UPSC Daily Current Affairs

CYCLONE CLASSIFICATION AND TYPES

Oct 11, 2024

CYCLONE CLASSIFICATION AND TYPES FAQs 1. How are cyclones classified based on wind speed? Cyclones are classified into five categories based on wind speed and the level of damage they cause: • Category 1: Wind speed of 120–150 km/h; causes minimal damage. • Category 2: Wind speed of 150–180 km/h; causes moderate damage. • Category 3: Wind speed of 180–210 km/h; causes extensive damage. • Category 4: Wind speed of 210–250 km/h; causes extreme damage. • Category 5: Wind spee... Read More...

The Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Allegations of Adulteration

Oct 11, 2024

The Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Allegations of Adulteration The sacred offering of Tirupati laddus, a cherished prasadam for millions of devotees, has been shrouded in controversy following allegations of adulteration. Reports suggest that the ghee used in preparing these iconic sweets, traditionally sourced from cow milk, may have been compromised with cheaper fats, including those derived from beef and pigs. This revelation has sparked outrage and concern among devotees and religious groups, prompting a closer examination of the production process and testing methods. Unpacking the Controversy: Key Questions and ... Read More...

Operation AMRITH: Kerala's Fight Against Superbugs and Antibiotic Resistance - Critical Deep Dive

Oct 11, 2024

Operation AMRITH: Kerala's Fight Against Superbugs and Antibiotic Resistance - Critical Deep Dive Kerala is taking a pioneering step in combating antibiotic resistance with Operation AMRITH (Antimicrobial Resistance Mitigation and Optimization in Kerala). This program aims to curb antibiotic misuse and overuse, which contribute to the rise of drug-resistant "superbugs." Here's a deeper dive into Operation AMRITH: 1. What is Operation AMRITH? Operation AMRITH is Kerala's comprehensive program to tackle antibiotic resistance by regulating antibiotic use and prom... Read More...

DRONES IN DEFENCE IN INDIA: FAQS

Oct 11, 2024

DRONES IN DEFENCE IN INDIA: FAQS 1. How Has Drone Technology Grown in India? Drone technology in India has seen rapid growth, especially with private companies developing new uses for defense. What started mainly as surveillance tools have now evolved into advanced drones for combat, intelligence, and logistics. 2. What Are Drones Used For in Defense? Drones in India are used for: • Surveillance: Drones gather real-time data on enemy positions using cameras and sensors. • Combat: Armed drones can conduct precision strikes without risking huma... Read More...

GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2024:INDIA RANKS@39

Oct 11, 2024

GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 2024:INDIA RANKS@39 The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual ranking of countries based on their capacity for and success in innovation. It serves as a tool for policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to assess and improve their innovation ecosystems. The index provides insights into strengths and weaknesses in fostering innovation and aims to guide nations in enhancing their innovation-driven economic and social transformation. KEY DETAILS ABOUT THE GLOBAL INNOVATION INDEX 1. Origin and Publishing Body The GII was launched in 2007 and is published by the World I... Read More...

PASSIVE EUTHANASIA IN INDIA: NEW DRAFT GUIDELINES

Oct 11, 2024

PASSIVE EUTHANASIA IN INDIA: NEW DRAFT GUIDELINES What Is Passive Euthanasia? Passive euthanasia involves withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment from terminally ill patients when continued treatment is not in the patient’s best interests. This allows the patient to die naturally without prolonging suffering. What Are the New Draft Guidelines on Passive Euthanasia? The Union Health Ministry has introduced draft guidelines for passive euthanasia, outlining four conditions under which life support can be withdrawn: 1. The patient must have been declared brainstem dead. 2. Ther... Read More...

The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary: Little Rann of Kutch - FAQs

Oct 11, 2024

The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary: Little Rann of Kutch - FAQs The Little Rann of Kutch, a unique and harsh landscape in Gujarat, India, is home to the Indian wild ass sanctuary. This sanctuary protects the endangered Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur), locally known as "khur." Here's a closer look at this fascinating ecosystem and its challenges: FAQs 1. What is the Little Rann of Kutch? The Little Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marsh located in Gujarat, India. It's a harsh environment characterized by barren salt flats for most of the year,&n... Read More...

