UPSC Daily Current Affairs

National Electricity Plan

Oct 25, 2024

National Electricity Plan Q: What is the National Electricity Plan (NEP)? A: The NEP is a comprehensive roadmap prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to guide India's power sector development through 2032. It focuses on achieving ambitious renewable energy targets, upgrading transmission infrastructure, and ensuring reliable power supply to meet the country's growing electricity demand. Q: What are the key objectives of the NEP? A: The NEP aims to: Achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and 600 GW by 2032. ... Read More...

Defamation Laws in India: Balancing Free Speech With Dignity and Reputation

Oct 25, 2024

Defamation Laws in India: Balancing Free Speech With Dignity and Reputation India's defamation laws aim to protect individuals' reputations while upholding the constitutional right to freedom of speech. These laws, enshrined in Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 500 for punishment, criminalize false statements that harm a person's reputation. FAQs Q1: What constitutes defamation? A1: Defamation is any intentionally false statement, published or spoken, that harms someone's reputation. It can be written (libel) or spoken (slander). Q2: Is defamation a crimina... Read More...

Kala-azar: India on the Verge of Eliminating,A Public Health Triumph

Oct 25, 2024

Kala-azar: India on the Verge of Eliminating,A Public Health Triumph India is close to eliminating Kala-azar, a deadly parasitic disease, as a public health problem. By achieving a low incidence rate for two consecutive years, India is poised to seek elimination certification from the World Health Organization (WHO). What is Kala-azar? Kala-azar, or visceral leishmaniasis, is a severe parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, enlarged spleen and liver, and anemia. If left untreated, it can be fatal in over 95% of cases. Read More...

SWAMI RAMDEV & ANR. VS. FACEBOOK, INC. & OTHERS (2019): DEFAMATION CASE

Oct 25, 2024

SWAMI RAMDEV & ANR. VS. FACEBOOK, INC. & OTHERS (2019): DEFAMATION CASE Overview The Delhi High Court directed Facebook, Google, YouTube, and Twitter to remove defamatory content related to Swami Ramdev from their platforms globally. This content summarized a book about Ramdev that had been ruled defamatory by a lower court. Ramdev argued that under Indian law, these platforms were obligated to remove the content. The platforms opposed a global removal, citing concerns about international laws. Facts Swami Ramdev sought a global takedown of videos and posts summarizing the book Godman to Tycoon &... Read More...

Galathea Bay: India's 13th Major Port and a Gateway to the Indo-Pacific

Oct 25, 2024

Galathea Bay: India's 13th Major Port and a Gateway to the Indo-Pacific India has designated the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay in the Great Nicobar Island as its 13th major port. This strategic move aims to boost India's maritime trade and establish a key transshipment hub in the Bay of Bengal. FAQs Q1: What is a major port? A1: Major ports are those that are owned and managed by the central government. They play a crucial role in international trade and handle a significant volume of cargo. Q2: Why is the Galathea Bay ICTP significa... Read More...

SATELLITE SPECTRUM ALLOCATION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Oct 25, 2024

SATELLITE SPECTRUM ALLOCATION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. What is satellite spectrum? Satellite spectrum refers to the radio frequencies used for communication between satellites and ground stations. It is essential for satellite-based services like broadcasting, navigation, and internet. 2. Why do most countries avoid auctions for satellite spectrum? Unlike terrestrial spectrum, satellite spectrum has no national territorial limits, as satellites cover wide areas across different countries. Most nations prefer administrative allocation to maintain a coordinated global system without overlap or interference. Read More...

SNAKEBITE DEATHS AND INDIA’S ANTIVENOM CHALLENGES

Oct 25, 2024

SNAKEBITE DEATHS AND INDIA’S ANTIVENOM CHALLENGES 1. WHY IS SNAKEBITE A SIGNIFICANT HEALTH ISSUE IN INDIA? Snakebites cause over 50,000 deaths annually in India, with the country having one of the highest global rates of fatalities. This has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a neglected tropical disease, highlighting the need for better healthcare infrastructure, awareness, and treatment options, particularly in rural regions. 2. WHAT CHALLENGES DOES INDIA FACE WITH SNAKEBITE TREATMENT? One of the major challenges is the inefficacy of conventional antiv... Read More...

