UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SIGNAL FAILURE PROTOCOLS IN RAILWAY OPERATIONS

Jun 26, 2024

OVERVIEW Recent train accidents in India have highlighted significant confusion and issues in the protocols for train operations during signal failures, particularly in areas with automatic signaling systems. These incidents have underscored the need for clear and effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure safety and prevent further accidents. BACKGROUND Major Incidents 1. Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express Collision (June 2, 2023): Resulted in about 300 d... Read More...

THE ESSENCE OF THE VEDAS

Jun 26, 2024

INTRODUCTION The Vedas, ancient sacred texts of India, form the foundation of Hindu philosophy and spirituality. Their teachings encompass various aspects of life, including rituals, values, and attitudes, aimed at guiding individuals towards a righteous and fulfilling life. Here, we explore the core principles derived from the Vedas. THREE ESSENTIAL ASPECTS OF THE VEDAS ... Read More...

DEATHS OF INDIAN PILGRIMS DURING HAJ PILGRIMAGE

Jun 26, 2024

1. HOW MANY INDIANS PARTICIPATED IN HAJ THIS YEAR? This year, 1,75,000 Indians visited Mecca for the Haj pilgrimage from May 9 to July 22, 2024. 2. HOW MANY INDIAN PILGRIMS DIED DURING THE HAJ PILGRIMAGE THIS YEAR? A total of 98 Indian pilgrims have died during the Haj pilgrimage this year. 3. WHAT WERE THE CAUSES OF DEATH? The deaths were primarily due to natural causes, chronic ... Read More...

THE DARKNET: INDIAN VIEW

Jun 26, 2024

The Darknet, often associated with the darker side of the internet, is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software for access. Here is an overview focusing on its implications in India, including issues like exam paper leaks. WHAT IS THE DARKNET? The Darknet is a subset of the Deep Web, which includes all parts of the internet not indexed by standard search engines. The Darknet requires special tools and configurations to access, with the most common being the Tor (The ... Read More...

CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE E-SHRAM PORTAL

Jun 26, 2024

INTRODUCTION The e-Shram portal, launched by the Government of India on 26 August 2021, aims to create a comprehensive national database of unorganised sector workers. This initiative includes migrant workers, construction workers, and gig and platform workers, intending to extend social sector benefits to these workers. While the portal has seen significant registration numbers, there are several critical aspects to consider. ACHIEVEMENTS Extensiv... Read More...

E-SHRAM PORTAL: CRITICAL OVERVIEW

Jun 26, 2024

The e-Shram portal, launched by the Government of India on 26 August 2021, serves as the first-ever national database of unorganised sector workers. It includes a wide range of workers such as migrant workers, construction workers, and gig and platform workers. This initiative aims to facilitate the extension of social sector schemes’ benefits to these workers. REGISTRATION STATISTICS As of 20 June, approximately 29.7 crore unorganised workers have registered on the e-Shram portal. Read More...

FOOD INFLATION IN INDIA

Jun 26, 2024

Food inflation in India has been consistently high, driven primarily by supply-side factors, despite early monsoon rains and forecasts of above-normal rainfall. Here are the main reasons for this persistent issue: SUPPLY-SIDE FAC... Read More...

ANTI-PAPER LEAK LAW: STRICT PENALTIES FOR EXAM CHEATING

Jun 26, 2024

Amid recent controversies surrounding the NEET and UGC-NET exams, the Centre has enacted a stringent law to curb paper leaks and cheating. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, was notified recently, with significant penalties for those found guilty of leaking papers or tampering with answer sheets. Key Provisions of the Act: • Jail Terms and Fines: • Minimum jail term of three years, extendable to five years. • Fine up to ₹10 lakh for individuals involved. • E... Read More...

METHANOL POISONING IN KALLAKURICHI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

Jun 26, 2024

What happened in Kallakurichi district? In June 2024, at least 38 people died after consuming spurious liquor in Kallakurichi district, Tamil Nadu. Another 82 individuals were hospitalized. This incident echoes a similar tragedy from the previous year in Chengalpattu and Villupuram districts, where over 20 people died from methanol-laced liquor. The state government responded by transferring the district Collector, suspending the district superintendent of police, and deploying 2,000 police personnel to the district. Read More...

U.S.-SAUDI STRATEGIC ALLIANCE AGREEMENT (SAA)

Jun 25, 2024

What is the Strategic Alliance Agreement (SAA)? The SAA is a proposed comprehensive agreement between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia aimed at strengthening their bilateral relationship, focusing on security, economic collaboration, and regional stability. What are the key components of the SAA? The SAA is expected to have three main components: 1. Bilateral: A strategic defense pact similar to the U.S.-Japan treaty. 2. Regional: Read More...

IMPACT OF PURPLE ICE ALGAE ON GLACIER MELTING

Jun 25, 2024

1. What is Albedo? Albedo is a measure of how much sunlight a surface reflects. High albedo means more reflection and less absorption of heat. Read More...

THE HOOCH TRAGEDY IN TAMIL NADU

Jun 25, 2024

The recent hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi, north Tamil Nadu, underscores significant failures in policy and enforcement, resulting in the deaths of 39 people who consumed methanol-laced illicit liquor. With more individuals in critical condition, the death toll may rise, marking this incident as one of the most devastating in recent times. Despite prior warnings from similar tragedies in the region, systemic issues and lapses in governance have allowed the illicit brewing industry t... Read More...

SICKLE CELL DISEASE (SCD) IN INDIA

Jun 25, 2024

What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)? Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic genetic condition that affects hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in the body. It causes red blood cells to become crescent-shaped, leading to various complications. How does SCD affect the body? In SCD, red blood cells take on a sickle shape, which can disrupt blood flow in small vessels. This leads to complications such as end-organ damage, increased infection susceptibility, stroke, and pulmonary issues. What is the prevalence of SCD ... Read More...

PARVATMALA SCHEME: INDIA’S AMBITIOUS ROPEWAY PROJECT

Jun 25, 2024

Overview of Ropeways in India Ropeways, also known as aerial lifts, cable cars, or chair lifts, are public transportation systems where cabins, gondolas, or open chairs are hauled above the ground using cables. They ... Read More...