UPSC Current Affairs
Patna HC on Religious Practices, Facial Recognition Concerns, and Global Climate Warnings
8 stories · about 3 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Patna HC Rules Essential Religious Practice Doctrine Does Not Extend to Every Mode of Worship
The Patna High Court ruled that constitutional protection under Article 25 extends only to essential and integral religious practices, not to every mode or manner of their exercise. The single bench reiterated that freedom of religion is subject to public order, morality, health, and regulations governing noise pollution.
Concerns Over Biometric Surveillance and Facial Recognition at Protests
Media reports and civil society organizations have raised concerns regarding the increasing deployment of facial recognition technology and biometric surveillance at public protest sites. Critics argue that unchecked surveillance chillingly impacts freedom of speech and assembly, calling for clear statutory frameworks to govern state usage.
UN Welcomes Sri Lankan Initiative to Facilitate Return of Refugees from India
The United Nations welcomed initiatives launched by the Sri Lankan government to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Tamil refugees residing in India. The process aims to streamline documentation, citizenship verification, and re-integration mechanisms for thousands of displaced persons.
Assam Uses Biochar derived from Invasive Plants to Restore Elephant Habitat
A habitat recovery project supported by the International Elephant Foundation has commenced in Udalguri district's Khalingduar Reserve Forest in Assam. The project utilizes biochar synthesized from cleared invasive weed species to enrich soil health and facilitate natural vegetation growth in elephant corridors.
Supreme Court Panel Flags Construction Violations in Kaziranga Animal Corridors
The Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has sought action regarding unchecked construction activities along nine key animal corridors in Kaziranga National Park. The directive emphasizes upholding the Supreme Court's 2019 ban on non-forestry activities across identified wildlife movement corridors.
DRC Receives Ervebo Vaccine Doses to Contain Ebola Outbreak
Over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to contain an ongoing Ebola outbreak. Ervebo is an injectable recombinant vaccine previously deployed during the major 2018-2020 West African and DRC epidemics to confer immunity against the Zaire ebolavirus species.
Sustainability and Economic Impact of India's E20 Ethanol Blending Drive
India's E20 initiative, targeting 20 percent ethanol blending with petrol, has reportedly saved around 2 lakh crore rupees in foreign exchange according to official disclosures. However, debate has intensified regarding its potential impacts on vehicular engine longevity, crop diversion from food security, and water intensive sugarcane cultivation.
UK Met Office Warns of Record Global Temperatures Driven by Strong El Nino
Meteorological forecasts warn that an impending strong El Nino phenomenon could spark record breaking global temperatures and exacerbate extreme weather events worldwide. The phenomenon involves anomalous warming of sea surface temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, significantly altering global atmospheric circulation.
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