UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ITALIAN-SWISS ALPINE BORDER:REDRAWING DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Oct 16, 2024

ITALIAN-SWISS ALPINE BORDER:REDRAWING DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE 1. What prompted the redrawing of the Italian-Swiss border? The melting glaciers in the Alps, particularly around the Matterhorn mountain, have prompted the redrawing of the border. As glaciers recede, the physical and natural markers that define the border, like the highest points of glaciers and ridges, shift, necessitating a border adjustment to reflect these changes. 2. How is the border determined between Italy and Switzerland in the Alps? The border is determined by the watershed, which is the ridge along the highest points of the glacier. This... Read More...

Posthumous Reproduction Allowed:Gurvinder Singh & Anr. v. GNCTD & Ors.

Oct 16, 2024

Posthumous Reproduction Allowed:Gurvinder Singh & Anr. v. GNCTD & Ors. Q: What was the main issue in the case of Gurvinder Singh & Anr. v. GNCTD & Ors.? A: The case revolved around the parents of a deceased unmarried man seeking access to their son's frozen semen sample, which he had preserved before undergoing cancer treatment. The hospital refused to release the sample due to the lack of clear legal guidelines on posthumous reproduction. Q: What is posthumous reproduction? A: Posthumous reproduction refers to the process of conceiving a child using the gametes (sperm... Read More...

FASTAG AND GNSS-BASED BARRIER-FREE TOLLING: A TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION IN HIGHWAY TRAVEL

Oct 15, 2024

FASTAG AND GNSS-BASED BARRIER-FREE TOLLING: A TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION IN HIGHWAY TRAVEL 1. What is barrier-free tolling, and how will it work on the Dwarka Expressway? Barrier-free tolling is a system where vehicles can pass through toll points without stopping. On the Dwarka Expressway, this will be implemented using RFID technology. Vehicles will be fitted with FASTags, which are electronic toll collection devices. As a vehicle drives through, the system will automatically scan the FASTag using sensors, and the toll fee will be deducted from the vehicle owner’s prepaid account. 2. How does RFID-based toll collecti... Read More...

INSIDER TRADING:SEBI'S NEW RULES

Oct 15, 2024

INSIDER TRADING:SEBI'S NEW RULES Understanding Insider Trading: Insider trading involves trading a public company's stock or other securities (such as bonds or stock options) by individuals with access to non-public information about the company. In an effort to maintain fair trading practices, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) oversees and regulates insider trading activities. SEBI's Role and Regulations: Established in 1992, SEBI's primary role is to protect investors and promote the development of the securities market in India. It implements and enforces the SEBI (Prohibition o... Read More...

GENDER PERFORMATIVITY: JUDITH BUTLER'S "GENDER TROUBLE"

Oct 15, 2024

GENDER PERFORMATIVITY: JUDITH BUTLER'S "GENDER TROUBLE" What is gender performativity? Judith Butler's concept from her book "Gender Trouble" suggests that gender is not an inherent identity but rather a series of actions and behaviors that are socially enforced and repeated. Gender performativity indicates that what we consider to be 'gender' is continuously created through performance. How does gender performativity challenge the traditional gender binary? Butler’s theory challenges the fixed gender binary of male and female by demonstrating that these categories are not natural or given... Read More...

SUKANYA SHANTHA V. UNION OF INDIA (2024):SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST CASTE-BASED DISCRIMINATION IN PRISONS

Oct 15, 2024

SUKANYA SHANTHA V. UNION OF INDIA (2024):SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST CASTE-BASED DISCRIMINATION IN PRISONS 1. What was the primary focus of the Supreme Court’s judgment in Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024)? The Supreme Court's judgment focused on addressing caste-based discrimination within prisons. It declared that segregating prisoners based on caste hierarchy, assigning work according to caste, and treating inmates from de-notified tribes as habitual offenders violate fundamental human dignity and are unconstitutional. 2. What changes did the court direct regarding prison manuals? ... Read More...

Shukrayaan: Venus- ISRO's 2028 Mission to Explore Earth's Twin

Oct 15, 2024

Shukrayaan: Venus- ISRO's 2028 Mission to Explore Earth's Twin Synopsis: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is embarking on its first mission to Venus, with a planned launch in March 2028. The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) will take 112 days to reach the planet and will study its atmosphere, surface, and interaction with the sun. This ambitious mission marks a significant step in India's space exploration endeavors. FAQs: What is the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM)? India's first mission to Venus, aimed at studying the planet's atmosphere, sur... Read More...

