{"id":13909,"date":"2023-10-28T11:23:53","date_gmt":"2023-10-28T11:23:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/?p=13909"},"modified":"2023-10-28T11:23:56","modified_gmt":"2023-10-28T11:23:56","slug":"upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Daily Current Affairs &#8211; 21st August 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc\/upsc-cse-geography-optional-integrated-course-test-series-2024-august-batch-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1320\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/kIeqD3sVupPhMpbkeneNVhOWnGarcNuFri0nJNxE.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/kIeqD3sVupPhMpbkeneNVhOWnGarcNuFri0nJNxE.png 1320w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/kIeqD3sVupPhMpbkeneNVhOWnGarcNuFri0nJNxE-1170x369.png 1170w, https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/kIeqD3sVupPhMpbkeneNVhOWnGarcNuFri0nJNxE-585x184.png 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1320px) 100vw, 1320px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In today&#8217;s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants, we explore the latest developments that hold relevance for the upcoming civil services examination. Our focus today includes a critical analysis of recent policy changes, international affairs, and national developments, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping the socio-political and economic landscape of India. Stay informed and stay ahead in your UPSC preparations with our daily current affairs updates, as we provide you with concise, well-researched insights to help you connect the dots between contemporary events and the broader canvas of the civil services syllabus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d4e7bfdc500\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d4e7bfdc500\"  \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Increased_rain_and_reduced_snowfall_in_the_Himalayan_region\" title=\"Increased rain and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan region&nbsp;\">Increased rain and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan region&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#In_News\" title=\"In News:\">In News:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About\" title=\"About&nbsp;\">About&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Reason_for_Increased_Rainfall_and_reduced_snowfall_in_the_Himalayan_Region\" title=\"Reason for Increased Rainfall and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan Region&nbsp;\">Reason for Increased Rainfall and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan Region&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Impact_of_increased_rain_and_reduced_snowfall_in_the_Himalayan_region\" title=\"Impact of increased rain and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan region:&nbsp;\">Impact of increased rain and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan region:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#The_CEC_and_Other_ECs_Appointment_Conditions_of_Service_and_Term_of_Office_Bill_2023\" title=\"The CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023&nbsp;\">The CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Why_in_News\" title=\"Why in News:\">Why in News:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Provisions_for_appointment_of_CEC_and_ECs\" title=\"Provisions for appointment of CEC and ECs:&nbsp;\">Provisions for appointment of CEC and ECs:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Key_features_of_the_Bill\" title=\"Key features of the Bill:&nbsp;\">Key features of the Bill:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Major_Issues_with_the_Bill\" title=\"Major Issues with the Bill:&nbsp;\">Major Issues with the Bill:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Drought_Declaration_Norms\" title=\"Drought Declaration Norms&nbsp;\">Drought Declaration Norms&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Why_in_News-2\" title=\"Why in News:\">Why in News:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Drought\" title=\"Drought:&nbsp;\">Drought:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Process_of_Drought_Declaration_in_India\" title=\"Process of Drought Declaration in India:&nbsp;\">Process of Drought Declaration in India:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Shortcomings_in_the_Drought_Declaration_process_in_India\" title=\"Shortcomings in the Drought Declaration process in India:&nbsp;\">Shortcomings in the Drought Declaration process in India:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Way_Forward\" title=\"Way Forward:&nbsp;\">Way Forward:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#SC_guidelines_for_eliminating_gender_stereotypes\" title=\"SC guidelines for eliminating gender stereotypes&nbsp;\">SC guidelines for eliminating gender stereotypes&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#In_News-2\" title=\"In News:\">In News:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About_SC_guidelines_for_eliminating_gender_stereotypes\" title=\"About SC guidelines for eliminating gender stereotypes&nbsp;\">About SC guidelines for eliminating gender stereotypes&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Tourisms_Ecological_Toll\" title=\"Tourism\u2019s Ecological Toll&nbsp;\">Tourism\u2019s Ecological Toll&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#In_News-3\" title=\"In News:\">In News:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About_Tourisms_Ecological_Toll\" title=\"About Tourism&#8217;s Ecological Toll&nbsp;\">About Tourism&#8217;s Ecological Toll&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Aditya-L1_Mission\" title=\"Aditya-L1 Mission&nbsp;\">Aditya-L1 Mission&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#In_News-4\" title=\"In News:\">In News:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About_Aditya-L1_mission\" title=\"About Aditya-L1 mission:&nbsp;\">About Aditya-L1 mission:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Significance_of_Aditya-L1_mission\" title=\"Significance of Aditya-L1 mission:&nbsp;\">Significance of Aditya-L1 mission:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#What_is_a_Lagrange_Point\" title=\"What is a Lagrange Point?\u00a0\u00a0\">What is a Lagrange Point?\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Termination-level_Transition\" title=\"Termination-level Transition&nbsp;\">Termination-level Transition&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#In_News-5\" title=\"In News:\">In News:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About_Methane_Emissions\" title=\"About Methane Emissions:\u00a0\">About Methane Emissions:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Climate_Termination\" title=\"Climate Termination:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Climate Termination:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Evidences_of_Climate_Shift\" title=\"Evidences of Climate Shift:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Evidences of Climate Shift:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#PM_e-Bus_Sewa_scheme\" title=\"PM e-Bus Sewa scheme&nbsp;\">PM e-Bus Sewa scheme&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Why_in_news\" title=\"Why in news?\">Why in news?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About-2\" title=\"About:&nbsp;\">About:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Global_Initiative_on_Digital_Health\" title=\"Global Initiative on Digital Health&nbsp;\">Global Initiative on Digital Health&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Why_in_news-2\" title=\"Why in news?\">Why in news?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About-3\" title=\"About:\u00a0\">About:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-39\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Indias_first_drone_common_testing_centre\" title=\"India\u2019s first drone common testing centre&nbsp;\">India\u2019s first drone common testing centre&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-40\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Why_in_news-3\" title=\"Why in news?