UPSC Daily Current Affairs

THE ISRAEL-IRAN CRISIS:Full View

Apr 30, 2024

1. What are the root causes of the Israel-Iran crisis? The crisis between Israel and Iran stems from deep-seated geopolitical, religious, and ideological differences. Iran’s official stance against the existence of Israel, support for Palestinian groups, and its ambition to expand its influence in the Middle East sharply contrast with Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and its sponsorship of anti-Israel milit... Read More...

GREEN GROWTH AND THE ROLE OF THE RBI

Apr 30, 2024

1. What is the role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in addressing climate change? The RBI is integrating considerations of climate change into its monetary policy framework to assess and mitigate its impact on economic stability. This includes examining how extreme weather events and climate shocks might influence food inflation and the natural rate of interest, thereby affecting the overall financial stability of the economy. ... Read More...

COMBUSTION: UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE FLAME

Apr 30, 2024

1. What is combustion? Combustion is a type of chemical reaction known as a redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction. In this process, one substance loses electrons (oxidant) and another gains them (reductant). In the context of fuels, the fuel typically acts as the reductant. 2. How does combustion power internal combustion engines? In internal combustion eng... Read More...

ANTICYCLONES AND HEAT WAVES IN INDIA: UNDERSTANDING THE LINK

Apr 30, 2024

1. What is an anticyclone and how does it affect weather in India? An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon characterized by winds moving in a clockwise direction around a center of high atmospheric pressure in the Northern Hemisphere. When air descends within an anticyclone, it compresses and warms, potentially leading to higher temperatures on the surface. Over India, these conditions can result in prolonged and intense heat waves, particularly during the pre-monsoon season... Read More...

RAJA RAVI VARMA’S “INDULEKHA”

Apr 30, 2024

1. Who was Raja Ravi Varma? Raja Ravi Varma was a pioneering Indian artist known for his paintings that combined European techniques with Indian subjects. He is credited with transforming the face of Indian art through his realistic portrayal of Indian deities and scenes from Indian epics and history. 2. What is the significance of the painting “Indulekha”? Read More...

Pacific Ocean Environmental Threats: Plastic, Overfishing, Acidification

Apr 30, 2024

► FAQs on the Threats to the Pacific Ocean 1. Why is the Pacific Ocean significant? The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering about a third of the globe’s surface. It plays a critical role in regulating weather, producing oxygen, and supporting biodiversity and human economies. 2. What are the main thr... Read More...

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

Apr 30, 2024

1. What makes the Indian Ocean historically significant for trade? The Indian Ocean has been central to long-distance trans-oceanic trading networks for thousands of years, facilitated by the monsoon wind system that allows for predictable navigation. This ocean has connected diverse regions including East Africa, the Middle East, India, and China, fostering extensive cultural and economic exchanges. 2. How did the monsoon winds affect trade in th... Read More...

ABRAM BIN YIJU'S TRADE CONNECTIONS IN INDIA

Apr 30, 2024

1. Who was Abram bin Yiju? Abram bin Yiju was a Jewish merchant and scholar from the 12th century, originally from Tunisia. He is known for his extensive travels and business dealings across the medieval Islamic world, including a significant period of his life spent in India. 2. Why did Abram bin Yiju move to India? Abram bin Yiju moved to India to take advantage of the thriving trade opportunities along the Indian ... Read More...

ISRO’S PROJECT NETRA

Apr 30, 2024

1. What is Project NETRA? Project NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis) is an initiative by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It serves as an early warning system designed to detect and track space debris and other hazards that could pose threats to Indian satellites in orbit. 2. Why is Project NETRA important? Space debris, including spent rocket stages, defunct satellites, and fragment... Read More...

Accelerated Warming in the Indian Ocean: Impact on India

Apr 30, 2024

1. What does accelerated warming mean for the Indian Ocean basin? Accelerated warming refers to the rapid increase in the ocean’s temperatures, projected at a rate of 1.7°C to 3.8°C per century from 2020 to 2100. This trend leads to more severe weather conditions, extended marine heatwaves, and increased cyclone intensity. 2. How does the warming affect monsoon patterns in India? The warming of the Indi... Read More...

THE DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION (DPDP) ACT, 2023

Apr 29, 2024

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, represents a significant step for India in the realm of data protection. As India’s first comprehensive data protection law, the DPDP Act establishes a robust legal framework for managing personal data within and outside the country, emphasizing the protection of digital personal data processed by entities operating in India. This is particularly relevant in our technology-driven age, where data privacy is crucial for both individuals and organizations. Read More...

UN SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM: G4 and India

Apr 29, 2024

1. What is the UN Security Council? The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for ensuring international peace and security, accepting new members into the UN, and approving any changes to its charter. 2. Why is the reform of the UN Security Council considered necessary? Reform is considered necessary to make the Council more representative, efficient... Read More...

IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report Overview

Apr 29, 2024

► Introduction The Sixth Assessment Cycle’s Synthesis Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), adopted at the 58th Session in Interlaken, Switzerland on March 19, 2023, consolidates findings from the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). It builds on the inputs from three working groups and three special reports, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of climate knowledge, impacts, risks, and necessary actions. Read More...

Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5)

Apr 29, 2024

The Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5) concluded with significant outcomes, including the adoption of the ‘Doha Political Declaration’. This pivotal event took place under the theme “From Potential to Prosperity” and was hosted in Qatar from March 5-9, 2023. This conference is crucial in setting the agenda for the next decade, particularly in relation to the Doha Programme of Action (DPoA) for 2022-2031, which aims to guide the 46 most vulnerable countries towards achieving the United Nations-mandated Sustainable Dev... Read More...

Urgent Call for Treaty to Combat Space Debris Crisis

Apr 29, 2024

The urgent call by scientists for a legally-binding treaty to protect Earth’s orbit highlights a growing crisis in space management. The expected rise from 9,000 to 60,000 satellites by 2030 underscores the increasing clutter, while the presence of over 100 trillion untracked pieces of satellite debris intensifies the need for stringent control and cooperation. Key Points: 1. Increasing Satellite Count and Debris: Read More...