DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
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1 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
2 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
3 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
4 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
5 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
1 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003 GS Paper-1 Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
1. Mongolian Kanjur
Why in News? National Mission for Manuscripts The language of the Kanjur is Classical (NMM) Mongolian. The Ministry of Culture has taken
up the project of reprinting of 108 Launched in February 2003, the NMM The Mongolian Kanjur is a source volumes of Mongolian Kanjur under has the mandate of documenting, of providing a cultural identity to the National Mission for Manuscripts conserving and disseminating the Mongolia. (NMM). knowledge in manuscripts. India and Mangolia Introduction It aims to publish rare and unpublished manuscripts for researchers, scholars Historical interaction between India The Ministry of Culture is planning and the general public. and Mongolia goes backcenturies. to reprint 108 volumes of Mongolian Kanjur under the National Mission for It works under Ministry of Culture, Buddhism was carried to Mongolia Manuscripts (NMM) by March 2022 Government of India by Indian cultural and religious ambassadors during the early Christian which would help in boosting bilateral About Mongolian Kanjur ties between India and Mangolia. era. Mongolian Kanjur, the Buddhist This work is being carried out under As a result, today, Buddhists form the canonical text in 108 volumes is the supervision of eminent Scholar single largest religious denomination considered to be the most important Prof. Lokesh Chandra. in Mongolia. religious text in Mongolia.
Every volume will have contents India established formal diplomatic In the Mongolian language ‘Kanjur’ indicating the original title of the sutra means ‘Concise Orders’- the words of relations with Mongolia in 1955. in Mongolian. Lord Buddha in particular. Since then, the overwhelming The first set of five volumes of It is held in high esteem by the relationship between both the countries Mongolian Kanjur published under the Mongolian Buddhists and they worship has now reached a new height. NMM was presented to the President the Kanjur at temples and recite the of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the Now, the publication of Mongolian lines of Kanjur in daily life as a sacred occasion of Guru Purnima, also known Kanjur by the Government of India ritual. as Dharma Chakra Day, on 4th July for the Government of Mongolia will 2020. The Kanjur are kept almost in every act as a symbol of cultural symphony monastery in Mongolia. A set was then handed over to His between India and Mongolia and will
Excellency Mr. Gonching Ganbold, Mongolian Kanjur has been translated contribute to furtherance of bilateral Ambassador of Mongolia to India. from Tibetan. relations during the coming years.
2 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
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2. Talkative Dinosaur found in Mexico
Why in News? in what is now Mexico's northern state These "peaceful, but talkative" of Coahuila. dinosaurs could also have had the The Palaeontologists recently ability to emit loud sounds to scare off The name Tlatolophus is derived from identified a new species of dinosaur predators. called the Talkative Dinosaur in the tlahtolli—which means word in the As excavations continued, scientists northern Mexico. indigenous Nahuatl language—and eventually discovered 80 per cent of lophus, meaning crest in Greek. Key Points its skull, its 1.32-meter crest and bones A new species of dinosaur is believed such as its femur and shoulder, which The specimen, which has been named to have been "very communicative" allowed researchers to finally realize Tlatolophus galorum, is thought to and used low-frequency sounds like this year that they had a new species of have died around 72 million years ago elephants to talk to each other. dinosaur on their hands.
3. Cyclone ‘Tauktae’
Why in News?
A ‘very severe’ category Cyclone Tauktae, has made landfall in Gujarat recently.
Tauktae is the strongest cyclone to strike the coast of Gujarat since 1998.
The cyclone has also left a trail of destruction as it brushed past the coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Naming of Cyclone world, is mandated to issue advisories Goa and Maharashtra. and name tropical cyclones in the north Tropical cyclones are officially named About Tauktae Indian Ocean region. by one of its warning centres spread The panel comprising 13 countries, Cyclone Tauktae has been named by across the globe under the aegis of the Myanmar. World Meteorological Organization including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Maldives, Oman, Sri (WMO). The word ‘Tauktae’ (pronounced as Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Tau’te) means a particular type of The World Meteorological Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and gecko or a distinctively vocal lizard, in Organisation and UN Economic Yemen, name cyclones in the region. the Burmese language. and Social Commission for Asia In 2020, a new list of names was and Pacific (UN ESCAP) led Panel What is a Tropical Cyclone? released that had 169 names of on Tropical Cyclones – a global cyclones, having 13 suggested names A tropical cyclone is an intense circular body which also includes regional storm that originates over warm each from 13 countries. specialised meteorological centres tropical oceans and is characterised (RSMC) as well as tropical cyclone Name of the Next Cyclones by low atmospheric pressure, strong warning centres -- prepares the names winds followed by heavy rainfall. The next cyclone in the region will be of the cyclones. Tropical cyclones always have an called 'Yaas', a name given by Oman, eye, a central region of clear skies and Indian Meteorological Department while the one after that will be called warm temperatures. (IMD) is among six RSMCs in the 'Gulab' as recommended by Pakistan.
