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‘Glacial burst’ in Uttarakhand Why in the news? • Many people have lost their lives, and over 125 reported missing after a “glacial burst” on Nanda Devi triggered an avalanche and caused flash floods in Rishiganga and Dhauliganga rivers in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. • Two hydel power projects — the Rishiganga small hydro project and National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) Tapovan project on the Dhauliganga River banks in north Uttarakhand were extensively damaged with scores of labourers trapped in tunnels as the water came rushing in.

About Glacial lake outburst flood • A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a type of outburst flood that occurs when the dam containing a glacial lake fails.

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• An event similar to a GLOF, where a body of water contained by a glacier melts or overflows the glacier, is called a jökulhlaup. The dam can consist of glacier ice or a terminal moraine. • Failure can happen due to erosion, a build-up of water pressure, an avalanche of rock or heavy snow, an earthquake or cryoseism, volcanic eruptions under the ice, or massive water displacement in a glacial lake when a large portion of an adjacent glacier collapses into it. Related Information Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Plant • The Tapovan Vishnugad Hydropower Plant is a 520 MW run-of- river hydroelectric project constructed on Dhauliganga River in Chamoli District Uttarakhand, India. • The plant is expected to generate over 2.5k GWh of electricity annually. • The power plant is located downstream on the Alaknanda River. • The barrage is being constructed across the Dhauliganga River and has a catchment area of 3,100 km2.

Topic- GS Paper III– Disaster Management Source-The Hindu

'Kiran' service Why in the news? • According to an internal report of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, seventy per cent of callers to a mental health rehabilitation helpline were men. • About 32% of those who reached out were students.

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About Kiran Services • The Kiran helpline (1800-599-0019) has been launched by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). • A 24/7 helpline offers early screening, psychological first-aid, psychological support, distress management, mental well-being, psychological crisis management services and referrals to mental health experts. • It is operated by 81 front-line professionals, apart from volunteer psychiatrists, clinical and rehabilitation psychologists, Highlights of the report • The majority of callers (75.5%) were in the age group of 15 to 40 years, while 18.1% were older and 41 to 60. Categorising of the callers o 65.9% had a "milder nature of distress". o 26.5% were "moderately distressed. o 7.6% were "severely distressed. • The report said 32.3% of the callers were students, 15.2% were self-employed, 27.1% were employed, 23.3% were unemployed, 1.4% were homemakers and 0.7% did not reveal the information. • Majorly the challenges faced by the callers were related to anxiety (28.5%) and depression (25.5%); while few others included pandemic-related challenges (7.8%), suicidal tendency (2.8%), substance abuse (3.4%) and miscellaneous (32%). Reasons • According to the psychologist, students were facing anxiety and depression due to the uncertainty about their future and lack of interaction with peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. • The women from rural areas had reached out to the helpline with complaints of anxiety and disturbances within families. Topic- GS Paper II–Health Source-The Hindu

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FSSAI caps trans fats in foods Why in the news? • The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has amended its rules to cap trans-fatty acids (TFAs) in food products, just weeks after it tightened the norms for oils and fats.

Amendments • Food products in which edible oils and fats are used as an ingredient shall not contain industrial trans fatty acids more than 2% by mass of the total oils/fats present in the product, from 1st January 2022. • In December, the FSSAI had capped TFAs in oils and fats to 3% by 2021, and 2% by 2022 from the current levels of 5%. WHO initiative to eliminate Trans fat • The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a comprehensive plan called 'REPLACE' to eliminate industrially produced artificial Trans fats from the global food supply by 2023. The UN body has released a step-by- step guide for the industry to eliminate trans fats from the food. The guide, called REPLACE, has six actions, which include- (a) Review of dietary sources of trans fats (b) Promoting replacement with healthier fats (c) Setting up a regulatory framework (d) Assessing and monitoring trans fats content in food (e) Creating awareness and enforcing the regulation (f) Enforce compliance with policies and regulations India and Trans fat • The government aims to make India, Trans Fat-free by 2022, and a year ahead of the World Health Organization target set. About Trans fats • These are a form of unsaturated fat associated with a number of negative health effects. • These fats are largely produced artificially, but a small amount also occurs naturally.

