UPSC Daily Current Affairs

FOSSIL WOOD IN INDIA: SIMPLIFIER

May 24, 2024

1. What is fossil wood? Fossil wood, also known as petrified wood, forms when plant material becomes buried under sediment and is initially preserved due to lack of oxygen which prevents decay. Over time, the organic plant materials crystallize and turn into stone, preserving the structure of the wood. 2. Where can fossil wood be found in India? In India, ... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: ZEBRAFISH EXPERIMENTS IN SPACE UNVEIL NEW INSIGHTS

May 24, 2024

OVERVIEW: A groundbreaking aquatic ecological research project aboard a space station is providing new insights, with experts reporting that four zebrafish ‘aquanauts’ are in good condition after over three weeks in orbit. Launched on April 25, along with astronauts and goldfish algae, the goal is to create a self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem in microgravity. SIMPLIFIER: ZEBRAFISH IN SPACE Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: BABY CORALS AND CORAL SUPERHIGHWAYS

May 24, 2024

IMPORTANCE OF CORAL REEFS Coral reefs are vital ecosystems, supporting a third of all ocean species and the livelihoods of millions, particularly in coastal communities. These reefs are formed by colonies of invertebrate animals that build hard skeletons and grow in various forms. THREATS TO CORAL REEFS Coral reefs are highly vulnerable to climate change. Marine heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent, cause widespread coral... Read More...

Blue Sheep & Ibex Census: Lahaul-Spiti Study

May 24, 2024

ESTIMATING POPULATIONS OF BLUE SHEEP AND HIMALAYAN IBEX IN LAHAUL & SPITI What is Happening? • A census has started in Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, to estimate the populations of blue sheep (bharal) and Himalayan ibex. These animals are the primary prey for the snow leopard. Who is Involved? Read More...

EXCAVATION of GOVARDHAN HILL AFTER 50 YEARS

May 24, 2024

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is conducting a major excavation at Govardhan Hill in the Braj region for the first time in 50 years, aiming to uncover significant aspects of India’s ancient history and the Mahabharata period. Historical and Cultural Significance Govardhan Hill, part of the Braj region, holds immense religious significance in Hindu tradition. It is famously associated with the legend of Krishna lifting the hill to protec... Read More...

DISCUSSING A SEPARATE TIME ZONE FOR EASTERN INDIA

May 24, 2024

Why Consider a Separate Time Zone? To leverage daylight savings and optimize daylight hours, potentially improving productivity and energy savings. What Regions Would Be Affected? Eastern states like West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and others. Potential Benefits? Read More...

ARTIFICIAL REEFS

May 24, 2024

What Are Artificial Reefs? Artificial reefs are man-made structures placed in marine environments to mimic natural reefs, promoting fish aggregation and marine habitat growth. Purpose of Artificial Reefs in India? To boost fish populations, support fisher livelihoods, and enhance marine biodiversity. Read More...

INDIA IN THE NEW INTERNATIONAL SPACE ORDER

May 23, 2024

India’s accomplishments in space exploration have significantly contributed to its rising prominence in the new international space order. The successful lunar missions by India, along with those by China and Japan, have positioned Asia at the forefront of space exploration and have sparked discussions about a new space race and multipolarity in space governance. Key Achievements: 1. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: &bull... Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: ROOM-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTORS

May 23, 2024

Room-temperature superconductors are materials that conduct electricity with zero resistance at room temperatures, eliminating the need for extreme cooling that traditional superconductors require. This significant advancement could revolutionize how we use and manage electricity across various technologies. Key Points: 1. Efficiency in Electronics: Superconductors allow electricity to flow without any energy loss, which can greatly improve the efficiency of electrical devices and power grids. ... Read More...

FRACTALS: HOW THEY HELP US UNDERSTAND THE WORLD:Simplifier

May 23, 2024

Fractals are complex shapes that look similar at any scale, which means if you zoom in on a part of a fractal, you will see a shape that is similar to the whole. This characteristic is known as “self-similarity.” Fractals are not just mathematical concepts but are also commonly found in nature. Examples in Nature: 1. Trees: Look at a tree – the way branches split off from the main trunk and then smaller branches split off from those branches repeats the pattern at different scales. Read More...

SIMPLIFIER: DEBRIS MANAGEMENT IN SPACE – ISRO’S STRATEGY

May 23, 2024

1. What is space debris and its sources? Space debris encompasses non-functional objects left in space, including defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and smaller fragments like metal and paint flakes. These objects, even as small as a paint flake, can damage operational satellites due to their high velocities—approximately 10 kilometers per second. 2. Why is managing space debris critical? With over 1 million pieces of debris larger than a centimeter and ... Read More...

Chennai's Water Supply: Desalination Plant Impacts

May 23, 2024

Chennai, with its ever-expanding population and recurring water shortages, is set to welcome its fourth desalination plant, touted to be one of the largest in Asia. However, experts warn that relying on desalination plants may have significant long-term costs and suggest alternative solutions. CHALLENGES WITH DESALINATION Environmental Impact: Environmentalists argue that desalination plants cause significant environmental damage. The ... Read More...

EARTH’S MAGNETOTAIL

May 23, 2024

1. What is Earth’s magnetotail? Earth’s magnetotail is a long, shadow-like tail of the planet’s magnetic field created by the solar wind from the sun. 2. How is the magnetotail formed? The magnetotail is formed when the solar wind hits Earth, pushing the magnetic field into a long tail behind the planet. Read More...

ISRO's NETRA Project: Safeguarding Space with Advanced Tracking

May 23, 2024

NETRA is an initiative aimed at enhancing India’s capabilities in space situational awareness, particularly in monitoring and managing space debris. Here are some detailed facts about NETRA: 1. Purpose and Scope: NETRA is designed to provide ISRO with autonomous capability to track and monitor the position of satellites and space debris as small as 10 cm in size at geostationary orbit, and even smaller debris in lower orbits. This enables precise tracking of objects that pose collision risks to operational s... Read More...

RETURN OF THE SEI WHALE: A BEACON OF HOPE FOR CONSERVATION

May 23, 2024

The recent reappearance of the majestic sei whale along Argentina’s Patagonian coast after nearly 100 years is an extraordinary event in marine biology and conservation. This resurgence is not only a testament to the resilience of nature but also highlights the effectiveness of global conservation efforts. Characteristics of Sei Whales • Size and Appearance: Sei whales are among the largest whale species, reaching lengths of... Read More...