UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Arctic & Antarctic:CHANGES IN THE POLAR REGIONS

Jun 07, 2024

1. How are the changes in the Arctic different from those in the Antarctic? Changes affecting the Arctic receive significantly more attention compared to those threatening the Antarctic. The Arctic is experiencing rapid ice melt, impacting global sea levels and weather patterns, whereas the Antarctic’s changes are less publicized but equally significant. 2. Why is the Arctic more frequently discussed than the Antarctic? The Arctic’s changes are more visible and impa... Read More...

Project Udbhav: Simplifier

Jun 07, 2024

Q: What is Project Udbhav? A: Project Udbhav is an initiative by the Indian Army to integrate ancient strategic wisdom into modern military practices. For example, the project explores the strategic brilliance of historical military figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji and Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Q: What is the goal of Project Udbhav? A: The goal is to enhance the country's defense outlook by exploring ancient strategic insights and blending them with modern military practices. For ... Read More...

INS VARSHA: STRATEGIC NAVAL BASE

Jun 07, 2024

1. What is INS Varsha? INS Varsha is a new naval base being developed under Project Varsha for the Indian Navy. It will house the navy’s new fleet of nuclear submarines and ships. 2. Where is INS Varsha located? INS Varsha is being developed at Rambilli, which is approximately 50 km from Visakhapatnam, the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command. 3. What strategic advantages does INS Varsha offer? Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: FIRE SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION

Jun 07, 2024

1. What are the common causes of fire accidents? • Electrical faults, improper storage of flammable materials, illegal alterations in building structures, and negligence during construction or renovation activities. 2. How can fire safety be ensured in commercial establishments? • Ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, obtain necessary permits and NOCs, conduct regular safety drills, and install adequate fire safety equipment like extinguishers, a... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: RED SAND DESERT OF TAMIL NADU

Jun 07, 2024

TERI KAADU: AN UNUSUAL LANDSCAPE The Teri Kaadu, near Tirunelveli in southern Tamil Nadu, is a unique red sand desert, often described as having “chilli-powder sand.” This desert is a striking landscape within India, traditionally known for the Thar Desert’s dunes. FORMATION OF THE DESERT • Geological History: About 20,000 years ago, during the last glacial maximum, sea levels were approximately 100 ... Read More...

INDIA’S NO FIRST USE POLICY

Jun 07, 2024

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND PRINCIPLES India adopted the No First Use (NFU) policy following its second nuclear test, Pokhran-II, in 1998. This policy signifies that India will only use nuclear weapons in retaliation to a nuclear attack. The NFU doctrine serves two primary objectives: deterring the use of nuclear weapons by any state against India and ensuring a punitive response if deterrence fails. CRITICISMS AND CHALLENGES 1. Arguments for First ... Read More...

INDIA’S NUCLEAR DOCTRINE

Jun 07, 2024

KEY POINTS OF INDIA’S NUCLEAR DOCTRINE 1. Credible Minimum Deterrent: India aims to build and maintain a credible minimum deterrent. 2. No First Use: Nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere. 3. Massive Retaliation: Any nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage. 4. Civilian Authorization: Read More...

TOP 10 COUNTRIES WITH THE MOST GOLD RESERVES IN 2024

Jun 07, 2024

As of Q1 2024, according to the World Gold Council, the following are the top 10 countries with the largest gold reserves. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently repatriated 100 tonnes of its gold reserves from the United Kingdom, leading to a balanced distribution of its gold holdings between domestic and international storage. 1. United States • Gold Reserves: 8,133.46 tonnes • Gold Reserve Value: $579,050.15 million 2. Germany Read More...

DISCOVERY OF BURIAL URNS AT ADICHANALLUR

Jun 07, 2024

SIGNIFICANT ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIND Burial urns dated to 1400 BCE have been discovered at the megalithic site of Adichanallur, located on the banks of the Thamirabarani River. This significant find offers a glimpse into ... Read More...

ENERGY POVERTY INDEX FOR INDIA

Jun 07, 2024

What is the Household Energy Poverty Index (HEPI)? The Household Energy Poverty Index (HEPI) is a measure used to assess the extent of energy poverty among households in India. It is constructed using a multi-dimensional framework that includes 15 key energy indicators. These indicators cover various aspects of energy access and affordability, providing a comprehensive picture of energy poverty. Causes of Energy Poverty 1. Lack of Access to Modern Ene... Read More...

HOW RBI MANAGES ITS GOLD RESERVES

Jun 07, 2024

Overview of RBI’s Gold Holdings As of March 31, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holds a total of 822.10 metric tonnes of gold, up from 794.63 metric tonnes the previous year. The value of these gold reserves stands at $52.67 billion, part of the total foreign exchange reserves which amount to $646.41 billion. Composition of Gold Reserves The RBI’s gold holdings are categorized as follows: • Gold as backing for note... Read More...

STATUS OF THE GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD POPULATION

Jun 07, 2024

RECENT SURVEY AND FINDINGS The Rajasthan Forest Department recently conducted its annual waterhole survey in Jaisalmer district and counted 64 Great Indian Bustards (GIBs). This count has generated excitement and raised questions about the effectiveness of current conservation efforts. WATERHOLE METHOD FOR POPULATION COUNT The waterhole method involves counting animals visiting a water body over a continuous 24-hour period during peak summer. This direct counting method is cost-effective and provides immediate results,... Read More...

INDIAN SEMICONDUCTOR SECTOR : POTENTIAL for JOBS

Jun 06, 2024

Overview India’s semiconductor sector is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating the creation of around 10 lakh jobs over the next five years. This surge in employment is driven by the increasing global demand for semiconductors, particularly for applications in AI, IoT, and advanced technologies. Growing Demand and Job Creation As AI usage continues to rise globally, the demand for cutting-edge semiconductors also increases to... Read More...

Demystifying Comparative Advantage in International Trade

Jun 06, 2024

Introduction to Comparative Advantage For nearly two centuries, the principle of comparative advantage has been a cornerstone of economists’ understanding of international trade, explaining why trade occurs and how it benefits participating countries. Despite its long history, the concept, first introduced by political economist David Ricardo, is often misunderstood. Defining Comparative Advantage Comparative advantage explains that a country sho... Read More...

IMPACTS OF ARCTIC ICE LOSS ON GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

Jun 06, 2024

Melting Polar Ice Caps Global warming is causing significant melting of polar ice caps, particularly in the Arctic. The Arctic sea ice is disappearing at nearly 13% per decade, with a 95% decline in the oldest and thickest ice over the past 30 years. If current emission trends continue, the Arctic could be ice-free in the summer by 2040. This loss has far-reaching global consequences. Key Impacts of Arctic Ice Loss 1. Temperature ... Read More...