\">Why in news?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-41\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About-4\" title=\"About:&nbsp;\">About:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-42\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#STEREO_Solar_TErrestrial_RElations_Observatory_mission\" title=\"STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory) mission\u00a0\">STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory) mission\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-43\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Why_in_news-4\" title=\"Why in news?\">Why in news?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-44\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About-5\" title=\"About:\u00a0\">About:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-45\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Significance_of_STEREO-A\" title=\"Significance of STEREO-A:&nbsp;\">Significance of STEREO-A:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-46\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#%E2%80%98Microplastics_in_the_human_Heart\" title=\"\u2018Microplastics\u2019 in the human Heart&nbsp;\">\u2018Microplastics\u2019 in the human Heart&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-47\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Why_in_news-5\" title=\"Why in news?\">Why in news?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-48\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About-6\" title=\"About:\u00a0\">About:\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-49\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Microplastics\" title=\"Microplastics:&nbsp;&nbsp;\">Microplastics:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-50\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Sulina_Channel_Danube_River\" title=\"Sulina Channel (Danube River)&nbsp;\">Sulina Channel (Danube River)&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-51\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Why_in_news-6\" title=\"Why in news?\">Why in news?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-52\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#About-7\" title=\"About:&nbsp;\">About:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-53\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Sulina_Channel\" title=\"Sulina Channel\u00a0\u00a0\">Sulina Channel\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-54\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Danube_River\" title=\"Danube River:&nbsp;\">Danube River:&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-55\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-56\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Q_What_are_daily_current_affairs\" title=\"Q: What are daily current affairs?\">Q: What are daily current affairs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-57\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Q_Why_is_it_important_to_stay_updated_with_daily_current_affairs\" title=\"Q: Why is it important to stay updated with daily current affairs?\">Q: Why is it important to stay updated with daily current affairs?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-58\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Q_Where_can_I_access_daily_current_affairs_information\" title=\"Q: Where can I access daily current affairs information?\">Q: Where can I access daily current affairs information?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-59\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Q_How_can_I_effectively_incorporate_daily_current_affairs_into_my_routine\" title=\"Q: How can I effectively incorporate daily current affairs into my routine?\">Q: How can I effectively incorporate daily current affairs into my routine?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-60\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Q_What_are_some_tips_for_critical_analysis_of_daily_current_affairs\" title=\"Q: What are some tips for critical analysis of daily current affairs?\">Q: What are some tips for critical analysis of daily current affairs?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-61\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\" title=\"In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;\">In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-62\" href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/upsc-daily-current-affairs-21st-august-2023\/#Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\" title=\"Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here\">Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;here<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Increased_rain_and_reduced_snowfall_in_the_Himalayan_region\"><\/span><strong>Increased rain and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan region<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tag:<\/strong> GS-1 Geography\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_News\"><\/span><strong>In News:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently a new study found that Increased rain and melting of snow and ice have made the mountain regions more dangerous.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About\"><\/span><strong>About<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and <strong>Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (2019) reported <\/strong>that snowfall had decreased in <strong>mountain regions, including the Himalayas, <\/strong>due to higher temperatures, particularly at lower elevations.\u00a0<\/li><li>Scientific studies have indicated shifts in precipitation patterns in the Himalayan region, with more instances of<strong> extreme precipitation occurring as rainfall rather than snowfall, even at higher altitudes.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reason_for_Increased_Rainfall_and_reduced_snowfall_in_the_Himalayan_Region\"><\/span><strong>Reason for Increased Rainfall and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan Region<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Changing Weather Patterns: <\/strong>Changes in the circulation of the atmosphere, including shifts in jet streams and other weather systems, can lead to modifications in the distribution of rainfall.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Global Warming and Temperature Increase:<\/strong> As the planet experiences a rise in temperatures, the atmosphere&#8217;s capacity to hold moisture expands, resulting in increased evaporation and subsequent changes in precipitation patterns.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Elevated Freezing Altitudes: <\/strong>The altitude at which falling precipitation transitions from snow to rain, known as the freezing level or zero-degree isotherm, is influenced by rising temperatures linked to global warming. This has led to a shift towards more rain and less snowfall at higher elevations.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Diminished Snowfall:<\/strong> The warming climate causes a larger portion of precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow, further altering traditional snowfall amounts.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Reinforcing Cycles: <\/strong>With reduced snow cover, the Earth&#8217;s surface becomes less reflective (albedo effect), which in turn amplifies warming by absorbing more sunlight. This contributes to the trend of changing precipitation from snow to rain.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Atmospheric Changes Driven by Warming: <\/strong>These modifications in the atmosphere&#8217;s behavior can intensify storm activity, resulting in more intense rainfall events in regions where snowfall used to be predominant.