UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Disaster Management and Himalayas

Apr 15, 2024

The Risk of Natural Disasters in the Himalayas The Himalayan region accounted for 44 per cent of all the disasters reported in India Q: Why is the Himalayan region so prone to natural disasters? A: The Himalayas are a geologically dynamic region with several factors contributing to their vulnerability: Youthful Geology: The Himalayas are still actively forming, leading to frequent seismic activity, unstable slopes prone to lan... Read More...

Climate Change: Planning for Sustainability in Himalayan Towns

Apr 15, 2024

Q: Why can't traditional planning methods fully address the challenges of Himalayan towns? A: Here's why: Unique Geography: Slope, drainage, and vegetation significantly impact how much stress an area can withstand. Traditional planning often overlooks these factors. Climate Change: Increased extreme weather events (floods, landslides) demand a different approa... Read More...

India's Leopard Population

Apr 15, 2024

Q: How many leopards are there in India according to the latest report? A: The report estimates the pan-India leopard population at 13,874 individuals, with significant populations in Central India, the Western Ghats, and the Eastern Ghats. Q: How does this compare to previous estimates? A: This shows a stable and potentially growing population compared to 2018, indicating a positive trend in leopard conservation in India. Read More...

Single-Use Plastics in India

Apr 15, 2024

Q: What are single-use plastics (SUPs)? A: SUPs are plastic products designed to be used once and then discarded. Common examples include straws, plastic bags, cutlery, certain food packaging, and many more. Q: Why are single-use plastics a major problem? A: Here's why SUPs are harmful: Environmental pollution: SUPs often e... Read More...

Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) and India

Apr 15, 2024

Q: What is the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)? A: The CCPI is a tool developed by Germanwatch, an environmental NGO. It ranks 63 countries (and the EU) that contribute over 90% of global greenhouse gas emissions based on their performance in addressing climate change. Q: How does the CCPI measure performance? A: The CCPI uses a methodology based o... Read More...

Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in India

Apr 15, 2024

Q: What is Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA)? A: CSA is an approach to transforming agricultural practices to ensure food security in a changing climate. It focuses on three key goals: ●Increased productivity and farm incomes: Helping farmers produce more food and earn more money. ●Enhanced resilience to climate change: Equipping farmers to handle extreme weather events and environmental shocks. ●Reduced environmental impact: Minimizing agriculture&... Read More...

ZIMBABWE’S NEW GOLD-BACKED CURRENCY (ZiG)

Apr 15, 2024

1. What is the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)? The Zimbabwe Gold, or ZiG, is a new gold-backed currency introduced by Zimbabwe’s central bank to combat high inflation and reduce the country’s dependence on the US dollar. 2. Why has Zimbabwe introduced ZiG? Zimbabwe introduced the ZiG as part of its efforts to stabilize the economy, curb the high inflation... Read More...

WHO’S LAUNCH OF ‘CoViNet’ TO MONITOR EMERGING CORONAVIRUSES

Apr 15, 2024

What is CoViNet? CoViNet, the WHO Coronavirus Network, is a newly launched global network of laboratories. Its primary objective is to identify and monitor emerging coronaviruses that could pose a threat to public health in the future. This initiative is an expansion of the WHO COVID-19 reference laboratory network formed i... Read More...

Tornadoes in India

Apr 15, 2024

Tornadoes in India have become increasingly frequent, causing destruction in recent years. While they are more common in the eastern states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand during the pre-monsoon period, there is evidence that some tornadoes have also formed in northwest India. The recent deadly tornado that struck the Mainaguri area of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal highlights this trend. Read More...

Improved Weather Forecasts: Climate-Smart Agriculture in India

Apr 15, 2024

Why are improved weather forecasts crucial for India? Climate Change Impact: India's agriculture sector is highly reliant on the monsoon, making it vulnerable to increasingly erratic weather patterns. Droughts, floods, and heatwaves disrupt crop yields and threaten food security. Limited Water Resources: Water scarcity is a growing concern in India. Accurate forecasts can help farmers optimi... Read More...

NAIROBI INC-3 NEGOTIATIONS ON GLOBAL PLASTIC POLLUTION

Apr 15, 2024

Q1: What was the main goal of the Nairobi INC-3 meeting on plastic pollution? A1: The main goal of the Nairobi INC-3 meeting was to make progre... Read More...

COP14: Wild Animal Conservation, Samarkand

Apr 15, 2024

Star Dunes

Apr 15, 2024

Q: What are star dunes? A: Star dunes are massive, pyramid-shaped sand formations that can reach up to 1,000 feet in height. Their unique star-like appearance when viewed from above comes from the arms stretching out from their central peak. Read More...

Agricultural Value Chains and Regenerative Agriculture

Apr 15, 2024

Understanding Agricultural Value Chains What they are: An agricultural value chain encompasses all the steps and processes involved in taking a raw agricultural product from the farm to the final consumer. This includes production, processing, transport, marketing, and consumption. Why they matter: Analyzing the value chain helps identify opportunities for improving efficiency, adding value, and ensuring that farmers r... Read More...

90 Years of RBI: A Chronological Journey

Apr 15, 2024

The Reserve Bank of India’s 90th anniversary on April 1, 2024, is a momentous occasion, commemorating its profound legacy and significant role in shaping India’s economic destiny. From its establishment on April 1, 1935, following the Hilton Young Commission’s recommendations, the RBI has been pivotal in ensuring economic stability and fostering growth. Its journey has been marked by key events and leadership, evolving functions, and adapting to the nation’s... Read More...