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Types of Trans fats • Naturally occurring trans fats are produced in some ' gut, and foods made from these animals (e.g., milk and meat products) may contain small quantities of these fats. • Artificial trans-fat is created during hydrogenation, which converts liquid vegetable oils into semi-solid partially hydrogenated oil. • Since they are easy to use, inexpensive to produce and last a long time, and give foods a desirable taste and texture, they are still widely used despite their harmful effects being well-known. Harmful Effects of Trans Fats • Trans fats are associated with increased risk of heart attacks and death from coronary heart disease. • As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 5.4 lakh deaths occur each year globally because of the intake of industrially produced trans- fatty acids. Topic- GS Paper III–Science and Technology Source-The Hindu

Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 Why in the news? • Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit district has booked the mother and brother of a farmer. They had died during the farmers’ agitation in Delhi, under The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, after his body was allegedly draped in the national flag.

About Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act • The law, enacted on December 23, 1971, penalises the desecration of or insult to Indian national symbols, such as the National Flag, the Constitution, the National Anthem, and the Indian map and contempt of the Constitution of India. • Section 2 of the Act says that whoever disrespects the Indian National Flag or the Constitution of India shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. • As per the Act, “disrespect to the Indian National Flag means and includes”, among other things, “using the Indian National Flag as a

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drapery in any form whatsoever except in State funerals or armed forces or other para-military forces funerals”. • Section 3.22 of The Flag Code of India, 2002 reads: “The Flag shall not be used as a drapery in any form whatsoever except in State/Military/Central Paramilitary Forces funerals hereinafter provided.” • Apart from police and armed forces, state funerals are held when people holding or have held the office of President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, and Chief Minister pass away.

Topic- GS Paper III–Internal Security Source-The Hindu

Magnetic fields in plants Why in the news? • A recent study (Scientific Reports) from Germany found that the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) plant can generate small magnetic fields.

About the study • When these plants send electrical signals to trigger their traps' closure, to catch an insect, a biomagnetism phenomenon was observed.

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• The leaf stalk, or petiole, is not excitable and is electrically insulated from the trap. How is it measured? • It has been measured by atomic magnetometers. The team measured the magnetic signals, which had an amplitude of up to 0.5 picotesla, which is millions of times weaker than the Earth's magnetic field. • The signal magnitude recorded is similar to what is observed during surface measurements of nerve impulses in animals. Topic- GS Paper III–Science and technology Source-The Hindu

Currency Swap Why in the news? • The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) settled a $400 million currency swap facility from the Reserve Bank (RBI) of India. • This swap facility was drawn by CBSL on July 31, 2020, for an initial period of three months. A three-month rollover was provided at CBSL's request till February 1, 2021. About Currency swap agreements • It involves trade in local currencies, where countries pay for imports and exports at pre-determined exchange rates without the involvement of a third country currency like the US dollar. • It reduces the risk of volatility against the third currency and does away with the charges involved in multiple currency exchanges. Currency swap agreements between SAARC countries • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the framework on currency swap arrangement for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries for 2019-2022. • The SAARC currency swap framework came into operation on November 15, 2012. • It helps provide a backstop line of funding for short term foreign exchange liquidity requirements or short-term balance of payments stress until longer- term arrangements are made. • The facility is available to all SAARC member countries, subject to their signing the bilateral swap agreements. About South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation • It was established with the signing of the SAARC Charter in Dhaka (Bangladesh) on December 8, 1985. Members • It has eight members' countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Its secretariat is at Kathmandu (Nepal). Objective • Its objective is to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality of life, and to accelerate economic growth, among other things. Topic- GS Paper III–Economics + International Relation Source-The Hindu

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Asom Mala Why in the news? • Recently, the Prime Minister has launched the 'Asom Mala' programme.

About Asom Mala Programme • ‘Asom Mala’ aimed at helping improve state highways and major district roads network in the state. • -It has been started in line with Bharat Mala Project. The programme is unique for its emphasis on effective maintenance through continuous field data collection and its linkage with the Road Asset Management System (ROMS). Significance of Asom Mala • The modern roads and infrastructure have a major role to play in increasing Assam's capabilities. • It will fulfil the state's dreams to have a network of broad roads and connectivity for all villages and modern cities. • It will improve state highways and connect villages to the urban centres in the next 15 years. • This initiative will contribute to Assam's economic progress and improve connectivity. Topic- GS Paper III–Infrastructure Source-The Hindu

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): How to tackle a glacial burst? Why in the news? • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had issued detailed guidelines on how to reduce and deal with disasters caused by what is scientifically called Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in October 2020.