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impact_of_increased_rain_and_reduced_snowfall_in_the_Himalayan_region\"><\/span><strong>Impact of increased rain and reduced snowfall in the Himalayan region:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Increasing disasters:<\/strong> Shifts from snowfall to rainfall at higher elevations, affect water availability and hazards<strong>. Example<\/strong>: More instances of heavy rainfall cause flash floods.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Water Resource Changes:<\/strong> Altered snowmelt and rain patterns affect river flow, water availability, and ecosystem dynamics. <strong>Example<\/strong>: Changes in river flow and hydrological patterns.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Increased Flood and Landslide Risk:<\/strong> Rainwater saturates the soil, leading to landslides, debris flows, and flash floods.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Example:<\/strong> Uttarakhand\u2019s 2013 flash floods due to excessive rainfall.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Impact on Ecosystems and Biodiversity:<\/strong> Altered precipitation affects vegetation, wildlife, and fragile mountain ecosystems. <strong>Example<\/strong>: Changes in alpine flora and fauna due to shifting climate.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Socioeconomic Consequences<\/strong>: Reduced snowfall impacts winter tourism, agriculture, and water-dependent livelihoods<strong>. Example<\/strong>: Ski resorts face challenges due to shorter snow seasons.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): <\/strong>Faster glacial melt leads to unstable glacial lakes and potential GLOFs, posing flood risks downstream. <strong>Example<\/strong>: Imja Lake in Nepal is at risk of GLOF due to glacial melt.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-india-66519698\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BBC <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_CEC_and_Other_ECs_Appointment_Conditions_of_Service_and_Term_of_Office_Bill_2023\"><\/span><strong>The CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags:<\/strong> GS \u2013 2: Indian Polity (Constitutional Bodies)\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_in_News\"><\/span><strong>Why in News:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, the Government has introduced a bill in the Rajya Sabha aiming to alter the process of appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Provisions_for_appointment_of_CEC_and_ECs\"><\/span><strong>Provisions for appointment of CEC and ECs:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>According to <strong>Article 324(2), the appointment of the CEC and other Election Commissioners shall be made by the President<\/strong>, subject to the provisions of any law made on that behalf by Parliament.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Since no parliamentary law was enacted as prescribed by Article 324 of the Constitution, the <strong>Supreme Court (SC) in March 2023<\/strong> ruled that CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President of India on the advice of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister, and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India until a law is enacted by Parliament on their appointments.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Before the Supreme Court ruling of March 2023, the CEC and ECs were appointed by the President on the recommendation of the government.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_features_of_the_Bill\"><\/span><strong>Key features of the Bill:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The Selection Committee will consist of the <strong>Prime Minister as Chairperson<\/strong>, the <strong>Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha<\/strong>, and a <strong>Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister as member<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>If the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha has not been recognised, the leader of the single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha will assume the role.&nbsp;<\/li><li>It proposes the <strong>establishment of a Search Committee<\/strong> to prepare a panel of five persons for consideration for the positions of CEC and ECs. The Search Committee will be <strong>headed by the Cabinet Secretary<\/strong> and will also include two members not below the rank of Secretary who have knowledge and experience in matters related to elections.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The proposed Bill <strong>repeals the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991<\/strong>. The business of the Election Commission will be governed by the new Act once it is passed.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The <strong>1991 Act provides that the salary of the ECs will be equal to that of a Supreme Court judge<\/strong>. The Bill provides that <strong>salary, allowance, and service conditions of the CEC and other ECs will be the same as that of the Cabinet Secretary<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The Bill maintains the provision that the business of the Election Commission should be transacted unanimously whenever possible. In case of a difference of opinion, the majority&#8217;s view will prevail.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Issues_with_the_Bill\"><\/span><strong>Major Issues with the Bill:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The committee consists of the Prime Minister, the nominated Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition. This potentially gives the <strong>Executive dominance in appointments, undermining the independence of the Election Commission<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>The Bill <strong>replaces the Chief Justice of India with a nominated Cabinet Minister<\/strong> in the appointment process. This reduces judicial representation in the committee and might affect impartiality.\u00a0<\/li><li>The Bill <strong>allows the Selection Committee to choose anyone from outside<\/strong> the shortlisted candidates, undermining the purpose of the shortlisting process.\u00a0<\/li><li>The proposed changes may have implications for the autonomy and functioning of the ECI.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/political-pulse\/parliament-law-ministry-committe-eci-member-selection-8885520\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian Express<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Drought_Declaration_Norms\"><\/span><strong>Drought Declaration Norms<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags:<\/strong> GS \u2013 3: Disaster management (Drought)\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_in_News-2\"><\/span><strong>Why in News:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, the Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah urges Centre to amend the Manual for Drought Management 2016 (updated in 2020) for drought declaration by States.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Drought\"><\/span><strong>Drought:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Drought is defined as a <strong>deficiency in rainfall\/precipitation over an extended period<\/strong>, causing adverse impacts on vegetation, animals, and people.&nbsp;<\/li><li>There is <strong>no single, legally accepted definition of drought in India<\/strong>, with states having their own criteria.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>74% of India\u2019s districts are vulnerable to extreme drought situations<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Process_of_Drought_Declaration_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Process of Drought Declaration in India:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The <strong>State Governments have the authority<\/strong> to declare drought-affected regions.