UPSC Daily Current Affairs

DRY ICE AND LIQUID NITROGEN: ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS

Apr 02, 2024

1. What are Dry Ice and Liquid Nitrogen? Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), typically used for cooling and freezing purposes because it sublimates at -78.5°C (-109.3°F), transitioning directly from solid to gas without becoming liquid. Liquid nitrogen, on the other hand, is nitrogen in a liquid state at an extremely low temperature. It is characterized by its ability to freeze quickly and is used in various scientific a... Read More...

INDIA-MYANMAR BORDER FENCING

Apr 02, 2024

1. What is the main purpose of fencing the India-Myanmar border? The primary aim of fencing the India-Myanmar border is to regulate illegal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and the smuggling of goods such as teak wood and red sandalwood. It is also intended to manage illegal immigration effectively and ensure national security. 2. How lo... Read More...

Historical Monuments in India: Protection and Loss

Apr 02, 2024

1. Why Are Historical Monuments in India Going Missing? Numerous factors contribute to the disappearance of historical monuments in India, including encroachment, neglect, lack of public awareness, and sometimes, deliberate looting. Urbanization and insufficient monitoring have also led to monuments being lost or becoming untraceable. 2. What is the Significance of the Monuments That Have Gone... Read More...

India's Employment Challenges: ILO Analysis

Apr 02, 2024

India’s Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) and Employment Challenges The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) India Employment Report 2024, co-authored with the Institute of Human Development, shines a light on the nuanced and complex employment landscape in India... Read More...

JAPAN and DIGITAL NOMADS

Apr 02, 2024

Japan is embracing digital nomadism to revitalize local economies and spur innovation. The country is introducing a new visa allowing a six-month stay for highly skilled workers from 49 countries, significantly longer than the standard tourist visa. Mitsubishi Estate plans to supply 10,000 rental homes by 2030 to accommodate this new wave of remote workers, in collaboration with Blueground Holdings for seamless online leasing. Local initiatives like Fukuoka City’s COLIVE FUKUOKA program and Nagasaki City’s FAM Tour aim to explore and enhance the digi... Read More...

India’s Declining Fertility Rate and Its Demographic Implications

Apr 02, 2024

1. What is the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and How Has It Changed in India Over Time? The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime. In India, the TFR has experienced a significant decline, from nearly 6.2 children per woman in 1950 to just under 2 children per woman in 2021. This shift reflects changes in societal norms, economic conditions, and increased access to family planning resources. Read More...

Indian Navy’s Anti-Piracy Operation Sankalp

Apr 02, 2024

1. What is Operation Sankalp? Operation Sankalp is an initiative by the Indian Navy aimed at protecting Indian-flagged vessels transiting through the Gulf region. This operation underscores India’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of international maritime commerce. 2. Why are anti-piracy operations important for India? Anti-piracy operations are crucial for India due to its strategic interest in the safety of mariti... Read More...

‘PUSHPAK’ VIMAN: THE REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE

Apr 02, 2024

India’s ‘Pushpak’ Viman, inspired by the legendary flying chariot from the Ramayana, is a groundbreaking project undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at revolutionizing space exploration through reusability. This ambitious project seeks not only to launch missions to space but also to ensure their safe return, akin to the American space shuttle missions. The essence of the ‘Pushpak’ mission is to democratize access to space by drastically reducing costs, thereby making space exploration more accessible and sustainable. Read More...

The Polar Vortex: A Cold Phenomenon Explained

Apr 02, 2024

What is the Polar Vortex? Always Present: The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that encircles both the North and South Poles. It exists all year round but is strongest in the winter. Two Types: There are actually two polar vortices: ★ Stratospheric Polar Vortex: Located high up in the stratosphere (approximately 10-30 miles altitude). Read More...

Inequality:India’s Wealth Divide

Apr 02, 2024

1. What does the recent paper by the World Inequality Lab reveal about India’s wealth and income distribution? The paper highlights a stark wealth divide in India, with the top 1% holding 22.6% of the country’s income and 40% of its wealth as of FY2023. This disparity places India among the countries with the highest levels of income and wealth inequality worldwide. 2. How has the wealth divide in India changed over time? Read More...

UDYAM Registration for MSMEs

Apr 02, 2024

What is UDYAM? ● UDYAM is a simplified, online portal for registering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India. ● It replaced the previous, more complex Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum (UAM) system. ● The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) oversees the registration portal. Key Features ... Read More...

NAVIGATING THE AI LANDSCAPE: SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY

Apr 02, 2024

AI for public good The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges, particularly in the political realm. Recent occurrences and hypothetical scenarios underscore the dual-edged nature of AI, where its capabilities can be harnessed for both positive advancements and potentially undermining democratic processes. This year, with over half of the global population expected to participate in elections, there’s a palpable c... Read More...

Category 6 Proposal for Tropical Cyclones

Apr 02, 2024

Current Classification System Tropical cyclones are classified by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale into five categories. This system is based on the cyclone’s maximum sustained wind speed, with Category 5 representing the most intense storms, featuring wind speeds exceeding 252 km/hour. Read More...

Autoimmune Diseases: Causes, Types, Treatment

Apr 02, 2024

What is an autoimmune disease? Your immune system is your body's built-in defense against illness and infection. It acts like a powerful army made up of different cells that can detect and destroy invaders like bacteria or viruses. Mistaken Identity: In autoimmune diseases, your immune system gets confused and mistakenly attacks your own healthy cells and tissues as if they were the enemy. Read More...

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

Apr 01, 2024

What is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework? A Landmark Agreement: The GBF is a monumental international agreement reached at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in December 2022. Core Aim: Its primary goal is to reverse the alarming decline of biodiversity around the globe. This loss threatens the well-being of both humans and the planet's ecosystems. A Roadmap to 20... Read More...