UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Unborn Child's Right to Privacy in India:Evolution

Oct 03, 2024

Unborn Child's Right to Privacy in India:Evolution Early Recognition of the Right to Life and Health: Kharak Singh v. State of U.P. (1963): The Supreme Court established that the right to life under Article 21 includes the right to live with human dignity, encompassing the right to health. This indirectly acknowledged the significance of protecting the unborn child's health within the mother's womb. Unnikrishnan v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1993): The court expanded the right to life to include the right to medical care, extending this right to both the mo... Read More...

Secularism: India and the USA

Oct 03, 2024

Secularism: India and the USA India and the United States both uphold secular principles, but they differ in their approach and implementation. India as a Secular State Constitutional Mandate: The Indian Constitution explicitly declares India as a secular state, enshrined in its Preamble. The term "secular" was added through the 42nd Amendment in 1976, emphasizing the state's commitment to religious neutrality. Positive Secularism: India's secularism is often described as "positive secularism," implying that the state activel... Read More...

India's Positive Secularism

Oct 03, 2024

India's Positive Secularism Concept Positive secularism in India represents a distinct approach to secularism compared to the strict separation of church and state found in some Western countries. It emphasizes the state's active role in ensuring religious harmony and respecting all religions equally, rather than complete neutrality or non-interference. Key features of positive secularism in India include: Equal respect for all religions: The state recognizes and values the diversity of religious beliefs and practices within the country. &nbs... Read More...

Earth's Mantle:FAQs

Oct 03, 2024

Earth's Mantle:FAQs What is the Earth's mantle? The Earth's mantle is the thickest layer of our planet, located between the thin outer crust and the super-heated core. How thick is the mantle? It's approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) thick, making up about 84% of the Earth's total volume. What is the mantle made of? It's composed mainly of silicate rocks, rich in elements like magnesium and iron. These rocks are mostly solid but can flow very slowly over long periods due to intense heat... Read More...

Ransomware Threats: FAQs

Oct 03, 2024

Ransomware Threats: FAQs What is ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts files on a computer or network, rendering them inaccessible to the victim. The attacker then demands a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. Why is ransomware a growing concern? Ransomware attacks are increasing in both frequency and sophistication. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, making it harder to defend against them. The financial impact of ransomware can be devastating. In addition to ransom payments, victims... Read More...

HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION IN INDIA FOR 2023-24:ANALYSIS

Oct 03, 2024

HORTICULTURE PRODUCTION IN INDIA FOR 2023-24:ANALYSIS Horticulture output in India for the year 2023-24 has seen a slight decline of 0.65%, totaling 353.19 million tonnes according to the government’s third advance estimate. Despite this marginal overall decrease, fruit production has experienced a growth of 2.29%, reaching 112.73 million tonnes. This increase in fruit output has been propelled by significant gains in the production of key fruits such as mango, banana, lime/lemon, grapes, and custard apple. On the other hand, vegetable production was recorded at 205.8 million tonnes. Notably, the production of tomatoes, cabbage, and caulifl... Read More...

Superbugs:Rising Antimicrobial Resistance in India- Insights from ICMR-AMRSN Report

Oct 03, 2024

Superbugs:Rising Antimicrobial Resistance in India- Insights from ICMR-AMRSN Report A recent report published by the Indian Council of Medical Research's Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (ICMR-AMRSN) highlights a concerning rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India. The report reveals that common infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bloodstream infections, pneumonia, and typhoid are demonstrating increasing resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Key Findings: Gram-negative bacilli, a class of bacteria known for their ability to cause infections throughout the body,&n... Read More...

Nipah Protocol in Kerala: FAQs

Oct 03, 2024

Nipah Protocol in Kerala: FAQs What is the Nipah protocol in Kerala? The Nipah protocol in Kerala is a set of guidelines and procedures put in place to swiftly and effectively respond to potential or confirmed Nipah virus outbreaks. It includes the formation of 16 committees for various aspects of outbreak management, like surveillance, contact tracing, quarantine, and public awareness. How did the State respond after a fresh scare in Malappuram? Following the Nipah-positive test result of the 24-year-old man, the health department quickly implemented the Nipah pr... Read More...

