Category: CURRENT AFFAIRS

Synopsis: Edge computing will be the key to automation of factories and cars.   What is Edge Computing?  Edge Computing is a distributed information technology (IT) architecture in which client data is stored and processed as near to the originating source as possible.  In simple terms, Edge computing is a computing that is done at or near the source of the… Continue reading Edge computing will be key to automating cars and factories.

Context: Quick development of COVID vaccines was possible due to mRNA technology and this critical technology could only be developed due to funding given by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). We need such agencies all around the world.  Rapid development of vaccines  Within 48 hours of the genetic sequence of the covid virus being… Continue reading We need a state agency to spur breakthrough research

Topic: Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues and Related Constraints  Context: The farmer protest movement against three Acts passed by the Parliament has sustained itself for more than six months. Article discusses the plausible reasons behind it.  Why has the farmer protest movement lasted this long?  Support from the hegemonic agrarian class of Punjab: This… Continue reading The farmers’ protest began a year ago. How has it lasted this long?

Context: Should RBI increase the interest rate or continue with its accommodative stance? A new model has also been suggested – HANK (Heterogenous Agents New Keynesian).  Introduction  While the world is still debating whether modern monetary theory (MMT), which encourages governments to spend without having any meaningful fiscal constraints, should be the norm, something new… Continue reading Save jobs or protect savers? A new monetary policy dilemma

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources  Tags  Context: Possibility of a sharp recovery for Indian economy can only be realized through a strong focus on exports.  Export-led growth of global economies  Since World War II, we have seen many countries grow on the back of rising investments and exports.   Japan, South… Continue reading Exports – India’s window of opportunity

Synopsis- The green tariff policy will enable DISCOMs to supply clean electricity to consumer.  Introduction-   India is working on a green tariff policy and soon launches guidelines enabling power distribution companies to supply only clean electricity to customers at a green tariff.  Green tariff policy-   The Green Tariff Policy will assist DISCOMs in providing electricity generated… Continue reading Green Tariff Policy

Synopsis: Recent Assam government proposed to bar people with more than two children from welfare schemes.  Similar norms related to contesting local body elections are present in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha and Haryana.  How is the policy flawed and discriminatory?  Firstly, measures such as the two-child policy discriminate against the poor and the… Continue reading Need to rethink discriminatory policy

Synopsis: China’s has advantage over India in terms of hard power (economic power + military power) as well as soft power  What is soft power?  Soft power, a tool of foreign policy, is a mix of cultural, policy and political influences based on power of attraction. It is the ability to persuade others in a peaceful… Continue reading Why does China consistently beat India on soft power?

Synopsis: Sedition cases should be charged only when any act either spoken or written creates incitement into violence or social disturbance.  Background  Recently, Aisha Sultana, a filmmaker from Lakshadweep, booked for the alleged offences of sedition and statements prejudicial to national integrity.  She was alleged to have used the word ‘bioweapon’ in a television discussion while criticising the Lakshadweep Administrator’s… Continue reading Countering a political act that has a legal garb

Synopsis: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has chaired a meeting with the Vice Chiefs of the three Services and representatives of Government to iron out differences on the integrated theatre commands creation.  What is a theatre command?  A theatre command is a military structure wherein all the assets of the army, air force and navy in a… Continue reading Four theatre commands likely to be raised by year-end

Synopsis: Bitcoin has fallen below $30,000 for the first time in more than five months. This is because of China’s crackdown against cryptocurrencies which are not sanctioned by China.  What has China done?  China has asked banks and online payment firms not to offer any crypto-related services, such as account openings, registration, trading, clearing, settlement and insurance reiterating the… Continue reading Why is China targeting cryptocurrencies?

Synopsis: India needs to urgently adopt a targeted vaccination strategy, prioritizing high risk groups and potential super spreaders.  Introduction   Targeted vaccination strategy is critical to avoid a possible third wave of Covid-19 infections. Due to limited resources, optimal utilisation of the scarce resource must be a key strategy.  What are the policy gaps in the current vaccination strategy?   The current policy of vaccination benefits digitally aware citizens and creates… Continue reading What can we do to avoid the third wave of Covid?

Synopsis: Asia should take bold measures and launch green projects in the energy sector to make a difference.  Introduction   We must fight climate change, meet the emission-reduction goals under the Paris Agreement, all while promoting economic growth and putting the region’s development on a green path.  Why is the efforts of  Asia important in the climate change battle?  Asia accounts… Continue reading The role of multilateral lenders in minimizing climate change

What is the News?  Credit Suisse has released a report titled Global Wealth Report 2021.  Key Takeaways from the Global Wealth Report 2021:  Report on Global Wealth:  The aggregate global wealth has risen by $28.7 trillion to reach $418.3 trillion at the end of 2020 despite the pandemic.  In terms of current US dollars, total wealth… Continue reading Covid leaves Indian adults poorer by 6.1% in 2020: Credit Suisse

Synopsis:  The agricultural ministry is working towards creating a Digital Agristack for farmers. It will collect granular data to provide growers with a range of customized services like input quantity, output choice, potential market etc.  About Agristack:  The project will collect granular data to provide growers with a range of customized services. Like, what to plant, where to… Continue reading Digital Agristack for Farmers

Synopsis: The European Union has presented a declaration to the World Trade Organization (WTO) that overlooks the goals of India and South Africa’s combined request for an intellectual property (IP) waiver on Covid-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines.  Introduction   Despite the fact that the waiver idea has the support of over 100 countries, the EU has been opposing… Continue reading Covid-19 vaccines: EU ignores India, S Africa’s patent waiver plea at WTO

Synopsis:  What are the impacts of new RBI rules that mandates to sell only hallmarked gold jewelry and artefacts.   What is hallmarking?   Hall marking is a certification of purity. it is given by hallmarking centers (AHCs) accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).  It assures that the quality of Gold is of same quality as promised by the jeweler.   Hall marking… Continue reading What is Hallmarking

Context:  How the businesses should adjust themselves to the changing reality posed by Covid19.  Changing Consumer Behaviour  Covid 2.0 has highlighted three important trends with respect to Consumer behavior and market strategies.  Rising duality in consumption trends.  On one hand, consumers are moving away from the brand consciousness and are increasingly preferring for indigenous brands with organic ingredients.  … Continue reading Covid 2.0 has sparked a complex interplay of consumption trends

Context: PNB Housing has filed an appeal before the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) against a letter issued to it by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).  SEBI had asked PNB Housing to keep its resolution (for the preferential issue of equity shares and warrants to the Carlyle Group and others) on hold until valuation of the shares is carried out by… Continue reading Preferential Treatment

Context: The recent amendment by the Union Territory administration in the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Verification of Character and Antecedents) Instructions, 1997 make stricter norms for government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir.  Changes in the new amendment:  No person can get a government job in Jammu and Kashmir without a satisfactory CID report on their antecedents.   The Appointing authorities… Continue reading For govt job, J&K now wants CID nod, details of kin’s ‘political activity’