UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

INS Imphal

Nov 29, 2023

Shravanabelagola Monuments, Hassan and Lakkundi Monuments, Gadag

Nov 29, 2023

Shravanabelagola Monuments, Hassan Shravanabelagola, nestled in Karnataka’s Hassan district, is a significant Jain pilgrimage site renowned for its colossal statue of Lord Bahubali, which stands as one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world. The site exemplifies unique architectural mastery and religious reverence, dating back to the 10th century. This ancient town is dotted with a myriad of Jain temples, inscriptions, and sculptures, each narrating tales of Jain heritage and cultural richness. The inclusion of Shravanabelagola monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list would not only recogn... Read More...

Gati Shakti for Holistic Development

Nov 29, 2023

Foundations of Gati Shakti Plan The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan serves as a transformative tool that central ministries and states utilize for strategic project planning. It leverages a digital platform to provide a comprehensive view of infrastructural and logistical assets through GIS mapping. Strategic Planning for Educational Infrastructure States are employing the Gati Shakti master plan to pinpoint optimal locations for new educational institutions. This is informed by a multitude of data layers, offering insights into accessibility, surrounding facilit... Read More...

Government’s Crop Insurance Scheme

Nov 29, 2023

What is the Government’s Crop Insurance Scheme? The Government’s Crop Insurance Scheme is a program designed to protect farmers against losses due to crop failure as a result of natural calamities, pests, and diseases. It provides a safety net by compensating for the losses, thereby stabilizing farmers’ incomes. How has the Crop Insurance Scheme evolved? The scheme has evolved to incorporate technological advancements such as satellite imagery, remote sensing technology, and mobile apps to improve the accuracy and speed of claims processing, risk as... Read More...

Mt. Etna's Eruption in Sicily, Italy

Nov 29, 2023

1. What is Mt. Etna? Mt. Etna, located in Sicily, Italy, is Europe's most active volcano, known for its frequent eruptions and significant volcanic activity. 2. Why is Mt. Etna's Eruption Notable? The eruption from a snow-covered Mt. Etna is a striking geological event, showcasing the contrast between the fiery volcanic activity and the icy surroundings. 3. How Often Does Mt. Etna Erupt? Mt. Etna is known for its frequent and varying levels of eruptive activity, often erupting multiple times a ye... Read More...

Rise in Anti-Semitism in Europe Post Israel-Palestine Conflict

Nov 29, 2023

1. What has been the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict in Europe? The conflict has led to a notable increase in anti-Semitic incidents across Europe, with heightened fears and concerns among Jewish communities. 2. Why is there a surge in anti-Semitism in Europe? The surge is partly attributed to the fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict, exacerbating long-standing anti-Jewish sentiments in a continent with a history of such prejudice. 3. How are European Jews responding to the rise in anti-Semitism? Read More...