UPSC Daily Current Affairs

RHODODENDRON IN INDIA: FAQs

May 27, 2024

WHAT IS RHODODENDRON? Rhododendron is a genus of flowering plants known for their beautiful and vibrant blooms. They are commonly found in mountainous regions and are valued for their ornamental and medicinal properties. WHERE CAN RHODODENDRON BE FOUND IN INDIA? In India, rhododendrons are predominantly found in the Himalayan region, including states like Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. They thrive in cool, temper... Read More...

MICROPLASTICS IN ASHTAMUDI LAKE

May 27, 2024

WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS? Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than five millimeters in length. They can originate from larger plastic debris that degrades into smaller pieces or from microbeads found in personal care products. HOW DID THEY ENTER ASHTAMUDI LAKE? Microplastics enter water bodies through various sources, including: - Runoff: From urban areas carrying plastic waste. - Industrial Discharg... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: PELANG SANGRI IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH-Living Rock

May 27, 2024

Introduction: Pelang Sangri, meaning ‘Living Rock’ in Nyishi, is a geological marvel located in the Yangte circle of Kra Daadi district, Arunachal Pradesh. This site features a group of intriguing rock formations that stand as a testament to the region’s unique geological history and potential for scientific exploration. Location and Access: Situated on the thigh of the Tane Giabe hill near the Bungliso stream, Pelang Sangri is 7 km f... Read More...

WIPO's New Treaty: Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources

May 27, 2024

HISTORIC BREAKTHROUGH IN GENEVA On May 24, 2024, WIPO member states approved a new Treaty addressing intellectual property (IP), genetic resources, and traditional knowledge. This landmark decision concluded decades of negotiations. It is the first WIPO Treaty to include provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples and local communities. SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE WIPO Director General Daren Tang highlighted the Treaty as a significant achievement, demons... Read More...

NOMINATION REJECTION OF SHYAM RANGEELA

May 27, 2024

BACKGROUND OF SHYAM RANGEELA Shyam Rangeela, originally named Shyam Sunder, is an Indian comedian and politician from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. He intended to contest the 2024 Indian general elections from the Varanasi constituency as an Independent candidate. Shyam Rangeela’s nomination was incomplete, and the Election Commission didn't find it funny! WHAT IS A NOMINATION PAPER?... Read More...

NEW TREATY ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND GENETIC RESOURCES

May 27, 2024

The new Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge, approved by WIPO member states on May 24, 2024, marks a significant milestone in international law. This Treaty mandates the disclosure of the origin of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patent applications. It specifically includes provisions for Indigenous Peoples and local communities, ensuring their contributions are recognized and respected. This historic agreement, resulting from decades of negotiations, aims to promote transparency and fairness in the use of genetic resources and traditional knowle... Read More...

MELTWATER PONDS THREATEN ANTARCTIC STABILITY

May 27, 2024

DEFINITIONS • Meltwater Ponds: Pools of water that form on the surface of ice shelves due to melting ice. • Ice Shelves: Thick, floating sheets of ice that extend from the coastline over the ocean, acting as barriers that hold back the flow of glaciers from the land into the sea. • Flexing and Fracturing: The bending and breaking of ice shelves caused by the weight and movement of meltwater ponds. ... Read More...

DECLINE OF WORLD’S RANGELANDS: WHY IT MATTERS

May 27, 2024

ABOUT HALF OF THE WORLD’S RANGELANDS ARE DEGRADED A recent report by the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) has highlighted the alarming degradation of rangelands across the globe. These natural or semi-natural ecosystems, vital for livestock and wild animals, cover over half of Earth’s terrestrial surface area, including about 1.21 million square kilometers in India. Key Findings... Read More...

The Collapse of Empires: Climate, Pandemics, Migration

May 27, 2024

How did environmental stress contribute to the fall of the Gupta Empire? The Gupta Empire faced environmental stress from volcanic eruptions around 536 CE, leading to catastrophic global cooling. This caused longer winters, failing harvests, and stressed revenue systems. The resulting reduced immunity caused pandemics, and migration and wars disrupted trade, contributing to the empire’s collapse. What role did climate change play in the collapse of the Chola Empire? Read More...

CHINA’S SOUTH CHINA SEA STRATEGY AND PHILIPPINE RESISTANCE

May 27, 2024

What is the Second Thomas Shoal and why is it significant? The Second Thomas Shoal is a contested area in the South China Sea, central to the dispute between China and the Philippines. It has become a flashpoint due to China’s strategic activities and efforts to assert control through ‘grey zone’ tactics. What are ‘grey zone’ activities? ‘Grey zone’ activities refer to covert, non-military tactics used to achieve strategic g... Read More...

INDIA’S ROADMAP TO NET ZERO EMISSIONS

May 27, 2024

India views the journey to net zero as a significant opportunity for infrastructure development and employment over the next 50 years. However, the growing carbon footprint is a concern, with emissions expected to peak between 2040 and 2045. To reach net zero emissions by 2070, India must implement substantial changes in its economy, including: 1. Increasing Renewable Energy: • Solar and wind installations need to increase 70-fold. • Building infrastructure to support green hydrogen produ... Read More...

AI AGENTS: A NEW ERA OF INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE

May 27, 2024

What Are AI Agents? AI agents are advanced AI systems capable of engaging in real-time, multi-modal interactions with humans. Unlike traditional voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, AI agents can process and respond to a variety of inputs, including voice, images, and environmental sensors. This capability allows for more natural and immersive interactions. Key Features and Capabilities: • Multimodal Interaction: AI agents ca... Read More...

SRIRAM'S CIVIL SERVICES UPDATE: THE HINDU TODAY

May 27, 2024

1. United Nations General Assembly Vote on Palestine - The UN General Assembly voted in favor of Palestine's bid to become a full UN member. The resolution received strong support, urging the Security Council to consider Palestine’s membership favorably. 2. India's Support for Two-State Solution at the United Nations - India reaffirmed its commitment to a Two-State solution at the UN, supp... Read More...

BIMSTEC CHARTER AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

May 27, 2024

What is BIMSTEC? The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization established in 1997. It includes seven member countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, and India. The organization aims to foster technical and economic cooperation among its members. Read More...

FORM 17C DATA DEBATE

May 27, 2024

Background: The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition seeking the Election Commission of India (ECI) to upload polling station-wise voter turnout data on its website within 48 hours of the conclusion of each phase of the Lok Sabha elections. This request comes amidst concerns over discrepancies in voter turnout data. Why Publish Form 17C Data? For... Read More...