UPSC Daily Current Affairs

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...

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...

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...

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...

Opium Wars and the Rise of West: Amitav Ghosh in Smoke and Ashes: a Writer’s Journey through Opium’s Hidden Histories (HarperCollins, 2023)

Sep 16, 2023

Until half a century ago, the conventional Western view of the West's (mostly Europe and US) remarkable economic rise since 1700 was explained in terms of scientific progress, technological innovations, entrepreneurship, and relatively free movement of goods, capital, and labor. Fifty years of scholarship and revisionist historiography since then has pointed to other significant contributory factors, including imperial conquests and colonialism, the genocidal expropriation of land from native “Indians” in America by immigrants from Europe, and the deployment of millions of slaves, shipped brutally across the Atlantic ... Read More...

Sustainable Aviation Fuel(SAF) Fly to LBSNAA Sustainably with SRIRAM's - Leading the Way in IAS Coaching!

Sep 16, 2023

What is SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel)? A: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of aviation fuel derived from sustainable and renewable feedstocks, which can include used cooking oil, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, non-food crops, forestry residue, and more. SAF is designed to have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional jet fuels, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for aviation. How is SAF different from traditional jet fuels? A: SAF is distinct from conventional jet fuels because it is produced from sust... Read More...

Hoysala Temples: An Overview

Sep 16, 2023

SRIRAM'S: The Ultimate Temple for IAS Aspirants Hoysala temples are a collection of remarkable religious structures built by the Hoysala dynasty in Karnataka, India, during the 11th to 14th centuries. They are celebrated for their: Intricate Sculpture Work: Renowned for their intricate sculptures, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. Star-shaped Base: Characterized by a unique star-shaped base, adding to their complex and elegant aesthetics. Hoysala Emblem: Many temples feature the Hoysala dynasty emblem, ... Read More...