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Step 1: It involves examining two mandatory indicators \u2013 <strong>Rainfall Deviation and Dry spell<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Step 2: It involves evaluating four impact indicators: <strong>agriculture, vegetation indices (remote sensing), soil moisture, and hydrology<\/strong>. States may choose any three of the four impact indicators (one from each) to assess drought intensity and categorize it as severe or moderate.&nbsp;<\/li><li>If all three chosen impact indicators are in the \u2018severe\u2019 category, it indicates severe drought. If two of the three chosen impact indicators are in the \u2018moderate\u2019 or \u2018severe\u2019 category, it indicates moderate drought.&nbsp;<\/li><li>After the previous triggers are set off, States conduct a sample survey on the ground to determine the final intensity of drought. Field verification findings determine if the drought is \u2018severe\u2019 or \u2018moderate\u2019.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Once the intensity of the drought is determined, the state government issues a notification specifying the geographical extent of the drought-affected area. The notification is valid for six months unless de-notified earlier.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shortcomings_in_the_Drought_Declaration_process_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Shortcomings in the Drought Declaration process in India:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The existing norms for drought declaration <strong>follow a uniform approach without considering the diverse challenges faced in different agro-climatic regions<\/strong> of the state.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The current criteria <strong>do not account for local ecological factors, water availability, and agricultural practices, which vary across regions<\/strong> and impact drought severity.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The manual\u2019s focus on rainfall deficit recovery <strong>overlooks the impact of scanty rainfall during the initial sowing season<\/strong>, causing agricultural damage and triggering drought.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The <strong>rigid definition of dry spells does not consider variations in soil type, crop variety, temperatures, and vegetative state<\/strong> that influence crop damage.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Way_Forward\"><\/span><strong>Way Forward:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Karnataka has proposed region-specific criteria<\/strong> that take into account local ecological factors, water availability, and agricultural practices for declaring drought.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Redefining dry spells<\/strong> from the current three to four weeks to less than two weeks of consecutive dry spells.\u00a0<\/li><li>Factors such as soil type, crop variety, temperatures, and vegetative state must be considered, as even a two-week dry spell can lead to irreversible crop damage.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/cities\/bangalore\/karnataka-centre-re-evaluate-drought-declaration-norms-8890983\/#:~:text=In%20a%20letter%20to%20Union,agricultural%20practices%20to%20declare%20drought.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian Express<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SC_guidelines_for_eliminating_gender_stereotypes\"><\/span><strong>SC guidelines for eliminating gender stereotypes<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags: GS-II: Courts guidelines<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_News-2\"><\/span><strong>In News:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Supreme Court releases landmark guidelines for eliminating Gender Stereotypes in Legal language and Judgments\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_SC_guidelines_for_eliminating_gender_stereotypes\"><\/span><strong>About SC guidelines for eliminating gender stereotypes<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Supreme Court of India has recently released a <strong>new SC Handbook in an attempt to remove Gender Stereotypes from the Law.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>It is aimed at combating gender <strong>stereotypes in legal language besides promoting just and equitable society.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Gender-unjust terms<\/strong> are prevalent in Indian courts which <strong>puts negative impact on judicial assessments, especially in sexual violence cases.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>Over the years, <strong>false assumptions based on clothing and sexual history<\/strong> has led to development of <strong>gender stereotypical language in judgments, orders, and court pleadings<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>The handbook <strong>has identified problematic phrases<\/strong> such as career woman, fallen woman, faithful wife, eve-teasing, hermaphrodite.\u00a0<\/li><li>It has <strong>suggested correct terms<\/strong>: woman, woman, wife, street sexual harassment, intersex\u00a0<\/li><li>Predetermined <strong>stereotypes conflict with duty to decide cases impartially and affects unbiased judicial decision-making.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Assumptions about women&#8217;s character based on clothing and sexual history<\/strong> not only impacts on judicial assessment but also diminishes importance of consent in sexual relationships\u00a0<\/li><li>Language plays <strong>crucial role in conveying legal values and intentions<\/strong> as use of language reflects judge&#8217;s interpretation of the law and societal perception\u00a0<\/li><li>It has <strong>power to recognize or diminish human dignity<\/strong> for example of Code of Civil Procedure amendment from &#8220;pauper&#8221; to &#8220;indigent&#8221;.\u00a0<\/li><li>The handbook <strong>addresses stereotypes about women&#8217;s emotional nature, decision-making<\/strong> and rejects notion that gender influences rational thought capacity\u00a0<\/li><li>Overall, The SC handbook <strong>seeks to eliminate gender stereotypes<\/strong> in <strong>legal languages <\/strong>besides aiming for <strong>language that aligns with constitutional ethos and promotes<\/strong> unbiased legal decision-making.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/to-remove-gender-stereotypes-from-the-law-a-new-supreme-court-handbook\/article67201169.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Hindu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tourisms_Ecological_Toll\"><\/span><strong>Tourism\u2019s Ecological Toll<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags: GS-III: Environment<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_News-3\"><\/span><strong>In News:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Heavy rains washes away a portion of the Shimla-Kalka heritage railway track on the outskirts of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Tourisms_Ecological_Toll\"><\/span><strong>About Tourism&#8217;s Ecological Toll<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Himachal Pradesh&#8217;s<\/strong> resilience to recent rains and floods highlights its <strong>limited focus on ecological consequences of highways and infrastructure.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Violent engineering<\/strong> for wider roads in recent years has led to constant landslides in mountain highways like the Kalka-Shimla route which are tourist spots.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Heavy rains exacerbate landslides,<\/strong> causing distress and <strong>closure of major tourist destinations<\/strong> which are already facing continuous infrastructure challenges.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Post-Covid travel surge amid climate challenges<\/strong> has led to increased instances of forest fires, high temperatures, floods, landslides affecting tourist experiences.