3 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
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4. China’s Population Growth is slowing: Census Data
Why in News? As per the 2020 national census, 2016 and allowing two children per China’s seventh since 1953, the family. According to the official census data, country’s population has grown from The Chinese government in November in the decade up to 2020, China’s 134 crore in 2010 by 5.34 per cent over said it expects the population to peak in population grew at its slowest rate the past decade. 2027, and that the annual gap between since the 1950s. The rate of population growth, the number of newborns and number China’s slowing population growth is however, has been steadily falling. of deaths will shrink to around 10 lakh part of a trend seen in many countries Annually, the country grew 0.53 per over the next five years.
in Asia and the West. cent in the last 10 years, down from However, the United Nations (UN) 0.57 per cent between 2000 and 2010, has estimated that the population will Last year, South Korea saw its and was the slowest of any decade begin falling after 2030. population decline for the first time since the 1950s. in history. In the United States too, Related Concerns the birth rate has dropped to 1.6, the The country’s working population — When the young population in a country lowest on record. between ages 15 and 59 — is now declines, it creates labour shortages, 89.43 crore or 63.35 per cent of the It now stands at 141.2 crore people, which have a major detrimental impact total, down by 6.79 per cent from on the economy. with the rate of growth falling for the 2010. The number of people above age fourth consecutive year. 60 has also gone up to 26.4 crore or More older people also means that 18.7 per cent of the population, up 5.44 demands for healthcare and pensions Key Points per cent from the last census. can soar, burdening the country’s social spending system further when fewer Last year, 1.2 crore babies were born in A ray of hope, though, is the greater people are working and contributing China, down from 1.465 crore in 2019 proportion of children 14 years or to it. — a fall of 18 per cent in one year. younger, who are now 25.38 crore or In an effort to tide over this challenge, 17.95 per cent of the population, up by The country’s fertility rate has dropped the Chinese government announced 1.35 per cent from 2010. to 1.3, far below the replacement level this year that it would increase the of 2.1 required for a generation to have This rise has been credited to China retirement age by a few months every enough children to replace it. relaxing its strict one-child policy in year.
4 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003 GS Paper-2 Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations
1. Article 311 of the Indian Constitution
Why in News? service or a state government shall Recently, a suspended police officer be dismissed was dismissed from service by or removed by Mumbai Police Commissioner under an authority Article 311 (2)(b) of the Indian subordinate to the Constitution without a departmental own that appointed enquiry (DE). him/her.
What is Article 311? Section 2 of the article says that no Other Cases While Article 311 is meant to act as civil servant shall be dismissed or a safeguard for civil servants that The Jammu & Kashmir administration removed or reduced in rank except gives them a chance to respond to recently set up a Special Task after an inquiry in which s/he has the charges in an enquiry so that he/ Force (STF) to “scrutinise cases of been informed of the charges and she is not arbitrarily dismissed from employees suspected of activities given a reasonable opportunity service. requiring action under article 311(2) of being heard in respect of those (c). The article also provides exceptions charges. to these safeguards under sub-clause Three government employees, As per Article 311 sub-clause including two teachers, have already 2 provision b. 2 provision a, if a government been fired. The move has been It states “when an authority employee is convicted in a criminal opposed by rights activists. empowered to dismiss or remove a case, he can be dismissed without person or to reduce him in rank is Options for Government DE. satisfied that for some reason, to be Employees Apart from this, under 311 (2) (c), recorded by that authority in writing, The government employee it is not reasonably practicable to a government employee can be dismissed under these provisions hold such enquiry”. dismissed when the President or can approach either tribunals like the Governor, as the case may be, the state administrative tribunal – in Safeguards provided by the is satisfied that in the interest of the Maharashtra’s officer case it would Article 311 security of state it is not expedient to be the Maharashtra Administrative
Article 311 says that no government hold such an enquiry, the employee Tribunal — or Central Administrative employee either of an all India can be dismissed without DE. Tribunal (CAT) or the courts.
