UPSC Daily Current Affairs

GLOBAL PLASTICS TREATY Talks

May 08, 2024

1. What is the Global Plastics Treaty? The Global Plastics Treaty is an international initiative involving at least 175 United Nations member nations, aimed at eliminating the use of harmful plastics. The treaty negotiations focus on setting binding timelines to curb plastic production, eliminate wasteful uses, ban harmful chemicals, and establish recycling targets. 2. What are the main goals of the treaty? Read More...

INDIA'S FOREIGN POLICY EVOLUTION

May 08, 2024

1. How has India's foreign policy evolved in recent years? India's foreign policy has transitioned from a cautious approach to forming alliances to a more assertive strategy aimed at achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific. This shift reflects India's growing confidence and its desire to increase its influence and ensure security in its region. 2. What are the main goals of India's current foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi? Read More...

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MENTAL HEALTH

May 08, 2024

1. How does climate change impact mental health? Climate change can lead to psychological disorders such as eco-anxiety, solastalgia, and eco-paralysis, which are direct responses to environmental degradation and change. Additionally, the stress from climate-related disruptions can exacerbate existing mental health conditions. 2. Are certain groups more vulnerable to the mental health effects of climate change? Yes, individuals with pre-existing mental h... Read More...

NEPAL’S NEW CURRENCY:INDIA-NEPAL BORDER DISPUTE

May 08, 2024

1. What is the current dispute between India and Nepal? The current dispute revolves around the inclusion of the territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani in the new Rs 100 denomination notes issued by Nepal. India claims these areas based on historical treaties and recent political maps, while Nepal claims them based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. 2. Why are these territories significant? These territories are significan... Read More...

SARNA CODE FOR TRIBAL PEOPLE IN INDIA

May 08, 2024

1. What is the Sarna Code? The Sarna Code is a proposal for a separate religious code for tribal communities in India who follow Sarna or nature worship. It seeks official recognition of their distinct religious practices and beliefs, separate from mainstream Hinduism, Christianity, or other religions. 2. Why is the Sarna Code significant for tribal communities? Recognition of the Sarna Code would allow tribal communities to categorize themselves distin... Read More...

WEST NILE FEVER IN KERALA

May 08, 2024

1. What is West Nile Fever? West Nile Fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the West Nile virus. It is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected Culex mosquitoes, typically acquired from feeding on infected birds. 2. What are the symptoms of West Nile Fever? Symptoms can vary widely, ranging from no symptoms at all to severe neurological issues. Common symptoms include... Read More...

AI and electricity consumption

May 08, 2024

Q: How much electricity does AI consume? A: AI consumes a significant amount of electricity, with estimates suggesting that data centers worldwide, which are necessary to train and power AI systems, currently account for 1 to 1.5% of global electricity use. For example, training a single AI model can consume as much electricity as 17 US homes in a single year. Q: What is the most energy-intensive phase of AI? A: The training phase of AI is more energy-intensive ... Read More...

ISTORICAL GROWTH TRENDS AND CURRENT GLOBAL RANK

May 08, 2024

India has demonstrated significant economic growth in 2023, with its GDP surging to notable heights. As reported by the Statistics Ministry and the Ministry of Finance, India's GDP in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 stood at a robust 8.4%, marking a substantial increase from the 4.3% recorded in the same quarter of the previous year. The nation's GDP for the entire fiscal year 2024 was 7.6%. India's impressive GDP growth can be attributed to strong performances in the construction, manufacturing, and services sectors, although concerns about the lower rate of private consumptio... Read More...

ROLE OF WILDLIFE CORRIDORS IN TIGER CONSERVATION

May 08, 2024

Maharashtra's plan to translocate tigers to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR) is a strategic effort to rejuvenate the tiger population in the region. STR, established in 2010, spans the districts of Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ratnagiri. Despite its significant area and status as a tiger reserve, STR has struggled with low tiger numbers due to various factors including poaching, an inadequate prey base, and habitat degradation. Why Translocate Tigers to STR? The primary goal of translocating tigers from the Tadoba-Andhari T... Read More...

Bhimashankar Glow

May 08, 2024

The Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, offers a mesmerizing natural spectacle during the monsoon season. This 131-square-kilometer reserve, located approximately 100 km east of Mumbai, is not only a sanctuary for the endangered Indian Giant Squirrel and various reptiles but also a site of stunning natural beauty. Read More...

Climate Financing FAQs

May 08, 2024

1. What is climate finance? Climate finance refers to local, national, or transnational financing that supports mitigation and adaptation actions to address climate change. 2. What is the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)? The NCQG is a goal for climate finance, currently set at $100 billion per year after 2025, to help developing countries meet their ... Read More...

MicroRNAs (miRNAs)

May 07, 2024

FAQ 1: What are miRNAs? Answer:MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules, typically about 22 nucleotides long, that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. They do not encode proteins but instead function by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, leading to the repression of gene expression either by degrading the mRNA or inhibiting its translation into protein. Read More...

Koalas and Australian Bushfires

May 07, 2024

Koalas are iconic marsupials native to Australia, known for their tree-dwelling lifestyle and reliance on eucalyptus leaves for food. Here are some basic facts about koalas: Koala Basics Scientific Name: Phascolarctos cinereus Diet: Koalas are herbivores, primarily feeding on eucalyptus leaves. They are highly selective, eating leaves from only a few of the over 600 eucalyptus species. Read More...

DNA barcoding

May 07, 2024

What is DNA Barcoding? FAQ 1: Can you explain DNA barcoding in simple terms? Think of it like a supermarket barcode, but for living things. DNA barcoding uses a short, standardized section of DNA to identify different species. FAQ 2: Why do we need DNA barcoding? Traditional Identification: Ident... Read More...

Boreal Forests and their response to Climate Change:

May 07, 2024

What are boreal forests? Boreal forests, also known as taiga, encompass the vast forested regions in the northern parts of the world, including parts of Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Siberia. They primarily consist of coniferous trees such a... Read More...