27 MARCH 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

GS Paper-2: International Relations / Trade

⭐ Liberties Clause (Deviation Clause)

⭐ Why in the News

Amid rising tensions in West Asia (USA–Israel–Iran region), major global shipping

companies are invoking the Liberties Clause.

⭐ Definition

• The Liberties Clause, also called the Deviation Clause, is a standard provision in a

Bill of Lading.

• A Bill of Lading is a legal contract between the shipper and the carrier.

• The clause allows the shipmaster to change the planned route of a voyage under

specific circumstances.

⭐ Historical Background

• Originates from 19th-century maritime practices.

• Developed due to uncertainties such as:

• Piracy

• Weather-related risks

• Regional conflicts

⭐ Rationale

• Provides legal flexibility to shipmasters to take necessary decisions without

violating contractual obligations.

⭐ Objective

• Protects the carrier from liability when external risks prevent the ship from reaching

the designated destination port.

GS Paper-2: Government Schemes

⭐ Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP)

⭐ Why in News

The Minister of State for MSMEs recently briefed the Rajya Sabha on the MSE-CDP

scheme.

⭐ Nature of the Scheme

• It is a demand-driven Central Sector Scheme.

• Focuses on the overall development of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) through

a cluster-based approach.

⭐ Implementation Mechanism

• State Governments submit proposals under the scheme.

• Proposals include:

• Setting up Common Facility Centres (CFCs)

• Developing or upgrading cluster infrastructure

⭐ Objectives of MSE-CDP

➤ Productivity & Competitiveness

• Enhances sustainability and growth of MSEs.

• Addresses issues like:

• Technology upgradation

• Skill development

• Quality improvement

• Market access

Capacity Building

• Encourages collective action among MSEs through:

• Self-help groups

• Consortia

• Industry associations

GS Paper-3: Science & Technology

⭐ Akasha300 3D Printer

⭐ Why in News

A start-up from Kerala has supplied the Akasha300 3D Printer to ISRO, marking

progress in advanced manufacturing and self-reliance.

⭐ Nature of the Technology

• The Akasha300 is a high-temperature, multi-material extrusion-based 3D printer.

• Designed for advanced and industrial applications.

⭐ Institutional Support

• Developed with support from:

• Space Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (S-TIIC), IIST

• Kerala Startup Mission

⭐ Key Features

➤Extrusion Capability

• Equipped with dual-extrusion technology.

• Operates at temperatures up to 350°C, with future upgrades planned up to 500°C.

➤Modular Design

• Features a modular extruder system enabling multiple extrusion units.

• Supports hybrid additive manufacturing processes.

➤Thermal Control

• Includes a heated bed (up to 110°C, extendable to 150°C).

• Has an enclosed chamber maintaining up to 80°C.

• Enables precise printing of high-performance materials requiring controlled

temperatures.

➤Industrial Design

• Built as an industrial-grade research platform.