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Discourse between development centered around tourism and nature conservation<\/strong> puts uncertainty about climate change&#8217;s impact on businesses and industries.\u00a0<\/li><li>For example, <strong>Hospitality industry&#8217;s disregard for disappearing forests and waste disposal <\/strong>has put negative impact on rivers due to waste disposal practices.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Rivers as natural drainage systems are impacted by landslides and debris <\/strong>from building highways and bridges which often overlooks ecological concerns.\u00a0<\/li><li>Tourists are perceived as seeking fun and luxury for <strong>which access provided even in traditionally challenging sites<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Underestimation of the ecological cost <\/strong>of unchecked tourism in fragile Himalayan ecosystem has led to several instances of tourists misunderstanding local events leading to Forest fires and disasters.\u00a0<\/li><li>There is <strong>need for developing liaison <\/strong>between tourism&#8217;s economic benefits and environmental impact assessment.\u00a0<\/li><li>Overall, <strong>balancing economic gains from tourism with ecological preservation<\/strong> crucial and for this there is need for reevaluating policy priorities and promoting responsible tourism practices.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/opinion\/columns\/disaster-in-the-himalayas-no-one-likes-to-say-that-tourism-brings-trouble-8892303\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian Express<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Aditya-L1_Mission\"><\/span><strong>Aditya-L1 Mission<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tag: GS-<\/strong>3 Space Technology\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_News-4\"><\/span><strong>In News:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>ISRO is ready to launch its first solar mission Aditya-L1, after the successful launch of Chandrayaan-3. The satellite realized at the UR Rao Satellite Centre Bengaluru has arrived at SDSC-SHAR (spaceport) in Sriharikota.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Aditya-L1_mission\"><\/span><strong>About Aditya-L1 mission:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Aditya-L1 is the <strong>first Indian space mission to observe the Sun and the solar corona<\/strong>. It will be launched by the PSLV-XL launch vehicle.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The objective of the mission is <strong>to study solar upper atmospheric (chromosphere and corona) dynamics<\/strong> and understand the physics of the solar corona and its heating mechanism.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The mission will be launched to the halo orbit around the<strong> L1 point (first Lagrangian point of the Sun-Earth system<\/strong>) which is 1.5 million km from the Earth. L1 orbit allows Aditya-L1 to continuously view the Sun without any occultation or eclipses.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The spacecraft <strong>carries seven payloads of which the primary payload is the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph(VELC), to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun<\/strong> (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle and magnetic field detectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Significance_of_Aditya-L1_mission\"><\/span><strong>Significance of Aditya-L1 mission:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Understand the impact of space weather on earth<\/strong>: Evolution of every planet, including Earth is governed by its parent star. Variations in this weather can change the orbits of satellites or shorten their lives, interfere with on board electronics, cause power blackouts and other disturbances.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Observe Earth directed solar storms<\/strong>: The mission helps to observe, track and predict the impacts of Earth-directed storms. Since every solar storm heading towards the Earth passes through L1, a satellite placed in the halo orbit around L1 helps observe the sun without any eclipses.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Fillip to the Indian space industry<\/strong> as many of the instruments and their components for this mission are being manufactured for the first time in the country.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"blob:https:\/\/edukemy.com\/cb5f1967-9234-43a1-bb30-740d9d33bc59\" alt=\"c:\\users\\nishikant\\Desktop\\111111.jpg\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Lagrange_Point\"><\/span><strong>What is a Lagrange Point?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Lagrangian points, also known as Lagrange points or liberation points, are specific locations in space where the <strong>gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as a planet and its moon or a planet and the Sun, produce enhanced regions of gravitational equilibrium<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>L1 refers to Lagrange Point 1, one of five points in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun system, which is <strong>1.5 million kilometres inside Earth&#8217;s orbit, between the Sun and the Earth.<\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>These can be used by spacecraft to reduce fuel consumption needed to remain in position. The L1 point is home to the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO), an international collaboration project of NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/india\/not-just-moon-isros-aditya-l1-indias-first-solar-mission-reaches-spaceport\/articleshow\/102710706.cms?from=mdr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Times of India<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Termination-level_Transition\"><\/span><strong>Termination-level Transition<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tag: GS-3<\/strong> Environmental Conservation\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_News-5\"><\/span><strong>In News:<\/strong> <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount of methane in Earth\u2019s atmosphere has been rising for past few decades and, unlike the rise in carbon dioxide (CO\u2082), methane\u2019s recent increase seems to be driven by biological emissions, not the burning of fossil fuels.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"blob:https:\/\/edukemy.com\/108ba3c2-362b-4208-9f25-bba556ff5127\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About_Methane_Emissions\"><\/span><strong>About Methane Emissions<\/strong>:\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Methane is a <strong>potent greenhouse gas, with over 80 times the warming impact of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2<\/sub>) <\/strong>within the first two decades of its presence in the atmosphere. However, it has a <strong>shorter atmospheric lifespan<\/strong> than CO<sub>2<\/sub>.\u00a0<\/li><li>Methane was about <strong>0.7 parts per million (ppm)<\/strong> of the air before humans began burning fossil fuels. Currently it is over <strong>1.9 ppm and rising fast<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>Causes of Methane emissions:\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Roughly <strong>three-fifths of emissions come from fossil fuel use, farming, landfills and waste<\/strong>. The remainder is from natural sources, especially vegetation rotting in tropical and northern wetlands.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Emissions from huge cattle lots<\/strong> in tropical Africa, India and Brazil may also be rising.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Rotting waste in landfills<\/strong> near megacities like Delhi are important sources too.