UPSC Daily Current Affairs

SECOND GENERATION(2G) ETHANOL

Sep 10, 2024

SECOND GENERATION(2G) ETHANOL 1. What is 2G ethanol? Second-generation (2G) ethanol is a type of bioethanol produced from agricultural waste like rice straw, rather than from food crops like sugar cane or maize. This method helps to reduce the competition between food production and fuel production. 2. Why is India focusing on 2G ethanol production? India is focusing on 2G ethanol to meet its fuel-blending goals while reducing its reliance on food crops for ethanol production. The use of agricultural residues like rice stubble also helps address environmental issues such as stubble burning, which contribute... Read More...

CRISPR:GENE EDITING for AGRICULTURE IN INDIA

Sep 10, 2024

CRISPR:GENE EDITING for AGRICULTURE IN INDIA The shift towards accepting gene-edited crops in India signifies a transformative change in agricultural practices. Recent regulations now permit field trials of crops developed using specific gene-editing techniques, namely SDN1 and SDN2. These methods involve precise edits in the gene without incorporating foreign DNA, promising an evolution in crop development that could revolutionize farming and food security. Key Developments and Oversight An Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) plays a pivotal role in overseeing these developments, ensuring that gene-edited crops are dev... Read More...

Invasive Fish ,Tilapia in Palk Bay

Sep 10, 2024

Invasive Fish ,Tilapia in Palk Bay Q: What is happening in Palk Bay? A: An invasive fish species called tilapia is rapidly increasing in population in the coastal waters near Devipattinam, Tamil Nadu. These fish are adapting to the marine environment, breeding and thriving in areas they weren't typically found before. Q: Why is this a concern? A: Tilapia are highly adaptable and can outcompete native fish for food and resources. Their presence can disrupt the ecosystem, reduce biodiversity, and potentially harm the local fishing industry. ... Read More...

THANJAVUR VEENA

Sep 10, 2024

THANJAVUR VEENA 1. Why is Thanjavur famous for the veena? Thanjavur, a temple town in Tamil Nadu, is renowned for its tradition of handcrafting the veena, an ancient Indian musical instrument. The town has a rich heritage of artisans who have perfected the art of making veenas over generations, making it a hub for this craft. 2. What is special about the Thanjavur veena? The Thanjavur veena, specifically the Saraswati veena, is unique as it is the first musical instrument in India to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition highlights the instrument's cultural and regional significance, as w... Read More...

SUNITA WILLIAMS AND BARRY WILMORE:IMPACT OF EXTENDED SPACE MISSIONS ON ASTRONAUTS

Sep 10, 2024

SUNITA WILLIAMS AND BARRY WILMORE:IMPACT OF EXTENDED SPACE MISSIONS ON ASTRONAUTS 1. Why are Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore staying longer on the International Space Station (ISS)? NASA extended the stay of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore on the ISS until February 2025 due to safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner crew capsule, which was initially supposed to bring them back. They will now return to Earth in a SpaceX crew capsule set to launch in September 2024. 2. How does space affect the human body? Space environments, particularly microgravity, have several effects on the human body. These in... Read More...

LIE DETECTOR TESTS, ARTICLE 20, AND SELVI VS. STATE OF KARNATAKA, 2010

Sep 10, 2024

LIE DETECTOR TESTS, ARTICLE 20, AND SELVI VS. STATE OF KARNATAKA, 2010 What is the significance of lie detector tests in legal investigations? Lie detector tests, or polygraph tests, are used in criminal investigations to assess the veracity of a suspect's statements by monitoring physiological responses to questions. These responses include changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and skin conductivity. What does Article 20 of the Indian Constitution entail regarding self-incrimination? Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution protects individuals against self-incrimination. It states th... Read More...

STRUGGLES AND JOYS OF CARING FOR AGING LOVED ONES

Sep 09, 2024

STRUGGLES AND JOYS OF CARING FOR AGING LOVED ONES Caring for aging loved ones is a journey marked by both profound challenges and deep rewards. It is a role that many will undertake at some point in their lives, offering a unique blend of emotional, physical, and mental experiences. While the responsibility can be overwhelming, the opportunity to give back to those who have cared for us brings immense fulfillment and meaning. THE STRUGGLES OF CAREGIVING One of the most significant struggles in caring for aging loved ones is the emotional toll it takes. Watching someone you love grow older and more dependent can be heartbreak... Read More...