5 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
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2. Child Marriages during Corona Pandemic
Why in News?
Recently, child right activists of Karnataka have raised the issue of child marriages in corona pandemic.
According to the reports of the Childline, a total of 2,180 child marriage cases were reported in Karnataka from April 2020 to January 2021.
Key Points Nepal has also one the highest rates of result in a oneyear loss of gains child marriage in Asia for both boys from such programmes. Child Marriage is defined as a marriage and girls. of a girl or boy before the age of 18 Mobilization of effective programming, widely applied, could and refers to both formal marriages Reason behind reduce risk by 33% in the mitigation and informal unions in which children scenario. under the age of 18 live with a partner The COVID-19 pandemic is raising as if married. the risk of child marriage through five Pregnancy main pathways: The increased risk of marriage As per the study of Lancet, around due to pregnancy is accounted for 2.5 million more girls (below the age Interrupted education: through the impact of school closure of 18) around the world are at risk of School closures increase marriage and dropout marriage in the next 5 years because of risk by 25% per year Death of a Parent the Covid-19 pandemic. Closures result in a loss of 0.6 learning adjusted years of schooling Death of a parent is expected to In another study of United Nations have little direct impact on the risk Children Fund (UNICEF), ten million per child of child marriage, largely due to the additional child marriages may occur Some girls (2%) will never return relative rarity of death among age before the end of the decade. to school, and will continue to face groups that are most likely to be a higher marriage risk throughout At least 1.5 million girls under 18 get parents. childhood. married in India, which makes it home Child Marriage and the Global to the largest number of child brides in Economic Shocks Development Agenda
the world - accounting for a third of the In countries where bride price is The importance of ending child global total. common, loss of household income marriage has been recognized increases the probability of marriage In South Asia by the international community by 3%. through its inclusion in Sustainable
South Asia has the highest rates of In countries where dowry is Development Goal (SDG) 5: child marriage in the world. common, the impact ranges from a Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. India has the largest number of brides decreased risk of 4% to an increased Target 5.3 seeks to end child, early in the world – one-third of the global risk of 1%. and forced marriage by 2030. total. Disruptions to Programmes and Child marriage also hinders the Bangladesh has the highest rate of Services realization of many other SDGs, child marriage in Asia (the fourth Delayed programmes to prevent especially those related to education highest rate in the world). child marriage are estimated to and health.
6 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
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3. Demand for Independent Collegium for Election Commission
Why in News? The recommendation was also part consultation with neutral authorities of the Law Commission in its 255th like Chief Justice of India and the Recently, a petition was filed in report in March 2015. Leader of the Opposition for the the Supreme Court (SC) seeking appointment in Election Commission. the constitution of an independent In 2015, 255th Law Commission collegium to appoint members of the Report recommended that the Justice Tarkunde Committee in its Election Commission (ECI). appointment of all the Election Report of 1975 also recommended that Commissioner should be made by the members of Election Commission Need the President in consultation with a should be appointed by the President on three-member collegium or selection The Election Commission is not only the advice of a Committee consisting committee, consisting of the Prime responsible for conducting free and of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Minister, the Leader of the Opposition fair elections, but it also renders a Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the of the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice quasi judicial function between the Chief Justice of India. of India. various political parties including the Present System ruling government and other parties. In 2007, 4th Report of the Second Administrative Reform Commission In such circumstances the Executive Article 324(2) states that the President cannot be the sole participant in also recommended for the constitution shall, with aid and advice of the the appointment of members of the of a neutral and independent collegium Council of Ministers, appoint Chief Election Commission as it gives headed by the Prime Minister with Election Commissioner (CEC) and unfettered discretion to the ruling the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Election Commissioner (ECs), till Leader of Opposition in the Lok party to choose someone whose loyalty Parliament enacts a law fixing the Sabha, the Law Minister and the to it is ensured and thereby renders criteria for selection, conditions of Deputy Chairman of the Rajya the selection process vulnerable to service and tenure. manipulation. Sabha as is members for making recommendations for consideration of Each of them holds their offices for a Previous Recommendations the President for appointment of the period of 6 years or up to the age of 65 Chief Election Commissioner and the years, whichever comes first. The recommendation to have a neutral Election Commissioners. collegium to fill up vacancies in the The only way a Chief Election
Election Commission have been Similarly, Dr. Dinesh Goswami Commissioner can be removed from given by several expert committees, Committee in its Report of May office is upon an order of the President commissions from 1975. 1990 recommended for the effective supported by the Parliament.
