UPSC Daily Current Affairs

INDIA’S ARCTIC INITIATIVE

Apr 20, 2024

1. Why has India started winter expeditions to the Arctic? India began its first winter expedition to the Arctic due to emerging scientific data indicating that the Arctic is warming at a faster rate than previously understood. This data links significant climatic changes in India, including those affecting the monsoon and Himalayan glaciers, to Arctic conditions. 2. What are the strategic reasons for India’s interest in... Read More...

Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023

Apr 20, 2024

Scope: The DPDP Act applies to the processing of digital personal data within India where such data is collected online, or collected offline and is digitised. Salient Features: The Act is designed to protect the digital personal data of individuals by recognising both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes. It emphasizes a narrower mandate and a focus on the prevention of data breaches. Data Protection Board: The Act replace... Read More...

COASTLINES AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Apr 20, 2024

What is a coastline? A coastline is the area where land meets the ocean or sea. These areas can vary greatly in their geographical features, ranging from rocky cliffs and sandy beaches to expansive mangrove forests and estuaries. How do coastlines vary globally? Globally, coastlines are diverse. Some coastlines feature rugged... Read More...

RAILWAYS’ KAVACH ANTI-COLLISION SYSTEM

Apr 20, 2024

1. What is the Kavach system? Kavach, which means “armor” in Hindi, is an indigenous anti-collision system developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation in collaboration with Indian vendors. It’s designed to prevent train accidents by controlling train operations to avoid collisions. 2. How does Kavach work? Kavach works by using radio communications to mai... Read More...

The Four Fundamental Forces: Understanding and Importance

Apr 20, 2024

1. What is gravity? Gravity is the force that attracts two bodies towards each other. It governs the motion of planets and stars, structures galaxies, and influences the entire universe’s evolution. Despite being the weakest force, its influence is vast due to its infinite range. 2. What does the electromagnetic force do? The electromagnetic force is responsible for a wide r... Read More...

UNDERSTANDING MICROBIOMES WITHIN THE HUMAN BODY

Apr 20, 2024

What is a microbiome? A microbiome refers to the collection of microbes or microorganisms that inhabit an environment, creating a mini-ecosystem. In the context of the human body, the microbiome consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that live on and inside the human body, particularly in places like the gut, skin, mouth, and respiratory tract. Where are microbiomes fou... Read More...

IRGC: Iran's Elite Military Force

Apr 20, 2024

► IRGC What is the IRGC? ● The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: Iran's elite military force created after the 1979 revolution to safeguard the new Islamic system. ● It has its own army, navy, air force, and overseas operations unit (the Quds Force) alongside Iran's regul... Read More...

Dark Patterns Guidelines 2023: FAQs & Compliance

Apr 20, 2024

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the recently issued guidelines for preventing and regulating dark patterns: What are dark patterns? Dark patterns are deceptive design techniques used on websites and apps that trick consumers into making decisions they might not have made if given a straightforward choice. Examples include hidden fees, misleading navigation, or deceptive wording that confuses the user. Read More...

VIENNA CONVENTIONS:India and Canada

Apr 20, 2024

What is the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations? The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty formulated in 1961, which outlines the rules for diplomatic interactions between countries. Its main purpose is to facilitate peaceful international relations. Currently, 193 countries are parties to the Convention, making it a universally recognized framework. Read More...

MAHAD SATYAGRAHA by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Apr 20, 2024

What was Mahad Satyagraha? Mahad Satyagraha was a significant protest led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on March 20, 1927. It aimed to allow untouchables, or Dalits, access to the public water tank in Mahad, Maharashtra, which was traditionally reserved for the upper caste. This movement was one of the first major acts of organized resistance against caste-based discrimination in India. Why was Mahad S... Read More...

HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS IN INDIA

Apr 20, 2024

What causes human-wildlife conflicts in India? Human-wildlife conflicts in India primarily arise from habitat encroachment and fragmentation due to urbanization, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. This leads to wildlife venturing into human settlements in search of food and space, increasing the likelihood of encounters. Which animals are most commonly involved in these conflicts? Read More...

HUMAN MICROBIOME

Apr 20, 2024

What is a microbiome? A microbiome is the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that inhabit various environments. Within the human body, the microbiome refers to the diverse community of these organisms that reside in areas such as the gut, skin, mouth, and respiratory tract,... Read More...

Landmark Environmental Judgment: M.K. Ranjitsinh vs. Union of India

Apr 20, 2024

M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India About the Judgment: M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India encompasses several landmark environmental cases filed by the environmental attorney M.C. Mehta. Notably, these cases led to significant judicial interventions related to air and water pollution, including the Ganga pollution case and the Taj Trapezium case. Key Articles and Policies Invoked... Read More...

CLOUD FORESTS in INDIA

Apr 20, 2024

1. What is a Cloud Forest? A cloud forest is a type of rainforest located at high altitudes, typically between 1,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level. These forests are characterized by a constant mist or cloud cover at the canopy level. 2. How are Cloud Forests Formed? Cloud forests form through a process known as lateral cloud filtration. This involves air currents traveling inland from ... Read More...

ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS (IRGC) of Iran

Apr 20, 2024

What is the IRGC? The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is Iran’s elite military force established after the 1979 revolution to safeguard the Islamic system. It operates parallel to Iran’s regular military forces and includes its own army, navy, air force, and the Quds Force, which manages overseas operat... Read More...