UPSC Daily Current Affairs

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND COPYRIGHT

May 09, 2024

Q1: What does copyright protect in the context of AI-generated works? A1: Copyright protects the original artistic expressions created by human beings. When it comes to AI-generated works, the primary legal challenge is determining authorship since AI, as a non-human entity, traditionally cannot hold copyrights. The rights often go to the human creator or the programmer who designed the AI. Q2: Can AI be recognized as the author of a creative work? A2: Currently... Read More...

China's Debt Trap Diplomacy: Impact on India

May 09, 2024

Understanding Debt Trap Diplomacy: Debt trap diplomacy refers to a situation where a powerful lending country or institution extends significant loans to a borrowing nation. When the borrowing nation is unable to meet the repayment terms, the lender may extract economic or political concessions. China has been often accused of engaging in this practice by offering substantial loans to developing countries for infrastructure projects under terms that are difficult to meet. Read More...

THE NAYAKA KINGDOMS OF SOUTH INDIA

May 09, 2024

The Nayaka kingdoms were prominent in South India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. These kingdoms emerged during the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, serving as principalities under the empire before becoming independent. The most notable Nayaka kingdoms were those of Madurai, Tanjore, and Senji (Gingee), among others. Governance and Administration: The Nayakas were military governors appointed by the Vijayanagara emperors, who later assumed mor... Read More...

China ‘s Digital Silk Road (DSR)

May 09, 2024

The Digital Silk Road (DSR) is a comprehensive initiative by China to promote digital technologies globally, with the aim of making China a technological superpower. The DSR is a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to revive the ancient Silk Road trade routes and create a vast network of economic and strategic partnerships across the globe. ... Read More...

HORIZONTALITY OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS:

May 09, 2024

Kaushal Kishor v. State of U.P 2023 Q1: What does the term "horizontality of fundamental rights" refer to? A1: The horizontality of fundamental rights refers to the application of these rights not only vertically but also horizontally. Vertically implies these rights are enforceable against the state and its instrumentalities, ensuring the state does not infringe on individual freedoms. Horizontally implies these rights are enforceable against private individu... Read More...

GST APPELLATE TRIBUNAL (GSTAT) IN INDIA

May 09, 2024

Q1: What is the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)? A1: The GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) is the appellate body designed to adjudicate disputes arising under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws in India. It serves as a crucial mechanism for resolving tax disputes beyond the initial appeal level, providing a legal avenue for both businesses and individuals to challenge administrative decisions related to GST. Q2: What is the composition of the GSTAT? A2: The GSTAT... Read More...

Madrid Protocol and India

May 09, 2024

Q1: What is the Madrid Protocol? A1: The Madrid Protocol is an international system for the registration of trademarks, allowing a trademark owner to seek protection in multiple countries by filing a single application through their national or regional trademark office. Q2: How does the Madrid Protocol function in India? A2: India joined the Madrid Protocol in 2013. Indian businesses can file a single international application in one language and pay one set of... Read More...

Typhoid Diagnosis in India: Widal Test

May 09, 2024

What is the Widal test? The Widal test is used to detect antibodies against typhoid-causing bacteria, Salmonella typhi, through a blood sample. Why is the Widal test problematic? The test often gives erroneous results due to: ● False positives from reactions with other antibodies or from previous vaccinations. ● False negatives influenced by prior antibiotic use. ● Variability in test kit quality and timin... Read More...

Coordinated Lunar Time (CLT) by NASA

May 09, 2024

In simple terms, NASA is working to create a uniform time system for the moon, called the Coordinated Lunar Time (CLT). This initiative is similar to how different countries on Earth use the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) to keep time consistently around the globe. Why is a lunar time standard needed? As humans plan more activities on the moon, including missions by various countries and potentially permanent settlements, having a standard time for everyone... Read More...

India Rises: Solar Power Rankings

May 09, 2024

Current Global Solar Power Rankings: As of March 2024, the global ranking for solar energy production is as follows: 1. China: Continues as the world's largest producer of solar energy. 2. United States: Holds the second spot in global solar production. 3. India: Recently overtook Japan, claiming the third position in the global rankings for solar energy product... Read More...

OLYMPIC FLAME

May 09, 2024

What is the Olympic flame? The Olympic flame is a symbol of the Olympic Games. Its origins trace back to the ancient Greeks, who maintained a fire burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics. The flame represents peace, unity, and the enduring spirit of competition. How is the Olympic flame lit? The lighting of the Olympic flame is performed at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece, through a tradition... Read More...

Kalidasa: Master of Sanskrit Literature

May 09, 2024

1. Who was Kalidasa? Kalidasa was a classical Sanskrit author and is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets and dramatists in the Sanskrit language. His works have had a profound influence on Indian culture and literature. 2. What are some of Kalidasa's most famous works? Kalidasa's most renowned works include "Shakuntala" (Abhij&nt... Read More...

India's Household Financial Savings: Gross vs. Net Trends

May 08, 2024

The concept of "Households' net financial savings drop" involves understanding several key financial terms and trends related to the economic behavior of households. Here's a breakdown of the concept based on the scenario described: 1. Net Financial Savings Net financial savings of a household sector refers to the difference between the total amount of financial assets that households accumulate and the financial liabilities (debts) they incur. Financial assets include things like savings in bank accou... Read More...

Reservations for Muslims

May 08, 2024

Reservations in India: Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities Without Religious Bias The topic of reservations based on religion in India raises significant constitutional and legal debates. The Indian Consti... Read More...

India-Russia Trade and Investment in Rupees

May 08, 2024

1. Why are India and Russia trading in rupees? Traditionally, international trade is often conducted in widely accepted currencies like the US dollar. However, due to Western sanctions on Russia, it has become challenging for Russia to use these currencies. As a solution, India and Russia have agreed to use the Indian rupee for their trade. This helps Russia continue trading despite sanctions and allows India to pay in its own currency. 2. What is a vostro account? Read More...