Daily Current Affairs for IAS PCS (UPSC CSE)

  Context: A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR, with its epicenter at Dhaula Kuan. The tremors were felt across the region, raising concerns about Delhi's vulnerability to seismic activity. What Are Earthquakes? An earthquake is a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that generates seismic waves, causing ground shaking. Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates along fault lines. Key Causes of Earthquakes: Tectonic Plate Movement: The Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that constantly move. When they collide, slide past each other, or diverge, stress builds up along fault lines. Sudden Release of Energy: When accumulated stress exceeds the rock’s capacity to withstand it, the energy is released, causing seismic waves and ground shaking. Shallow Earthquakes: Depth: These earthquakes occur close to the Earth's surface (typically 5-10 km deep). Impact: Due to their proximity to the surface, shallow earthquakes cause more damage...

  Introduction The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) is a groundbreaking pilot project launched by the Government of India to modernize urban land records. Covering 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs) , this initiative aims to leverage advanced geospatial technology to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accuracy in property ownership records. This project is expected to play a significant role in improving urban planning, reducing land disputes, and supporting sustainable development. What is the NAKSHA Project? The NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) project is an advanced land survey initiative driven by geospatial technology. It is designed to update and digitize land records in urban areas, ensuring that property ownership is well-documented and verifiable. Nodal Ministry The project is led by the Ministry of Rural Development , Government of Indi...

  Source: The Hindu Context: The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has successfully implemented AI-enabled TrailGuard cameras, reducing poaching incidents by 80%. This breakthrough highlights the effectiveness of AI-powered surveillance in protecting India's wildlife. What is TrailGuard AI? TrailGuard AI is an advanced surveillance system designed to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade in protected forest areas. It leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to provide real-time monitoring and alerts to authorities, enabling rapid action to safeguard wildlife. Developer Information: TrailGuard AI was developed by Nightjar Technologies , a Gurgaon-based social impact enterprise specializing in conservation surveillance through cutting-edge technology. How Does TrailGuard AI Work? TrailGuard AI employs a combination of sensors, cameras, and AI algorithms to detect, classify, and respond to threats in real-time. Here is a step-by-step breakdown: Movement Detection: TrailGuard AI c...

  Introduction to Rarest of Rare Doctrine The 'Rarest of Rare' doctrine governs the imposition of the death penalty in India. It ensures that capital punishment is awarded only in exceptional cases that shock society’s collective conscience. Origin and Key Judgments Jagmohan Singh vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (1972) : Upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty but left application to judicial discretion. Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980) : Established the doctrine for awarding the death penalty only in rare cases. Machhi Singh vs. State of Punjab (1983) : Defined five categories for the death penalty: Manner of Crime : Exceptionally brutal or heinous. Motive of Crime : Shows extreme moral depravity. Impact on Society : Causes social outrage (e.g., hate crimes). Magnitude of Crime : Mass killings or multiple murders. Victim’s Vulnerability : Involves children, women, elderly, or disabled persons. Mithu vs. State of Punjab (1983) : Struck down Section 303 IPC (mandator...

Ambedkar’s Intellectual Influences: During his studies at Columbia University, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was deeply influenced by John Dewey’s philosophy of pragmatism, which emphasized democracy as a way of life requiring active citizen participation. Dewey’s thoughts on education and social justice shaped Ambedkar’s belief in constitutional democracy. However, Ambedkar’s vision extended beyond Dewey. He was also inspired by: Mahatma Phule’s Anti-Caste Philosophy Kabir’s Mystical Humanism Fabian Socialism’s Economic Principles Ambedkar’s lived experiences with untouchability and systemic caste oppression led him to conclude that caste could not be reformed but needed complete annihilation. This realization culminated in his adoption of Buddhism , offering him an ethical framework for spiritual and social liberation. Broader Contributions: Ambedkar’s vision of social justice went beyond pragmatic reforms, emphasizing radical social transformation to ensure equality and dignity for all. Releva...