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Climate change<\/strong> is increasing rainfall, which has made wetlands wetter and bigger while rising temperatures have boosted plant growth, <strong>providing more decomposing matter and so more methane<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Climate_Termination\"><\/span><strong>Climate Termination<\/strong>:&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Climate termination refers to <strong>periods of significant and often rapid climate change that mark the transition between glacial (cold) and interglacial (warmer) periods<\/strong> in Earth\u2019s history.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>In the past few million years, Earth\u2019s climate has flipped repeatedly between long, cold glacial periods, and shorter warm interglacial period.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li>With the end of each ice age, Earth\u2019s surface warmed by as much as several degrees centigrade over a few millennia and also characterised by sharply rising methane concentrations. Thus <strong>methane is both a driver and a messenger of climate change<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Termination level transitions<\/strong> refers to rapid changes in Earth\u2019s climate which marks the end of a glacial period and the onset of a warmer interglacial period. Full terminations take several thousands of years to complete&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evidences_of_Climate_Shift\"><\/span><strong>Evidences of Climate Shift:&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Slowing down of Atlantic ocean currents&nbsp;<\/li><li>Expansion of tropical weather regions&nbsp;<\/li><li>Faster warming of the far north and south poles.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Ocean heat is breaking records and extreme weather is becoming routine.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plugging leaks in the oil and gas industry, covering landfills with soil, reducing crop-waste burning,<\/strong> etc. could control the hasty rise of methane concentration.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/blog\/climate-change\/rising-methane-could-be-a-sign-that-earth-s-climate-is-part-way-through-a-termination-level-transition--91185#:~:text=Climate%20terminations&amp;text=Recorded%20in%20air%20bubbles%20in,likely%20from%20expanding%20tropical%20wetlands.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Down To Earth<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PM_e-Bus_Sewa_scheme\"><\/span><strong>PM e-Bus Sewa scheme<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags: <\/strong>GS \u2013 2 Government Policies &amp; Interventions, GS \u2013 3 Infrastructure, Growth &amp; Development\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_in_news\"><\/span><strong>Why in news? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, The Indian Cabinet has approved the &#8220;PM-eBus Sewa&#8221; scheme, aiming to bolster city bus operations by introducing 10,000 Electric Buses through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-2\"><\/span><strong>About:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The scheme <strong>aims to introduce 10,000 electric buses (e-buses) in city bus services across India and enhance urban infrastructure for green mobility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>The scheme will be implemented in two segments:\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Segment A: Augmenting City Bus Services (169 cities):<\/strong>\u00a0<ul><li>In 169 cities (selected through challenge mode for cities with a population of 3-40 lakhs), 10,000 e-buses will be deployed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.\u00a0<\/li><li>For cities with <strong>less than 5 lakh population: 50 e-buses<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>For cities with <strong>20-40 lakh population: 150 e-buses<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Segment B: Green Urban Mobility Initiatives (181 cities):<\/strong>\u00a0<ul><li>In 181 cities, <strong>infrastructure will be upgraded to support green urban mobility initiatives.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>Behind-the-meter power infrastructure like substations will be created.\u00a0<\/li><li>The scheme <strong>will support bus operations for a duration of 10 years.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>Financial Allocation: Central government will provide \u20b920,000 crore in subsidies.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>States or cities will be responsible for running the e-bus services<\/strong> and making payments to the bus operators.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Significance: The <strong>scheme aims to generate 45,000 to 55,000 jobs and reduce noise, air pollution, and carbon emissions.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/to-push-green-mobility-cabinet-approves-pm-e-bus-sewa\/article67201703.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Hindu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Global_Initiative_on_Digital_Health\"><\/span><strong>Global Initiative on Digital Health<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags: <\/strong>GS \u2013 2 Government Policies &amp; Interventions\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_in_news-2\"><\/span><strong>Why in news? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>India and the World Health Organization (WHO) are set to launch the Global Initiative on Digital Health during the ongoing G-20 summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"blob:https:\/\/edukemy.com\/7408abbb-da45-46de-8fc8-227b7f9c1aa8\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-3\"><\/span><strong>About:<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The initiative is<strong> aimed at data convergence, interface of health platforms and investments in the digital health space around the globe.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>The summit also <strong>focuses on establishing an interim Medical Countermeasure (MCM) network<\/strong> to respond effectively <strong>to health emergencies<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>Significance:\u00a0<ul><li>It has been envisaged to have a convergent approach that breaks the silos and ensures that <strong>existing and ongoing digital health efforts can be made accessible under one umbrella<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>It will <strong>include an investment tracker, an ask tracker<\/strong> (to understand who needs what kind of products and services) <strong>and a library<\/strong> of existing digital health platforms.\u00a0<\/li><li>It will <strong>aid in universal health convergence and improve healthcare service delivery<\/strong>. The initiative has also found funding from global partners.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>More Information: The summit additionally seeks to launch a Climate and Health Initiative in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank, along with a patient and healthcare workforce mobility portal.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/health\/global-initiative-on-digital-health-to-be-launched-under-indias-g-20-presidency\/article67201904.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Hindu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indias_first_drone_common_testing_centre\"><\/span><strong>India\u2019s first drone common testing centre<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags: <\/strong>GS \u2013 3 Science &amp; Technology, Defence\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_in_news-3\"><\/span><strong>Why in news? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>India\u2019s first Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drone) Common Testing Centre under Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS) will be established in Tamil Nadu.