UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Microfinance in India

Sep 20, 2023

Trust SRIRAM's for micro and macro financial analysis What is Microfinance (MFI) and why is it growing in India? Microfinance, often abbreviated as MFI, is a financial service that provides small loans, savings accounts, and insurance products to individuals and small businesses with limited access to traditional banking services. It is growing in India due to the increasing demand for financial inclusion, especially among economically disadvantaged and underserved populations. MFIs play a crucial role in offering financial support to these individuals and promoting econo... Read More...

Project Cheetah 2.0

Sep 20, 2023

Q: What is the objective of Project Cheetah 2.0? A: The goal of Project Cheetah 2.0 is to reintroduce cheetahs to India. Q: From which country are the cheetahs being imported for Project Cheetah 2.0? A: The cheetahs are being sourced from a different country, specifically South Africa. Q: In which Indian wildlife sanctuaries will the cheetahs be introduced as part of Project Cheetah 2.0? A: The cheetahs will be introduced to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Prade... Read More...

Nabard's Social Bonds:

Sep 20, 2023

#BondWithSRIRAM'sForSocialPrestige# Q: What are Nabard's social bonds? A: Nabard's social bonds are a type of financial instrument issued by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) to fund specific social projects. Q: How large is the first issuance of Nabard's social bonds? A: The first issuance of Nabard's social bonds has a size of Rs.3,000 crore. Q: What makes Nabard's social bonds unique? A: Nabard's social bonds are considered unique because the... Read More...

Digital rupee (Central Bank Digital Currency - CBDC):Status

Sep 20, 2023

Q: What is the current circulation of the digital rupee (CBDC) as of March 2023? A: The digital rupee (CBDC) had a total circulation worth Rs.16.39 crore as of March 2023. This amount included ₹10.69 crore of wholesale CBDC and Rs.5.70 crore of retail CBDC. Q: How does the digital rupee (e-rupee) compare to physical currency? A: The digital rupee (e-rupee) is a digital representation of India's legal tender, similar to physical currency. It is issued in various denominations to banks. Q: Which denominations of the digital rupe... Read More...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Healthcare

Sep 20, 2023

Q: What is the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare? A: AI in healthcare involves the use of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as data analysis, diagnosis, and treatment recommendation. Q: How does Advanced Data Analytics benefit healthcare? A: Advanced Data Analytics in healthcare helps extract valuable insights from large volumes of data, improving decision-making, patient care, and resource allocation. Q: What is Machine Learning (ML) in the context of healthcare?... Read More...

Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI):The Link

Sep 20, 2023

Q: What is the potential relationship between quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI)? A: Quantum computing has the potential to significantly accelerate AI algorithms, enhance machine learning, and improve data analysis and predictive modeling capabilities. Q: In what fields can the synergy between quantum computing and AI lead to breakthroughs? A: The combination of quantum computing and AI can lead to breakthroughs in various fields, including drug discovery, weather forecasting, and optimization problems. Q: How does ... Read More...

Shift to Waterways from Railways for Cargo Movement:Tatas Show the Reasons

Sep 20, 2023

Q: Why is there a shift towards using waterways for cargo movement in India? A: The shift towards using waterways for cargo movement is driven by the need for greater sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Waterways provide an alternative and more environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Q: What percentage of cargo movement in India currently utilizes waterways? A: Less than 10 percent of India's extensive coastline and inland waterways are currently utilized for cargo movement. However, there are plans to increase this percentage in the fut... Read More...

Russia, China, and the Ukraine War: Tensions in the 'No Limits' Relationship

Sep 20, 2023

The Ukraine war has exposed some tensions in the relationship between Russia and China, but it has not fundamentally shifted their close partnership. While both countries still maintain a united front in opposing the Western-dominated international order, there are indications that China has reservations about Russia's conduct in the war. Some key points: "No Limits" Relationship: Russia and China declared a "no limits" relationship in early 2022, highlighting the depth of their cooperation. However, this language was omitted in a joint statement released... Read More...

India,Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

Sep 20, 2023

Saudi Arabia's Evolving South Asia Policy: What's Changed and Why? Old Friends: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were once close allies. New Friends: Saudi Arabia and India are now getting along very well. Recent Visit: Saudi Crown Prince visited India for the G-20 summit and a state visit. Multilateral Boost: India and Saudi Arabia partnered with several countries for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Bilateral Progre... Read More...

Export Potential of MSMEs to Empower India's Economy

Sep 20, 2023

Introduction: Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have earned the moniker "powerhouse" in India's economic landscape. They undeniably contribute a substantial 27% to India's gross domestic product (GDP) and play a pivotal role in generating employment for approximately 110 million individuals. However, beneath this seemingly impressive surface, a nuanced narrative unfolds. A closer examination reveals that a whopping 85% of these MSMEs are categorized as "dwarfs" – entities older than a decade but with a workforce fewer than 100 employees. Unfortunately, these... Read More...

Water on Moon

Sep 19, 2023

What did the University of Hawaii researchers discover about lunar water formation? They found that high-energy electrons from Earth might be playing a key role in creating water on the Moon. How do these electrons reach the Moon? These electrons originate from Earth's plasma sheet and reach the Moon when it's in Earth's magnetotail. What's the magnetotail? It's an elongated part of Earth's magnetic field that extends away from the Sun. Is solar wind als... Read More...

Traditional crafts of Kachchh(Kutch)

Sep 19, 2023

Bandhani (Tie-Dye): Craftsmen use techniques of tying and dyeing the fabric to create vivid patterns and designs. Rogan Art ️: A meticulous art form involving painting fabric with a thick colored paste derived from castor oil, resulting in intricate designs. Kutch Embroidery : The region is renowned for various unique embroidery styles, each associated with different communities, known for its intricate stitches and vibrant motifs. Read More...

Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT): A Breakdown

Sep 19, 2023

Introduction: GSTAT, envisioned as the first common forum for resolving GST disputes, is poised to establish 31 Benches across 28 states and Union Territories. Eligibility: Taxpayers, who previously lacked a dedicated judicial forum for GST-related disputes and often resorted to appeals in high courts, eagerly await GSTAT's services. Operational Timeline: The government intends to make GSTAT operational in the current financial year. Rules for appointing Benc... Read More...

Vishwakarma Scheme

Sep 19, 2023

What did Prime Minister Narendra Modi announce on Independence Day 2023? He introduced the Vishwakarma Scheme, aimed at empowering artisans and craftspeople across India. What does the Vishwakarma Scheme cover? It encompasses 18 arts, crafts, and trades, focusing on preserving and revitalizing traditional skills. Why is this scheme significant? It recognizes the cultural and economic importance of artisans and aims to provide them with the support and opportunities they deserve. Read More...

Financial Inclusion (FI) Index:RBI

Sep 19, 2023

What is the Financial Inclusion (FI) Index, and who introduced it? The FI Index is a measure of financial inclusion introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2021. It assesses the level of financial inclusion in the country based on access, usage, and quality. How has the FI Index changed over the years? The FI Index has shown improvement over time. It was at 53.9% in March 2021, 56.4% in March 2022, and increased to 60.1% by March 2023. What are the three parameters that the FI Index assesses, and how are they... Read More...