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National Disaster Management Policy and Guidelines • The guidelines' main objective is to generate awareness of various aspects of dam failure hazards in India and implement suitable actions to reduce both the risk and costs associated with these hazards. • The Guidelines envision improving administrative response, bringing together the nation's relevant scientific capabilities to eliminate the losses from glacial and landslide hazards. • These Guidelines' main aim and objectives are to develop a strategy that encourages the use of scientific information, maps, methodology, guidance for the early warning system, response management, development, and implementation of initiatives to reduce losses from glacial hazards. How can the risk be reduced? • The NDMA guidelines say that risk reduction has to begin with identifying and mapping such lakes, taking structural measures to prevent their sudden breach, and establishing a mechanism to save lives and property in times of a breach. • According to NDMA, glacial retreat due to climate change occurring in most parts of the Hindu Kush Himalaya has given rise to the formation of numerous new glacial lakes. • Potentially dangerous lakes can be identified based on field observations, records of past events, geomorphologic and geotechnical characteristics of the lake/dam and surroundings, and other physical conditions. • NDMA has recommended the use of Synthetic-Aperture Radar imagery to automatically detect changes in water bodies, including new lake formations, during the monsoon months. About the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) • It is the apex statutory body for disaster management in India. • It is headed by the Prime Minister of India. • The NDMA was formally constituted on 27th September 2006, in accordance with the Disaster Management Act, 2005 with Prime Minister as its Chairperson and nine other members, and one such member to be designated as Vice-Chairperson. • It has five major divisions viz. Policy & Plans, Mitigation, Operations & Communications & Information & Technology, Administration and Finance. Mandate • Its primary purpose is to coordinate natural or man-made disasters and capacity- building in disaster resiliency and crisis response. • It is also the apex body to lay down policies, plans, and Disaster Management guidelines to ensure a timely and effective response to disasters. State-level Institutions State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA)

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• It is headed by Chief Minister of the respective state which lays down the policies and plans for disaster management in the state. • It is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the State Plan, recommend the provision of funds for mitigation and preparedness measures and review the developmental plans of the different departments of the state to ensure integration of prevention, preparedness and mitigation measures. District level Institutions District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) • Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act provides for constitution of DDMA for every district of a state. • The District Magistrate/ District Collector/Deputy Commissioner heads the Authority as Chairperson besides an elected representative of the local authority as Co-Chairperson except in the tribal areas where the Chief Executive Member of the District Council of Autonomous District is designated as Co-Chairperson. • Further, in the district, where Zila Parishad exists, its Chairperson shall be the Co- Chairperson of DDMA. • The District Authority is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing disaster management and taking such measures for disaster management as provided in the guidelines. • The District Authority also can examine the construction in any area in the district to enforce the safety standards and arrange for relief measures and respond to the disaster at the district level. For further reading: • https://ndma.gov.in/sites/default/files/PDF/Guidelines/Guidelines-on- Management-of-GLOFs.pdf Topic- GS Paper III – Disaster Management Source- Indian Express

The cost of Internet shutdowns Why in the news? • Recently, a principal concern among these has been the recurrent shutdowns, ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs, of Internet services around many NCR border areas since the unruly incidents on January 26. Background • India shuts down Internet services more than any other democracy in the world. • The past four years have seen over 400 such shutdowns. • Many parts of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a partial restoration of digital services after a long period of 223 days since the abrogation of Article 370 in the erstwhile State.

