UPSC Daily Current Affairs

NABARD's Agri-SURE Fund: Simplifier

Jul 15, 2024

* Purpose: Promote innovation and investment in agriculture and rural enterprises. * Size: ₹750 crore initial corpus. * Management: Nabventures (NABARD subsidiary). Read More...

VARKALA CLIFF: A NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE SITE

Jul 13, 2024

1. What is the significance of the cliff overlooking the beach at Varkala? • The cliff at Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram is a national geological heritage site. 2. When was the Varkala cliff declared a National Geological Monument? • In 2014, the red cliffs at Varkala were declared the 27th National Geological Monument by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). 3. Why was the Varkala cliff designated as a Nationa... Read More...

India's SDG Progress: NITI Aayog Report

Jul 13, 2024

1. What did NITI Aayog’s report evaluate? • The report evaluated India’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations member countries in 2015. 2. What score did India achieve in the latest evaluation? • India scored 71 out of 100 in the latest evaluation, up from 57 in 2018. 3. How are SDGs linked to the population? • SDGs are directly ... Read More...

Empowering Tier 2 & Tier 3 Cities: Aspirational ULB Initiative

Jul 13, 2024

What is the proposed Aspirational Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) Initiative? The Aspirational ULBs Initiative is a proposed government program aimed at improving physical and social infrastructure in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, modeled on the Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programmes. What are the objectives of the initiative? • Enhance infrastructure and services in smaller cities. • Foster healthy competition among ULBs to improve governance and performanc... Read More...

INDIA AND RUSSIA TO TRADE IN NATIONAL CURRENCIES

Jul 13, 2024

Key Points: • Bilateral Settlement System: India and Russia have agreed to use their national currencies for bilateral trade settlements, aiming to reduce dependence on third-party currencies like the US dollar. • Financial Messaging Systems: Both countries will work on the interoperability of their financial messaging systems to facilitate smooth transactions. Programme-2030: • Objective: Programme-2030 aims to ensure dynam... Read More...

India:The Skills Gap Challenge

Jul 13, 2024

India faces a significant challenge in aligning its workforce skills with the demands of the job market. Despite robust economic growth and increasing employment figures, there's a noticeable mismatch between the skills possessed by workers and those required by employers. This gap poses a threat to India's economic potential and the employability of its large youth population. Current Workforce Landscape Recent data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reveals some positive trends: ... Read More...

BIMSTEC: India's Strategic Focus and "Act East" Policy

Jul 13, 2024

he RisTe of BIMSTEC The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has emerged as a crucial platform for India to strengthen its ties with neighboring countries along its eastern coast. As th... Read More...

UNIFIED PAYMENTS INTERFACE (UPI)

Jul 13, 2024

EASE OF USE AND POPULARITY Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched in 2016 by India’s central bank in collaboration with the banking industry, has revolutionized the way transactions are conducted in India. This app-based instant payment system allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and authorize payments seamlessly without entering bank details. Its ease of use and the fact that it is free have made it extremely popular, propelling India to the top of the real-time payments market with 14 billion transactions recorded in May 2024 al... Read More...

CADRE SYSTEM IN INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE

Jul 13, 2024

WHAT IS THE CADRE SYSTEM? The cadre system in the Indian Civil Service refers to the allocation of officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFoS), and other All India Services to different states and Union Territories (UTs). Each cadre functions as a distinct administrative unit responsible for governance and administration in its respective region. Officers are recruited at the national level but serve in specific state cadres for most of their careers. Read More...

SALKHAN FOSSILS PARK: A WINDOW INTO EARLY LIFE ON EARTH

Jul 13, 2024

LOCATION AND SIGNIFICANCE Salkhan Fossils Park, located near Salkhan village in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, India, is one of the most remarkable fossil sites globally. Containing fossils that date back over 650 million years, this park is a treasure trove for geologists and researchers studying the origins of life. UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE INITIATIVE The Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism is working to have Salkhan Fossils Park included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites by 2026. The proposal involves pre... Read More...

MULE ACCOUNTS AND RBI’S MEASURES

Jul 13, 2024

WHAT IS A MULE ACCOUNT? Mule accounts are bank accounts that receive funds from illegal activities and transfer them to other accounts, serving as a bridge for money laundering and other illicit activities. In India, these accounts are increasingly used, often by individuals offering their bank accounts for money. Despite controls, detecting such accounts can be challenging. VARIOUS TYPES OF MONEY MULES 1. Victim Mule: Unknowingly involved, their account is compromised for ... Read More...

INDIA: COUNTER-PIRACY IN RED SEA

Jul 13, 2024

List of Operations 1. Operation Sankalp: • Objective: To address the resurgence of piracy in the waters near Somalia and ensure maritime security. • Actions: Deployment of over 5,000 personnel and 20 ships, responding to more than 18 incidents, investigating over 250 vessels, and boarding more than 40. • Significant Event: Successful rescue operation on March 15-16, 2024, where Indian naval commandos retook the hijacked MV Ruen, capturing 35 pirates and rescuing 17 crew members. 2. Response to Att... Read More...

Indian Navy anti-piracy operation

Jul 13, 2024

List of Operations 1. Anti-Piracy Operation on March 15-16, 2024: • Objective: To rescue the hijacked merchant vessel ex-MV Ruen and its crew from Somali pirates. • Action: The Indian Navy and Air Force collaborated, resulting in the surrender of 35 Somali pirates and the safe evacuation of 17 crew members. • Key Elements: • INS Kolkata: Intercepted and disabled the pirate ship. • Indian Air Force: Air-dropped Marine Commandos and equipment. • Outcome: Success... Read More...

EXERCISE PITCH BLACK 2024

Jul 13, 2024

What is Exercise Pitch Black? Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It focuses on practicing Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) combat in a simulated war environment. Where is Exercise Pitch Black held? The exercise is held in Northern Australia, primarily at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal. When will Exercise Pitch Black 2024 take place? Read More...

THE CASE FOR A ROBOT TAX IN THE AGE OF AI

Jul 13, 2024

ECONOMIC SUPPORT AND MARKET STABILITY • Economic Aid: A robot tax would fund unemployment benefits for workers displaced by automation. • Balanced Automation: It would encourage companies to balance human labor and automation, ensuring market stability. LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS • Legal Framework: Assigning legal personhood to robots can create a basis for taxation and accountability. • Ethical Standards: Establishing guidelines for the ethical use of ... Read More...