Scarborough Shoal: South China Sea Dispute: Simplifier

Oct 11, 2024

Scarborough Shoal: South China Sea Dispute: Simplifier 1. What is Scarborough Shoal? Scarborough Shoal is a triangle-shaped chain of reefs and rocks located in the South China Sea, approximately 120 nautical miles west of the Philippine island of Luzon. It is a traditional fishing ground and is claimed by both China and the Philippines. 2. Why is Scarborough Shoal a source of tension? China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including Scarborough Shoal, despite overlapping claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. This has le... Read More...

Leptospirosis: Simplifier

Oct 11, 2024

Leptospirosis: Simplifier 1. What is leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can affect both humans and animals. 2. How do humans get infected? Humans get infected through contact with the urine of infected animals or a urine-contaminated environment (water, soil). 3. What are the symptoms? Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, muscle aches) to severe illness with liver and kidney damage. 4. How is it treated? Antibiotics are used to treat leptosp... Read More...

POCSO Act and Online Child Sexual Abuse: Supreme Court Widens Scope to Crack Down

Oct 11, 2024

POCSO Act and Online Child Sexual Abuse: Supreme Court Widens Scope to Crack Down What was the issue before the Supreme Court? Whether viewing, downloading, and storing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online are offenses under the POCSO Act. What did the Madras High Court rule? The High Court ruled that only transmitting or publishing CSAM was an offense, not merely possessing or viewing it. How did the Supreme Court rule? The Supreme Court overturned the High Court's ruling, stating that possessing, viewing, and stor... Read More...

PM Muft Bijli Solar Yojana (PMSY):India's Rooftop Solar Scheme (PMSY)

Oct 11, 2024

PM Muft Bijli Solar Yojana (PMSY):India's Rooftop Solar Scheme (PMSY) M Muft Bijli Solar Yojana (PMSY) scheme, with a massive budget of ₹75,000 crore, aims to install one crore rooftop solar (RTS) systems across India, marking a new chapter in the country's pursuit of clean and affordable energy. Here's a closer look at the PMSY through some frequently asked questions: 1. What exactly is the PM Muft Bijli Solar Yojana (PMSY)? The PMSY is a ambitious, centrally-funded scheme designed to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar systems in India.It offers substantial subsidi... Read More...

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023:Simplifier

Oct 11, 2024

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act 2023:Simplifier 1. What is the Jan Vishwas Act? The Jan Vishwas Act is a law passed in 2023 to decriminalize minor offenses and reduce the burden on businesses and citizens. 2. What does it do? It amends 42 existing laws across 19 different government departments, removing 183 provisions that previously imposed criminal penalties for minor offenses. 3. Why was it needed? The Act aims to improve ease of doing business, reduce litigation, and free up courts to focus on more serious offenses. It... Read More...

Self-Respect Movement and Dravidian Movement

Oct 11, 2024

Self-Respect Movement and Dravidian Movement Self-Respect Movement 1. What is the Self-Respect Movement? The Self-Respect Movement, initiated in 1925 by E.V. Ramasamy, commonly known as Periyar, was an emancipatory endeavor aimed at achieving social equality. It sought to abolish the caste system, promote rational thinking, and enhance women's rights, laying the foundation for Dravidian political ideology in Tamil Nadu. 2. How did the Self-Respect Movement differ from the Dravidian Movement? While both movements aim to combat caste discrimination and promote social justice, the S... Read More...

UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS: PROTECTING GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Oct 11, 2024

UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARKS: PROTECTING GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UNESCO Global Geoparks are designated areas that celebrate the Earth’s geological history, while also fostering cultural and social connections to the land. Established under the International Geopark Programme (IGGP) in 2015, these parks recognize geological heritage of international importance, while promoting sustainable development, geo-tourism, and education. At present, there are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks across 48 countries. The main goal of UNESCO Global Geoparks is to preserve geological diversity and highlight its link to natural and cultural heritage. B... Read More...

CHANDRAYAAN-3 IN 3.85B YEAR-OLD CRATER: A BREAKTHROUGH IN LUNAR EXPLORATION

Oct 11, 2024

CHANDRAYAAN-3 IN 3.85B YEAR-OLD CRATER: A BREAKTHROUGH IN LUNAR EXPLORATION India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully landed on a 3.85-billion-year-old crater on the Moon, offering a unique opportunity to study one of the oldest lunar formations. The crater, formed during the Nectarian period, adds significant value to the scientific exploration of the Moon’s history. The Pragyan rover has provided unprecedented images from this crater, which scientists believe was partially buried under material ejected from the South Pole-Aitken basin, the largest known impact basin on the Moon. These images have begun to reveal new insights into the Moon&rs... Read More...