  Context: Bharat Tex 2025 in New Delhi showcased India’s advancements in the textile sector. India aims to triple exports to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030. Overview of India’s Textile Sector Global Rank: 6th largest exporter, holding 8.21% of global trade. Employment: Supports over 45 million jobs directly and 100 million indirectly. Export Markets: USA and EU account for 47% of exports. PLI Scheme: ₹10,683 crore to boost manufacturing. Booming Categories in Textiles Technical Textiles: High-performance for aerospace and medical sectors. Sustainable Textiles: Eco-friendly fabrics (organic cotton, bamboo). Digital Textiles: AI-driven production and IoT-based control. Handloom Textiles: Preserving artisanal heritage through handloom clusters. Man-Made Fibre: Synthetic textiles and high-value garments focus. Key Government Schemes PM MITRA Parks: 7 mega parks with $10 billion in expected investment. PLI Scheme: Incentives for MMF and technical textiles. Samarth: Skilling 10 lakh...

  GS Paper 2: India-Qatar Relations Source: PIB Context: India and Qatar elevated bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in 2025, focusing on trade, energy, and investments with the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. Key Outcomes of India-Qatar Summit 2025 Strategic Partnership Agreement: Focus on trade, security, and innovation. Trade Expansion: Target to increase trade to $30 billion by 2030. Energy Deal: A 20-year LNG supply deal signed. Investment: Qatar Investment Authority pledged $10 billion for Indian infrastructure. Digital Payments: UPI rollout in Qatar and Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement signed. Key Areas of Cooperation 1. Trade & Investment: Qatar: India’s largest LNG supplier (FY 2023-24). Expanding Qatar’s investment in smart cities, ports, and technology. 2. Energy Security: 20-year LNG supply (2028-2048). Renewable cooperation: green hydrogen and solar power. 3. Technology & Innovation: Joint AI, IoT, and robotics initiatives. Indian star...

  Introduction: Constitutional morality is the adherence to constitutional values beyond legal compliance. It ensures justice, equality, liberty, and accountability in governance. The concept became prominent with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar ’s emphasis on its importance in Indian democracy. Key Features: Supremacy of Constitutional Law: Governance is bound by constitutional principles. Freedom with Restraint: Balances individual rights with institutional respect. Checks & Balances: Ensures judicial and parliamentary oversight. Pluralism & Inclusivity: Protects diversity, secularism, and individual dignity. Critique Within Framework: Allows questioning laws with constitutional respect. Constitutional Morality in Indian Constitution: Preamble: Establishes core democratic values—justice, equality, and liberty. Fundamental Rights: Guarantees rights like equality (Article 14) and freedom (Article 21). DPSP: Promotes social and economic justice. Judicial Interpretation: Landmark ...

  Context: Efforts are underway to restore Syria's war-damaged heritage sites, including Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers, to revitalize tourism and the economy. Palmyra: Location: Syrian Desert, Homs Governorate. Significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Roman ruins, temples, and colonnaded streets. Historical Role: A Silk Road hub and capital of the Palmyrene Empire under Queen Zenobia. Crac des Chevaliers: Location: Homs Governorate, near Al-Husn. Importance: A well-preserved Crusader castle from the 12th century, used by the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades to control key trade routes. MCQs for UPSC CSE: Which of the following sites is known as the capital of the Palmyrene Empire under Queen Zenobia? a) Damascus b) Palmyra c) Aleppo d) Homs Answer: b) Palmyra Crac des Chevaliers was built primarily during which century? a) 10th century b) 11th century c) 12th century d) 13th century Answer: c) 12th century Which of the following played a critical role in...

  What it is: The DICGC is a subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) providing deposit insurance to protect bank depositors’ money during bank failures. History: Considered in 1948 after Bengal banking crises. Enacted in 1961 as the Deposit Insurance Corporation Act. Merged with Credit Guarantee Corporation in 1978 under the Ministry of Finance. Functions: Insures bank deposits. Provides credit guarantees for priority sectors. Features: Deposit limit: ₹5 lakh per depositor. Covers savings, fixed, current, and recurring deposits. Does not cover government deposits or foreign deposits. MCQs for UPSC CSE: Which organization provides deposit insurance in India? A) SEBI B) NABARD C) DICGC D) EXIM Bank Answer: C) DICGC What is the maximum deposit insurance limit under DICGC? A) ₹1 lakh B) ₹2 lakh C) ₹5 lakh D) ₹10 lakh Answer: C) ₹5 lakh When was the DICGC formed by merging the Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Credit Guarantee Corporation? A) 1961 B) 1978 C) 1985 D) 2000 Answ...