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-4\"><\/span><strong>About:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The initiative is <strong>led by the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) <\/strong>as part of the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC), <strong>aimed at nurturing the aerospace and defence industry ecosystem<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>It will be <strong>established under Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS).<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>As part of the implementation of the TNDIC, <strong>the government is about to create an enabling ecosystem including Common Testing Centres for the Aerospace and Defence Industry.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>Location \u2013 The Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Common Testing Centre would be established at the SIPCOT Industrial Park, Vallam Vadagal near Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.\u00a0<\/li><li>It will <strong>enable the State to be a significant contributor to the self-reliance of the country in the aerospace &amp; defence sector.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>More Information:\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>An integrated facility for testing for UAS (Drone) is available only with DRDO at Chitradurga,<\/strong> Karnataka.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"pcrstb-wrap\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme (DTIS)&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Aim &#8211; To boost domestic defence &amp; aerospace manufacturing.&nbsp;Launch &#8211; May 2020.&nbsp;Ministry &#8211; Ministry of Defence (MoD).&nbsp;Duration &#8211; 5 years.&nbsp;It envisages <strong>setting up of 6-8 greenfield defence testing infrastructure facilities<\/strong> that are required for defence and aerospace related production.&nbsp;Funding Pattern &#8211; 75% Government funding in the form of \u2018Grant-in-Aid\u2019 + 25% to be borne by the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) constituents.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Source:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindubusinessline.com\/info-tech\/indias-first-drone-common-testing-centre-to-be-established-in-tamil-nadu\/article67202433.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> The Hindu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"STEREO_Solar_TErrestrial_RElations_Observatory_mission\"><\/span><strong>STEREO (Solar TErrestrial RElations Observatory) mission<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags: <\/strong>GS \u20133 Space Technology\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_in_news-4\"><\/span><strong>Why in news? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nasa&#8217;s Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO-A) spacecraft made its first Earth flyby nearly 17 years after its launch.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-5\"><\/span><strong>About:<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"blob:https:\/\/edukemy.com\/a5a8fca0-1311-43d0-9cef-6bd82fc4f0f9\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The <strong>pair of STEREO<\/strong> (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) spacecraft were <strong>launched on October 25, 2006, from Florida&#8217;s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>STEREO-A (A stands for Ahead), along with its twin STEREO-B (B stands for Behind), <\/strong>was <strong>launched to study the Sun&#8217;s Behavior<\/strong> by charting Earth-like orbits around it.\u00a0<\/li><li>Their <strong>primary goal was to provide a stereoscopic view of the Sun<\/strong>, enabling researchers to study it from multiple perspectives.\u00a0<\/li><li>In 2011, another significant milestone was achieved <strong>as both STEREO-A and -B reached a remarkable 180-degree separation in their orbits,<\/strong> which <strong>gave us the full sphere image of the Sun.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Significance_of_STEREO-A\"><\/span>Significance of STEREO-A:&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>STEREO-A\u2019s recent approach to Earth offers a unique opportunity for scientific observations. <strong>By combining its views with other spacecraft, including the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), STEREO-A will provide 3D views of the Sun.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>This stereoscopic vision <strong>allows scientists to gain depth perception and explore features<\/strong> like active <strong>regions and coronal loops<\/strong> in unprecedented detail.\u00a0<\/li><li>STEREO-A\u2019s passage through Earth\u2019s vicinity also <strong>allows for an in-depth study of solar eruptions, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs),<\/strong> which can impact Earth\u2019s technology.\u00a0<\/li><li>This approach provides multipoint measurements to understand the evolution of CMEs\u2019 magnetic fields.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/goddard\/2023\/sun\/after-seventeen-years-a-spacecraft-makes-its-first-visit-home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NASA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%98Microplastics_in_the_human_Heart\"><\/span><strong>\u2018Microplastics\u2019 in the human Heart<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags: <\/strong>GS \u2013 3 Health\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_in_news-5\"><\/span><strong>Why in news? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent research from China\u2019s Beijing Anzhen Hospital, published by the American Chemical Society, has discovered microplastics in the human heart for the first time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"blob:https:\/\/edukemy.com\/74c89493-c1f9-4c18-a320-3dc28ed546a2\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-6\"><\/span><strong>About:<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The researchers found numerous individual microplastic pieces in most tissue samples, and plastic particles were also present in all blood samples.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The <strong>study also identified specific types of plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate <\/strong>(used in clothing and food containers)<strong> and polyvinyl chloride<\/strong> (common in window frames and pipes),<strong> in the samples.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Microplastics\"><\/span>Microplastics:&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Microplastics are <strong>tiny bits of various types of plastic found in the environment<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li><li>They are a <strong>result of the fragmentation and degradation of larger plastic items<\/strong>, as well as the direct release of tiny plastic particles, often intentionally added to consumer products like cosmetics and cleaning agents.\u00a0<\/li><li>Microplastics, which are <strong>less than 5 millimetres in size, can enter the human body<\/strong> through various openings and have been linked to <strong>health issues like obesity, diabetes, and chronic liver disease due to their impact on the gastrointestinal tract.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>The name is used to differentiate them from \u201cmacroplastics\u201d such as bottles and bags made of plastic.\u00a0<\/li><li>There are two categories of microplastics:\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>Primary microplastics: They are <strong>tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as cosmetics,<\/strong> as well as microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles, such as fishing nets.\u00a0<\/li><li>Secondary microplastics: They are <strong>particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hindustantimes.com\/world-news\/scientists-detect-microplastics-in-human-heart-for-first-time-report-101691864275772.