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Important Judgment • The Supreme Court had declared in January 2020 that the right to access the Internet is one of our fundamental rights, alongside the freedom to carry on any trade, business, or occupation over the medium of Internet, under Article 19 of the Constitution. About Internet shutdown • Shutdowns and website blocking, both are controlled by the same agency, the Department of Telecommunications. • Section 69A of IT Act, along with the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009 provide for a mechanism to block information from public access through any computer resource by a direction from the Central Government or any officer specially authorized in this behalf. • The rules for suspending telecommunication services, including voice, mobile Internet, SMS, landline, fixed broadband, etc., are the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. • These Rules derive their powers from the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, Section 5(2), which talks about the interception of messages in the "interests of India's sovereignty and integrity". • Under the 2017 Rules, directions to "suspend the telecom services shall not be issued except by an order made by the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs in the case of Government of India or by the Secretary to the State Government in-charge of the Home Department in the case of a State Government (hereinafter referred to as the competent authority). Impact of Internet Shut down Digital inequality • Blanket bans on digital connectivity during the COVID-19 crisis may breed deep-rooted societal difficulties. Health service • The most vulnerable people may be cut off from health and welfare alerts. Disrupt medical services • There could be breaks in vital digital services, including those currently being used by hospitals to monitor their patients' well-being at risk of infection, including the elderly, and pregnant women. E-learning • Students may lose access to avenues of learning as classes shift online. Journalists may find it impossible to do ground-reporting from already volatile areas. International criticism • UN rights groups termed these shutdowns a form of collective punishment for people and an overreach of governments on citizens' rights and liberties. Massive Economic losses • Today, almost all white-collar employment sectors, including IT, financial and consulting services, encourage their employees to work from home. • Internet shutdowns will freeze economic activity in affected areas and cause large-scale disruptions in economic output. • India is estimated to have lost over ₹20,000 crores in 2020 because of Internet shutdowns.

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Topic- GS Paper II– Polity Source- The Hindu

Economic Impact of Judicial Decisions Why in the news? • Recently, Government think-tank NITI Aayog has asked Jaipur- headquartered research organisation Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International to conduct a study on the “economic impact” of various judgments delivered by Supreme Court, the high courts, and quasi-judicial bodies such as the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the “judicial activism” of such courts and tribunals.

Objectives of the Study • The study aims at a narrative building for sensitising the judiciary on the economic impact of their decisions. • The findings will be used as a training input for judges of commercial courts, NGT, HCs, SC, etc. • The study is to do an objective cost-benefit analysis of the economic impact of the decisions. What to study? • As a part of the new study, CUTS International has been asked to study the economic impact of five different decisions by the SC and the NGT which have either stalled or completely stopped projects in various parts of the country. • The first study is on the economic impact of the ban imposed by the apex court in March 2019 on the construction of a greenfield airport at Mopa in Goa. • The top court had suspended an economic clearance granted for the airport and had then asked the Expert Appraisal Committee to revisit its decision. • The ban on construction was lifted by order of the top court in January 2020 but had several revised conditions. 1. The four other judgments, for which the economic impact assessment study will be carried out by CUTS International, include the SC’s February 2018 ban on iron ore mining in Goa. 2. A 2013 NGT ban on sand mining in the Yamuna river in Gautam Buddha Nagar 3. the recurring SC ban on construction of buildings in Delhi and National Capital Region.

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4. The apex court’s decision rejecting the opening of Vedanta’s Sterlite copper plant, which has been closed since April 2018 Need for Study on Economic Impact of Judgements • The absence of ex-ante analysis of the economic costs associated with a decision is further exacerbated when judicial activism by courts and tribunals is also in play. • The study is a part of the larger umbrella project undertaken by NITI Aayog under which it wants to establish a judicial performance index. • The judicial performance index would measure the performance of judges at district courts and subordinate levels. Topic- GS Paper II – Polity Source- The Hindu

U.S. moves to rejoin U.N. rights council Why in the news? • The Biden administration is set to announce that it will reengage with the much-maligned U.N. Human Rights Council that former President Donald Trump withdrew from almost three years ago. Reason behind USA's withdrawal • Trump pulled out of the world body's main human rights agency in 2018 due to its disproportionate focus on Israel, which has received by far the largest number of critical council resolutions against any country because it failed to meet an extensive list of reforms. • The Trump administration took issue with the body's membership, which currently includes China, Cuba, Eritrea, Russia and Venezuela, all of which have been accused of human rights abuses.

About United Nation Human Rights Council • The UNHRC is the successor to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights and is a subsidiary body of the U.N. General Assembly. • U.N. Human Rights is part of the United Nations Secretariat, and its headquarters in Geneva, as well as an office in New York. • It is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. • The U.N. General Assembly elects the members by absolute majority. Functions • The work of U.N. Human Rights encompasses three broad areas: human rights standard-setting, monitoring and supporting the implementation of human rights obligations by States.

