UPSC Daily Current Affairs

KAALINGA: KALINGA SARPA,KING COBRA IN WESTERN GHATS

Nov 19, 2024

KAALINGA: KALINGA SARPA,KING COBRA IN WESTERN GHATS 1. What is Kalinga Sarpa? Kalinga Sarpa, now known as “Kaalinga” in scientific terminology, is a unique lineage of king cobra found in Karnataka’s Western Ghats, India. Officially named Ophiophagus kaalinga, this distinct species has gained recognition in the scientific community. 2. Why was the Western Ghats king cobra given a new name? Researchers observed that the king cobra species from the Western Ghats had distinct characteristics that set it apart from other king cobra lineages across Asia. As a result, it was named Ophiophagus kaalinga. Read More...

METHANE EMISSIONS AND THEIR GLOBAL IMPACT

Nov 19, 2024

METHANE EMISSIONS AND THEIR GLOBAL IMPACT 1. Why Are Methane Emissions Concerning? Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, trapping heat more effectively than carbon dioxide (CO2). Reducing methane emissions can bring quicker results in mitigating climate change than CO2 reduction. 2. How Do Methane Emissions Impact Global Warming? Methane is 28 times more potent than CO2 in warming the atmosphere over a century. A sharp rise in methane emissions has contributed to about one-third of the 1.3°C warming observed since pre-industrial times. 3. What Are the Major Sources of Methane Emissi... Read More...

PAKISTANI CARGO SHIP ARRIVAL IN BANGLADESH:SIGNIFICANCE

Nov 19, 2024

PAKISTANI CARGO SHIP ARRIVAL IN BANGLADESH:SIGNIFICANCE 1. Why is the arrival of a Pakistani cargo ship in Bangladesh significant? This event marks the first direct maritime contact between Pakistan and Bangladesh since Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. It could indicate a potential shift or warming in diplomatic and trade relations between the two nations, who have had strained ties due to historical tensions. 2. How does the 1971 Liberation War affect Pakistan-Bangladesh relations? The Liberation War of 1971, which led to Bangladesh’s independence, involved severe atrocities by the Paki... Read More...

CO2 AND GLOBAL WARMING

Nov 19, 2024

CO2 AND GLOBAL WARMING 1. What Are Greenhouse Gases? Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor. These gases allow sunlight to enter the atmosphere and warm the planet’s surface but prevent some of the heat from escaping back into space, creating the greenhouse effect. 2. Why Is CO2 Considered the Major Contributor to Global Warming? CO2 is the most significant contributor due to two main reasons: its high abundance and its long-lasting presence in the atmosphere. While gases like methane and hy... Read More...

HYPERSONIC MISSILE:INDIA’S SUCCESSFUL TEST

Nov 19, 2024

HYPERSONIC MISSILE:INDIA’S SUCCESSFUL TEST India successfully test-fired a long-range hypersonic missile off Odisha’s coast, marking a significant milestone in defense technology. This achievement places India among select nations with advanced missile capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile can carry multiple payloads and reach ranges beyond 1,500 km at speeds exceeding Mach 5. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the test as a historic achievement. FAQs 1. What is a hypersonic missile, and why is it significant? A hypersoni... Read More...

DABBA TRADING:SIMPLIFIER

Nov 19, 2024

DABBA TRADING:SIMPLIFIER 1. What is Dabba Trading? Dabba trading is an off-market trading system where transactions in stocks are carried out without official records or reporting to any regulated exchange like NSE or BSE. It operates through informal networks and is not part of any regulated platform. 2. Why is Dabba Trading Illegal? The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act recognizes dabba trading as an offense. This trading bypasses regulatory oversight, making it vulnerable to fraudulent practices and leaving investors without legal protections or redressal options. 3. How Does Dabba Tra... Read More...

LAB-GROWN MEAT:INDIA

Nov 18, 2024

LAB-GROWN MEAT:INDIA 1. What Is Lab-Grown Meat and How Is It Made? Lab-grown meat, also called cultured or cellular meat, is created by cultivating animal cells in a controlled lab environment. The process involves extracting cells from an animal, placing them in a nutrient-rich culture medium, and allowing them to grow into meat without the need to raise and slaughter animals. 2. Why Is Lab-Grown Meat Gaining Attention? Lab-grown meat has the potential to address major concerns like animal welfare, environmental impact, and food security. It produces fewer greenhouse gases, uses less water, and reduces the... Read More...

