UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Venezuela: First Country to Lose All Glaciers to Climate Change

May 20, 2024

What Happened to Venezuela's Glaciers? Venezuela has reached a significant and grim milestone in the battle against climate change by losing its last glacier. The Humboldt glacier, also known as La Corona, has diminished to the extent that it no longer meets the criteria for glacier classification. How Significant Was Vene... Read More...

MONITORING TECTONIC MOVEMENTS WITH NISAR SATELLITE

May 20, 2024

What Are Tectonic Movements? Tectonic Plates - Earth's Crust: The Earth's outer shell is divided into large pieces called tectonic plates. - Movement: These plates constantly move, albeit very slowly, over the planet's mantle. Read More...

THE NISAR SATELLITE

May 20, 2024

What Is the NISAR Satellite? NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a satellite developed jointly by NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). It is designed to monitor and study Earth's land and ice surfaces. What Does the NISAR Satellit... Read More...

SRIRAM'S CIVIL SERVICES UPDATE: THE HINDU TODAY

May 20, 2024

VOTER TURNOUT DATA DELAYS - Summary: This section explains the reasons behind delays in uploading voter turnout data, the concerns raised by such delays, the importance of Form 17C, judicial responses, and possible measures to address these issues. SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN TREE COVER ON INDIAN FARMLANDS: A DETAILED SATELLITE IMAGERY ANALYSIS - Summary: This outlines the study on tree cover loss in... Read More...

IMPACT OF LA NIÑA ON INDIA

May 20, 2024

What is La Niña? La Niña is a climate pattern that describes the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It is the opposite phase of El Niño, which is characterized by warmer sea temperatures. La Niña events typically occur every two to seven years and can last from several ... Read More...

FOREST FIRES of UTTARAKHAND: A CRISIS UNFOLDING

May 20, 2024

Forest fires have been ravaging Uttarakhand since November, causing significant loss of life and environmental damage. With five fatalities in May alone, the situation has drawn attention to the various factors contributing to these devastating fires. CAUSES OF FOREST FIRES The forest department attributes the fires to several factors, including: Read More...

TREE LOSS ON INDIAN FARMLANDS:OVERVIEW

May 20, 2024

Causes of Tree Loss 1. Agricultural Expansion and Intensification: As farmers seek to maximize crop yields, they may remove trees to make more land available for cultivation. This is particularly true in regions with high population density and pressure to increase agricultural output. 2. Urbanization and Infrastructure Development: Trees are often cleared to make way for new buildings, roads, and other infrastru... Read More...

THE CONSERVATION OF MANIPURI PONIES

May 18, 2024

What is the Manipuri pony? The Manipuri pony is a recognized equine breed, indigenous to the Indian state of Manipur. It is known for its significant role in the origin of the modern game of polo, called Sagol Kangjei locally. The breed is admired for its intelligence, stamina, and surefootedness. Why is the Manipuri pony important? Read More...

ECOLOGICAL STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE INDIAN FLYING FOX

May 18, 2024

The Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius) is a large bat species primarily found in the Indian subcontinent, including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It inhabits a variety of forest ecosystems, gardens, wetlands, and urban areas, particularly where fruiting trees are abundant. Ecological Role: The Indian flying fox plays a cr... Read More...

Frequently Asked: Ram-Mol Cropping

May 18, 2024

What is Ram-mol? Ram-mol is a traditional mixed-cropping system practiced in the arid Kachchh district of Gujarat, India. It is known for optimizing water usage, improving soil health, and ensuring food and income security through the cultivation of multiple crops. Ho... Read More...

IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA, AI, AND MISINFORMATION ON INDIAN DEMOCRACY

May 18, 2024

How are social media platforms used in Indian election campaigns? Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp have become integral to Indian election campaigns. Political parties use these platforms to connect directly with voters, bypassing traditional news gatekeepers like journalists. What role does misinformation play in these campaigns? ... Read More...

India's Nuclear Journey: 50 Years of Self-Reliance

May 18, 2024

What is the significance of India's nuclear program? India's nuclear program, initiated in 1974, has marked the nation as a significant player in global nuclear capability. Over the past fifty years, it has underscored India's commitment to self-reliance in both civil and military nuclear technologies. How did India begin its nuclear journey? Read More...

ECONOMIC CRISIS IN PAKISTAN: IMPACT ON POK AND TRADER PROTESTS

May 18, 2024

Why are traders in PoK protesting? Traders in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) are protesting against high electricity and food prices, and the broader economic crisis in Pakistan. These protests were exacerbated by the stoppage of trade with India, which has significantly impacted the local economy. Read More...

GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE MONUMENTS IN INDIA: SIGNIFICANCE AND KEY SITES

May 18, 2024

Understanding Geological Monuments Definition and Importance: Geological monuments, also known as geo-heritage sites, are unique natural landmarks that offer insights into the Earth's geological history. These sites showcase the distinct layers of the Earth's crust and highlight various formations, compositions, and arrangements of rocks and minerals. They are crucial for understanding the planet's geological past, in... Read More...

INDIA'S ENGAGEMENT WITH AFRICA: EVOLUTION AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

May 18, 2024

Fourth India-Africa Forum Summit Renewed Diplomatic Efforts: India and the African Union are set to hold their fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) later this year, after a nine-year gap. This summit, the primary political institutional mechanism between New Delhi and the 54 African countries, is expected to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The last IAFS was held in New Delhi in 2015. Significance of... Read More...