Daily Current Affairs for IAS PCS (UPSC CSE)

  Introduction India is on track to become the world's most populous nation in the working-age group by 2030. This transition offers both immense opportunities and significant challenges. Although India’s overall unemployment rate stands at a low 4.1%, youth unemployment exceeds 12%, highlighting a gap between workforce availability and employability. A National Skill Census can be a pivotal policy tool to bridge this skill gap, align workforce competencies with market needs, and enhance India’s global competitiveness. Demographic Dividend: India’s Window of Opportunity India’s working-age population (15-64 years) is expected to peak by 2050. The year 2030 will be critical for optimizing India’s human capital: Growth Potential : A youthful workforce can either catalyze growth or become a liability based on how skill development is integrated into employment policies. Comparative Advantage : Unlike aging economies such as Japan and Western Europe, India has a narrow window to effect...

Source: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Context: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has released its Global Infrastructure Resilience Report , which evaluates the preparedness and resilience of global infrastructure in the face of disasters. About the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report The report aims to assess and provide actionable insights on the vulnerabilities of key infrastructure sectors to natural disasters and climate change. It offers practical recommendations for enhancing resilience across nations and sectors. Key Findings and Summary from the CDRI Report 1. Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI) The GIRI model provides financial risk metrics for major infrastructure sectors such as: Transport Energy Telecommunications Water Health These metrics help policymakers understand the risks and resilience of critical infrastructure. 2. Investment Gap To address global infrastructure deficits and ensure clim...

  Image Courtsey: Worldatlas.com Context At the Third Economic Forum of Caspian Littoral States' Prime Ministers held in Tehran, Russia is actively taking steps to prevent the Caspian Sea’s water levels from declining. This issue is critical due to the sea's strategic and economic significance in the region. About the Caspian Sea Geographical Location The Caspian Sea is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia . It is bordered by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia . Situated to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the Central Asian steppe , this unique water body holds immense significance. World’s Largest Inland Water Body The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland water body , spanning approximately 371,000 square kilometers . Its dual identity as both a sea and a lake is due to its enclosed nature and unique salinity. Salinity : The sea has a salinity of 1.2% , making it less saline than ocean water but saltier than typical fresh...

  Context: ISRO , in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru, has successfully developed the world’s largest vertical planetary mixer with a 10-tonne capacity. This innovation marks a significant milestone in solid propellant manufacturing for space missions. What is a Vertical Planetary Mixer? A vertical planetary mixer is a high-capacity mixing system specifically designed to process solid propellants used in rocket motors. It ensures precise blending of hazardous and sensitive components, which is essential for improving the performance and efficiency of rocket motors. Key Developer: Developed by Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), ISRO. Collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru. Part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to strengthen India’s self-reliant space technology capabilities. How Does a Vertical Planetary Mixer Work? Mixing Mechanism: Multiple hydrostatic-driven agitators are used to en...

  Context: A 23-year-old Venezuelan kayaker was briefly engulfed by a humpback whale while kayaking in the Strait of Magellan, Chile. The whale mistook the kayak for prey but released the kayaker unharmed within seconds. What is a Humpback Whale? The humpback whale (scientific name: Megaptera novaeangliae) is one of the most fascinating creatures in the marine world. Known for their acrobatic breaches, complex vocalizations, and long-distance migrations , these baleen whales are icons of marine biodiversity. Size and Weight: Humpback whales can grow to lengths of 12–16 meters (39–52 feet) and can weigh up to 36 metric tons . Despite their massive size, these whales are agile and frequently breach (leap) out of the water. Classification of Whales Whales are classified into two primary families: Baleen Whales (Mysticeti) : Includes species like humpback whales, blue whales, and grey whales . They possess baleen plates instead of teeth. Baleen plates are comb-like structures that ...