Context: Trade between China and Russia reached a record high last year, reflecting strong economic ties between the countries despite Western sanctions on Moscow. Combined imports and exports with Russia totalled $244.8 billion in 2024, according to China’s General Administration of Customs, up from $240.1 billion in 2023 History of China-Russia Relations Current Developments in China-Russia Relations Interest Differences between Russia & China Consequence of the Ukrainian War Dual Hegemony Fears SWIFT System Problem Under Dual Dominance Policy India should Follow? Mains PYQ: Q The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC IAS/2021)
AI Chips
Context: The U.S. unveiled new export rules on advanced computing chips used for artificial intelligence, aiming to facilitate sales to allied nations and further curb access to countries like China. The new rules update controls on chips, requiring authorisations for exports, re-exports and in-country transfers. What are AI chips? Importance of AI Chips compared to General Purpose Hardware? UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only(b) 1, 3 and 4 only(c) 2, 4 and 5 only(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans: (b)
The Parali Project: From Waste to Sustainability
Parali is a byproduct of rice harvesting, which was traditionally burned in preparation for crop. This created pollution and a loss of income. The Parali Project transformed parali into artisanal products, promoting the preservation of the environment and upliftment of society. Ecological Sustainability Future Vision: Scaling Parali’s Potential
Problems Faced by Indian Farmers
Renewable-Powered Sustainable Farming Way Forward UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (c) Mains Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)
Sonobuoys: Monitoring Undersea Activities
Context Ultra Maritime, a U.S. company, is finalizing the assembly of U.S. sonobuoys for underwater submarine detection in India. Sonobuoys: Detecting Submarines and Monitoring Undersea Activities Sonobuoys are Small, expendable devices used in underwater acoustics. It’s primary function is to detect submarines and monitor other undersea activities such as marine life or underwater geological events. Design and Operation Transmissions and Communications Signal transmission is done in a sonobuoy device after it takes acoustic data that is transmitted, usually through radio, either a Very High Frequency (VHF) or Ultra High Frequency radio. Deployment Methods Sonobuoys are very important tools for naval operations, especially in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and for scientific research into t
DigiBoxx: SaaS-based Digital Storage
Context: DigiBoxx is the first swadeshi SaaS-based digital storage and sharing platform, which ensures the safety of customers’ digital assets and IP in India. Software as a Service (SaaS) Software as a Service (SaaS) is one of the cloud computing models, allowing users to access applications over the internet with a subscription or pay-as-you-go model. Under a SaaS model, the service provider maintains the software, infrastructure, and data, and the user needs to access the application. Earlier, companies used to install software in the clients’ localised hardware so that they could use the application. So, this meant customers have to pay for the usage of the software beforehand, and also for the hardware on which the software would run. DigiBoxx DigiBoxx is a cloud storage platform that provides secure and scalable storage solutions for individuals and businesses. Founded in 2020 by Arnab Mitra, DigiBoxx is India’s first indigenous digital asset management SaaS platform.
Groundwater Contamination in India
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently expressed dissatisfaction over the Central Groundwater Authority’s (CGWA) response to the widespread issue of toxic arsenic and fluoride in groundwater across India. Sources and Causes of Groundwater Contamination Chief Contaminants that Pollute Groundwater: Way Forward Government Initiatives Related to Groundwater Management? Central Ground Water Authority UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question: Prelims: Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (b) Q. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013) Select the correct answer using the codes given below. a) 1 and 3 only b) 2, 4 and 5 only c) 1, 3 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans: C Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021) (a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi(d) Ropar Ans: (a) Q. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements: (2021) Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (c) Mains Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020) Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020)
Current Affairs 12 & 13 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz12 & 13 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. U.S. Sanctions on Russian Energy Context: The Biden administration expanded sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, targeting major Russian energy players Surgutneftegas and Gazprom Neft. Specific oil tankers and Russian maritime insurance providers are also sanctioned, increasing risks and costs for oil shipments. Impact of Russia-Ukraine War on India Russia’s percentage of India’s crude oil imports has risen dramatically since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Impact on India Global and Political Consequences US Sanctions on Russia’s Energy Sector! Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 National Affairs 1. Labour Laws in India Context: The central trade unions condemned a statement by the chairman and managing director of Larsen & Toubro, S.N. Subrahmanyan, favouring a 90-hour work week with employees working on Sundays too. Labour Laws in India The labour laws of India are designed to protect workers and ensure fair treatment, but most employees are still exploited, underpaid, and have a poor work-life balance. The gap between law and practice is wide, with outdated regulations, weak enforcement, and the growing influence of large corporations complicating the protection of workers’ rights. India New Labor Codes Exploitation of Employees in India Despite Labour Laws 2. SEED Scheme Why in News? Denotified tribes (DNT), semi-nomadic tribes (SNT), and nomadic tribes (NT) are protesting against the Centre’s SEED scheme for rejection of caste certificates in 29 states, and the Idate Commission’s report of 2017. The Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) The Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) is a program of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, to assist in the development and welfare of Denotified Tribes (DNT), Nomadic Tribes (NT), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNT): De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes of India Commitee and Commissions on DNTs, NT and SNTs Initiatives for DNT UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Q. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, who shall be the authority to initiate the process for determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights or both? (2013) (a) State Forest Department (b) District Collector/Deputy Commissioner (c) Tahsildar/Block Development Officer/Mandal Revenue Officer (d) Gram Sabha Ans: (d) Prelims Q. Under which Schedule of the Constitution of India can the transfer of tribal land to private parties for mining be declared null and void? (2019) (a) Third Schedule(b) Fifth Schedule(c) Ninth Schedule(d) Twelfth Schedule Ans: (b) Odisha Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) Empowerment and Livelihood Improvement Programme (OPELIP-II) 3. Groundwater Contamination in India Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently expressed dissatisfaction over the Central Groundwater Authority’s (CGWA) response to the widespread issue of toxic arsenic and fluoride in groundwater across India. Sources and Causes of Groundwater Contamination Chief Contaminants that Pollute Groundwater: Way Forward Government Initiatives Related to Groundwater Management? Central Ground Water Authority UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question: Prelims: Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (b) Q. Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013) Select the correct answer using the codes given below. a) 1 and 3 only b) 2, 4 and 5 only c) 1, 3 and 5 only d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans: C Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021) (a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi(d) Ropar Ans: (a) Q. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements: (2021) Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (c) Mains Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020) Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020) 5. SpaDeX Mission Context: A trial attempt to reach up to 15m and further to 3m is done. Moving back spacecraft to safe distance. The docking process will be done after analysing data further. SpaDeX Mission 6. Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Context: Ahead of Aero India 2025, which is scheduled to be held next month, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) achieved a significant milestone by conducting the engine ground run of a full-scale demonstrator Combat Air Teaming System (CATS). Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) The HAL Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) is an Indian air teaming system with a manned fighter aircraft as the “mothership” and a set of swarming UAVs and UCAVs. It is under development by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), National Aerospace Laboratories, Defence Research and Development Organisation, and Newspace Research & Technologies. Objectives: Key Components: Applications Aero India 2025 Aero India 2025 will include air shows, a large exhibition area, and events such as the Defence Ministers’ Conclave and a start-up programme. The theme for the event is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” with the first three days reserved for business and the last two open to the public. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian public sector aerospace and defense company headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. HAL was established on 23 December 1940 and is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defense manufacturers in the world. Aircraft manufacturing started in HAL as early as 1942. 7. INTERPOL’s Silver Notice Context: Silver Notice ‘more effective’ than MLAT, says CBI Director INTERPOL’s Silver Notice 8. DigiBoxx: SaaS-based Digital Storage Context: DigiBoxx is the first swadeshi SaaS-based digital storage and sharing platform, which ensures the safety of customers’ digital assets and IP in India. Software as a Service (SaaS) Software as a Service (SaaS) is one of the cloud computing models, allowing users to access applications over the internet with a subscription or pay-as-you-go model. Under a SaaS model, the service provider maintains
Economic Outlook for 2025
Global Economic Overview Interest Rate Trends China and Japan’s Influence Indian Economic Outlook RBI’s Role in Shaping 2025 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) faces critical challenges: GDP Growth Regulatory and Sectoral Impacts Sectoral Challenges and Global Integration Banking and Financial Sector Global and Sectoral Transformation Key Themes for 2025 Uncertainty and Adaptation Creative Transformation
New Framework for MSME Loan Restructuring: FRR2.0
Introduction to FRR2.0The government is designing FRR2.0 (Framework for Revival and Rehabilitation 2.0) to streamline loan restructuring for distressed Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This framework aims to simplify processes and provide targeted relief measures for financially strained businesses. Key Features of FRR2.0 Simplified Loan Restructuring Enhanced Relief Measures Scope of Framework Importance of MSMEs in the Indian Economy Existing Government Initiatives 2015 Revival Framework Subordinate Debt Scheme Proposed Impact of FRR2.0 Strengthened MSME Sector Employment Protection Revitalized Economic Fabric Economic conditions and of MSMEs
