UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Understanding Halal

Dec 01, 2023

Halal, an Arabic term, means 'permissible' in the context of Islamic law. It is often used to describe food and drink that are allowed for consumption under Islamic dietary guidelines. Key Aspects of Halal: 1. Food and Drink: Halal food must not contain any components or be processed with equipment contaminated with certain prohibited substances like pork, alcohol, and blood. 2. Meat Processing: For meat to be halal, specific methods of slaughtering are followed. The animal must be healthy at the time of slaughter, and the name of Allah (God) must be invoked during the act. Read More...

Rat-Hole Mining in Meghalaya: An Overview

Dec 01, 2023

Rat-hole mining, a primitive and hazardous method of mining, was banned in Meghalaya due to its detrimental effects on both the environment and the miners. Understanding its implications and the ongoing challenges is essential for evaluating the future of coal mining in the region. "What is Rat-Hole Mining? Description: This method involves digging small tunnels, just 3-4 feet in height, where miners, often in a squatting position, extract coal with pickaxes. There are two types: side-cutting on hill slopes following visible coal seams and box-cutting involving digging pits and then horizontal t... Read More...

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs)

Dec 01, 2023

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are intense, short-lived bursts of radio waves emanating from distant galaxies, with the energy release comparable to 500 million suns. These bursts last only milliseconds, making them a cosmic 'now you see it, now you don't' phenomenon. Key Insights into FRBs: 1. Origin Speculation: Initially, the exact sources of FRBs were elusive. Magnetars, a type of neutron star with extremely strong magnetic fields, were considered potential sources. The magnetic field of a magnetar is over a thousand times stronger than that of typical neutron stars and a trillion times tha... Read More...

India's G-20 Presidency: Leading a New Era of Multilateralism

Dec 01, 2023

Overview: Marking a year since assuming the G-20 Presidency, India's approach underlines a transformative vision in global leadership, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainable development, and a human-centric approach to progress. Highlights of India's G-20 Presidency: 1. Shift in Focus: Transitioning from a GDP-centric to a human-centric model of progress. 2. Inclusive Approach: Emphasizing 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (One earth, one family, one future), reflecting a commitment to global unity and cooperation. 3. New Delhi Leade... Read More...

Fast Track Special Courts Scheme in India

Dec 01, 2023

Overview: The Indian government has approved the continuation of the Fast Track Special Court (FTSC) Scheme, a critical initiative for expediting justice in cases of sexual offenses. This decision aligns with the government's commitment to enhancing the safety and security of women and children. Key Features of the Scheme: Duration: Extended from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026. Financial Allocation: Rs.1,952.23 crore, split between the Central (Rs.1,207.24 crore) and State (Rs.744.99 crore) governments, funded partly by the Nirbhaya Fund. ... Read More...

Kavach Deployment on Indian Railways

Dec 01, 2023

Overview: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed concerns over the pace of deploying Kavach, the indigenously developed anti-collision system for Indian Railways. He assured that the implementation across a 3,000-km route is progressing steadily. Key Updates: urrent Progress: The project includes a comprehensive deployment process with various components. The radio survey and design are 98% complete, tower installation is 51% done, optical fibre cables are laid in 45% of the area, and 33% of work at railway stations is finished. Past Deployment: K... Read More...

Alleged Assassination Plot by Indian Official: U.S. Indictment

Dec 01, 2023

Overview: The U.S. Department of Justice has released an indictment accusing a senior Indian intelligence official (referred to as CC-1) of orchestrating an assassination plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-based Khalistani activist. Pannun, wanted on terror charges, is a vocal advocate for a sovereign Sikh state. The indictment alleges that CC-1 enlisted Nikhil Gupta to arrange the murder, with Gupta subsequently arrested in the Czech Republic. Key Details: Accused Official: An unnamed senior Indian Intelligence officer. Target: Gurpatwant Si... Read More...

Ensuring Safety in Himalayan Tunnelling - The Silkyara Bend Tunnel Incident

Nov 30, 2023

Q: What was the Silkyara Bend Tunnel incident? A: The Silkyara Bend Tunnel incident refers to a catastrophic event where 41 workers were trapped during the construction of a tunnel in the Himalayan region. It was a wake-up call to the risks associated with tunneling projects in geologically sensitive areas and the urgent need for enhanced safety measures. Q: Why are tunneling projects in the Himalayas particularly challenging? A: The Himalayas are a young and fragile mountain range prone to natural disasters such as landslides and earthquakes. Tunneling in this regio... Read More...

The Growing Trend of Genetic Testing in India

Nov 30, 2023

Genetic testing is revolutionizing healthcare in India, increasingly used for various health concerns, from cancer detection to pregnancy risk assessment. Overview: Applications: The tests are popular for detecting early signs of cancer, assessing prenatal health risks, and understanding individual health profiles like food intolerance or disease susceptibility. Expansion in India: Rising Sector: The field has seen growth with about 20 genetic testing labs and 50 startups, aided by advanci... Read More...

Tholu Bommalata: The Art of Shadow Puppetry in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Nov 29, 2023

Tholu Bommalata: A form of shadow puppetry unique to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in India, known for life-sized, vibrant leather puppets. It showcases episodes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, enriched by diverse narratives and songs. Predominantly practised by the Aare Kapu community, this art form is centered in districts like Anantapur, Guntur, and Nellore. Historical Roots: Dating back to the third or fourth century CE, its earliest mention appears in the 13th-century Telugu text, Panditaradhya Charitra. Inscriptions from 1208 CE also reference it, indicating its historical significance in southern India. The Pallava, Ch... Read More...

INS Imphal

Nov 29, 2023

1. What is INS Imphal? INS Imphal is a guided missile destroyer warship of the Indian Navy, set to be commissioned in December. It is the third ship of the Navy’s Project 15B or Visakhapatnam-class. 2. Who designed INS Imphal? INS Imphal was designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (MDL). 3. Why is INS Imphal significant? INS Imphal is the first capital warship named after a city in North-East India, Imphal, the capital of Manipur. It’s a... Read More...

26/11 Terror : What India learnt

Nov 29, 2023

Maritime Security Enhancements in India: An Overview 1. What measures has India taken to strengthen maritime security post 26/11 attacks? India bolstered maritime security by expanding the Indian Coast Guard’s responsibilities, establishing new marine police stations, and increasing the fleet of advanced vessels. The nation also enforced mandatory use of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for larger vessels to ensure better tracking and identification. 2. How has intelligence coordination improved in response to terrorism? The Multi Agency Centre... Read More...

Golan Heights: A Strategic Geopolitical Region

Nov 29, 2023

The Golan Heights is a region of high strategic importance, located in the Levant. This area has been a focal point of various conflicts and geopolitical interests, particularly between Israel and Syria. Understanding the Golan Heights requires an examination of its historical context, geographical significance, and current political status. 1. Historical Background: The Golan Heights, historically known for its fertile lands and water resources, has been contested for centuries. It was captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in 1981, a move not recognized internationally. 2. Geographical... Read More...

Protecting the Taj Mahal from Insect Threat

Nov 29, 2023

What is the threat to the Taj Mahal? The Taj Mahal is threatened by an insect, identified as Goeldichironomus, which leaves greenish stains on its white marble surface through its droppings. Since when has the Taj Mahal been affected by this insect? The presence of the insect has been a recurring issue since 2015, with the exception of 2020 when lower pollution levels during the lockdown reduced their activity. What conditions are ideal for these insects to thrive? The insects are most active in temperat... Read More...