7 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003 GS Paper-3 Technology, Economic Development, Bio- diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
1. Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2021-22
Why in News?
The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds.
The Sovereign Gold Bonds will be issued in six tranches from May 2021 to September 2021.
What is Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme?
The scheme was launched in November Banks), Stock Holding Corporation of basic unit of 1 gram. The tenor of the 2015 with an objective to reduce the India Limited (SHCIL),designated post bond will be for a period of 8 years demand for physical gold and shift a offices, and recognised stock exchanges with exit option after 5th year to be part of the domestic savings -- used for viz., National Stock Exchange of India exercised on the next interest payment the purchase of gold -- into financial Limited and Bombay Stock Exchange savings. dates. Limited.
In other words, it offers an alternative Minimum permissible investment is The bonds are restricted for sale to to holding gold in physical form. 1 gram of gold. The maximum limit resident individuals, Hindu Undivided of subscription is 4 kg for individual, These bonds are issued by Government Families (HUFs), trusts, universities 4 kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts of India in the form of Government of and charitable institutions. India Stock in accordance with Section and similar entities per fiscal (April- Gold bond prices are linked to the 3 of the Government Securities Act, March). price of gold of 999 purity (24 2006 (GS Act 2006). carats) published by India Bullion Bonds can be used as collateral for Key Points of the Scheme and Jewellers Association (IBJA), loans. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio Mumbai. is to be set equal to the ordinary gold The Bonds will be sold through
Scheduled Commercial banks (except The bonds will be denominated in loan mandated by the Reserve Bank Small Finance Banks and Payment multiples of gram(s) of gold with a from time to time.
8 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
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2. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
Why in News?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has provided an enhanced allocation of Rs. 2250 Crore for the year 2021-22 for ‘Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture’ (MIDH), a centrally sponsored scheme.
About MIDH
MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo.
The Ministry of Agriculture and quality of produce and productivity of to cater to the country’s estimated Farmers' Welfare is implementing farmland. demand of 650 Million MT of fruits MIDH with effect from 2014-15.
The initiative of MIDH has not only and vegetables by the year 2050. Under MIDH, Government of India resulted in India’s self-sufficiency contributes 60%, of total outlay for Some of the new initiatives like focus in the horticulture sector but also developmental programmes in all the on planting material production, cluster contributed towards achieving states except states in North East and development programme, credit push sustainable development goals of zero Himalayas, 40% share is contributed through Agri Infra Fund, formation hunger, good health and wellbeing, no by State Governments. In the case of and promotion of FPOs are the right poverty, gender equality etc. North Eastern States and Himalayan steps in this direction. States, GOI contributes 90%. Challenges Sub Schemes Role of MIDH The sector is still facing a lot of challenges in terms of high post- National Horticulture Mission (NHM) MIDH has played a significant role in harvest loss and gaps in post-harvest Horticulture Mission for North East & increasing the area under horticulture management and supply chain Himalayan States (HMNEH) crops. Area and production during infrastructure. the years 2014 – 15 to 2019 – 20 has National Bamboo Mission (NBM) increased by 9% and 14% respectively. Scope National Horticulture Board (NHB)
The mission has also boosted best There is tremendous scope for Coconut Development Board (CDB) practices to be followed in farms enhancing the productivity of Indian
which have significantly improved the horticulture which is imperative Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH)
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3. Beema Bamboo
Why in News? be the best ‘carbon sink’ to mitigate solid and adapt to different soil and carbon dioxide emissions. climatic conditions. After every The Tamil Nadu Agricultural harvest cycle, it re-grows and does not University (TNAU) has designed an A fully-grown bamboo tree may require replanting for decades. ‘oxygen park’ within its premises at generate over 300 kilograms of oxygen Coimbatore with Beema Bamboo. annually and it may be sufficient for A culm is the hollow stem of a grass one person for one year. or cereal plant, especially that bearing What is Beema Bamboo? the flower. A four-year-old bamboo may absorb
Beema or Beema Bamboo has been over 400 kg of carbon dioxide per As its rhizome and root formation developed by N Bharathi of Growmore annum from the surrounding areas. provide a strong foundation, the plant Biotech Ltd, the agri-technology becomes robust against natural forces Bamboo raised on one acre can company based at Hosur, Tamil Nadu. and plays a major role in mitigating sequester 80 tonnes of carbon dioxide This clone is thorn-less and sterile. global warming and climate change. annually.
