UPSC Daily Current Affairs

U-WIN UNIVERSAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME: EXPLAINER

Oct 30, 2024

U-WIN UNIVERSAL IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME: EXPLAINER 1. What is U-WIN? U-WIN is a digital platform launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to support India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). It registers and monitors the vaccination schedules of all pregnant women and children, ensuring comprehensive immunisation across India. U-WIN aims to improve vaccination rates and reduce dropout cases, especially in underserved regions. 2. How does U-WIN improve immunisation coverage? U-WIN enables beneficiaries to schedule vaccinations, receive SMS reminders for upcoming doses, and access digital vacc... Read More...

Medical Negligence:Neeraj Sud and Another vs Jaswinder Singh (Minor) and Another 2024

Oct 30, 2024

Medical Negligence:Neeraj Sud and Another vs Jaswinder Singh (Minor) and Another 2024 Background of the Case This case involved a medical negligence claim against a doctor who performed a ptosis surgery (to correct drooping of the eyelid) on a minor in 1996. The child’s father claimed the surgery was done negligently, leading to worsening of the eye condition and sought compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and potential loss of earnings. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) initially ruled against the doctor, holding him liable for medical negligence. Supreme Court Ruling Read More...

Digital Fraud: Explainer

Oct 30, 2024

Digital Fraud: Explainer Digital fraud, especially in a rapidly digitizing society like India, has become a pressing issue, affecting various aspects of life—from financial transactions to identity verification, and even public service access. As digital platforms become increasingly integrated into daily life, the need for robust countermeasures against fraud is essential. Here’s a 360-degree view of digital fraud, its challenges, and preventive strategies. 1. What is Digital Fraud? Digital fraud encompasses fraudulent activities conducted through digital platforms, which include: • Phishin... Read More...

FPO-FARMER PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS PROMOTION SCHEME: EXPLAINER

Oct 30, 2024

FPO-FARMER PRODUCER ORGANISATIONS PROMOTION SCHEME: EXPLAINER 1. What is the FPO Promotion Scheme? The Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) Promotion Scheme is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in 2020 to support the formation and promotion of FPOs. With a budget of Rs. 6,865 crore, the scheme aims to create 10,000 FPOs by 2025 to enhance farmers’ incomes through the aggregation of agricultural produce and collective bargaining power. FPOs are typically registered as companies or cooperatives and provide small and marginal farmers a platform for better market access, financial assistance, and sustaina... Read More...

Digital Arrest” and Its Implications in Digital Fraud Prevention

Oct 30, 2024

Digital Arrest” and Its Implications in Digital Fraud Prevention “Digital arrest” is a term that has recently been highlighted to describe a specific type of digital scam that leverages fear and urgency to deceive people. Here, scammers impersonate government authorities or other official entities, informing victims that they are under investigation or facing legal action, and must pay a fee or penalty to avoid immediate arrest. This type of digital fraud is especially effective because it taps into a sense of urgency and panic, often pushing individuals to act without verifying the authenticity of the message or call. How “Digita... Read More...

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Ban in Pakistan: FAQs

Oct 30, 2024

Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) Ban in Pakistan: FAQs What is the PTM? A grassroots organization advocating for the rights of the Pashtun community in Pakistan, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and tribal areas. Focuses on protecting the community from persecution and alleged human rights abuses by the Pakistani military. Gained prominence for its peaceful protests and demands for accountability for alleged enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and landmine clearance. Why did the Pakistani government ban the PTM? The government banned the PTM under anti-terror ... Read More...

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Explained

Oct 30, 2024

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Explained What are APIs? APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are tools that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. Imagine them as “messengers” that help various apps or websites share information and work together. APIs make it possible for applications to use features or data from other systems without needing to understand all the technical details behind them. Example: When you check the weather on an app, the app isn’t doing its own weather analysis. Instead, it connects to a weather API that pr... Read More...

Global Coral Bleaching Event: The Fourth Alarm

Oct 29, 2024

Global Coral Bleaching Event: The Fourth Alarm What is coral bleaching? Coral bleaching happens when corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white. This occurs because they expel the tiny algae living within their tissues, which provide them with food and color. What causes coral bleaching? The main cause is rising ocean temperatures due to climate change. Other factors like pollution, extreme low tides, and too much sunlight can also contribute. Why is coral bleaching a problem? Coral death: Severe or prolonged bleaching can kil... Read More...

