Current affairs

Expansion of Universe, Speed, Reasons, Impact

Context A recent study confirmed that two equally valid methods for measuring the universe's expansion rate yield different values, creating the "Hubble tension." Two methods to measure expansion: Cosmic microwave background (CMB) and The cosmic distance ladder, specifically observations of...

Current Affairs 18th April 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

India's Economic Growth Context: As per the recent UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Trade and Development Report Update, India grew by 6.7% in 2023 and is expected to grow by 6.5% in 2024. Overview of India's Economic Performance Growth Rate:...

Dubai Flood, Factors and Climate Change Implications

The recent heavy rainfall event in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in Dubai, marked a significant departure from the region's typical arid climate. On April 15, 2024, a severe thunderstorm brought unprecedented levels of rainfall, causing widespread disruption and...

IMF’s World Economic Outlook Report 2024 Highlights on Global Economy

Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently revised India's growth projection upwards to 6.8% for 2024, citing robust domestic demand conditions and a growing working-age population. India's Growth Projection as per IMF’s World Economic Outlook IMF's Revised Forecast: The IMF...

Current Affairs 17th April 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Imported Inflation Context: The Asian Development Bank recently warned that India could face imported inflation as the rupee could depreciate amid the rise in interest rates in the West. What Is Imported Inflation? Imported inflation refers to the situation where...

Aviation Emissions, Metrics, Historical Changes

Context: Despite being highly carbon-intensive, aviation contributes to only 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. Drivers of Change in Aviation Emissions The "Kaya identity" framework, which considers population, income, energy efficiency, and carbon intensity, is used to understand aviation emissions. Factors...

Suspension of Operations Pact with Kuki-Zo Insurgent Groups

Context: The Manipur government declined to attend a central meeting to renew the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki-Zo insurgents. More in news The SoO pact with Kuki-Zo groups continues to exist in a status quo state. The Kuki-Zo...

Operation Meghdoot: How India Won Siachen Glacier?

Context: April 13, 2024, marked four decades of the Indian Army's Operation Meghdoot. Operation Meghdoot was a bold military operation undertaken by the Indian Army in 1984 to capture control of the strategically important Siachen Glacier in Ladakh. Operation Meghdoot...

Current Affairs 16th April 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Hydrocarbons Context: Hydrocarbons significantly impact the environment through CO2 emissions. Emissions occur throughout the hydrocarbon lifecycle (production, use, well abandonment) Fact A 2018 study estimated oilfields releasing 1.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in one year. How Hydrocarbons Are Formed...

Editorial of the day (16th Apr): India’s Arctic Imperative

Context: India's first winter expedition in the Arctic successfully concluded. More In News In December 2023, four Indian climate scientists arrived in Oslo to start acclimatising for India’s first winter expedition in the Arctic. The expedition was based at Himadri,...