UPSC Daily Current Affairs

The Far-Right Shift in European Politics: Understanding the Underlying Factors

Nov 29, 2023

The recent political developments in Europe, marked by the rise of far-right parties, signal a significant shift in the region's political landscape. Here's an overview of this phenomenon: 1. What is Happening? Far-right, anti-Islam populist parties are gaining ground in European countries, including the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Germany. 2. Why is it Happening? Key factors include concerns over immigration, the cost-of-living crisis, and dissatisfaction with the political establishment. These parties capital... Read More...

Piezoelectricity: The Power of Quartz and Similar Materials

Nov 29, 2023

Piezoelectricity is a fascinating phenomenon where specific materials like quartz can generate electric charges in response to mechanical stress. Here's how it works: 1. What is Piezoelectricity? It's the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge when they are mechanically stressed. 2. Which Materials Exhibit Piezoelectricity? Common piezoelectric materials include quartz, certain ceramics like lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and even biological substances such as bone and tendons. Read More...

Green Leaf Volatiles (GLVs)

Nov 29, 2023

Recent scientific advancements have provided insights into how plants communicate and respond to danger through green leaf volatiles (GLVs). Key Points of the Research: Communication Through GLVs:Plants release GLVs when injured, signaling danger to nearby plants. Visualizing Plant Responses: Scientists, led by Masatsugu Toyota, developed a method to visualize plants reacting to these signals. Calcium Signaling: The research revealed that calcium ions play a crucial role in plant response mechanisms. Implications of... Read More...

World's Largest Iceberg, A23a, in Antarctica

Nov 29, 2023

1. What is A23a? A23a is the designation given to the world's largest iceberg, located in Antarctica. 2. How big is A23a? The size of A23a can vary, but it is known to be one of the largest icebergs ever recorded, often spanning several hundred square kilometers. 3. Where is A23a located? A23a is in the Antarctic region, typically floating in the Weddell Sea or nearby areas. 4. Why is A23a significant? Its massive size makes A23a a point... Read More...

Mandatory Blending of Biogas in India

Nov 29, 2023

What is the new mandate on biogas blending in India? India’s government has mandated the blending of bio-gas with natural gas for use in PNG (Piped Natural Gas) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) starting from FY26 to promote the use of biofuels. What is the goal of the biogas blending obligation? The goal is to stimulate investment in the bio-gas sector, reduce dependency on imported natural gas, and move towards achieving a circular economy. How will the blending obligation unfold over the years? I... Read More...

Upper Siang Hydropower Project

Nov 29, 2023

What is the Upper Siang Hydropower Project? It’s a planned large-scale hydropower initiative in Arunachal Pradesh, India, designed to generate electricity and manage water resources effectively, particularly in response to similar developments across the border in China. What strategic purpose does the Upper Siang Project serve? Beyond energy generation, the project is intended to establish a strategic advantage by creating a water reservoir to counterbalance the impact of Chinese hydropower projects upstream, potentially mitigating flood risks and ensuring wat... Read More...

Mandatory Blending of Compressed Biogas

Nov 29, 2023

What is the government’s mandate on compressed biogas (CBG)? The Indian government has mandated a roadmap for blending compressed biogas with natural gas in the transportation and domestic sectors to promote its use and reduce dependency on imported natural gas. What is the compulsory blending obligation? It is a policy to stimulate demand for CBG by setting minimum percentages for blending with natural gas, starting with 5% in 2025-26 and increasing annually. What are the environmental benefits of CBG? Read More...

Amur Falcons in Northeast India

Nov 29, 2023

What are Amur Falcons and why are they significant? Amur Falcons are small raptors known for their extraordinary long-distance migration from Siberia and northern China to Northeast India. They are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 due to their ecological importance as the world’s longest-traveling migratory birds. Where and when can Amur Falcons be spotted in Northeast India? They are typically observed from mid-October to early November in regions like the Doyang river dam in Nagaland, Tamenglong district in Manipur, and Dima Hasao district ... Read More...

Open RAN Technology

Nov 29, 2023

What is Open RAN? Open RAN (Radio Access Network) is a technology that decouples hardware from software in the telecom network infrastructure, allowing for a more flexible and cost-effective network deployment. Why is Open RAN important? Open RAN promises to lower costs for telecom operators by allowing them to use software from different vendors on standard hardware, fostering innovation and competition. Has Open RAN been widely adopted? While Open RAN has seen limited adoption, it’s expected to g... Read More...

Flyways and Bird Migration in India

Nov 29, 2023

What are flyways? Flyways are like highways in the sky for birds, used by large populations of different species during migration across extensive geographic areas. How many flyways are recognized globally? There are eight recognized shorebird flyways globally, with three crossing 57 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region. What is the significance of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway? It’s the best-studied flyway, extending from Siberia and Alaska to Australia and New Zealand, suppor... Read More...

Chhattisgarh’s Patan: A Bird Watching Haven

Nov 29, 2023

What makes Patan in Chhattisgarh special for bird watchers? Patan is renowned for its large flocks of migratory birds, attracting bird watchers with its rich biodiversity and designated water bodies ideal for feeding and resting migratory species. How many species of migratory birds have been traced in Patan? Bird watchers have traced 35 species of migratory birds in the region. From how many countries do birds migrate to Patan? Birds from over 24 countries are known to visit Chhattisgarh, including Pata... Read More...

Species Extinction and Keystone Species

Nov 29, 2023

What is ‘dark extinction’? ‘Dark extinction’ occurs when a species is only recognized as extinct after disappearing, revealing monitoring shortfalls. Why are keystone species crucial? Keystone species, like sea otters or gray wolves, are pivotal for ecosystem balance. Their loss can trigger ecological cascades, disrupting other species and habitat health . What human activities drive species extinction? Habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing lead to species loss, affectin... Read More...

The Genesis of India’s Constitution

Nov 29, 2023

On the historic day of November 26, 1949, India’s journey as a democratic republic was solidified with the adoption of its Constitution by the Constituent Assembly, a process deeply rooted in the wisdom of visionaries like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often hailed as the architect of the Indian Constitution. This marked the culmination of a rigorous and thoughtful drafting process, embodying the aspirations of a diverse nation on its path to self-governance. Crafting the Document The Constitution of India was not a mere collection of articles; it was a canvas painted with the ideologies of its people. Th... Read More...

WTO at COP28: Bridging Trade and Climate Action

Nov 29, 2023

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is set to play a pivotal role at the upcoming climate conference, COP28, highlighting its growing engagement in climate change discussions. This year, the WTO is co-leading a Trade Day at the conference, scheduled for December 4, 2023, in Dubai. This marks a significant shift, as it’s the first time trade features prominently in such climate-focused discussions. The WTO’s participation underscores the intricate link between global trade dynamics and climate change. Policies like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) have sparked tensions between developed and developing countries, indicating th... Read More...

Ahom Dynasty

Nov 29, 2023

1. Who were the Ahoms? The Ahoms were a Tai ethnic group who founded the Ahom kingdom in the 13th century in present-day Assam, India. They played a significant role in the region’s history for almost 600 years. 2. When did the Ahom Dynasty rule? The Ahom Dynasty ruled from the 13th century to the early 19th century (1228-1826 AD), making it one of the longest-ruling dynasties in Indian history. 3. What are some notable achievements of the Ahom Dynasty? The Ahom Dynasty is known for its administrat... Read More...