Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs

GS II- Governance Overview The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID was introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to standardize student records across the country. While designed to enhance educational transitions, concerns regarding implementation and data privacy have led to significant debates among activists. Key Features …

GS III-Environment Why in the News? The World Air Quality Report 2024, published by the Swiss organization IQAir, ranked India as the 5th most polluted country globally. This marks an improvement from its 3rd place ranking in 2023. Key Findings of the Report India’s Air Pollution Status Country Ranking: India …

GS III-Energy Context: Scientists in northeastern France have discovered a large natural hydrogen deposit, marking one of the most significant reserves of white hydrogen ever found. (Source: TNN) What is White Hydrogen? Also known as natural hydrogen, gold hydrogen, or geologic hydrogen, it is naturally occurring molecular hydrogen found within …

GS III-Conservation Context: The discovery of Plastic Ice VII provides valuable insights into extreme planetary environments, as reported by The Times of India (ToI). What is Plastic Ice VII? A newly confirmed fourth phase of water, distinct from its conventional solid, liquid, and gaseous states. Forms under extreme conditions—requiring pressures …

GS III-Agriculture Context: A novel electrochemical method has been developed to extract urea from urine, facilitating wastewater treatment while converting it into a sustainable resource, as reported by The Hindu (TH). Urine as a Valuable Resource “Liquid Gold” Concept: Urine is rich in essential nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, …

GS I-Geography Context: The Fuego volcano in Guatemala recently erupted, prompting emergency response measures, as reported by The Guardian (TG). About Fuego Volcano Name & Location: Also known as Volcán de Fuego (Spanish for “Volcano of Fire”), it is situated near Antigua, Guatemala. Volcanic Activity: One of Central America’s most …

GS III-Conservation Context: A large wildfire has recently broken out in the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, as reported by The Free Press Journal (FPJ). About Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary Location: Situated on the outskirts of Udaipur, Rajasthan, within the Aravalli hills. Historical Significance: Encloses the Sajjangarh Fort, constructed in 1874 by Maharana …

GS III-Infrastructure Context: Excessive regulatory compliance and corruption have emerged as significant barriers to business growth in India, as highlighted in a recent The Hindu report. Economic Consequences of Corruption Increased Operational Costs: Frequent demands for bribes raise the cost of doing business. Deterrence to Foreign Investment: Nearly 80% of …

GS II-Health Context: A recent study by CSIR-CCMB highlights that endogamy plays a significant role in population-specific genetic disorders and influences drug metabolism across India. Understanding Endogamy: Endogamy refers to the practice of marrying within a defined social, caste, ethnic, religious, or tribal group, often reinforced by cultural or legal …

GS-I-History Background: Recently, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Chino Hills, California, was subjected to vandalism. About BAPS: Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a sect within Hinduism that follows Vaishnavism. It belongs to the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Establishment: BAPS was founded in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865–1951), who propagated …

GS III-Security Context: Indian scientists have developed a nanoparticle-based security ink to enhance anti-counterfeiting measures. What is Security Printing? Used to prevent forgery in critical documents like banknotes, passports, and cheques. Features: Human-Detectable: Watermarks, holograms, optically variable ink. Machine-Detectable: RFID chips, digital watermarks, security threads. Role of Nanoparticles in Security …

Prelims Bites Context: Preprints gained popularity during COVID-19 for early research access. However, post-pandemic analysis raised concerns about their quality and credibility. What are Preprints? Definition: Scientific papers shared publicly before peer review. Purpose: Allows researchers to disseminate findings quickly without waiting for formal journal publication. Optional Peer Review: Authors …

GS II-Defense Context: India signed a deal with Russia to procure 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks, including Transfer of Technology (ToT). About T-72 Tanks Main Battle Tank (MBT): Developed by the Soviet Union (1970s), widely used globally. Firepower: 125mm smoothbore gun (main weapon). Coaxial machine gun & anti-aircraft gun. …

GS III-Science and Technology   Context: Scientists have developed a gene-edited banana that remains fresh and yellow for 12 hours after peeling, reducing food waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Why Do Bananas Brown? Ethylene Hormone: Triggers ripening even after harvest. Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO): Reacts with oxygen, causing browning. Bruising Effect: …

GS II-International Agreement Context: Lithuania withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), citing security concerns, drawing global criticism. About the CCM: Adopted: 2008 | Came into force: 2010 Prohibits: Use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. Membership: 112 state parties + 12 signatories. Non-signatories: Russia, Ukraine, India. About …

GS-II-International Relations Context: PM’s visit to Mauritius highlights India’s commitment to its historical and strategic partnership with the island nation. Indo-Mauritius Bilateral Relations Historical & Cultural Ties: Indian Diaspora: Nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population has Indian ancestry, tracing back to indentured laborers from colonial times. Stable Relations: Strong political and …

GS III-Infrastructure Context: Karnataka’s Sharavati Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project (PSHP), a ₹8,000 crore initiative, faces environmental concerns and corruption allegations. About the Project: Capacity: 2,000 MW pumped storage system. Reservoirs Used: Talakalale (upper) & Gerusoppa (lower). Function: Water is pumped uphill during off-peak hours and released to generate electricity. Infrastructure: …

GS I – Geography Geographical Location & Size: Situated in Central Africa, the DRC is Africa’s second-largest nation and ranks 11th globally in terms of land area. Has a narrow 40-km coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Shares borders with nine nations: Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, …

GS I-Geography Geographical Location: Situated in the eastern South Pacific Ocean, along the northern Chilean coastline. Environmental Conditions: Depth: Extends beyond 8,000 meters, ranking among the deepest oceanic trenches. Extreme Factors: Crushing pressure due to immense depth. Near-freezing temperatures persist year-round. High sediment deposits influence the trench’s ecology. Perpetual darkness …

Prelims-Species (GS I – Environment) Context: A recent discovery in the Atacama Trench has reshaped existing knowledge about deep-sea ecosystems, with the identification of Dulcibella camanchaca—a newly classified predatory amphipod. About Dulcibella Camanchaca New Species Identified: A previously unknown amphipod species was found at a depth of 7,902 meters in …