PINDARI GLACIER & GLOBAL WARMING : CONCERNS AND CONSEQUENCES

Oct 29, 2024

PINDARI GLACIER & GLOBAL WARMING : CONCERNS AND CONSEQUENCES FAQs 1. How has the Pindari Glacier been affected by global warming? The Pindari Glacier in Uttarakhand has receded by over half a kilometer in the past 60 years. Global warming has accelerated the melting process, transforming once-snow-covered areas into barren, eroding mountains. 2. What is the ecological impact of the glacier’s retreat on local wildlife? The shrinking glacier has disrupted the habitats of various species like the Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, sambar, a... Read More...

Ocean Currents: All You Need To Know

Oct 29, 2024

Ocean Currents: All You Need To Know The vast expanse of our planet's oceans is not a static body of water. It is crisscrossed by a complex network of ocean currents, vast, swirling conveyor belts that play a crucial role in Earth's climate, weather patterns, and the health of marine ecosystems. Formation of Ocean Currents: Ocean currents are driven by a combination of forces: Tides: The gravitational pull of the moon and sun creates tides, causing periodic rises and falls in sea level. These tidal movements generate currents, especially near coastlines, bays, and estua... Read More...

SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND ISRO

Oct 29, 2024

SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND ISRO 1. What is space situational awareness (SSA), and why is it important? Space Situational Awareness (SSA) involves tracking and predicting the movement, size, and location of objects in space, including satellites and debris. With an increasing number of satellites and space debris in low-Earth orbit, SSA is critical to prevent collisions and manage satellite safety. It helps protect valuable space assets from accidental collisions, which could lead to further debris and operational hazards . 2. How is ISRO enhancing its SSA capabilities? ISRO is ... Read More...

Kuroshio Ocean Current in the Pacific Ocean

Oct 29, 2024

Kuroshio Ocean Current in the Pacific Ocean The Kuroshio Current is a warm ocean current in the Pacific Ocean. It flows eastward from the Philippines, along the east coast of Japan, and eventually into the North Pacific Current. Here are some of its key characteristics: Origin: The Kuroshio originates in the Pacific North Equatorial Current, near the Philippines. Warmth: It is a warm current, with an average surface temperature of about 24 °C (75 °F). Speed: The current flows at a speed of about 1.5 meter... Read More...

GLOBAL ECOSYSTEMS ATLAS AT COP16: A LANDMARK TOOL FOR ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

Oct 29, 2024

GLOBAL ECOSYSTEMS ATLAS AT COP16: A LANDMARK TOOL FOR ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT FAQs 1. What is the Global Ecosystems Atlas, and why was it launched at COP16? The Global Ecosystems Atlas, introduced at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on October 22, 2024, is an innovative tool developed by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). It is designed to map, monitor, and evaluate ecosystems across the globe, offering valuable insights to support biodiversity, address climate change impacts, and manage land degradation. ... Read More...

EARTH’S 7 LAYERS

Oct 29, 2024

EARTH’S 7 LAYERS 1. How many layers does the Earth have? The Earth is structured into 7 main layers that vary in composition, temperature, and state (solid or liquid). These layers include the crust, upper mantle, transition zone, lower mantle, outer core, inner core, and another transition layer at specific boundaries within the mantle. Each layer has distinct properties and a specific role in Earth’s geological processes . 2. What is the Earth’s crust, and what are its features? The crust is Earth’s outermost layer, forming a thin, rigid shell on which all ... Read More...

NATIONAL MISSION FOR MANUSCRIPTS (NMM): ALL THAT AN ASPIRANT SHOULD KNOW

Oct 29, 2024

NATIONAL MISSION FOR MANUSCRIPTS (NMM): ALL THAT AN ASPIRANT SHOULD KNOW 1. What is the primary objective of the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)? The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was established in 2003 with the core objective of documenting, conserving, digitizing, and disseminating India’s manuscript heritage. This includes preserving rare and ancient manuscripts, promoting access to them for researchers and the public, and ensuring their survival for future generations. The mission’s efforts span across India, collaborating with multiple Manuscripts Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscripts Conservation Centres (MCCs) . Read More...