GREEN STEEL IN INDIA: SIMPLIFIER

Nov 18, 2024

GREEN STEEL IN INDIA: SIMPLIFIER 1. What is green steel? Green steel is produced using methods that significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional steelmaking processes. This is achieved by utilizing low-carbon energy sources, such as hydrogen, coal gasification, or electricity, instead of the conventional carbon-intensive coal-fired processes. 2. Why is green steel important for India? India’s steel industry contributes approximately 10-12% of the nation’s total carbon emissions. Transitioning to green steel is crucial for India to meet its climate commitments and reduce its carbon footp... Read More...

GLOBAL CUBESAT STANDARD:INDIA ADOPTS

Nov 18, 2024

GLOBAL CUBESAT STANDARD:INDIA ADOPTS 1. What is a CubeSat? CubeSat is a class of small satellite, typically compact with a standard size of a 100mm cube, and weighs up to 1 kg. These satellites are developed using off-the-shelf components, making them more affordable and accessible. 2. Why has India adopted the global CubeSat standard? India’s adoption of the global CubeSat standard aligns with its goal to expand its presence in the global space economy. By adopting this standard, India aims to foster innovation and reduce development and launch costs. 3. Who is implementing the... Read More...

WINDFALL TAX IN INDIA:INTRODUCTION,MODERATION AND ABOLITION

Nov 18, 2024

WINDFALL TAX IN INDIA:INTRODUCTION,MODERATION AND ABOLITION 1. What is a Windfall Tax? A windfall tax is an extra levy imposed by governments on companies experiencing unexpected and large profits. It is typically applied to sectors that profit from significant global events, such as oil price surges due to geopolitical crises. This tax aims to capture a portion of these unexpected profits for the government, redistributing wealth and addressing social or economic needs. 2. Why Did India Introduce the Windfall Tax? India introduced the windfall tax in 2022 following a significant rise in global crude oil prices due... Read More...

INDIA:SUSTAINABLE CITIES

Nov 18, 2024

INDIA:SUSTAINABLE CITIES SYNOPSIS India’s rapid urbanization presents significant challenges in developing sustainable and equitable cities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. Key issues include air pollution, income-based disparities, and limited green spaces. Urban centers, particularly in low-income areas, experience high pollution and urban heat. While cities like Delhi and Mumbai lead in some climate initiatives, lower-tier cities face hurdles in aligning growth with environmental standards. Comprehensive policies and local government partnerships are essential to enhancing urban sustainability across... Read More...

Hypersonic Missile Test: India Joins Elite Club with Successful Hypersonic Missile Test

Nov 18, 2024

Hypersonic Missile Test: India Joins Elite Club with Successful Hypersonic Missile Test 1. What is a hypersonic missile? A hypersonic missile is a weapon system that travels at speeds greater than Mach 5 (five times the speed... Read More...

HOAX BOMB THREATS AND AIRLINE SECURITY AND OPERATIONS:EXPLAINED

Nov 18, 2024

HOAX BOMB THREATS AND AIRLINE SECURITY AND OPERATIONS:EXPLAINED 1. What are hoax bomb threats, and why do they matter? • Hoax bomb threats are fake warnings about bombs or explosives being present in a particular location, such as an airport or an aircraft. Although they are not real, these threats can cause major disruptions in air travel, lead to delayed flights, and create a sense of fear among passengers. 2. How frequently do hoax bomb threats happen? • Between May and November 2024, India recorded 900 hoax bomb threats targeting its airports and airlines. These threats were made via social media post... Read More...

SAFE HARBOUR CLAUSE: SOCIAL MEDIA INTERMEDIARIES AND GAAR

Nov 18, 2024

SAFE HARBOUR CLAUSE: SOCIAL MEDIA INTERMEDIARIES AND GAAR FAQs 1. What is the Safe Harbour Clause? • The Safe Harbour Clause is a legal provision that protects individuals or entities from liability under specific conditions. This protection applies broadly, shielding parties from certain legal consequences as long as they follow defined guidelines. By offering a form of immunity, safe harbour provisions promote compliance and accountability while encouraging innovation and growth in various sectors. 2. How does the Safe Harbour Clause apply to social media platforms? • For... Read More...

RETURN OF LOOTED ANTIQUITIES TO INDIA: SIGNIFICANCE AND LEGAL ASPECTS:SIMPLIFIER

Nov 18, 2024

RETURN OF LOOTED ANTIQUITIES TO INDIA: SIGNIFICANCE AND LEGAL ASPECTS:SIMPLIFIER 1. What is the significance of the recent return of Indian antiquities from the US? • The return of 1,400 artifacts valued at $10 million underscores growing international cooperation to protect cultural heritage. These artifacts, which include sculptures like the Tanesar Mother Goddess and a celestial dancer from Madhya Pradesh, were repatriated to restore India’s stolen heritage. 2. What domestic laws in India address the illegal trade of antiquities? • In India, the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, regulates ... Read More...