UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Asteroids:'Psyche' spacecraft mission of NASA

Sep 19, 2023

What is the 'Psyche' spacecraft mission about The 'Psyche' spacecraft mission, led by NASA, aims to explore an asteroid named Psyche. , The spacecraft will travel a distance of 3.6 billion kilometers to reach the asteroid, which is believed to contain valuable metals. What is the significance of the Psyche asteroid? The Psyche asteroid is of interest because it is believed to contain precious metals of significant value, estimated at around $27 quintillion. This makes it a unique target for exploration. Read More...

The Quantum AI Revolution: Everything the Aspirant Should Know

Sep 19, 2023

The world stands at the threshold of a technological revolution that promises to reshape industries, economies, and societies as we know them. Quantum computing, once a theoretical concept, has rapidly advanced, propelled by the relentless pursuit of innovation by Big Tech firms and research laboratories. In this brave new world, the intersection of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has given birth to Quantum Artificial Intelligence (QAI), a field with the potential to revolutionize how we solve complex problems, make predictions, and optimize processes. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and the implications of QAI are p... Read More...

Traditional crafts of Kachchh

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. Ajrakh Block Printing: This craft utilizes natural dyes and car... Read More...

Oslo Accords:30 Years

Sep 19, 2023

Reasons for the Accords: For lasting peace and shared prosperity, let unity guide our way-SRIRAM's Desperation and geopolitical shifts encouraging negotiations Israel’s strategy to counter threats from Hamas and Islamic Jihad Arafat’s aim to revitalize PLO’s control over Palestinian movements Fruits: Historic mutual recognition between two national movements Creation of a roadmap to address core issues (borders, status of Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees) Initial steps towards establishing Palestinian self-gover... Read More...

Signs of Life on K2-18b: Exciting Discoveries and What They Mean

Sep 19, 2023

Why are the findings exciting? The discovery of chemical traces such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere of the exoplanet K2-18b has rejuvenated the curiosity surrounding extraterrestrial life. These chemicals are generally associated with the biological processes known on Earth, which sparks an exciting possibility of life in some form on K2-18b. What is K2-18b? K2-18b, discovered in 2015 by the Kepler Space Telescope, is a sub-Neptune exoplanet situated about 124 light-years away from Earth. It has a much larger atmosphere compared... Read More...

Amrita Sher Gil:The Story Teller Painter

Sep 19, 2023

Amrita Sher-Gil (1913-1941) was a pioneering Indian artist who left an indelible mark on the world of art with her unique style and powerful works. Born to an Indian father and a Hungarian mother, Sher-Gil's upbringing and experiences in both Europe and India greatly influenced her artistic vision. Amrita Sher-Gil is often celebrated for her ability to bridge the gap between Western and Indian art traditions. Her art is characterized by a profound exploration of the human condition, capturing the emotions, struggles, and inner lives of her subjects. Sher-Gil had an exceptional talent fo... Read More...

Indian Schools Need Entrepreneurship Education

Sep 19, 2023

Incorporating the Entrepreneurial Mindset Curriculum (EMC) into our educational system is more crucial than ever. EMC isn’t just another set of lessons; it’s a mindset that sparks creativity, innovation, and resilience in students, starting from class 9 through 12. Why is this important? We live in times of rapid change, where digital economies are reshaping our world. Encouraging students to think like entrepreneurs is the key to their future success. They need to be prepared to create opportunities, find solutions to new problems, and adapt to an ever-evolving lands... Read More...

PM Vishwakarma

Sep 19, 2023

The Prime Minister launched a Rs.13,000 crore scheme aimed at assisting artisans and craftsmen. Under this scheme: Artisans can avail collateral-free credit of up to Rs.3 lakh at a concessional interest rate of 5%. They will receive recognition through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards. Skill enhancement will be provided through basic and advanced training. Artisans will receive a toolkit incentive of Rs.15,000. Collateral-free credit support will be offered, with Rs.1 lakh in the first tranche and Rs.2 lakh in the second, at a concessional interest rate ... Read More...

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945

Sep 19, 2023

The Union Health Ministry is considering amendments to make Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) mandatory for all pharmaceutical firms in India. This move comes after a series of scandals involving Indian-made drugs linked to children's deaths abroad. Here's a breakdown of the situation: Current Status: GMP was recently made mandatory for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) manufacturing drugs in India. Global Importance: India is the largest supplier of medicines to low-middle-income countries (LMIC), and the World Health Organization's (WHO... Read More...

India,Brazil and WTO:Sugar Subsidies

Sep 19, 2023

World Trade Organization (WTO). As part of the resolution, Brazil may share its ethanol production technology with India, a positive development in the ongoing talks. Here are the key points: Background: Brazil is the world's largest producer of sugarcane and ethanol, and it excels in ethanol production technology. Trade Dispute: In 2019, Brazil, along with Australia and Guatemala, filed a complaint against India at the WTO, alleging that India's sugar subsidies to farmers violated global trade rules. WTO Ruling: In Dec... Read More...

Sovereign Credit Rating Agencies and India

Sep 18, 2023

They are organizations that assess the creditworthiness of countries, essentially evaluating their ability to repay debts. The "Big Three" agencies globally are S&P, Fitch, and Moody's, all based in the United States. These agencies use a combination of quantitative and qualitative assessments to determine a country's credit rating, considering factors such as economic performance, fiscal policies, external drivers, and structural elements of the economy. How They Rate The rating process involves a comprehensive analysis of the country's economic and p... Read More...

Parliament Special Session Agenda

Sep 18, 2023

Legislative Agenda Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023 Status: Passed by the Lok Sabha, listed for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha. Post Office Bill, 2023 Status: Introduced in the previous session, listed for discussion and potential passage in both houses. Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Co... Read More...

Certificate of Deposit (CD):

Sep 18, 2023

What is a Certificate of Deposit (CD)? A Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a financial product offered by banks , where the investor deposits a lump sum amount for a fixed period at a pre-negotiated interest rate. It is generally considered a low-risk investment. At the end of the term, the investor receives the amount deposited plus the accrued interest. Current Scenario In the period between April and August 2023, banks, predominantly public sector banks, have been increasingly issuing CDs to meet the growing credit demand, which has surpassed ... Read More...

e-Courts Project Phase III

Sep 18, 2023

What is the e-Courts Project Phase III? The e-Courts Project Phase III is a government initiative aimed at enhancing the judicial system through the incorporation of digital technology. It is a part of a broader national plan to foster e-governance and is designed to establish online and paperless courts, making the judicial process more accessible, reliable, and transparent for the citizens. The project is set to span four years from 2023, with a budget allocation of ₹7210 crore. What is the philosophy behind this project? The project is gr... Read More...

Shivaji Maharaj WaghNakh and Jagdamba Sword: A Historical Repatriation

Sep 18, 2023

SRIRAM's IAS: Forging the Sword of Success What is the significance of the WaghNakh and Jagdamba Sword? The WaghNakh, also known as tiger claws, and the Jagdamba Sword are historically significant weapons associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a prominent figure in the history of the Maratha empire. The WaghNakh played a crucial role in a notable event where Shivaji Maharaj defended himself against an attack, and the Jagdamba Sword is a symbol of the Maratha heritage. Why are these weapons returning to... Read More...