UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Light Colors and Light Pollution

May 06, 2024

FAQ 1: Why is red light the least disruptive to wildlife? Red light has longer wavelengths, scattering less and causing minimal interference to the circadian rhythms (internal clocks) of nocturnal animals. Read More...

AJMER, RAJASTHAN AS A POTENTIAL NATIONAL GEOPARK

May 06, 2024

1. What is a National Geopark? A National Geopark is a unified area with geological heritage of international significance. The Geopark aims to conserve the geological sites for education, sustainable development, and tourism. Read More...

Global Declaration: Crisis of River Dolphins

May 06, 2024

FAQ 1: What makes river dolphins unique, and why are they vital to their ecosystems? River dolphins are apex predators in major river systems. As "ecosystem canaries," their health indicates the overall health of rivers, which countless other species and human communities depend upon. FAQ 2: Name the surviving river dolphin species and their primary threats. Read More...

Geological Wonders of Dehradun

May 06, 2024

Robber's Cave (Guchhupani) and its geoheritage significance Formation: Robber's Cave is essentially a gorge carved into limestone rock. This is what's known as a karst terrain feature, formed by a specific ty... Read More...

Jaipur's Geology: Potential Geopark

May 06, 2024

Jaipur's Geological Foundations FAQ 1: What makes Jaipur's geology interesting from a Geopark perspective? Read More...

Women Who Framed The Indian Constitution

May 06, 2024

1. Who were some of the notable women members of the Constituent Assembly of India? Several women played key roles in the Constituent Assembly, including Dr. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, who was also India’s first Health Minister; Sarojini Naidu, known as the Nightingale of India; Vijayalakshmi Pandit, who later became the first woman President of the United Nations General Assembly; Durgabai Deshmukh, a social reformer and public activist; Hansa Mehta, who influenced the ph... Read More...

LESSER FLORICAN (SYPHEOTIDES INDICUS)

May 06, 2024

1. What is the Lesser Florican and where is it found? The Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) is the world’s smallest bustard species, endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Historically, it was widely distributed, but now it breeds only in isolated grassland patches in Gujarat, Rajasthan,... Read More...

Peatlands in India

May 06, 2024

What are Peatlands? Peatlands are wetland ecosystems formed by the accumulation of partially decomposed plant remains over thousands of years under water-logged conditions. They are crucial carbon sinks covering only 3% of Earth's surface but containing 30% of the world's soil carbon. Read More...

New Online Gaming Rules 2023

May 06, 2024

The April 2023 amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) focus on regulating online gaming, especially games involving real money. Here's a simplified overview of the key changes: 1. Classification and Regulation: ● Online Games and Online Gaming Intermediaries: Defined as... Read More...

LIGHT POLLUTION and Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

May 06, 2024

What is light pollution? Light pollution refers to human-made alterations in natural outdoor lighting levels. It occurs due to the presence of unwanted, excessive, or inappropriate artificial lighting. Read More...

India-Sri Lanka Reopen Passenger Ferry Service After 40 Years

May 04, 2024

India and Sri Lanka have resumed a passenger ferry service after a hiatus of nearly 40 years, reinstating an important link between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and Kankesanthurai in the northern province of Sri Lanka. This service, launched on October 14, signifies a rejuvenation of both diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. The ferry, named Cheriyapani, made its inaugural journey with 50 passengers and 12 crew members, managed by Captain Biju George. The travel duration is approximately three hours. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, highlighted this event as a crucial milestone in ... Read More...

Floor Space Index Reforms in India

May 04, 2024

► Understanding FSI and the Need for Reform FAQ 1: What is FSI (Floor Space Index), and why is it important for urban planning? FSI is a ratio: the total buildable floor area allowed on a plot of land divided by the plot size. It determines how much development is permitted, greatly influencing urban density and land use. Read More...

Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) in India

May 04, 2024

What is a Pumped Storage Project (PSP)? A Pumped Storage Project (PSP) is a type of hydroelectric power system that serves as a large-scale energy storage facility. It works by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir during p... Read More...

Lipids from Biomass: A Sustainable Energy Solution

May 04, 2024

Lipids, or fats, are crucial organic molecules that play vital roles in various biological processes and are key components of all living cells. Beyond their biological importance, lipids derived from biomass are increasingly recognized as a sustainable source of green energy. Significance in Biological Systems Lipids include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids, serving as essential energy stores, structural elements of cell membranes, and hormone precursors. Their extraction from biomass is pivotal for industries a... Read More...

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in India

May 04, 2024

What are India's goals for non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030? India aims to achieve 50% cumulative installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. Additionally, India has pledged to reduce the emission intensity of it... Read More...