Bheema Bamboo is a superior clone, The bamboo’s calorific value is equal selected from Bambusa balcooa, a Significance to that of coal. Cement industries are higher biomass yielding bamboo buying this bamboo species for their As it is sterile, this bamboo does not species. This bamboo clone has boilers. produce any seed and does not die also been developed by the conventional for several hundred years and keeps Bamboo fibre is used by the textile breeding method. growing without death. As a result, this industry for making fabric and This species is considered to be one of particular bamboo species can be able garments. the fastest-growing plants. to establish permanent green cover. The Beema Bamboo can be an
It grows one-and-a-half feet per day Since the plants are produced through excellent choice for making the earth under tropical conditions. It is said to tissue culture, the culms grow almost greener and mitigating climate change.
4. Red-eared Slider Turtle
Why in News? popular pet due to its small size, easy but endanger the local ecosystem, maintenance, and relatively low cost. probably unknowingly, by releasing According to the researchers, a ‘cute’ them in natural water bodies after they American turtle popular as a pet is Concerns outgrow an aquarium, tank or pool at threatening to invade the natural water The red-eared slider turtles are home. bodies across the Northeast. considered a major threat to native As they eat plants and animals, they turtle specials, as they mature fast, About Turtle can finish off a wide range of aquatic grow larger, and produce more species, including fish and rare frogs. The red-eared slider (Trachemys offspring, and are very aggressive. scripta elegans) derives its name from Studies show that they can also transfer They can out-compete native turtles red stripes around the part where its diseases and parasites to native reptile for food, nestling, and basking sites. ears would be and from its ability to species.
slide quickly off any surface into the The red-eared slider presents a They can also impact human health water. Catch-22 situation. when these species may accumulate
Native to the U.S. and northern People who keep it as pets become toxins in their tissues which pass on Mexico, this turtle is an extremely sensitive about turtle conservation with the food chain upto humans.
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5. China's Zhurong Rover
Why in News? About Rover Other Attempts
China’s uncrewed ‘Tianwen-1’ The ‘Zhurong’ rover will not Apart from China, only the United spacecraft landed safely on the surface immediately be offloaded from the States has been able to deploy rovers of Mars, making the country only the lander. The probe will first survey the to study the surface of the Red Planet. second in the world to send a rover to Utopia plane and take several high- The first successful landing was made explore the mysterious Red Planet. resolution images to locate the safest by NASA in July 1976, when the Background spot to put the rover down. Viking 1 rover touched down on Mars. Shortly after that, Viking 2 arrived on ‘Tianwen-1’ was launched in July If ‘Zhurong’ is deployed without a the Red Planet. 2020. hitch, China will become the first In the decades that followed, the US It consists of an orbiter, a lander and a country to successfully orbit, land and successfully sent the Opportunity and golf cart-sized rover called ‘Zhurong’, offload a rover during its maiden Mars Spirit rovers to explore Mars. after an ancient fire god from Chinese mission. folk tales. In 1971, the former Soviet Union The Chinese rover is powered by managed to launch a Mars probe, The Chinese spacecraft landed on a large retractable solar panels and fitted with plain located in the northern hemisphere however, communication was lost seven primary instruments — cameras, of Mars, known as Utopia Planitia. within seconds of it landing. ground-penetrating radar, a magnetic Most recently, in February this year, The mission aims to make full use of field detector and a weather station. the window that emerges once every NASA’s Perseverance rover landed at two years, when Earth and Mars are The purpose of the radar is to look the Jezero Crater on the Red Planet, closest together during their journey for signs of ancient life as well as after which it resumed work to look for around the Sun. subsurface water. signs of past life.
