UPSC Daily Current Affairs

AFRICA’S DEBT CRISIS

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is Africa’s debt crisis? Africa’s debt crisis refers to the situation where many African countries are struggling under the burden of heavy foreign debts that have escalated due to high interest rates, aggressive loan conditions from international creditors, and challenging economic conditions. This crisis impacts government revenue and hampers development. 2. Why are African countries in so much debt? Several factors contribute to the high l... Read More...

SHOMPEN TRIBE OF GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND

Apr 23, 2024

1. Who are the Shompen? The Shompen are one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India, residing in the dense tropical rainforests of Great Nicobar Island. They are indigenous people known for their semi-nomadic lifestyle, largely isolated from the outside world. 2. Where do the Shompen live? The Shompen live on Great Nicobar Island, which is part of the Nicobar Islands, located in the eastern Indian Ocean. They inhabit the interior areas of t... Read More...

Aadharshila: Anganwadi Curriculum

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is the new curriculum framework for anganwadis? The new curriculum framework, titled ‘Aadharshila’, is designed for children aged three to six years attending anganwadis across India. It aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and is intended to enhance early childhood educat... Read More...

INDIA’S BRAHMOS MISSILES TO THE PHILIPPINES

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is the BrahMos missile? The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya. It is named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers and can be launched from land, sea, sub-sea, and air platforms, targ... Read More...

DISCOVERY OF VASUKI INDICUS

Apr 23, 2024

Newly discovered species of prehistoric snake 1. What is Vasuki Indicus? Vasuki Indicus is the name given to a newly discovered specie... Read More...

CRISPR: Treating Sickle Cell & Thalassemia

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is CRISPR gene-editing? CRISPR gene-editing is a revolutionary technology that acts like molecular scissors to make precise cuts in DNA. In the context of this therapy, it is used to disable the faulty gene that causes sickle cell disea... Read More...

Synthetic Human Embryos: Science and Ethics

Apr 23, 2024

What are synthetic human embryos? Synthetic human embryos, also referred to as "embryo models," are structures created in a laboratory that resemble early-stage human embryos. They are not generated from the traditional fertilization of an egg by sperm but are instead developed from stem cells. Read More...

Bioink Basics

Apr 23, 2024

Bioink is a substance made from natural or synthetic polymers that are used for 3D printing of organ-like structures, which could revolutionize patient care and drug testing. These inks are designed to be biocompatible and support the growth of living cells, aiding in cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. ... Read More...

CSAT Practice

Apr 23, 2024

Question Consider the following matrix: Read More...

Natural Hydrogen and Its Discovery

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is natural hydrogen? Natural hydrogen refers to hydrogen that is produced through natural geological processes rather than manufactured industrially. It occurs in several environments and is often found seeping from the ground in specific geological settings. Read More...

CAVES:WORLD'S LARGEST, LONGEST, AND DEEPEST

Apr 23, 2024

1. What is the world’s largest cave by volume? Hang Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, is the largest cave by volume, measuring approximately 38.5 million cubic meters. It was discovered by a local logger in 1990 and contains its own underground rainforests and enormous cave formations. 2. Which cave holds the record for being the longes... Read More...

ANTARCTICA: BRUNT ICE SHELF CALVING EVENT

Apr 22, 2024

1. What is the Brunt Ice Shelf? The Brunt Ice Shelf is a large floating sheet of ice located on the eastern side of the Weddell Sea in Antarctica. It is adjacent to the Antarctic Peninsula, which is on the opposite side of the Weddell Sea. 2. What recently happened at the Brunt Ice Shelf? In January 2023, a significant sectio... Read More...

Northern Lights: Mysteries & Marvels

Apr 22, 2024

1. What are the Northern Lights? The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. They are caused by the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the sun. 2. Where can you see the Northern Lights? ... Read More...

GIFT SEZ & IFSCA: Gujarat's Global Financial Hub

Apr 22, 2024

1. What is GIFT SEZ and its significance? Gujarat International Finance Tech-city (GIFT) SEZ is India's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) under the Special Economic Zone Act of 2005. It is designed to be a global hub for financial... Read More...

Manual Scavenging in India:Laws and Rulings

Apr 22, 2024

What is manual scavenging? Manual scavenging is the practice where individuals manually clean, carry, dispose of, or handle human excreta from dry latrines and sewers. It's a dehumanizing practice that has been legally banned in India due to its severe health risks and violation of human dignity. What laws are in place to combat manual scavenging in India? India has enacted several law... Read More...