UPSC Daily Current Affairs

REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT THROUGH DIETARY CHOICES

May 18, 2024

Environmental Impact of Beef vs. Tofu Carbon Emissions Comparison: Beef production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, emitting 31 times more CO₂ per calorie of food compared to tofu. This stark difference underscores the environmental cost of beef consumption. Greenhouse Gas Contributions: The high emissions from beef are primarily due to methane produced by ... Read More...

SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY REVOLUTIONIZES INDIAN AGRICULTURE

May 18, 2024

Leveraging Satellite Data for Agricultural Innovation Optimizing Farming Practices: Indian farmers, like Lokeswara Reddy, have significantly improved their crop yields and profits by utilizing satellite data. With the help of startups such as Cropin, farmers receive crucial information on optimal sowing times, weather warnings, and efficient irrigation and pesticide use. This technology has helped Reddy increase his net profit to... Read More...

JITNI ABADI, UTNA HAQ' :THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT

May 18, 2024

'Jitni abadi, utna haq' (As much right as the demographic strength) The slogan 'Jitni abadi, utna haq' calls for proportionate reservation in government jobs based on demographic strength. However, it is important to understand the constitutional, judicial, and historical aspects related to reservation in India. Constitutional Provisions Read More...

Sunil Chhetri: Khel Ratna Award Focus

May 18, 2024

The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award represents the pinnacle of sporting honor in India. Named after the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand, this prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements in the world of sports. It highlights the athletes who have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also brought pride to the nation through their performances on international stages. Sunil Chhetri and the Khel Ratna Award Sunil Chhetri, ... Read More...

INDIA'S RED PANDA

May 18, 2024

1. What is a Red Panda? The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a small mammal native to the Eastern Himalayas and Southwestern China. Despite its name, it is not closely related to the giant panda. It is slightly larger than a domestic cat, with reddish-brown fur and a long, shaggy tail. 2. Where can Red Pandas be found in India? In India, red pandas are primarily found in the northeastern states like Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh... Read More...

DNA-PAINT

May 18, 2024

DNA-PAINT is a special way scientists use to take pictures of very tiny things inside cells. It's like a super microscope that allows us to see details we couldn't see before. Imagine you're trying to see something very small, like a grain of sand, with just your eyes. It would be difficult, right? DNA-PAINT helps us see things even smaller than that, like the molecules that make up our cells. This technique uses special glowing molecules that stick to specific parts of cells. By taking lots of pictures and combining them, we can creat... Read More...

Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM)

May 18, 2024

What is the KUSUM Scheme? The Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme is an initiative by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aimed at promoting the use of renewable energy in India's agricultural sector. It focuses on helping farmers to install solar power systems for irrigation and other agricultural operations, thus fostering sustainable agriculture and enhancing energy security in rural areas. What are the key components... Read More...

CORTISOL: THE STRESS HORMONE

May 18, 2024

What is cortisol? Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of each kidney. It plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling the sleep-wake cycle. Most importantly, cortisol is known as the "stress hormone" because its levels increase during stressful situations, helping the body to manage stress effectively. How doe... Read More...

EXPLAINING EARTH'S SHIFTING NORTH POLE

May 18, 2024

Dear students, Today, we are going to learn about an interesting phenomenon happening right here on our planet—Earth's North Pole is shifting! Yes, that's right, the North Pole is moving, and it's moving faster than before. What is the North Pole's Shift? The Earth is like a giant magnet with a magnetic field extending from the North Pole to the South Pole. This magnetic field is not fixed; it changes and moves over time. Originally, th... Read More...

Tolegre Caves: South Garo Hills Discovery

May 18, 2024

An international team, organized by Core Geo Expeditions, conducted a profound exploration of the caves in the Tolegre area of the South Garo Hills, which has led to potentially groundbreaking paleontological findings. This exploration involved a diverse group of experts from India, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Romania, including biologists and speleologists. Discovery of the Tolegre Fossil During their expedition between March 5 and 22, ... Read More...

Unraveling the US-China Trade War

May 18, 2024

The US has significantly escalated its trade war with China by imposing steep tariffs on a wide array of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles, computer chips, and medical products. President Joe Biden's administration has cited "unacceptable risks" to U.S. economic security due to what it perceives as unfair Chinese trade practices, such as flooding the global market with underpriced goods. Background The trade tensions between th... Read More...

China-Russia Relations

May 18, 2024

In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, the relationship between China and Russia has emerged as a pivotal axis around which discussions of a multipolar world order revolve. The recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing has once again highlighted the significance of this bilateral relationship as both nations seek to navigate a world characterized by increasing complexity and volatility. Historical Context and Evolution The Sino-Russian partnership has deep historical... Read More...

Trade War Basics: Understanding Tariffs

May 17, 2024

What is a Trade and Tariff War? A trade and tariff war occurs when countries impose tariffs or duties on each other's goods to protect their domestic industries from foreign competition or to retaliate against unfair trade practices. These tariffs increase the cost of imported goods, making them less attractive compared to locally produced items. Why Do Countries Engage in Trade Wars? Countries engage in trade wars for se... Read More...

Trade dynamics amid tariffs

May 17, 2024

1. What is industrial overcapacity? - Industrial overcapacity occurs when an industry's capacity to produce goods exceeds the demand for those goods. This situation often leads to lower prices and can cause economic distress within the industry, as factories operate below their potential, leading to inefficiencies and lost profits. 2. Why are the U.S. and EU concerned about Chinese overcapacity? - The U.S. and EU are concerned that Chinese overcapacity leads... Read More...

POTENTIAL GAINS FOR INDIA FROM U.S.-CHINA TARIFF WAR

May 17, 2024

The ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and China opens several potential avenues for Indian exporters to expand their markets and increase their export volumes. As the U.S. imposes heavy tariffs on a variety of Chinese goods, and with expected retaliatory measures from China, there could be significant shifts in global trade dynamics that may benefit India. 1. Filling Supply Gaps in the U.S. : The U.S. has imposed tariffs on a broad range of items, including strategic sectors like steel and aluminum, semi-conductors, electric v... Read More...