UPSC QUIZ 08.09.2023

Explanation:

• Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) launched the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” program to come forward and help in better upkeep and rejuvenation of India's rich cultural heritage, in line with the vision of 'Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’.
• An easy-to-use mobile application called 'Indian Heritage' has been introduced, alongside the launch of an e-permission portal.

Indian Heritage App and e-Permission Portal

Indian Heritage App

• It will showcase the heritage monuments of India.
• The app will feature state-wise details of monuments along with photographs, a list of public amenities available, geo-tagged locations, and feedback mechanism for citizens.

e-Permission Portal

• An e-permission portal is for obtaining permission for photography, filming, and developmental projects on monuments.
• The portal will fast-track the process of obtaining various permissions and solve operational and logistical bottlenecks.

Explanation:

• French government announced a ban on the wearing of the abaya, a traditional Islamic robe, in state-run schools.
• This decision was framed as a measure to uphold the principle of Laïcité, France's commitment to secularism.
• The move was met with both support and criticism, sparking a broader conversation about the role of Laïcité in modern France.

Laïcité

• Laïcité is a complex and politically charged term in France. It signifies a formal separation of the State and Church, emphasising the complete removal of religious values from the public sphere, replaced by secular values such as liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Explanation:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has highlighted the potential of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) or E-rupee in improving cross-border payments' efficiency.
• RBI is gradually expanding its CBDC pilots to include more banks, cities, diverse use cases, and a broader audience.
• The RBI launched pilots for digital rupee in the wholesale in November 2022 and in the retail segment in December 2022.

What is Central Bank Digital Currency

• CBDCs are a digital form of a paper currency and unlike cryptocurrencies that operate in a regulatory vacuum, these are legal tenders issued and backed by a central bank.
• It is the same as a fiat currency and is exchangeable one-to-one with the fiat currency.
• A fiat currency is a national currency that is not pegged to the price of a commodity such as gold or silver.

Explanation:

• Unique Identification Authority of India unveiled its advanced face authentication feature at the Global Fintech Festival in Mumbai, embodying the theme of reimagining Aadhaar authentication using inhouse Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies.
• Under the Voluntary Guidelines 2022 initiative, UIDAI has promoted collaboration with industry and fintech partners to accelerate technology adoption and develop innovative solutions for residents.
• Collaborative efforts with Airtel Payments Bank have enhanced face authentication, optimized low-light conditions, and strengthened fraud prevention measures.
• UIDAI is a statutory authority established by the Government of India on 12 July 2016, under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, following the provisions of the Aadhaar Act 2016.
• UIDAI was established by the Government of India in January 2009 as an attached office under the aegis of the Planning Commission.

Explanation:

• India's first UPI-ATM launched on September 5, 2023 by Hitachi Payment Services.
• It is a White Label ATM (WLA) developed in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• The ATM was designed to enable "seamless cash withdrawals" and eliminate the need to carry a physical ATM card. It also aims to promote financial inclusion by making banking services more accessible in areas with limited traditional banking infrastructure.