2024

Living fossils are extraordinary species that have survived for millions of years, virtually unchanged from their ancient ancestors. These organisms are like living snapshots of the past, providing invaluable insights into evolutionary history and the environment of ancient Earth. Their continued existence challenges our understanding of evolution, demonstrating that some species can remain stable over incredibly long periods despite changing environmental conditions. Examples of Living Fossils: 1. Coelacanth: Once believed to be extinct for 65 million years, the coelacanth was rediscovered in 1938 off the coast of South Afric... Read More...

Explaining the Digital Identity Revolution

Feb 15, 2024

Digital Wallets and Tokenization: A New Way to Own and Share Imagine your smartphone not just as a device for texting or social media but as a key to owning and sharing things digitally. This is what digital wallets and tokenization are all about. Instead of carrying a physical wallet with cash or cards, everything you need is on your phone. Tokenization is like turning your concert ticket, driver’s license, or even money into a digital code that you can safely keep in your digital wallet. From Website-Centric to Customer-Centric In the past, when you shopped online or used services, it was all abou... Read More...

Vadnagar’s Archaeological Significance

Feb 15, 2024

1. What makes Vadnagar in Gujarat historically significant? Vadnagar is India’s oldest living town, with continuous human settlement for nearly 3,000 years. Its rich history includes survival through climate changes, invasions, and the rise and fall of empires, making it a key site for understanding the continuous cultural evolution in the region. 2. How does Vadnagar challenge the theory of India’s ‘Dark Age’? Recent excavations and studies in Vadnagar have unearthed evidence of continuous human activity and cultural evolution for over 5,500 ... Read More...

Karakoram Anomaly

Feb 15, 2024

1. What is the Karakoram Anomaly? The Karakoram Anomaly refers to the phenomenon where glaciers in the central Karakoram region of the Himalayas are either stable or advancing, in contrast to the widespread glacial retreat observed globally due to global warming. 2. Why are the Karakoram glaciers not melting like others? Recent research attributes this anomaly to the revival of western disturbances (WDs), which have increased precipitation, particularly snowfall, in the region. This enhanced precipitation during the accumulation period is crucial for sustaining the g... Read More...