UPSC Daily Current Affairs

CLIMATE CHANGE AND POLLINATORS: AN INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

May 28, 2024

Understanding the Basics What is Climate Change? Read More...

AstroSat: India's First Space Telescope

May 28, 2024

1. What is AstroSat? AstroSat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. It observes celestial objects in different wavelengths, including X-rays, ultraviolet, and visible light, providing a comprehensive understanding of space phenomena. 2. What makes AstroSat unique? AstroSat's unique feature is its ability to observe different wavelengths of light simultaneously using a single satellite.This versatility sets it apart from other spa... Read More...

AGRI-TECH REVOLUTION IN INDIAN FARMING

May 28, 2024

SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION IN AFRICA’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

May 28, 2024

The demand for engaging India through its agriculture-related experience, capacity building, investment, and partnership is high among smaller organizations and enterprises in Africa. Enhancing Agricultural Value Chains Exciting developments were discussed in Nairobi at the 11th Sankalp Africa summit on scaling agricultural innovation through South-South collaboration. Attendees from across Africa gathered to explore solutions for their communities, with a focus on the success of Indian models in various countries. Key Focus Areas Read More...

SUPERHEAVY ELEMENTS:SIMPLIFIER

May 28, 2024

At the far end of the periodic table lies a realm where the rules of chemistry and physics seem to blur. This region begins with rutherfordium (atomic number 104) and includes elements like dubnium, seaborgium, bohrium, and extends to the heaviest element ever created, oganesson (element 118). These superheavy elements are unique as they do not occur naturally on Earth. Instead, they are synthesized in laboratories under extreme conditions. NATURE OF SUPERHEAVY ELEMENTS The nuclei of superheavy elements are extremely unstable, containing many protons and neutrons t... Read More...

SECURITY EXCEPTIONS AND TRADE NORMS IN WTO REFORMS

May 28, 2024

The economic and technological rivalry between the United States and China has notably impacted global trade norms, leading to a reevaluation of security measures within trade regulations. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is facing challenges in balancing national security interests with the principles of free trade, particularly under the stipulations of Article 21 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT), which allows for security exceptions. Introduction to the WTO and GATT The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international body th... Read More...

Synapses: The Brain's Communication Network

May 28, 2024

What are synapses? Synapses are the tiny gaps between neurons, the brain's specialized cells. They act as bridges, allowing electrical and chemical signals to pass from one neuron to another. This transmission of signals is essential for everything we do, from thinking and feeling to moving and learning. How do synapses work? When an electrical signal reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitt... Read More...

WIND SHEAR

May 28, 2024

What is Wind Shear? Wind shear refers to a sudden change in wind speed or direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere. This phenomenon can occur either horizontally (along the ground) or vertically (upward into the atmosphere), and it plays a critical role in aviation, meteorology, and the development of weather patterns. Types of Wind Shear 1. Vertical Wind Shear: This type occurs when the wind speed or direction changes with altitude. It is particularly important... Read More...

PROTECTING MARINE ENVIRONMENTS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE

May 28, 2024

What? Protecting marine environments involves preserving and restoring oceans, seas, and coastal areas to prevent further degradation from the adverse effects of climate change. This includes addressing rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea level rise, as well as protecting marine biodiversity. Why? 1. Biodiversity Conservation: Oceans host a significant portion of the world’s biodiversity. Protecting these en... Read More...

How Milk Pasteurization Works

May 28, 2024

What is pasteurization? Pasteurization is a process that uses heat to kill harmful bacteria and other pathogens in food and beverages, including milk. This process helps to ensure the safety and extend the shelf life of the product. How does milk pasteurization work? There are several methods for pasteurizing milk, but the most common ones are: High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST): Milk is heated to 161°F (71.7°C) for at lea... Read More...

KEYSTONE SPECIESand THEIR ROLE IN ECOSYSTEMS

May 28, 2024

Q: Who coined the concept of keystone species? A: The concept of keystone species was coined by ecologist Bob Paine in the 1960s. Q: What was the result of Bob Paine’s experiment involving a purple starfish? A: Removing the purple starfish from a tidal pool led to an overpopulation of mussels, highlighting the starfish’s significant impact on its environment. Q: How are keystone species defined? Read More...

GREATER ADJUTANT STORKS IN BHAGALPUR, BIHAR:

May 28, 2024

Q: What are greater adjutant storks? A: Greater adjutant storks are large birds known for their scavenging behavior, particularly on carrion and waste. Read More...

INDIA INX AND NSE IX AT THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTRE

May 27, 2024

WHAT ARE INDIA INX AND NSE IX? - India INX (India International Exchange): The international arm of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) located at the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat, India. - NSE IX (NSE International Exchange): The international arm of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), also situated at the IFSC in GIFT City. WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES... Read More...

DOCTORS and THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

May 27, 2024

WHAT IS THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT (CPA)? The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is legislation enacted to protect the rights of consumers and provide a mechanism for addressing grievances related to the purchase of goods and services. It aims to ensure fair practices in the marketplace and provides consumers with the means to seek redressal for grievances. CURRENT LEGAL POSITION As of now, medical professionals and healthcare services are included under the CPA as service providers. This inclu... Read More...

WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY (WHA) and PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS TOOLKIT

May 27, 2024

WHAT IS THE WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY (WHA)? The World Health Assembly (WHA) is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), comprising representatives from all WHO member states. It meets annually to discuss global health issues and make policy decisions. WHAT ARE THE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH REGULATIONS (IHR)? The International Health Regulations (IHR) are a set of legal guidelines adopted by the WHA to manage public health events that have the pot... Read More...