6. New Species of Skink
Why in News? Skinks are non-venomous, their Researchers are yet to study the inconspicuous limbs make them breeding and feeding habits of this new Recently, a group of herpetologists has resemble snakes. species. Other skinks are known to found a new species of skink, an Asian feed insects such as termites, crickets gracile skink, from the Anaikatti hills Most skinks are diurnal and are usually in Coimbatore. secretive in their habits. Because of and small spiders, and we assume our new species has a similar diet. About the Species their elusiveness, not much is known about their natural and evolutionary Threats Named Subdoluseps nilgiriensis, after history. Therefore, most of the species the Nilgiris, the reptile has a slender are placed under the data-deficient Subdoluseps nilgiriensis is currently body of just about 7 cm and is sandy category. considered a vulnerable species as brown in colour. Based on genetic there are potential threats from seasonal studies, the team writes the new species Though skinks are non-venomous, forest fires, housing constructions and is closely related to Subdoluseps pruthi they resemble snakes because of the brick kiln industries in the area. that is found in parts of the Eastern often-inconspicuous limbs and the way Ghats. they move on land. Such resemblance Rapid urbanisation, which has
This species is only the third skink has led to confusion often resulting increased the road networks in the species discovered from mainland in humans killing this lowly harmless area, has also threatened the small India in the last millennium. creature. geographical range of the species.
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7. Wholesale Price Index for April 2021
Why in News? manufactured products as compared led by a 43.28 per cent jump in to the corresponding month of the vegetable and animal oils and fats. The Office of Economic Adviser, previous year. Department for Promotion of Industry About WPI and Internal Trade has released index The food articles segment witnessed numbers of Wholesale Price in India a 4.92 per cent rise in April led by a WPI measures the changes in the for the month of April, 2021. rise in pulses, fruits, egg, meat and fish prices of goods sold and traded in prices. In the month prior to that, this bulk by wholesale businesses to other Key Points was 3.24 per cent. businesses.
The wholesale inflation across the Vegetable prices contracted (-) 9.03 per The numbers are released by the country rose to an all-time high of cent in April, against (-) 5.19 per cent Economic Advisor in the Ministry of 10.49 per cent in April. in March. Pulses prices grew 10.74 per Commerce and Industry. The wholesale price index (WPI) cent last month, while that of fruits grew 7.39 per cent during the month rose 27.43 per cent. Eggs, meat and It is the most widely used inflation of March, while the WPI for February fish prices rose 10.88 per cent in April. indicator in India.
was revised to 4.83 per cent from 4.17 The fuel and power segment rose The base year of WPI has been revised per cent. a whopping 20.94 per cent in April from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in 2017. The WPI in April 2020 was at (-)1.57 with petrol prices jumping by 42.37 per cent. per cent, HSD (High-Speed Diesel) While WPI keeps track of the wholesale gaining by 33.82 per cent and LPG price of goods, the Consumer Price The annual rate of inflation in April prices rising by 20.34 per cent. 2021 is high primarily because of Index (CPI) measures the average rise in prices of crude petroleum, The manufactured products segment price that households pay for a basket mineral oils viz petrol, diesel etc, and also climbed 9.01 per cent last month of different goods and services.
8. Digital Transformation of Tribal Schools
Why in News? under the Ministry to skill educators The program will also offer and students in next-generation opportunities for teachers to earn With a vision to build an inclusive, technologies including Artificial professional e-badges and e-certificates skills-based economy, the Ministry from the Microsoft Education Centre. of Tribal Affairs (MTA) has inked Intelligence. a Memorandum of Understanding Under the partnership, students from Under this program in the first phase, (MOU) with Microsoft to support the schools under the Ministry will be 250 EMRS schools have been adopted digital transformation of schools such mentored on projects that involve AI by Microsoft out of which 50 EMRS as Eklavya Model Residential Schools applications for societal good and the (EMRS) and Ashram Schools, among schools will be given intensive training UN’s Sustainable Development Goals others under the Ministry. and 500 master trainers would be (SDGs). trained in the first phase. Key Highlights Expected Benefits Teachers across states in India will be Under affirmative action initiative, This program will ensure that tribal trained in a phased manner for using Microsoft will make AI curriculum students get chance to change their productivity technologies like Office available to tribal students in both future, their environment, their village, English and Hindi at all EMRS schools 365 and AI applications in teaching. and overall community.
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This program will prove beneficial in Indian Constitution and funded by the lodging along with other facilities and terms of readiness, preparedness of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. incentives are provided to the students.
our students at various international In order to give further impetus to Apart from formal education, there is forums. EMRS, it has been decided that by emphasis put upon physical activities, the year 2022, every block with more meditation, sight-seeing, play, sports, About EMRS than 50% ST population and at least games, and other.
EMRS started in the year 1997-98 to 20,000 tribal persons, will have an The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides impart quality education to Schedule EMRS. construction costs and the State Government is responsible for running Tribes (ST) children in remote areas. About Ashram Schools and overall maintenance of these EMRS are being set up by grants Ashram schools are residential Ashram schools including selection of provided under Article 275(1) of the schools, in which free boarding and medium of instruction.