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• It collaborates with Governments, parliaments, judicial authorities, police and prison officials, National Human Rights Institutions, NGOs and a broad range of other civil society actors, in addition to United Nations partners, to build awareness of and respect for human rights. • Since Governments have the primary responsibility to protect human rights, the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) provides expertise and technical training to Governments to help implement international human rights standards on the ground. Topic- GS Paper II – International Organization Source- The Hindu

Emirates Mars Mission Why in the news? • Recently, the first Arab interplanetary mission is expected to reach Mars’ orbit. • The unmanned space probe named “Al-Amal” blasted off from Japan last year. About Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) • It is also known as Al-Amal or HOPE is the first Arab mission to Mars. • It was developed at the UAE Space Agency and was built at Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). • The Emirates Mars Mission will focus on the Martian atmosphere and climate.

Note: • The UAE has plans to launch an unmanned rover to the moon by 2024 and is also eyeing future mining projects beyond Earth, as well as space tourism. Topic- GS Paper III –Science and Technology Source- The Hindu

Einsteinium: A mysterious element named after Albert Einstein Why in the news? • Recently a team of scientists at the Berkeley Lab has reported some of the properties of element 99 in the periodic table called "Einsteinium", named after Albert Einstein.

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About Einsteinium • Einsteinium is a synthetic element with the symbol 'Es' and atomic number 99. • It is a member of the actinide series and seventh of the transuranic element. • It was discovered in 1952 in the debris of the first hydrogen bomb (the detonation of a thermonuclear device called "Ivy Mike" in the Pacific Ocean). • Since its discovery, scientists have not been able to perform a lot of experiments with it because it is difficult to create and is highly radioactive. • Therefore, very little is known about this element.

What did the researchers find? • Einsteinium-254 is one of the more stable isotopes of the element that has a half-life of 276 days. • The most common isotope of the element, einsteinium 253, has a half-life of 20 days. • Because of its high radioactivity and short half-life of all einsteinium isotopes, even if the element was present on Earth during its formation, it has most certainly decayed.

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• This is the reason that it cannot be found in nature and needs to be manufactured using very precise and intense processes. About Transuranium elements • These are the chemical elements with atomic numbers greater than 92, which is the atomic number of uranium. • All of these elements are unstable and decay radioactively into other elements. Topic- GS Paper III –Science and Technology Source- The Hindu

Brookesia nana: World’s smallest Why in the news? • Recently a team of scientist has found the nana, (a kind of species), from Madagascar, one of the smallest in the world. • Previously, the chameleon species was thought to be the smallest.

About Brookesia nana • Brookesia nana, also known as the nano-chameleon, is a chameleon species endemic to the montane rainforest in northern Madagascar. • The average length of adults of this species is 16 mm (29 mm with tail), while the smallest adult male has been recorded at 15.3 mm. Reason for tiny species • Madagascar is home to tiny lizards and also the smallest species of snakes. • One possible reason for such small species is the so-called “island effect” that causes species on small islands to get smaller. • Scientists believe the species might be threatened by extinction because of habitat degradation. Topic- GS Paper III –Science and Technology Source- Indian Express

Immunity passport Why in the news? • In a bid to ease travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, countries like Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Chile, UK have announced a new ‘digital corona passport or immunity passport.

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• The proposed certificates would attest one of three things: that the holder has been vaccinated has tested negative for the virus or has recovered from it. • In countries like Israel, the passport will also exempt travelers from quarantine.

Purpose • The main purpose of the passport will be to help reopen society and restart international travel. Is this a new concept? • No, People have been travelling with the ‘yellow card’ to countries that ask for vaccinations against yellow fever, rubella, cholera or malaria. • The only difference this time is that all the information will be made digital. Challenges • Since the efficacy of some vaccines is yet to be determined, there are some questions about the effectiveness of such a passport. • Besides protecting privacy, there are concerns that this passport will add another layer of bureaucratic paper work. • The fundamental issue of vaccine accessibility for all income age groups is another challenge. Which countries are working towards it? • Most of the European Union countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Iceland and Isreal. Topic- GS Paper II – International relation Source- Indian Express

Arka Shubha: A variety of marigold Why in the news? • Recently Arka Shubha, new variety of marigold developed by the Hessarghatta-based Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR).