Senior Advocate:Basics

Sep 09, 2024

Senior Advocate:Basics In India, the designation of “Senior Advocate” is a prestigious honor given to lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, experience, and standing in the legal profession. The laws and regulations governing Senior Advocates in India are primarily derived from the Advocates Act, 1961, and the rules framed by the Bar Council of India (BCI) and various High Courts. KEY PROVISIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR SENIOR ADVOCATES 1. Advocates Act, 1961: • Section 16: The Act distinguishes between two classes of advocates: Senior Advocates and other Advocates. Sen... Read More...

BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA

Sep 09, 2024

BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA The Bar Council of India (BCI) is the apex statutory body responsible for regulating the legal profession and legal education in India. Established under the Advocates Act, 1961, the BCI’s functions include setting standards for legal education, granting recognition to law schools, and ensuring ethical conduct among practicing lawyers. The BCI also has the power to take disciplinary action against advocates who violate professional ethics. STRUCTURE OF THE BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA 1. Composition: • The BCI is composed of members elected from among the State Bar Councils, with eac... Read More...

T.V. Somanathan Takes Charge as New Cabinet Secretary of India

Sep 09, 2024

T.V. Somanathan Takes Charge as New Cabinet Secretary of India Q: Who is T.V. Somanathan? A: T.V. Somanathan is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1987 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre. He recently took over as the Cabinet Secretary of India following the superannuation of Rajiv Gauba. Q: What is T.V. Somanathan's educational background? A: T.V. Somanathan holds a PhD in Economics from Calcutta University and has completed the Executive Development Program at Harvard Business School. He also holds professional qualifications as a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accoun... Read More...

Law Commission of India

Sep 09, 2024

Law Commission of India It is a non-statutory , not based on an Act of Parliament, body established by the Government of India to work towards legal reform and development. Its primary function is to recommend legislative changes and reforms to improve and modernize India’s legal system. The Law Commission’s role is advisory, and its recommendations are not binding, but they have historically played a significant role in shaping Indian law. HISTORY AND ESTABLISHMENT The Law Commission of India was first established in 1955. Since then, it has been reconstituted multiple times, with each commission typically havin... Read More...

Great Nicobar Project: Balancing Development and Conservation

Sep 09, 2024

Great Nicobar Project: Balancing Development and Conservation The Great Nicobar Project is an ambitious infrastructure development on Great Nicobar Island, the southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in India. It involves the construction of a major international container transshipment terminal, a greenfield international airport, a township to accommodate approximately 6.5 lakh people, and a 450 MVA power plant. Benefits: Economic Growth: The project is projected to boost the local and national economy, generating employment opportunities and revenue through increased trade and tourism. T... Read More...

THE ARAVALLI ENGINE AND HAL-SAFHAL PARTNERSHIP

Sep 09, 2024

THE ARAVALLI ENGINE AND HAL-SAFHAL PARTNERSHIP 1. What is the Aravalli engine? The Aravalli engine is a new generation high-power engine designed for the 13-ton Medium Lift class helicopters. It is named after the Aravalli mountain range in western India and symbolizes India’s aspirations for self-reliance in critical engine technologies. 2. Which helicopters will use the Aravalli engine? The Aravalli engine will be used in two specific platforms: the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). These are being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to fulfil... Read More...

WINDFALL TAX AND ITS ROLE IN STABILIZING INDIA’S ECONOMY

Sep 09, 2024

WINDFALL TAX AND ITS ROLE IN STABILIZING INDIA’S ECONOMY Understanding Windfall Tax A windfall tax in India is an indirect levy, specifically implemented as the Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED). It targeted certain commodities, notably petroleum products.Introduced in July 2022, this tax is aimed at sectors like oil and gas, which profited extraordinarily from price spikes in the global market not directly related to their extra investment or business strategies or operational efficiencies. Mechanics and Implementation of SAED The SAED in India is imposed on the sale of specific goods such as... Read More...

Workplace Safety for Women in India & POSH Act

Sep 09, 2024

Workplace Safety for Women in India & POSH Act 1. What is the POSH Act? The POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act of 2013 is a law that mandates employers to provide a safe working environment for women and establishes guidelines for addressing sexual harassment complaints based on Visakha guidelines. 2. Are POSH complaints increasing or decreasing in India? POSH complaints are increasing. The total number of POSH complaints filed increased by 29% from FY 2022-23 to FY 2023-24. 3. Which sectors have the highest number of POSH cases? The services sector has the... Read More...