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14 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003 Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has won 10th Italian Open, Nadal also equalled Djokovic's Open in 2021. Nadal has now record for the most number of Masters won at least 10 titles at 4 different 1000 titles. The two gladiators of the tournaments, including Roland Garros sport have 36 Masters 1000 titles each (11 in Monte Carlo, 12 in Barcelona while Roger Federer is in the third spot and 13 in Paris). With the 10th Italian with 28 wins.
Andrea Meza
Andrea Meza from Mexico has been She was presented the crown by her crowned Miss Universe 2020. Miss predecessor Miss Universe 2019 Brazil, Julia Gama, was the runner-up Zozibini Tunzi at the Seminole Hard while Miss Peru, Janick Maceta Del Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Castillo, secured the third position, Florida, United States. among 73 other women representing India was represented by Adline different countries. Castelino, a model and beauty Meza, a software engineer, clinched pageant titleholder, and came fourth. the title at the pageant that was held She was crowned as Miss Diva after a gap of a year due to covid-19. Universe 2020.
Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted
Dr. Shakuntala Haraksingh sensitive approaches to aquatic food Thilsted, a global nutrition expert systems at all levels, from the farm to of Indian descent has won the food processing to final consumers, prestigious 2021 World Food Prize resulting in improved diets for millions for her groundbreaking research of the most vulnerable people in Asia in developing holistic, nutrition- and Africa. sensitive approaches to aquaculture Thilsted, who is a native of Trinidad and food systems. and Tobago and a citizen of Denmark, Thilsted's trailblazing research on was born in 1949 in the Caribbean small native fish species in Bangladesh island of Trinidad in the small village led to the development of nutrition- of Reform.
Nuklu Phom
A church worker from Nagaland has charity the Whitley Fund for Nature won the Whitley Award for 2021, (WFN)—this year. also known as the ‘Green Oscar’, When Phom embarked on his for his efforts to create a network of conservation efforts in 2007, he community-owned forests in the state formed a team called Lemsachenlok, and protect the rare Amur falcon. a community development society, to augment the initiative. Nuklu Phom is the only Indian towards conserving the Amur to win the prestigious award — The Lemsachenlok was recognised falcon; it was a recipient of the India awarded annually to individuals by the United Nations Environment Biodiversity Award in 2018; and a from the Global South by UK-based Programme in 2015 for its efforts Governor’s Gold Medal Award in 2021.
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Shaheed Sukhdev
th The 114 birth anniversary of Shaheed Sukhdev was a famous Indian Sukhdev Thapar was celebrated at his revolutionary who played a major birthplace in Mohalla Naughara in role in the India's struggle for Ludhiana on May 15. His full name Independence. He is amongst those is Sukhdev Thapar and he was born great Indian freedom fighters who on 15th May, 1907. sacrificed their lives for the freedom of their country. Sukhdev Thapar was a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican On 23rd March, 1931, the three Association (HSRA), and organized brave revolutionaries, Bhagat Singh, revolutionary cells in Punjab and Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram bodies were secretly cremated on the other areas of North India. Rajguru were hanged, whilst their banks of the River Sutlej.
Bhavani Devi
Bhavani Devi has become the first sabre category. The eight-time national ever Indian fencer to qualify for the champion had failed to qualify for the Olympics. The sabre fencer secured Rio Olympics. an Olympic spot due to events in the The Tokyo Olympics scheduled to ongoing Fencing World Cup. In July be held in 2020 were put off owing 2021, she will represent India at the to the COVID-19 pandemic and are Tokyo Olympic games. scheduled to take place from July 23 to The Tamil Nadu fencer competes in the August 8 this year.
Neera Tanden
Indian-American Neera Tanden has consideration of Republican lawsuits been appointed senior adviser to seeking to strike down the Affordable US President Joe Biden. Tanden is Care Act. currently the president and CEO of Tanden was the director of domestic a progressive think-tank, Center for policy for the Obama-Biden American Progress (CAP). presidential campaign, where she She has been entrusted with two tasks managed all domestic policy proposals. — launch a review of the US Digital Tanden also served as policy director Service, and plan contingencies that for Hillary Clinton’s first presidential could result from the Supreme Court’s campaign.