S4:India's new nuclear missile submarine

Oct 25, 2024

S4:India's new nuclear missile submarine Q: What is an SSBN? A: SSBN stands for "nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine". These submarines are designed to carry and launch nuclear missiles, providing a powerful deterrent against potential adversaries. Q: What is the name of India's new SSBN? A: The fourth SSBN is codenamed "S4*" and its formal name is yet to be given. The first three are INS Arihant, INS Arighaat, and INS Aridhaman. Q: What kind of missiles will it carry? A: It will be equipped with K-4 nu... Read More...

ROOPKUND LAKE AND ITS SKELETONS:THE MYSTERY

Oct 24, 2024

ROOPKUND LAKE AND ITS SKELETONS:THE MYSTERY 1. Where is Roopkund Lake located? Roopkund Lake is situated in the Himalayas at an altitude of 16,500 meters, located in a remote region with the nearest settlement about five days away. 2. What is Roopkund Lake known for? The lake is famously known for the skeletal remains of around 200 people, discovered during warmer months when the ice thaws. 3. When were the skeletons discovered? The skeletons were first discovered in 1942 by an Indian forest official, H.K. Madhwal. The finding was made public in 1950. Read More...

Isha Foundation & Habeas Corpus

Oct 24, 2024

Isha Foundation & Habeas Corpus The Supreme Court of India closed a habeas corpus case filed by a father alleging his adult daughters were being held captive at the Isha Foundation. The court ruled that the daughters, aged 42 and 39, were residing at the foundation voluntarily. FAQs Q1: What is a habeas corpus petition? A1: A habeas corpus petition is a legal recourse used to challenge the illegal detention or confinement of an individual. It requires the detaining authority to produce the person before the court and justify the detention. Q2: Why did the father ... Read More...

Supreme Court of India Reimagines Lady Justice

Oct 24, 2024

Supreme Court of India Reimagines Lady Justice The Supreme Court of India has redesigned the statue of Lady Justice, traditionally a blindfolded figure with a sword and scales, to better reflect Indian values and the modern legal system. Here are the key changes and their significance: Removal of the Blindfold: This signifies that justice in India is not blind, but rather sees and acknowledges everyone equally, regardless of their background or social standing. It emphasizes transparency and impartiality in the justice system. Replacing the Sword with the Constitution: This change highlights the importan... Read More...

The 38th Parallel: A New Cold War on the Korean Peninsula

Oct 24, 2024

The 38th Parallel: A New Cold War on the Korean Peninsula? The Korean Peninsula, once a unified nation, has been tragically divided for over seven decades. The relationship between North and South Korea has been marked by periods of tentative cooperation and escalating hostility, with the current climate leaning towards the latter. Historical Context: Division (1945): After World War II, Korea was divided into Soviet-backed North Korea and US-backed South Korea along the 38th parallel. Korean War (1950-1953): A devastating conflict that solidified the division and e... Read More...

Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action and Anr. v. UoI and Ors. (2027-2024): Child Marriages and Betrothals in India

Oct 24, 2024

Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action and Anr. v. UoI and Ors. (2027-2024): Child Marriages and Betrothals in India In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India addressed the pervasive issue of child marriages and betrothals, declaring them a violation of fundamental rights and urging legislative action to curb this harmful practice. Constitutional Background: The judgment highlights how child marriages violate several constitutional rights, including: Art.15 for protection of Children Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty): Child marriages infringe upon a chil... Read More...

RAMANUJA AND VISHISHTADVAITA

Oct 24, 2024

RAMANUJA AND VISHISHTADVAITA Who was Ramanuja? Ramanuja was a prominent philosopher and theologian who lived around a thousand years ago (1017–1137 CE). He is best known for developing the Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy within the Vedanta school of Hinduism. His teachings emphasized devotion to God (bhakti) and were influential in shaping the Bhakti movement in India. What is Vishishtadvaita philosophy? Vishishtadvaita, or "qualified non-dualism," is the philosophy that Ramanuja proposed. It teaches that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is one but possesses distinct attributes or q... Read More...

"Karmayogi Saptah": A Week Dedicated to Civil Servant Development

Oct 24, 2024

"Karmayogi Saptah": A Week Dedicated to Civil Servant Development Prime Minister Narendra Modi is launching "Karmayogi Saptah," a National Learning Week, to boost the capacity and skills of India's civil servants. This initiative is part of "Mission Karmayogi," a program launched in 2020 to create a future-ready civil service rooted in Indian ethos with a global perspective. What is National Learning Week (NLW)? NLW is a week-long event dedicated to the learning and development of civil servants. It aims to promote a "One Government" approach, aligning all civil servants with national go... Read More...