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Charactericts • All marigolds have a carotene content of up to 1.4% but the Arka Shubha has a carotene content of 2.8%, which is the highest content from a plant source. Benefits • The Carotene is highly used in Pharma sector. • These flowers can be sold for ornamental purpose too. • The Arka Shubha variety is of use in the poultry sector as well. • Its petals could be used as feed to get quality yolk, she said. It is used as feed for sheep too. Note: • Presently, India imports most of its carotene from China and other countries. Topic- GS Paper III – Science and Technology Source- The Hindu

India Energy Outlook 2021 Why in the news? • The International Energy Agency has recently released the India Energy Outlook 2021.

Key highlights of the report

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• India is world's third-largest energy-consuming country. • Energy use has doubled since 2000, with 80% demand still being met by coal, oil, and solid biomass. • One a per capita basis, India's energy use and emissions are less than half the world average. • The rapid expansion of solar power and favourable policies allows India to offer clean, affordable, and reliable power to a growing number of households and businesses. • Because of an expanding economy, population, urbanisation and industrialisation, India will see the largest increase in energy demand of any county by 2040. • Solar power is set to match coal's share in power generation mix within two decades. • Presently solar accounts for less than 4% of India's electricity generation • By 2030, non-fossil share in total electricity generation capacity will reach 60% against a target of 40% set out in National Determined Contribution under Paris Agreement Challenges. Related Information About International Energy Agency • It is an intergovernmental organisation established in the 'Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)' in 1974 in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis. • Only OECD member states can become members of the IEA. • Except for Chile, Iceland, Israel, Latvia, Slovenia all OECD member states are members of the IEA. • In 2018, Mexico officially joined IEA as its 30th member country, the first Latin American country in IEA. • The IEA acts as a policy adviser to its member states and works with non- member countries, especially China, India, and Russia. • It is headquartered in Paris, France. Report 1. World Energy Outlook 2. Key World Energy Statistics India & International Energy Agency • India has joined the International Energy Agency as an associate member in 2017. Ocean Energy Systems Technology Collaboration Programme • It is an intergovernmental collaboration between countries operates under the framework established by the International Energy Agency. • India became an associate member because India would have access to advanced research and development teams, technologies and data in the area of ocean energy across the world. Advanced Motor Fuels Technology Collaboration Programme • It is a platform for co-operation among countries to promote cleaner and more energy-efficient fuels & vehicle technologies. • Union Cabinet has recently approved India's membership in this programme. Topic- GS Paper III–Environment Source-The Hindu

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Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act Why in the news? • According to data presented by the Union Home Ministry in the Rajya Sabha, only 2.2 % of cases registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act between 2016 and 2019 ended in convictions by the court.

About the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act • It was first promulgated in 1967. • It aims at effective prevention of unlawful activities associations in India. • Unlawful activity refers to any action taken by an individual or association intended to disrupt India's territorial integrity and sovereignty. • It is considered to be the predecessor of laws such as the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA). • It is primarily an anti-terror law aimed at "more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations and for dealing with terrorist activities". • The UAPA cases are tried by special courts. • Under the UAPA, both Indian and foreign nationals can be charged. It will apply to the offenders in the same manner, even if the crime is committed on foreign land, outside India. • Under the UAPA, the investigating agency can file a charge sheet in maximum 180 days after the arrests and the duration can be extended further after intimating the court.

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Recent Amendment in UAPA • Parliament cleared the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 to designate individuals as terrorists on certain grounds provided in the Act. • The Act empowers the Director-General of the National Investigation Agency to grant approval of property seizure or attachment when the said agency investigates the case. • The Act authorises the National Investigation Agency officers, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases of terrorism in addition to those conducted by the DSP or ACP or above rank officer in the state. Topic- GS Paper III–Internal Security Source-The Hindu

Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 Why in the news? • Parliament has recently passed the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020; now it will go to the President of India for his assent.

