UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SRIRAM’s Simplifier: Understanding CAR-T Cell Therapy

Oct 18, 2023

CAR-T cell therapy is an innovative and promising approach in cancer treatment. Here are the basics: What is CAR-T Cell Therapy? CAR-T stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy. It’s a type of immunotherapy that harnesses the power of a patient’s own immune system to combat cancer. How Does it Work? Collection: A patient’s T-cells (a type of white blood cell) are collected from their blood. Modification: These T-cells are genetically engineered to express CARs on their surface. Targeti... Read More...

The Critical Status of India’s Caracal

Oct 18, 2023

How many caracals are left in India? An estimated 50 caracals remain, primarily in clusters in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Why is the caracal critically endangered? The factors leading to the decline in population are still unknown, although experts speculate it could be due to a species-specific disease. More data is needed for confirmation. Are there conservation efforts? Yes, in 2021, the National Biodiversity Wildlife Board announced a Species Recovery Plan for 22 species in India, including the caracal, ... Read More...

Palestinian Mass Exodus from Gaza

Oct 18, 2023

What triggered the mass exodus in Gaza? Israel's military issued an unprecedented warning to about 1 million residents in northern Gaza to evacuate towards the southern part of the territory. This is widely seen as an indication of an imminent ground invasion against Hamas, leading to panic and mass migration. What has been the UN's stance? The United Nations warned that the mass displacement of almost half of Gaza's population would be disastrous. They have urged Israel to reverse this evacuation order. What is Hamas... Read More...

Review and Curative Petitions in India's Supreme Court

Oct 18, 2023

What is a Review Petition? Definition: A review petition is filed for re-examination of a judgment delivered by the Supreme Court. Legal Basis: Article 137 of the Indian Constitution. Grounds:Error apparent on the face of the record, discovery of new evidence, or any other sufficient reason. Case Law:Sow Chandra Kante and Anr. Vs. Sheikh Habib clarified that a review petition can't be used to re-argue the same matter. What is a Curative Petition? Definition: A curative petition is t... Read More...

Understanding India's Abortion Law

Oct 18, 2023

What did the Chief Justice of India (CJI) say about India's abortion law? Statement: Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud stated that India's abortion law is liberal, pro-choice, and far ahead of many other countries. How does India's law differ from Roe vs. Wade in the U.S.? Difference: The CJI remarked that India would not have a "Roe vs. Wade situation." In the U.S., the Roe vs. Wade ruling protects the right to abortion under the Constitution. What is the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act? ... Read More...

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India: An In-depth Analysis

Oct 18, 2023

What is PIL? Definition: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal procedure that allows a person to file a case in a court of law for the public good. When Was It Introduced? Timeline:PIL started gaining prominence in India during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was pioneered by Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer. Benefits of PIL Access to Justice: Enables marginalized communities to seek justice. Social Reforms: Drives legislative and adm... Read More...

The Saudi-Israel Normalization: Unraveled By Regional Dynamics

Oct 18, 2023

Overview The Gaza conflict has significantly impacted Saudi Arabia's attempts to normalize relations with Israel. Initiated under U.S. guidance, this normalization deal has faced a setback, shedding light on the broader geopolitical landscape and the role of Palestinian interests in West Asian diplomacy. Key Points Initial Momentum: Under U.S. auspices, Israel and Saudi Arabia had seemed to be progressing toward normalizing relations. Prime Minister Netanyahu even praised the process during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly. Saud... Read More...

GLOF in Sikkim

Oct 18, 2023

The Havoc In Sikkim The tragic event that unfolded in Sikkim due to a glacial lake outburst serves as a cautionary tale of the impact of environmental changes and infrastructural projects on vulnerable regions. Here's a deep dive into what transpired, its consequences, and the ongoing debates surrounding the disaster. The Catastrophe: A Snapshot On October 4, a glacial lake breach led to a sudden surge of water, causing massive destruction. The disaster swept away the Chungthang dam, critical to the Teesta-III hydropower project, claimed at least 94 lives, and da... Read More...

Eastern Ghats

Oct 18, 2023

The Mining Debate in Odisha: Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental and Social Costs Background The government of Odisha has been auctioning bauxite mining sites to private companies like Vedanta and Adani Group. While this move promises economic growth, it raises grave concerns about environmental sustainability and social impact, particularly affecting the tribal communities living in the area for generations. Key Issues Environmental Concerns: Mining in Odisha's bauxite-rich area may result in deforestation, water poll... Read More...

Hussainsagar Lake Crisis - Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Oct 18, 2023

What is the Hussainsagar Lake, and why is it important? Hussainsagar Lake is one of the largest manmade lakes in Asia, connecting the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It has historical importance dating back to the 16th century and once served as the primary source of drinking water for Hyderabad. What is the current state of the lake? The lake is severely polluted, with high levels of chemical and biochemical pollutants. It has also been shrinking in size due to sedimentation and the construction of manmade islands. Encroachments and developmental projects have... Read More...

The Dark Side of Fireworks: A Deep Dive into the Tragedy at Attibele and What It Means for Fire Safety

Oct 18, 2023

Context and Loss: The recent firework accident in Attibele, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, resulted in the loss of 16 young lives. All victims were either students or recent graduates, many of whom were working temporarily to pay for their education or to support their families. Safety Concerns: This tragic event has highlighted numerous safety issues surrounding firecracker shops, storage conditions, and the absence of adequate safety measures. The incident has caused an uproar, forcing officials to scrutinize existing regulations. Read More...

Australia's Landmark Referendum: Indigenous Voice to Parliament

Oct 18, 2023

Aborigines Referendum Overview Australia is in a pivotal moment as citizens head to vote in a landmark referendum concerning the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. The proposal aims to create an advisory body called "The Voice," allowing Indigenous Australians to consult on laws and policies that affect them directly. The government passionately supports the initiative, while critics argue it might not be enough for meaningful change. Importance of Voting Given that voting is compulsory in Australia for citizens aged 1... Read More...

The Human Brain Atlas

Oct 18, 2023

What is the Human Brain Atlas? The Human Brain Atlas is like a detailed map of the human brain. It helps scientists explore the complexities of the brain at a genetic level, much like a map guides you through different places. What's so special about this atlas? It catalogs over 3,000 types of brain cells and provides insights into how they vary from person to person. Why is it important? This atlas is a game-changer for neuroscience. It lets scientists study the brain in unprecedented detail, helpin... Read More...

Shola Forests: The Jewel of Sky Islands

Oct 17, 2023

Shola forests are unique montane ecosystems located in the high-altitude regions of India's Western Ghats. Characterized by dense vegetation, these evergreen forests serve as "Sky Islands," isolated by natural grasslands and fragmented by human activities. They are biodiversity hotspots, home to numerous endemic species of plants, birds, and other wildlife. Critically, they function as water catchment areas, being the source of many South Indian rivers. Despite their ecological importance, Shola forests face challenges from deforestation, unregulated tourism, and exotic plant invasions. They are a focal point for conservation efforts d... Read More...

Moral Dilemmas in Pregnancy: Dealing With Complex Choices

Oct 17, 2023

Moral Dilemma: Prenatal Testing Reveals Severe Anomaly Terminate the Pregnancy Reasons: Relieve potential child suffering. Emotional and financial burden. Ethical quality of life concerns. Continue the Pregnancy Reasons: Ethical or religious opposition to termination. Possibility of medical improvements. Intrinsic value of life. Moral Dilemma: High Health Risk to Mother Read More...