UPSC Daily Current Affairs

FAQs on Chabahar Port Agreement

May 15, 2024

1. What is the significance of the Chabahar Port agreement between India and Iran? The Chabahar Port agreement signifies a strategic investment by India in Iran, enhancing connectivity and trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. It strengthens India's position in regional trade and geopolitics. 2. What are the benefits of the long-term contract for Chabahar Port? The long-term contract allows India to manage and operate a terminal i... Read More...

WIPO Meeting 2024: Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge

May 15, 2024

What is the WIPO Meeting 2024 about? The WIPO Meeting 2024 focuses on final-stage negotiations for a proposed treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge. The aim is to protect the rights of communities that conserve genetic resources and hold knowledge of their use. What are genetic resources? Genetic resources are genetic material of actual or potential value found in plants, ... Read More...

FAQs About Agrasen ki Baoli

May 15, 2024

What is Agrasen ki Baoli? Agrasen ki Baoli, also known as Agrasen's stepwell, is a historical subterranean structure located in New Delhi, India. It is 60 meters long and 15 meters wide, featuring distinct Hindu architectural elements such as arched hallways and long stairways. What is the primary functio... Read More...

COP16: Advancing Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives

May 15, 2024

What is COP16? COP16 refers to the 16th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It is a significant global meeting where parties discuss and make decisions on issues related to biodiversity. Where and when is COP16 taking pl... Read More...

ISRO’s 3D-Printed Rocket Engine: Explanation

May 15, 2024

3D Printing: This is a process that creates objects layer by layer from a digital design. It’s used to construct objects from materials like plastic, composites, or bio-materials. How 3D Printing Works: A 3D model of the object is designed on computer-aided design (CAD) software. The 3D printer then constructs the object using a layering method. 3D Printing in Rocket Engines: By using 3D printing to create engine parts, rocket manufacturers can dramatically reduce the overall costs of a spacecraft. It allows enginee... Read More...

ISRO'S MANGALYAAN-2 MISSION

May 15, 2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is making significant strides towards its second Mars mission, aiming to become the third country to land a spacecraft on another planet. The details of this mission, known as Mangalyaan-2, were unveiled during a recent presentation at the Space Application Centre on National Technology Day. KEY FEATURES OF MANGALYAAN-2 1. Rover and Helicopter Combination: - Similar to NASA's P... Read More...

Hydrogen Fever: Clean Gas Discoveries

May 15, 2024

Introduction Recent discoveries of large natural hydrogen deposits in Albania, France, and Mali have ignited significant interest and excitement in the energy sector. These findings promise a cleaner alternative to other types of hydrogen, sparking what some call a "hydrogen fever." Read More...

UNESCO Recognition: Indian Literary Works Honored

May 15, 2024

Introduction The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have been honored by their inclusion in UNESCO's Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register. This recognition is a significant moment for India, acknowledging the country's rich literary heritage and cultural legacy. Significance - Global Cultura... Read More...

INDIAN SCIENTISTS STUDY RAPID ICE LOSS IN ANTARCTICA

May 15, 2024

Panaji: Indian scientists from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), alongside the British Antarctic Survey, are investigating the rapid reduction in Antarctic ice cover observed since 2016. This unprecedented melting has raised concerns about its implications for global warming and sea level rise. Key Findings: Read More...

Madagascar Communities Restore Baobab Forests with AI

May 15, 2024

Importance of Baobab Trees in Madagascar Baobab trees, indigenous to Madagascar, play a crucial role in the ecosystem and cultural heritage. They support rural communities by providing fruit that is sold for food and cosmetic products. Baobabs, some of the oldest living trees, face severe threats from deforestation due to slash-... Read More...

DELHI WETLANDS: DECLINE AND REMEDIES

May 14, 2024

What Are Delhi Wetlands? Delhi's wetlands are natural water bodies that help recharge groundwater and support biodiversity. They are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in the region. Why Are They Important? - Groundwater Recharge: Wetlands play a vital role in replenishing groundwater. - Biodiversity:... Read More...

UNFF: COUNTRIES ADOPT DECLARATION ON FOREST PROTECTION

May 14, 2024

Introduction On May 9, 2024, delegates at the 19th United Nations Forum for Forests (UNFF) discussed the draft declaration on forest protection. Although the text was not finalized, the declaration aims to outline future actions for UNFF and its stakeholders to protect and preserve global forests. Key Points from UNFF19 - Significance of Forests: Discussions highlighted the critical role of forests in combating climate change, biodiversity loss,... Read More...

FOREST FIRES IN INDIA: A DISASTER MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

May 14, 2024

Extent of Damage Forest fires have caused significant destruction in India, with the country losing 38,100 hectares of tree cover since 2001. Recent data shows a resurgence in forest fires, with 2,130 hectares lost in 2023 alone. Peak Fire Season India’s peak fire season spans from late February to May, a period marked by dry conditions... Read More...

OSHIMATH'S SINKING

May 14, 2024

Abstract Joshimath, a town in the Himalayas, recently experienced significant land subsidence, causing large cracks in roads and over 868 civil structures. This study uses time-series synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry-based PSInSAR approach and high-resolution Planet datasets to monitor land subsidence. The line of sight (LOS) land subsidence velocity for the Joshimath region in 2022–2023 varies from −89.326 to +94.46 mm/year. The highest land subsidence occurred in the north-western part of the town. The study investig... Read More...

ANCIENT STRUCTURES STABILIZING EARTH’S CONTINENTS

May 14, 2024

Definition - Cratons are ancient, stable parts of the Earth's lithosphere that have survived the cycling of continents and oceans for billions of years. They form the core of continents and are composed of ancient rocks. Characteristics - Age: Cratons are typically over a billion years old, with some dating back to the Archean Eon, more than 2.5 billion years ago. - Stability: They are geological... Read More...