About the Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020 • The Major Port Authorities Bill 2020 bill aims to decentralise decision- making and infuse professionalism in the governance of major ports. • The Bill also aimed at reorienting the governance model in central ports to the landlord port model in line with the successful global practice. Benefits • It imparts faster and transparent decision making benefiting the stakeholders and better project execution capability. • This will also help in bringing transparency in operations of Major Ports. • This will empower the Major Ports to perform with greater efficiency on account of full autonomy in decision making and by modernising the institutional framework of Major Ports. The salient features of the Major Port Authorities Bill 2020 are as under: • The Bill is more compact than the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 as the number of sections has been reduced to 76 from 134 by eliminating overlapping and obsolete Sections. • The new Bill has proposed a simplified composition of the Board of Port Authority which will comprise 11 to 13 Members from the present 17 to 19 Members representing various interests. • The role of the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP) has been redefined. • Port Authority has now been given powers to fix tariffs, which will act as a reference tariff for bidding for PPP projects. • PPP operators will be free to fix tariff- based on market conditions. • The Board of Port Authority has been delegated the power to fix the scale of rates for other port services and assets, including land. • The Boards of Port Authority have been delegated full powers to enter into contracts, planning and development, fixing tariffs except in national interest, security and emergency arising out of inaction and default. In the present MPT Act, 1963 prior approval of the Central Government was required in 22 instances.

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Topic- GS Paper II–Governance Source-PIB

‘Specialty Steel’ included under the Production Linked Incentive Why in the news? • Government has recently approved the inclusion of ‘Specialty Steel’ under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.

About Specialty steels • It is also referred to as alloy steel – contain additional alloyed materials that deliver special properties to the final product. Specialty steels are engineered to provide superior performance under specific conditions. About Production Linked Incentive Scheme • It aims to give companies incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in domestic units. • The scheme invites foreign companies to set units in India. However, it also aims to encourage local companies to set up or expand existing manufacturing units. Other Government Initiatives for Steel Industry National Steel Policy (NSP) 2017 • It seeks to create a technologically advanced and globally competitive steel industry that promotes economic growth.

Steel Scrap Recycling Policy • It was launched to utilise steel scrap emanating from vehicles and white goods (that have reached their end of life) for quality steel production.

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Adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) • It will improve manufacturing processes, material usage, energy efficiency, plant and worker productivity, supply chain and product life cycle. Steel Research and Technology Mission of India • It provides for the grant of financial assistance to various institutions including Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories and academic institutions for researching the iron and steel sector including environmental issues like utilisation of wastes, improvement in energy efficiency and reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) emission Topic- GS Paper II–Important Schemes Source- PIB

Privatisation of bank Why in the news? • The Union Budget has recently announced the privatisation of two public sector banks and IDBI Bank and one general insurance company in the upcoming fiscal. It also announced a strategic sale or disinvestment policy for four strategic sectors, including - banking, insurance and financial services, in which it will have a bare minimum presence.

Selection Process • The two banks that will now be privatised will be selected through a process in which NITI Aayog will make recommendations, which will be considered by a core group of secretaries on disinvestment and then the Alternative Mechanism (or Group of Ministers). Why were private banks nationalised in the first place? • Then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was also Finance Minister, decided to nationalise the 14 largest private banks on July 19, 1969. • The idea was to align the banking sector with the socialistic approach of the then government. • State Bank of India had been nationalised in 1955 itself and the insurance sector in 1956. Are private banks doing better? • Private Banks’ market share in loans rose to 36% in 2020 from 21.26% in 2015, while public sector banks’ share has fallen to 59.8% from 74.28%.

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• They have expanded the market share through new products, technology, and better services. They also attracted better valuations in stock markets — HDFC Bank (set up in 1994) has a market capitalisation of Rs 8.80 lakh crore while SBI commands Rs 3.50 lakh crore. • India has 22 private banks and ten small finance banks. What has been the government and RBI stand on privatisation since 1969? • The government of 2004-14 refrained from taking any decision on privatisation. • Many committees had proposed bringing down the government stake in public banks below 51% — the Narasimham Committee proposed 33%, and the P J Nayak Committee suggested below 50%. • An RBI Working Group recently suggested the entry of business houses into the banking sector. Note: • Currently, there are ten nationalised banks in addition to IDBI Bank and SBI. Topic- GS Paper III–Economics (Banking) Source-PIB