UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SIACHEN GLACIER: GEOGRAPHY,GEOPOLITICS and GEOSTRATEGY

Apr 19, 2024

Geography: The Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas, is at an altitude of approximately 5,400 meters (17,700 feet) above sea level. It spans about 76 kilometers (47 miles), making it the longest glacier in the Karakoram and the second-longest in the world’s non-polar areas. The glacier lies between the Saltoro Ridge line to the west and the main Karakoram range to the east. The rugged terrain is characterized by steep slopes, harsh weather, and creva... Read More...

40 YEARS AT SIACHEN GLACIER:Operation Meghdoot

Apr 19, 2024

As the Indian Army celebrates its 40th year of continuous presence at the Siachen Glacier under “Operation Meghdoot”, several updates and technological advancements have significantly boosted both the living conditions and operational capabilities at the world’s highest battlefield. Here’s an overview of the key improvements and initiatives: 1. Mobility Enhancements: The development of an extensive network of tracks and the introduction of all-terrain vehicles have significa... Read More...

ANCIENT INDIAN MATHEMATICAL TRADITIONS

Apr 19, 2024

What are some key mathematical discoveries made in ancient India? Ancient Indian mathematicians made significant contributions across various fields of mathematics. For example, the concept of zero as a number was first used in the ancient Indian text, the Bakshali manuscript. The Baudhayana theorem, known in the West as the Pythagorean theorem, was described in ancient Indian texts long before Pythagoras. Additionally, Aryabhata's treatise, Aryabhatiya, introduced the trigonometric functions of sine (jya) ... Read More...

Drug Manufacturing in Microgravity in Space

Apr 19, 2024

1. What is microgravity? Microgravity is the condition in which people or objects appear to be weightless. The effects of microgravity can be seen when astronauts and objects float in space. It occurs in environments that are in continuous free fall towards Earth, such as the International Space Station (ISS). 2. How does microgravity affect pharmaceutical manufacturing? In microgravity, the proces... Read More...

Transforming India's Forest Conservation

Apr 19, 2024

1. What initiated the change in the definition of forests in India? The change initiated with the Supreme Court's landmark judgment in 1996, known as the Godavarman judgment. This ruling expanded the definition of forests to include all areas that fit the "dictionary meaning" of forests, irrespective of their legal classification or ownership. This was a significant shift aimed at ensuring broader protection of forest areas in India. 2. What was... Read More...

Longpi Pottery: Ancient Artistry from Manipur

Apr 19, 2024

Q: What is Longpi pottery? A: A unique, black pottery tradition from Manipur, Northeast India, known for its minimalist design and handcrafted nature. Q: Who makes Longpi pottery? A: Traditionally created by men of the Tangkhul Naga community, though women can practice it as well. Q: Where does the name Longp... Read More...

Volcanic Vortex rings or ‘Smoke rings’

Apr 19, 2024

They are a rare and fascinating phenomenon observed in active volcanoes like Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. These rings are generated by the combination of rapid gas release and the specific shape of the volcanic vent. Here’s a more detailed explanation: Formation: The formation of volcanic vortex rings is believed to be the result of a combination of fast gas release at the top of the magma conduit and regularity in the shape of t... Read More...

Nataraja: The Divine Dance of Lord Shiva

Apr 19, 2024

What is Nataraja? Nataraja is a depiction of the Hindu god Shiva as the divine dancer. It symbolizes Lord Shiva dancing in a ring of flames, performing the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. The iconography of Nataraja is rich with symbolism, reflecting key aspects of Hindu philosophy. What does the Nataraja statue represent? The Nataraja statue represents the cosmic cycl... Read More...

Patua: The Artistry of Narrative Scrolls

Apr 19, 2024

What is Patua Art? Patua art is a traditional form of scroll painting from the region of present-day West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. It involves both the creation of painted scrolls, known as patas, and a performance element where stories are sung or narrated as the scroll is unrolled. Who are the Patuas? The term 'Patua' has three connotati... Read More...

Bali Jatra: Cuttack's Maritime Legacy

Apr 19, 2024

What is Bali Jatra? Bali Jatra, literally meaning "Voyage to Bali," is an annual festival celebrated in Cuttack, Odisha. This festival commemorates the ancient maritime tradition of Odisha, where sailors (known as Sadhabas) embarked on voyages to distant lands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka for trade and cultural exchange. The festival is held on Kartik Purnima (the full moon day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar), symbolizing the day the ancient voyages would traditionally begin. Read More...

Brahmagiri Archaeological Site

Apr 19, 2024

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA) and INDIA

Apr 18, 2024

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an autonomous intergovernmental organization headquartered in Paris. It was established in 1974 following the 1973 oil crisis. The agency was set up under the aegis of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to addre... Read More...

Dakar Declaration on Climate Change 2023

Apr 18, 2024

What is the Dakar Declaration on Climate Change 2023? Key Point: The Dakar Declaration is a formal statement issued by ministers representing the world's 46 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Read More...

Indian Economy and Monsoons

Apr 18, 2024

The southwest monsoon season concluded with rainfall categorized as 'below normal', marking the first occurrence in four years. India experienced a rainfall deficit of six percent during the monsoon of 2023 compared to the long-term average spanning 50 years. However, this ... Read More...

Dancing Frogs of the Western Ghats:

Apr 18, 2024

What makes the dancing frogs unique? Dancing frogs exhibit a distinctive mating behavior known as "foot flagging," where males wave their webbed toes in the air in a rapid motion to attract mates and ward off competitors. This behavior is crucial for their reproduction and species sur... Read More...