UPSC Daily Current Affairs

"Examining Carbon Credits' Impact on Climate Stability: Critical View

Jun 04, 2024

1. What are carbon credits? Carbon credits allow entities that emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) to offset their emissions by paying third parties to reduce or capture emissions elsewhere. 2. Why are carbon credits important? Carbon credits are part of global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 to stabilize the climate as outlined in the Paris Agreement. They help compensate for emissions that cannot be immediately eliminated. Read More...

Agnikul Cosmos: 1st Private Pad, 3D-Printed Rocket Engine

Jun 04, 2024

1. What is Agnikul Cosmos? Agnikul Cosmos is a Chennai-based space start-up focused on developing cost-effective and customizable launch vehicles for small satellites. 2. What is Agnibaan SOrTeD? Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator) is a rocket developed by Agnikul Cosmos, featuring the world's first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine. 3. What is the significance of this launch? Read More...

Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Jun 04, 2024

CDRI INITIATIVE FOR RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE IN ISLAND NATIONS 1. What is CDRI? The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is an India-led initiative that focuses on strengthening infrastructure resilience against disasters and climate change impacts. 2. What is the purpose of the new funding initiative? The new funding initiative aims to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in building robust, clima... Read More...

WET-BULB HEAT: A GROWING CLIMATE CRISIS

Jun 04, 2024

1. What is wet-bulb heat? Wet-bulb heat is a measure of both temperature and humidity. It indicates the point at which the human body can no longer cool itself through sweating, making it extremely dangerous. 2. Why is wet-bulb heat a concern for India? With rising temperatures and increasing humidity due to climate change, India faces a growing threat from wet-bulb heat. Extreme conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Read More...

INDIA’S CONTRIBUTION TO UN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS

Jun 04, 2024

1. What are UN peacekeeping missions? UN peacekeeping missions are efforts by the United Nations to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace. These missions involve military, police, and civilian personnel working to maintain peace and security, facilitate humanitarian aid, and support the rule of law. 2. How many military personnel does India contribute to UN peacekeeping missions? As of December 31, 2023, India has sent 5,901 military personn... Read More...

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MANIPUR’S STATE FLOWER

Jun 04, 2024

1. What is Shirui Kashong? Shirui Kashong, also known as Lilium Macklinae, is the state flower of Manipur. 2. Why is Shirui Kashong important? This flower is significant because it represents the natural beauty and biodiversity of Manipur. However, it is endangered and sensitive to environmental changes. 3. How is climate change affecting Shirui Kashong? Climate change is impacting the growth and survival of... Read More...

RISKS OF ATLANTIC OCEAN CIRCULATION COLLAPSE

Jun 04, 2024

1. What is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)? The AMOC is a crucial ocean current system that circulates warm water from the tropics northward, cools and sinks, and then flows back south at depth, distributing heat and nutrients globally. 2. Why is there concern about the AMOC shutting down? The concern stems from recent studies suggesting that significant ice melt from Greenland could disrupt the AMOC, leading to severe climate consequences. ... Read More...

REM SLEEP SIMPLIFIER

Jun 04, 2024

What is REM sleep? Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is a unique phase of the sleep cycle characterized by rapid movement of the eyes, increased brain activity, vivid dreams, and temporary muscle paralysis. Why is REM sleep important? REM sleep is crucial for cognitive functions such as memory consolidation, learning, and mood regulation. It also plays a role in brain development, especially in infants. How long do... Read More...

WHY DEEP MACHINE LEARNING USES GPUs

Jun 04, 2024

Introduction Deep machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) that involves neural networks with many layers, requires significant computational power. This need is effectively met by Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which have become integral to the field. Parallel Processing Capabilities GPUs are designed to handle parallel processing, making them highly efficient for the matrix and vector operations at the core of deep learning algor... Read More...

FUTURE OF DISPLAY MANUFACTURING IN INDIA

Jun 04, 2024

India currently relies heavily on China for its display needs, lacking a domestic display manufacturing industry. Introduction The global display market is projected to reach $187.8 billion in 2023, growing at a 3.5% CAGR until 2028. Despite being the world’s third-largest consumer of display products, India has not yet developed its own display manufacturing sector. What is Display Manufacturing? Display manufacturing involv... Read More...

National Education Policy 2020 in India Targets Poor Learning Outcomes

Jun 04, 2024

Introduction India has historically neglected its primary and secondary education sectors, unlike some of its neighbors. While strides have been made since the 1990s towards achieving universal education, learning outcomes remain poor and uneven across various schools, states, and socioeconomic conditions. Current Challenges Despite progress, significant issues persist: • In 2018, nearly half of Standard V students in rur... Read More...

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY AND AI:

Jun 04, 2024

Generative Biology What is Synthetic Biology? Synthetic biology involves the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems. It also includes the re-design of existing natural biological systems for useful purposes. This field aims to make biology easier to engineer by applying engineering principles to biological research and innovation. Pioneering Change with Generative Biology Multiple disciplines have ... Read More...

URBAN DEVELOPMENT:AMRUT SCHEME SIMPLIFIER

Jun 03, 2024

What is the AMRUT Scheme? - Purpose: The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aims to address challenges in water supply, mobility, and pollution with financial assistance from the Centre, States, and cities. - Goals: - Ensure every household has access to a tap with assured water supply and sewerage connection. - Develop greenery and well-maintained open spaces such as parks. - Reduce pollution by promot... Read More...

INDIA’S SEMICONDUCTOR SURGE:SIMPLIFIER

Jun 03, 2024

What is the current status of India’s semiconductor industry? India is rapidly developing its semiconductor sector, aiming for self-reliance. The government has recently approved three semiconductor units, including India’s first fabrication plant by Tata Electronics Private Limited in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation in Dholera, Gujarat. What is the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)? The ISM is an ambitio... Read More...

Praggnanandhaa stuns Carlsen at Norway Chess 2024

Jun 03, 2024

1. Who is R Praggnanandhaa? R Praggnanandhaa is an 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster who has made significant strides in the chess world. He recently registered his first-ever classical win over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. 2. What was the significance of Praggnanandhaa's win at Norway Chess 2024? Praggnanandhaa's victory over Carlsen in the third round of Norway Chess 2024 was momentous as it marked his first classical win against the World Champion, propelling him to the sole... Read More...