UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Monsoon Asia: Weather Patterns

Apr 22, 2024

Monsoon Asia refers to the vast region of Asia significantly impacted by monsoon winds and the characteristic weather patterns they bring. This region includes: South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives. Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Timor Leste. East Asia: Parts of China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan. ... Read More...

Siachen Glacier: Geopolitical Importance

Apr 22, 2024

1. Location at the Karakoram Range: Siachen Glacier, positioned in the Karakoram range, sits at the northern tip of India at the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. This high-altitude location places it at a strategic vantage point overlooking several important valleys and regions. 2. Proximity to Nubra Valley: The glacier directly overlooks the Nubra Valley, which is significant due to its location near the confluence of routes leading to Ladakh and further into the Indian mainland. Control over Siachen ensures India has a strategic advantage in monitor... Read More...

Hemchandra Vikramaditya: Life and Times Overview

Apr 22, 2024

Hemchandra Vikramaditya, better known as Hemu, played a significant role in the historical narrative of 16th-century India. Born in 1501 in Machri village in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, Hemu rose from modest beginnings to achieve remarkable feats in the turbulent period marked by the decline of the Sur Empire and the rising power of the Mughals. Before declaring himself king, Hemu served as a general and later as the chief minister (wazir) under Adil Shah Suri, the ruler of the Sur Empire. His prowess in administration and mi... Read More...

PALNADU EPIC AND CULTURAL NARRATIVES

Apr 22, 2024

What is the Palnati Virula Katha? The Palnati Virula Katha, or the Tale of the Palnadu Heroes, is a medieval ballad from Andhra Pradesh, India. It recounts the story of a conflict within the Haihaya dynasty, focusing on figures like Brahma Naidu, a virtuous warrior, and Nagamma Nayakuralu, an influential female minister. The epic blends historical events with mythical elements and has been likened to a local Mahabharata due to its thematic and narrative depth. Read More...

Sustainable Aviation Fuels: CO₂ Solutions

Apr 22, 2024

1. What percentage of global CO₂ emissions is contributed by aviation? Aviation contributes about 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions from fossil sources and land use. 2. Why does aviation contribute more to global warming than its share of CO₂ emissions suggests? Despite only contributing 2.5% to global CO₂ emissions, aviation accounts for about 4% of global warming. This discrepancy is ... Read More...

PAINTED GREY WARE AND ITS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

Apr 22, 2024

What is Painted Grey Ware (PGW)? Painted Grey Ware refers to a type of ancient Indian pottery that is known for its soft grey color and finely painted geometric and floral motifs. This pottery is distinguished by its high-quality fabric, fine levigation, and consistent firing techniques that give it a unique finish. PGW is considered an important archaeological marker for understanding the cultural and technological advancements of the societies that produced it. Read More...

Vadnagar:Continuous Human Settlement

Apr 20, 2024

Vadnagar's continuous habitation from around 800 BCE until the 19th century is a key finding. This continuity demonstrates that instead of experiencing a decline or "Dark Age" after the fall of major civilizations like the Harappan (Indus Valley Civilization), the region saw sustained human activity and development. The archaeological evidence supports a scenario where societies evolved and adapted through various historical periods without significant interruptions. Cultural Layers and Dynastic I... Read More...

Ophiolites: Oceanic Crust Insights & Geological Significance

Apr 20, 2024

1. What are ophiolites? Ophiolites are sections of the Earth's oceanic crust and the underlying upper mantle that have been uplifted and exposed above sea level and often emplaced ... Read More...

FATIMA SHEIKH: AN UNSUNG HEROINE IN INDIAN EDUCATION

Apr 20, 2024

Who was Fatima Sheikh? Fatima Sheikh was an early Indian educator and social reformer who played a pivotal role alongside Savitribai Phule and Jyotirao Phule in advancing girls' education in India. Despite her significant contributions, Fatima Sheikh's role has not been as prominently recognized or celebrated in mainstream Indian history. What was Fatima Sheikh's contribution to ed... Read More...

Warm Arctic-Cold Continent (WACC) Phenomenon

Apr 20, 2024

The Warm Arctic-Cold Continent (WACC) phenomenon is an important and complex climate pattern characterized by unusually warm temperatures in the Arctic regions coupled with severe cold spells across mid-latitude continents such as North America and Asia. This pattern can lead to significant weather extremes that affect millions of people. Read More...

Mahadev Govind Ranade: Social & Economic Reform Pioneer

Apr 20, 2024

Who was Mahadev Govind Ranade? Mahadev Govind Ranade was a distinguished Indian scholar, social reformer, and judge during the British Raj. Born on January 18, 1842, in Niphad, Maharashtra, he was a foundational figure in India’s social reform movements and also contributed significantly to the economic and political thought of his time. What contributions did Ranade make to education in India? Ranade was instr... Read More...

RAJA RAM MOHAN ROY: THE REFORMIST AND EDUCATIONIST

Apr 20, 2024

Who was Raja Ram Mohan Roy? Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent Indian social reformer and the founder of the Brahmo Samaj. He is often called the "Father of the Indian Renaissance" for his role in promoting social and educational reforms in India during the early 19th century. He was born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagar, Hooghly, Bengal. What was significant about Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s letter to Lord Amherst in 1823? Read More...

2nd SRC: Need for More Indian States?

Apr 20, 2024

What is the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC)? The SRC was initially set up by the Government of India in 1953 to evaluate the demands for the creation of new states on linguistic lines. Its recommendations led to the formation of 14 states and 6 union territories in 1956, realigning India's federal structure largely based on linguistic demographics. Why are there demands for a second SRC? Continuous demands for the cre... Read More...

LONG COVID: UNDERSTANDING POST-COVID HEALTH ISSUES

Apr 20, 2024

What is Long COVID? Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that continue for more than three months after the initial recovery from a COVID-19 infection and cannot be explained by another diagnosis. The World Health Organization recognizes Long COVID as a significant health issue affecting COVID-19 survivors. How common is Long COVID? Studies show varied incidence rates of Long COVID due to different research methodologies. A ... Read More...