UPSC Daily Current Affairs

TIBET ISSUE AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Jun 24, 2024

MARS: CAVES AND LAVA TUBES

Jun 24, 2024

Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, holds intriguing features beneath its surface, including caves and lava tubes. These underground formations are of great interest for scientific exploration and potential future human habitation. Formation and Characteristics 1. Lava Tubes: These are formed by flowing lava that solidifies on the surface while the molten rock beneath continues to flow. Once the lava flow ceases, a hollow tube-like structure remains. 2. Caves: Martian caves can be formed by various geological ... Read More...

HOW DOES A BACTERIA BECOME A SUPERBUG?

Jun 24, 2024

UNDERSTANDING SUPERBUGS Bacteria that have acquired resistance to antibiotics are known as superbugs. This resistance arises from the overuse of antibiotics in humans and livestock. The more bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, the higher the chances they have to evolve resistance. WHERE DO WE USE ANTIBIOTICS AND HOW DOES IT AFFECT US? Antibiotics have been pivotal in revolutionizing public health since Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. They prevent fatalities from diseases s... Read More...

ADVANCEMENTS IN GENOME EDITED LIVESTOCK

Jun 24, 2024

INTRODUCTION Genome editing, a process of altering or restructuring genes using genetic engineering technology, has revolutionized livestock production. Compared to traditional breeding strategies, genome editing can introduce desirable alleles more precisely and rapidly, enhancing genetic advancement. This technology has significant applications in disease resistance, increased production, improved milk quality, elimination of milk allergens, and overall animal health and welfare. KEY TECHNOLOGIES IN GENOME EDITING Read More...

ASTEROID BELT

Jun 24, 2024

WHAT ARE ASTEROIDS? Asteroids are rocky, airless remnants left over from the early formation of our solar system. Most asteroids orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. They vary greatly in size, from tiny rocks less than a mile across to the largest known asteroid, Ceres, which is about one-quarter the size of our moon and is classified as a dwarf planet. WHAT IS THE ASTEROID BELT? The asteroid belt is a region of space located between the ... Read More...

NASA’S EUROPA CLIPPER MISSION

Jun 24, 2024

WHAT IS THE EUROPA CLIPPER MISSION? NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is designed to explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa, to investigate its potential to support life. The mission, scheduled to launch in October 2024, will involve a spacecraft orbiting Jupiter and conducting close flybys of Europa. OBJECTIVES OF THE MISSION • Main Goal: Determine if there are environments beneath Europa’s icy surface that could support life. • Secondary Goa... Read More...

“KALLAKKADAL” SWELLS IN KERALA AND TAMIL NADU

Jun 24, 2024

Recent “Kallakkadal” swells in Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been linked to intense storms occurring 10,000 km away in the South Atlantic. These swells, often referred to as ‘stealthy sea’, describe waves without wind that typically occur before the monsoon season. These swells are unpredictable, causing significant erosion and damage to coastal structures when they suddenly grow and crash violently on the shore. Scientists have traced these events back to intense storms in the South Atlantic, which have seen waves reaching 10-15 meters. This year’s Sout... Read More...

EVOLUTION OF MARATHA AND KUNBI IDENTITIES

Jun 24, 2024

HISTORICAL ORIGINS The terms ‘Maratha’ and ‘Kunbi’ have undergone significant changes over centuries. The crystallization of the term ‘Maratha’ likely occurred between 1400 and 1600 C.E. to describe a newly emerging service elite. These were the chiefs who brought bands of followers to serve the Bahamani kingdom and its five successor states. SOCIO-POLITICAL MOVEMENTS The Maratha reservation agitation led ... Read More...

KEELADI: A PINNACLE OF TAMIL HERITAGE

Jun 24, 2024

Unearthing Keeladi’s Uniqueness The Heart of Tamil Heritage: Read More...

HOW HIMALAYAN STATES CAN FIGHT AGAINST FOREST FIRES

Jun 24, 2024

Current Situation Himalayan states are experiencing widespread forest fires, with significant incidents reported annually, leading to extensive damage to forest land and wildlife. These fires result in the loss of tree cover and contribute to environmental degradation. Causes of Forest Fires Natural and Human Factors • Pre-monsoon Dryness: Fires often occur during the pre-monsoon period when moisture levels are low due to depleted snowmelt. • Human Activit... Read More...

Understanding Influenza Viruses: A Guide to H5N1, H1N1, and Beyond

Jun 24, 2024

Q: What are the four types of influenza viruses? A: The four types of influenza viruses are Type A, Type B, Type C, and Type D. Q: Which type of influenza virus has pandemic potential? A: Type A influenza virus has pandemic potential. Q: What are the subtypes of Type A influenza virus? A: Some subtypes of Type A influenza virus include H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2. Read More...

RELEVANCE OF THE G-7 IN A CHANGING WORLD

Jun 24, 2024

Reassessing the G-7’s Role The G-7, historically seen as a dynamic group of the world’s most developed democracies, is now facing a need to reassess its purpose and relevance amidst global changes.... Read More...

Boundary between North Korea and South Korea

Jun 22, 2024

38TH PARALLEL The 38th Parallel holds significant historical importance as it marks the boundary between North Korea and South Korea. Here’s a brief overview: HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 38TH PARALLEL 1. Division of Korea: • After World War II, Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation. The 38th Parallel was chosen as the dividing line between Soviet-occupied North Korea and American-occupied South Korea in 1945. Read More...

Chief of Defence Staff

Jun 22, 2024

JOINT DOCTRINE FOR CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS: A NEW MILESTONE FOR INDIA Understanding the New Doctrine What is the Doctrine? The joint doctrine for cyberspace operations, released by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, serves as a comprehensive guide for the Indian armed forces to conduct operations in the increasingly crucial and complex domain of cyberspace. Importan... Read More...

KAVACH: INDIA’S AUTOMATIC TRAIN PROTECTION SYSTEM

Jun 22, 2024

What is Kavach? Kavach is an indigenously developed automatic train protection system designed to enhance railway safety by preventing collisions and accidents. Key Features of Kavach 1. Automatic Braking System: Kavach automatically applies the brakes if the loco pilot fails to do so, preventing collisions when another train is on the same track. 2. Specified Speed Limits: It functions within specific speed limits to ensure safety and effici... Read More...