UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

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...

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...

NABARD's Establishment and Agenda

Sep 18, 2023

NABARD, established in 1982. Primary Agenda: Sustainable rural development and nation-building. Interventions: Promoting agriculture and allied activities. Facilitating credit. Developing infrastructure. Building institutions. Promoting financial inclusion. Suppor... Read More...

Legend of Queen Heo" : In India-South Korea Relations

Sep 18, 2023

1. Who was Queen Heo? Queen Heo (also known as Princess Suriratna) is believed to have been a princess from the ancient city of Ayodhya in India during the 1st century CE. She is an important figure in Korean folklore and history. 2. How did Queen Heo become part of Korean history? According to legend, Princess Suriratna was married to King Kim Suro, the founder of the Karak Clan in what is now Gimhae, South Korea. She is said to have arrived on the Korean Peninsula by sea, and her marriage marked the beginning of the Karak Kingdom. &nb... Read More...

National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)

Sep 18, 2023

1. What is the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)? The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) is a real-time portal that tracks the pendency of cases in all Indian courts, providing up-to-date information on pending cases. 2. Why was the Supreme Court not a part of NJDG until now? While the Supreme Court of India did publish monthly reports on judicial pendency, it was not part of NJDG. As a result, specific details such as the vintage or coram-wise distribution of pending cases were not available through NJDG. Read More...

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Sep 18, 2023

Prominent Indian-origin political leaders from around the world, including Singapore: United States: Kamala Harris: Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, first African American woman, and first Asian American woman to become the Vice President of the United States. United Kingdom: 2. Rishi Sunak: Rishi Sunak is the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK, making him one of the most influential figures in British economic policy. Read More...

American inflation and Indian Rupee:

Sep 18, 2023

1. What is the recent trend in American inflation? The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rate in the US for August rose at the fastest pace in over a year, reaching 3.7%, up from 3.2% in July. 2. How is the Federal Reserve responding to this inflation? The Federal Reserve has increased its benchmark policy rate range to 5.25-5.5%, the highest in over two decades, as part of its efforts to combat inflation. Markets expect the Fed to keep the policy rate unchanged at the upcoming Septembe... Read More...

World Bank and its Logistics Performance Index (LPI)

Sep 18, 2023

Logistics Performance Index (LPI): Definition: The LPI is an international benchmarking tool by the World Bank to assess and rank the logistics performance of countries. Purpose: Evaluates a country's efficiency in moving goods and connecting suppliers and consumers. Publication: The World Bank periodically releases the LPI report to provide insights into the global logistics landscape. Parameters for Ranking (6): Read More...

Signs of Life on K2-18b

Sep 18, 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 compar... Read More...

Maritime Security

Sep 18, 2023

The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment (DCoC/JA): DCoC: An international agreement initiated in 2009 to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Western Indian Ocean, primarily near Somalia. Objective: To enhance maritime security, promote economic development, and strengthen regional cooperation against maritime crimes. Read More...

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan

Sep 18, 2023

How are environmental rankings, like 'Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan,' conducted? Environmental rankings, such as 'Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan,' are typically conducted through a structured process that involves data collection, analysis, and evaluation of specific criteria related to the subject matter, in this case, air quality and environmental factors. These rankings are often overseen by government agencies responsible for environmental protection, such as the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Who conducts these rankings? These r... Read More...

Geographical Indication (GI) Certified Products

Sep 18, 2023

What is a Geographical Indication (GI) certified product? A GI certified product is one that has a specific geographical origin and possesses unique qualities or characteristics associated with that place. It is identified by a special sign or label indicating its origin. When did India enact the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act? India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999, and it came into force in 2003. Why is Prim... 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...

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...