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hindustan Times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sulina_Channel_Danube_River\"><\/span><strong>Sulina Channel (Danube River)<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p><strong>Tags: <\/strong>GS \u2013 1 Geography\u00a0\u00a0<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_in_news-6\"><\/span><strong>Why in news? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Sulina Channel holds immense importance for Ukraine\u2019s grain trade as an alternative passage after Russia\u2019s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"About-7\"><\/span><strong>About:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>This deal was used to provide safe passage for cargo ships carrying grain from Ukrainian Black Sea ports.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sulina_Channel\"><\/span><strong>Sulina Channel\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"blob:https:\/\/edukemy.com\/4618ba21-dce2-47c2-812f-92c69f9dff6e\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Sulina Channel is a 63 km long distributary of the Danube<\/strong>. It lies <strong>completely within the borders of Romania.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>Of the three major channels of the Danube River, <strong>the Sulina Channel is the only one deep and wide enough for freight transport.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>It is a sort of a riverine \u2018expressway\u2019, crucial for transport of goods from inland to the Black Sea.\u00a0<\/li><li>It plays a crucial role in this new trade route<strong>, connecting major Ukrainian ports to the Black Sea within Romania\u2019s borders.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Danube_River\"><\/span><strong>Danube River:<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Danube is the <strong>second-longest river in Europe, after the Volga in Russia.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>It <strong>flows through <\/strong>much of Central and Southeastern <strong>Europe, from the Black Forest into the Black Sea.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li><strong>Near Romania, the river begins to spread out into its delta<\/strong> which has <strong>three major channels \u2013 Chilia, Sulina and St George.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li><li>It passes through <strong>or forms the border of ten countries<\/strong>, making it one of the most international rivers in the world.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li><li>The countries it flows through include: Germany; Austria; Slovakia; Hungary; Croatia; Serbia; Bulgaria; Romania; Moldova; Ukraine.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-global\/the-importance-of-the-sulina-channel-to-ukraine-grain-trade-8895778\/#:~:text=Of%20these%2C%20the%20Sulina%20Channel,inland%20to%20the%20Black%20Sea\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indian Express<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_are_daily_current_affairs\"><\/span>Q: What are daily current affairs? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Daily current affairs refer to the most recent and relevant events, developments, and news stories that are happening around the world on a day-to-day basis. These can encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, sports, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Why_is_it_important_to_stay_updated_with_daily_current_affairs\"><\/span>Q: Why is it important to stay updated with daily current affairs? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: Staying updated with daily current affairs is crucial because it helps individuals make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. It enables people to understand the world around them, stay aware of significant events, and engage in informed discussions about important issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Where_can_I_access_daily_current_affairs_information\"><\/span>Q: Where can I access daily current affairs information? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: There are various sources for daily current affairs, including newspapers, news websites, television news broadcasts, radio programs, and dedicated apps or newsletters. Social media platforms are also widely used to share and access current affairs information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_can_I_effectively_incorporate_daily_current_affairs_into_my_routine\"><\/span>Q: How can I effectively incorporate daily current affairs into my routine? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: To incorporate daily current affairs into your routine, consider setting aside specific times each day to read or watch news updates. You can also subscribe to newsletters or follow news apps to receive curated content. Engaging in discussions with peers or participating in online forums can further enhance your understanding of current events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_are_some_tips_for_critical_analysis_of_daily_current_affairs\"><\/span>Q: What are some tips for critical analysis of daily current affairs? <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A: When analyzing daily current affairs, it&#8217;s essential to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, consider the source&#8217;s credibility and bias, if any. Develop the ability to identify the main points and implications of news stories, and critically evaluate the significance and impact of the events reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"In_case_you_still_have_your_doubts_contact_us_on_9811333901\"><\/span><strong>In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.<\/strong>&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For UPSC Prelims Resources,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/upsc-cse-prelims-resource-centre\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Daily Updates and Study Material:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Join our Telegram Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/t.me\/WithEdukemy4IAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edukemy for IAS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>1. Learn through Videos &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3vOD8sU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Q9z2nF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>3. Daily Newsletter &#8211; Get all your Current Affairs Covered &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3bE2y5J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><li>4. Mains Answer Writing Practice &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/3mZuVxl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_our_YouTube_Channel_%E2%80%93_here\"><\/span>Visit our YouTube Channel &#8211;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@ShabbirsEduKemyforIAS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today&#8217;s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants, we explore the latest developments that hold relevance for the upcoming civil services examination.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":13939,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[265],"tags":[160,169,232,140],"class_list":["post-13909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-current-affairs","tag-daily-current-affairs","tag-daily-editorial-analysis","tag-upsc","tag-upsc_preparation_strategy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13909","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13909"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13909\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13940,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13909\/revisions\/13940"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edukemy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}