India and Central Asian Republics (C.A.R.s)

Oct 03, 2024

India and Central Asian Republics (C.A.R.s) India’s evolving diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (C.A.R.s) have grown significantly in importance, particularly given their strategic location, rich natural resources, and potential as regional partners in trade and security. Here is a detailed critical analysis, including facts and figures, to illustrate the multifaceted relationship between India and the C.A.R.s: Diplomatic Relations India has been actively engaging with Central Asian countries since their independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The diplom... Read More...

SOORYA ROCKET: INDIA’S NEXT GENERATION LAUNCH VEHICLE

Oct 03, 2024

SOORYA ROCKET: INDIA’S NEXT GENERATION LAUNCH VEHICLE FAQs 1. What is the Soorya Rocket? The Soorya Rocket, officially known as the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), is a three-stage, partially reusable launch vehicle currently under development by ISRO. It aims to replace existing launch systems like PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3. 2. How tall will the Soorya Rocket be compared to other landmarks? The Soorya Rocket will stand 93 meters tall, making it almost 21 meters taller than the iconic Qutab Minar. 3. What is the budget allocated for the development of t... Read More...

GINGEE FORT PROPOSED FOR UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Oct 03, 2024

GINGEE FORT PROPOSED FOR UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 1. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GINGEE FORT? Gingee Fort, known as the “Troy of the East,” is one of the most significant forts in Tamil Nadu. Built on three hillocks—Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandragiri—the fort has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires, including the Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Mughals, French, and British, making it a testament to India’s diverse historical legacy. 2. WHY HAS GINGEE FORT BEEN PROPOSED/NOMINATED FOR UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE SITE TAG? Gingee Fort has been nominat... Read More...

IT Rules 2023 and the Bombay High Court's Decision

Oct 02, 2024

IT Rules 2023 and the Bombay High Court's Decision Could you explain the purpose of the IT Rules 2023? The IT Rules 2023 were designed to regulate digital platforms in India, ensuring they adhere to standards that prevent the spread of misinformation and manage digital ethics. Which platforms were within the scope of the IT Rules 2023? The rules applied to all digital and social media platforms operating within India. Can you outline some key features of the IT Rules 2023? Key features included the establishment of a Fact... Read More...

BORDER ADJUSTMENT TAX (BAT): STEEL INDUSTRY& WTO

Oct 02, 2024

BORDER ADJUSTMENT TAX (BAT): STEEL INDUSTRY& WTO 1. What is the Border Adjustment Tax (BAT)? The Border Adjustment Tax (BAT) is a tax on imports designed to ensure fair competition between local and foreign products. It applies the same domestic taxes to imports at the border, leveling the playing field by making imported goods subject to the same tax burdens as locally produced ones. BAT helps protect domestic industries, like steel, by raising the price of imported goods that may otherwise benefit from lower production costs abroad. 2. How is the steel industry affected by cheap imports? Read More...

ADJUSTED GROSS REVENUE (AGR) :SIMPLIFIER

Oct 02, 2024

ADJUSTED GROSS REVENUE (AGR) :SIMPLIFIER 1. What is Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)? Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) is the total revenue earned by telecom companies, including all revenue streams, such as call charges, internet services, and non-core activities like rent, sale of handsets, and other assets. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India requires telecom companies to pay a percentage of their AGR as license fees and spectrum usage charges. 2. What is the rationale behind AGR? The government uses AGR as a basis to calculate the fees that telecom operators must pay for... Read More...

AMAZON RIVER DRYING: CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF THE SEVERE DROUGHT

Oct 02, 2024

AMAZON RIVER DRYING: CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF THE SEVERE DROUGHT 1. What Is the Amazon River and Why Is It Important? • The Amazon River is the largest river in the world by volume, flowing through South America and covering over 7,000 kilometers. It originates in the Peruvian Andes at an elevation of 5,598 meters and makes its way through the Amazon rainforest, ultimately emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is known for its vast size, which varies with the seasons; it spans 4 to 5 kilometers wide during the dry season and can swell up to 50 kilometers during the wet season. The Amazon River plays a crucial role in the global ecosystem, suppor... Read More...