Cryptocurrency and related issues: 

GS Paper 3 Topics Covered: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.    Context:  RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das recently said the central bank continues to have “serious and major” concerns about cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and has conveyed them to the government.    Background:  Private cryptocurrencies …

Impact of fossil fuel extraction on global warming: 

GS Paper 3 Topics Covered: Conservation related issues.    Context:  According to a new study (published in the journal Nature), global fossil fuel extraction needs to go down to keep global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, which is the target set by the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.    Key findings:  The global oil and gas …

UDAN scheme

GS Paper 3 Topics Covered:  Awareness in space.    Context:  The Civil Aviation Ministry has announced its agenda over the next 100 days. It includes:  Launching 50 new routes under the UDAN scheme.  Rationalising the value added tax (VAT) charged on aviation turbine fuel (ATF).    About UDAN scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme:  The …

Privatisation of Railways

GS Paper 3 Topics Covered: Infrastructure- railways.   Context: The employees union of the North Western Railway (NWR) protested recently against the privatisation of railways announced by Centre recently.   Rail Privatisation: Objectives of privatisation: To introduce modern technology rolling stock with reduced maintenance. Reduced transit time. Boost job creation. Provide enhanced safety. Provide world-class travel …