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UPSC Prelims 2022 (Questions asked from New topics)

Solar storm (solar flare) High-energy electromagnetic radiation from solar flares is absorbed by the ionosphere, and does not reach the surface.  These may interfere with short-wave radio communication.  Solar flares pose no direct danger to humans on Earth.  Majority of the flares are not visible to the naked eye.  It can increase drag on satellites though in low Earth orbit, which can lead to orbital decay over time.  Solar flares lasting longer than 30 minutes are regarded as long duration events. Quantum Technology Quantum Entanglement When two atoms are connected, despite being separated. If you change the properties of one of them, the other changes instantly.  Quantum mechanics also says simply observing an atom changes its properties  Quantum protected cipher keys. It detects whether someone has interfered with the transmission of data. Quantum superposition Theory that subatomic particles exist in multiple states simultaneously.  While di...

UPSC CSE 2023 TENTATIVE VACANCIES

 

Grasslands

Grasslands, also known as prairies, savannas, or steppes, are vast areas of land dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants, with few trees or shrubs. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and cover approximately one quarter of the Earth's land surface. Some examples of grasslands around the world: North American Great Plains - this grassland region stretches from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the Mississippi River in the east, and from Canada in the north to Texas in the south. African Savannas - located primarily in East Africa, these grasslands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, elephants, and lions. South American Pampas - this region covers much of Argentina and Uruguay and is characterized by vast grassy plains. Eurasian Steppe - this extensive grassland region spans from eastern Europe to central Asia and is home to nomadic pastoralists and a variety of wildlife, including antelope and wolves. Australian Outback ...

The Straits of Tiran

The Straits of Tiran are a narrow passage of water located between the Sinai Peninsula and Saudi Arabia, connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba.  Importance : The Straits of Tiran are strategically important because they provide Israel with its only access to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. International Waters : The Straits of Tiran are considered international waters, and they are governed by international maritime law. History : The Straits of Tiran have been a source of tension between Israel and its Arab neighbors since the 1950s. In 1956, Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran to Israeli shipping, which was one of the causes of the Suez Crisis. The straits were reopened to Israeli shipping as part of the peace agreement with Egypt in 1979. 1967 War : The closure of the Straits of Tiran was one of the factors that led to the 1967 Six-Day War between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, and subsequently captured the Sinai Peninsula...

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic alliance of six Arab states in the Arabian Peninsula.  Member States: The six member states of the GCC are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Establishment : The GCC was established on May 25, 1981, with the signing of the GCC Charter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Objectives : The objectives of the GCC are to enhance cooperation and integration among its member states in various fields, including economics, finance, trade, customs, tourism, and culture. Headquarters : The headquarters of the GCC is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Population : The GCC member states have a total population of around 55 million people. Economy : The GCC has a combined economy of around $1.5 trillion and is one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world. Currency : The GCC countries have a common currency, the Gulf Cooperation Council currency, which is yet to be implemented. Military : The GCC h...

Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Aden

The Gulf of Aqaba, also known as the Gulf of Eilat, is a long and narrow sea inlet located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, bordered by  Israel,  Jordan,  Egypt, and  Saudi Arabia.  It is approximately  180 kilometers long and  25 kilometers wide,  and is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.  The Gulf of Aden is a gulf located in  the Arabian Sea between Yemen to the north,  Somalia to the south, and  Djibouti to the west.  It connects  the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea  and is a strategic location for international shipping, particularly as it is located near the Suez Canal.  The Gulf of Aden has been a focal point for piracy in the past, and international naval forces have been involved in anti-piracy efforts in the region.

The Coral Triangle

The Coral Triangle is a region in the western Pacific Ocean that includes the waters of  Indonesia,  Malaysia,  the Philippines,  Papua New Guinea,  Timor-Leste, and  the Solomon Islands.  It is home to the highest diversity of marine species in the world, including over 75% of all known coral species and over 2,000 species of reef fish.  The region is important for both ecological and economic reasons, as it supports the livelihoods of millions of people through fisheries, tourism, and other industries.  However, the Coral Triangle is also threatened by a range of human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change.