UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Exploring the Kuiper Belt: Gateway to the Outer Solar System

Jun 15, 2024

What is the Kuiper Belt? The Kuiper Belt is a vast, doughnut-shaped region in the outer solar system, extending beyond the orbit of Neptune. It's similar to the asteroid belt but much larger and contains icy objects like comets and dwarf planets, including Pluto. How was the Kuiper Belt formed? It's believed to be made of remnants from the early solar system. These icy objects couldn't form into larger planets due to Neptune's gravitationa... Read More...

Andromeda Galaxy

Jun 15, 2024

What is the Andromeda Galaxy? The Andromeda Galaxy, also known as Messier 31 (M31), is the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way and is the other major member of the Local Group. It is a barred spiral galaxy, similar to the Milky Way. How far is the Andromeda Galaxy? The Andromeda Galaxy is about 2.5 million light years away from Earth. Can you see the Andromeda Galaxy from Earth? The Andromeda Galaxy is vis... Read More...

Sunita Williams and the Spacebug:Simplifier

Jun 15, 2024

Q: What is the "spacebug" detected in the ISS? A: The "spacebug" is a multi-drug resistant bacteria named Enterobacter bugandensis (E. bugandensis). Q: Where was the bacteria detected? A: The bacteria was detected in the International Space Station (ISS). Q: How did the bacteria evolve in the ISS? A: The bacteria evolved and became more potent in the closed environment of the ISS. ... Read More...

PARTICULATE MATTER: SIMPLIFIER

Jun 15, 2024

What is Particulate Matter (PM)? Particulate Matter (PM) refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that can be inhaled and cause health problems. These particles are of varying sizes and origins, often categorized by their diameter in micrometers. Types of Particulate Matter • PM 10: Particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less. These particles can be inhaled and cause respiratory issues. ... Read More...

DE-DOLLARISATION and GLOBAL FINANCE

Jun 15, 2024

Overview The concept of de-dollarisation refers to the global movement away from reliance on the U.S. dollar as the world’s primary reserve currency. Recent events, including the conviction of former President Donald Trump and the potential seizure of Russian assets, have sparked discussions about the strength of U.S. rule of law and the sustainability of the dollar’s dominance. Challenges to the Dollar’s Dominance 1. Rule of ... Read More...

THE IMPORTANCE OF GIGAFACTORIES in INDIA

Jun 15, 2024

Overview A gigafactory is a large-scale factory that produces batteries and other energy storage products. The term was first used by Tesla CEO Elon Musk in 2013, referring to a factory capable of producing thousands of gigawatts of energy through end-to-end battery manufacturing. Reasons for Gigafactories • Renewable Energy: Gigafactories play a crucial role in promoting renewable energy by producing energy storage p... Read More...

NEW CALEDONIA: VOTER LIST AMENDMENT CONTROVERSY

Jun 15, 2024

The French territory of New Caledonia has witnessed widespread protests and riots in response to the French parliament’s decision to amend the voters’ list, triggering significant political and social tensions. SIMPLIFIER: UNDERSTANDING THE NEW CALEDONIA ISSUE Q: What is happening in New Caledonia? A: New Caledonia is experiencing widespread protests and riots due to the French parliament’s decision to amend the voters’ list. Read More...

Global Peace Summit Excludes Russia Amid Ukraine Crisis

Jun 15, 2024

Ninety states from around the globe have signed up to attend a peace conference aimed at finding a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The summit, hosted by Switzerland at Kyiv’s request, will take place on June 15-16, 2024. However, Russia has not been invited to participate. SIMPLIFIER: UNDERSTANDING THE UKRAINE PEACE SUMMIT Q: What is the purpose of the Ukraine peace summit? A: The summit aims to agree on a path towards ending th... Read More...

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

Jun 15, 2024

And Climate Action International climate change litigation reached a milestone on May 21, 2024, when the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) delivered an advisory opinion sought by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) regarding the specific obligations of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for climate change mitigation. The COSIS, an association of small island states established in 2021, prompted this significant move. Read More...

TIRUMANGAI ALVAR: THE HINDU SAINT

Jun 15, 2024

Introduction Tirumangai Alvar is one of the twelve Alvars, revered saint-poets in the Tamil Vaishnavite tradition. His devotional hymns contributed significantly to the Bhakti movement, particularly in South India. Early Life Born in the Kallar community, Tirumangai Alvar was initially a chieftain of the Tirumangai region. His given name was Kaliyan. Transformation His transf... Read More...

RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION (RGM):REVAMP

Jun 15, 2024

What is RGM? The Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at enhancing milk productivity and preserving the indigenous breeds of cattle. The mission focuses on the genetic improvement of cattle through various advanced techniques and supports the overall development of the dairy sector. Proposal to Revamp RGM The proposal to revamp the Rashtriya Gokul Mission includes: 1. Advanced Genetic Technologies: Implementat... Read More...

HEAT DOME: High Temperatures in US

Jun 15, 2024

DEFINITION A heat dome is a weather phenomenon characterized by a ridge of high pressure that gets stuck in the atmosphere, trapping hot air over a particular region. This trapped hot air acts like a lid, causing temperatures to rise significantly and remain high for extended periods. CAUSES 1. High Pressure Ridge: A heat dome forms when a high-pressure system becomes stationary, often due to a lack of wind to move it. This ridge of hi... Read More...

GENERATIVE AI : JOBS VS PRODUCTIVITY IN INDIA

Jun 14, 2024

BASICS OF GENERATIVE AI Generative AI (GenAI) refers to advanced AI technologies that can create new content such as text, images, audio, and video based on patterns learned from existing data. These technologies hold the potential to revolutionize various industries by automating routine and repetitive tasks. IMPACT ON JOBS Potential Job Displacement 1. Routine Tasks Automation: GenAI is highly effective at automating r... Read More...

NITI Aayog vs. Planning Commission

Jun 14, 2024

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SIMPLIFIER: RESERVE REQUIREMENTS - SLR, CRR, AND ICRR

Jun 14, 2024

Q1: What is the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)? - Definition: The SLR requires banks to hold a portion of their deposits in RBI-approved securities, gold, and cash. The RBI sets the rate, which is 18% in 2023. - Applicability: It applies to Commercial Banks, Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), and State Cooperative Banks/Central Cooperative Banks (StCBs/CCBs) with a range from 0% to 40%. - Objectives: The SLR influences money supply and interest rates, ensures financ... Read More...