UPSC Daily Current Affairs

EXPLANATION OF RBI’S CARD GUIDELINES WITH EXAMPLES

Apr 08, 2024

1. Choice in Card Networks: Suppose you’re signing up for a new credit card. Previously, the card might automatically come with Visa. Now, you can choose MasterCard if you find it offers better rewards for your spending habits. 2. RuPay’s Enhanced Role: Think of RuPay now as a more powerful tool in your wallet. If you’re shopping online, instead of entering your card details, you can pay directly through UPI, which is linked to RuPay, making the transaction smoother and faster. 3. Data Protectio... Read More...

Kahneman, Homo Economicus & Delayed Gratification

Apr 08, 2024

What does ‘homo economicus’ imply in economic theory? ‘Homo economicus’ refers to an idealized individual who makes decisions purely based on rational calculations for self-interest maximization. However, Daniel Kahneman’s work showed that real-life decisions often deviate from this rational model due to cognitive biases and emotional influences. How does Kahneman’s work challenge the ‘homo economicus’ concept? Kahneman&rsquo... Read More...

Viksit Bharat@2047: The Game Plan

Apr 08, 2024

India’s Mission 2047 is a comprehensive plan to transform the nation into a developed economy by its centenary year of independence. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this ambitious initiative: What is India’s Mission 2047? India’s Mission 2047 is a strategic initiative to become a developed economy by 2047, focusing on key areas such as high-speed expressways, electric mobility, and digital payments. Read More...

India’s North-East Gas Grid (NEGG)

Apr 08, 2024

India’s plans for gas grid connectivity in South Asia without any hyperlinks: ★ The North-East Gas Grid (NEGG) is expected to be connected to the national gas grid within two months, facilitating the extension of the network to integrate with the gas grids of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and potentially My... Read More...

Impact of climate change on the Earth’s rotation and timekeeping:

Apr 08, 2024

What is the link between melting ice caps and time? The melting of ice due to global warming causes a redistribution of the Earth’s mass. This is similar to how a figure skater’s spin rate changes when they move their arms. As the ice melts and water spreads more evenly across the globe, Earth’s rotat... Read More...

Melting of polar ice and Earth’s rotation:Climate change

Apr 08, 2024

How does the melting of polar ice affect Earth’s rotation? The melting of polar ice redistributes Earth’s mass, moving it from the poles towards the equator. This can slow down Earth’s rotation, akin to a figure skater extending their arms to spin slower. Why would the melting of polar ice delay the adjustment of digital clocks? The slowi... Read More...

RBI’S NEW CREDIT and DEBIT CARD GUIDELINES

Apr 08, 2024

Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) new guidelines for credit and debit cards, which aim to enhance user autonomy and security: Choice in Card Networks: The RBI now allows customers to choose their preferred card network provider for their credit and debit cards. This is akin to selecting a telecom operator; you can opt for Visa, MasterCard, or any other network that suits your needs best. RuPay’s Enhanced Role: RuPay, India’s domestic card network, has been further integrated with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This mean... Read More...

Ring of Fire

Apr 08, 2024

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It’s shaped like a horseshoe and it’s associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and plate movements. It has 452 volcanoes and is home to over 75% of the world’s active and dormant volcanoes. Read More...

ARTIFICIAL PANCREAS SYSTEM

Apr 08, 2024

The artificial pancreas system (APS), also known as closed-loop control, represents a major advancement in the management of t... Read More...

Wadge Bank, India and Sri Lanka

Apr 08, 2024

What is the Wadge Bank? The Wadge Bank is a marine region... Read More...

3D Printing and India

Apr 08, 2024

What is 3D Printing? ● 3D printing is also known as Additive Manufacturing. It's the process of creating a three-dimensional physical object from a digital model. ●Think of it like a super fancy printer, but instead of ink and paper, it uses materials like plastic filament, resin, or even metal powder. How Does It Work? Read More...

Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) India

Apr 06, 2024

What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0)? The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the ongoing phase of rapid technological advancement that blurs the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres. It's driven by the convergence of new technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, 3D printing, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and advanced materials. This creates a network of intelligent machines that can autonomously collect, exchange, analyze, and respond to da... Read More...

INDIA-EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION FTA NEGOTIATIONS

Apr 06, 2024

1. What is the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU)? The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is an economic union of states located primarily in northern Eurasia. The EEU provides for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor within its member states. Its current members include Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. 2. What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)? Read More...

Unraveling the South China Sea Dispute: Impacts and Dynamics

Apr 06, 2024

1. What is the South China Sea dispute about? The South China Sea dispute involves territorial and maritime claims over the South China Sea's islands, reefs, and waters. Several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, have overlapping claims. The dispute is not only about sovereignty but also about strategic control, access to resources, and freedom of navigation. 2. Why is the South C... Read More...

INDIA; BIOFUELS and FOOD SECURITY

Apr 06, 2024

India’s approach to biofuels, primarily focusing on ethanol and biodiesel, reflects its commitment to sustainable energy sources and reducing dependence on imported oil. However, the intersection of biofuel production with food security presents a complex scenario requiring careful navigation. Here’s a nuanced exploration of how India’s biofuel policies intersect with its objectives for food security. Biofuels in India: An Overview India’s biofuel strategy emphasize... Read More...