INDIA-FRANCE STRATEGIC & DEFENCE RELATIONSHIP:ALL THAT AN ASPIRANT SHOULD KNOW

Oct 15, 2024

INDIA-FRANCE STRATEGIC & DEFENCE RELATIONSHIP:ALL THAT AN ASPIRANT SHOULD KNOW 1. What is the significance of the India-France Strategic Dialogue? The India-France Strategic Dialogue serves as a critical forum for advancing bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly in defense, technology, and strategic geopolitical issues. High-level discussions led by India's NSA Ajit Doval and French Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne aim to enhance mutual cooperation and address global challenges, enhancing both nations' capabilities and strategic positions globally. 2. What are the main defense projects discuss... Read More...

NAI TALIM-GANDHI’S EDUCATION POLICY AND NEP 2020

Oct 03, 2024

NAI TALIM-GANDHI’S EDUCATION POLICY AND NEP 2020 1. What was Gandhi’s approach to education? Gandhi emphasized Nai Talim, a holistic approach to education that combined intellectual, physical, and ethical development. He believed in education through crafts, where students would learn by doing productive work, integrating practical skills with academic subjects. His education model was rooted in self-reliance and community living, promoting values of equality, non-violence, and simplicity. 2. What are the key principles of Gandhi’s Nai Talim? • Basic Education: Read More...

Fruit Fly Brain Mapped: A Huge Step for Brain Science

Oct 04, 2024

Fruit Fly Brain Mapped: A Huge Step for Brain Science Scientists and volunteers working together have created a complete map of a fruit fly's brain. This map, called a connectome, shows every single neuron (brain cell) and synapse (connection between brain cells). It's like a wiring diagram for the fly's brain, and it's the most complex one ever made! Why is this important? Understanding the brain: This map helps us understand how brains work, from the simplest to the most complex. Fighting brain diseases: Many brain diseases, like Alzheimer's (memory l... Read More...

Waqf Bill 2024: Everything That An Aspirant Should Know

Oct 15, 2024

Waqf Bill 2024: Everything That An Aspirant Should Know 1. What is Waqf? Waqf refers to a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, educational, or charitable purposes as recognized by Islamic law. It is a voluntary endowment made by a Muslim donor, typically involving assets such as land or buildings, whose income is dedicated to supporting a specific public cause. 2. What is the purpose of the Waqf Bill 2024? The Waqf Bill 2024 aims to update and modify the regulatory framework governing the administration of Waqf properties in India. It seeks to address issues such a... Read More...

Swallowtail Butterflies of Assam: A Conservation Concern

Oct 15, 2024

Swallowtail Butterflies of Assam: A Conservation Concern What are swallowtail butterflies? Swallowtail butterflies are a diverse group of butterflies known for their large size and often brightly colored wings, many of which have tail-like extensions. They are important pollinators and indicators of environmental health. Why is Assam an important habitat for swallowtail butterflies? Diversity: Assam, particularly the northeastern region, hosts a high concentration of swallowtail species (69 out of 77 found in India). This has earned it the designation of a "swallow... Read More...

KAKATIYA DYNASTY’S WATER MANAGEMENT AND ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING

Oct 15, 2024

KAKATIYA DYNASTY’S WATER MANAGEMENT AND ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING 1. Who were the Kakatiyas, and why are they known for their water management systems? The Kakatiya dynasty ruled parts of present-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from the 12th to the 14th century. They are best known for their contributions to sustainable water management through the construction of tanks, reservoirs, and stepwells. In an arid region with low rainfall, the Kakatiyas prioritized water conservation and irrigation, which helped support agriculture and urban development. 2. What were the key architectural features of the stepwells built by the Ka... Read More...

ECOMARK RULES 2024: EVERYTHING THAT AN ASPIRANT SHOULD KNOW

Oct 15, 2024

ECOMARK RULES 2024: EVERYTHING THAT AN ASPIRANT SHOULD KNOW 1. What is Ecomark? Ecomark is a government-led certification for environmentally friendly products in India. It is part of the Ecomark Rules, 2024, recently notified by the Ministry of Environment, which define guidelines for labeling products that are less harmful to the environment. 2. Why is Ecomark important? Ecomark aims to promote the use of products that have a lower impact on the environment. It encourages sustainable consumption, resource efficiency, and supports the principles of LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The label also aims to reduce mi... Read More...

Bathukamma: Telangana's Floral Feast

Oct 15, 2024

Bathukamma: Telangana's Floral Feast What is Bathukamma? Bathukamma is a vibrant floral festival celebrated predominantly in Telangana, India. It's a joyful tribute to Goddess Gauri, symbolizing life and prosperity. When is Bathukamma celebrated? It's celebrated for nine days, starting on Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Amavasya) and culminating on "Saddula Bathukamma" (the grand finale), which falls two days before Dussehra. This usually occurs in September or October. How is Bathukamma celebrated? Wom... Read More...