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17 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003 Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo U.N. peacekeepers struggle to stabilize President Felix Tshisekedi has declared the mineral-rich territory. a state of siege over the worsening A Ugandan insurgent faction active in violence in the eastern provinces of eastern Congo since the 1990s called Ituri and North Kivu that has killed the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is hundreds this year and displaced more believed to be responsible for much of than 1.5 million. the recent bloodshed. A surge in attacks by armed militias and inter-communal violence in eastern According to the United Nations (UN), Democratic Republic of Congo have it has committed a spate of brutal killed over 300 people since the start reprisal attacks on civilians since the 2019, killing around 850 people last of the year as government troops and army began operations against it in late year.
Nigeria
Researchers have discovered a 3,500 The Nok culture in central Nigeria year-old honeypot from Africa, dates between 1,500 BCE and the presenting the oldest direct evidence beginning of the Common Era and is for honey collection in the continent. known particularly for its elaborate Archaeologists from the Goethe terracotta sculptures -- representatives University in Germany in cooperation of the oldest figurative art in Africa. with chemists at the University of Bristol in the UK identified beeswax Pottery is one of the best ways to learn residues in 3,500 year-old potsherds of about the Nok people and their diet, as and other organic remains typically the Nok culture. the region’s soil is so acidic that bones aren’t preserved.
Southern Sulawesi
Researchers have reported that in the Maros-Pangkep region in Pleistocene-era rock paintings dating Sulawesi. back to 45,000-20,000 years ago in The artwork in the area includes what cave sites in southern Sulawesi, on is believed to be the world’s oldest the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, are hand stencil (almost 40,000 years ago), weathering at an alarming rate due to created by pressing the hand on a cave environmental degradation. wall, and spraying wet red-mulberry pigments over it. A team of Australian and Indonesian
The cave art of Sulawesi is much archaeological scientists, conservation A nearby cave features the world’s specialists, and heritage managers oldest depiction of an animal, a warty older than the prehistoric cave art of examined 11 caves and rock-shelters pig painted on the wall 45,500 years ago. Europe.
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Farzad-B Gas Field
State-owned ONGC Videsh Ltd to invest up to $11 billion for the (OVL) lost development rights for development of the discovery, which the Farzad-B giant gas field in Iran to was later named Farzad-B. Iranian Petropars Group. The 3,500 square kilometer Farsi OVL owns 40 per cent participating block sits in a water depth of 20- interest (PI) in the block in which 90 metres on the Iranian side of the gas discovery was first made by a Persian Gulf. consortium led by Oil and Natural The Farzad B gas field holds 23 also holds gas condensates of about Gas Corporation (ONGC). trillion cubic feet of in-place reserves, 5,000 barrels per billion cubic feet of OVL and its partners had offered of which about 60% is recoverable. It gas. Colombo Port City
The Sri Lankan Parliament has passed The $1.4 billion-Colombo Port a controversial Bill on laws governing City, was launched in 2014 during the China-backed Colombo Port city. the previous term of the Rajapaksa government, when Chinese The Bill officially has declared 269 President Xi Jinping visited the hectares of land reclaimed from the island nation. ocean and annexed to the city of Colombo as the country's first special The mega infrastructure project is economic zone (SEZ) for services- currently being built on land reclaimed while environmentalists and fisher folk oriented industries. alongside Colombo’s iconic sea front, opposed the move.
Winchcombe, United Kingdom
A piece of the Winchcombe meteorite meteorite is known as a carbonaceous that touched down in the town of meteorite and out of about 65,000 Winchcombe in Gloucestershire in the known meteorite types, only about UK in February 2021 will be displayed 1,000 are of this particular type. at the National History Museum. Meteoroids are objects in space that Winchcombe is also significant range in size from dust grains to small because it is the meteorite to have asteroids. But when meteoroids enter fallen and recovered from the UK in the Earth’s atmosphere they are called the Earth’s atmosphere and hits the about 30 years. Further, this type of meteors. But if a meteoroid enters ground, it is called a meteorite.
Antarctica Iceberg
A giant slab of ice bigger than the km (1,668 square miles) and measures Spanish island of Majorca has sheared 175 km (106 miles) long by 25 km off from the frozen edge of Antarctica (15 miles) wide. By comparison, into the Weddell Sea, becoming the Spain’s tourist island of Majorca in the largest iceberg afloat in the world. Mediterranean occupies 3,640 square km (1,405 square miles). The newly calved berg, designated peninsula, farther from the South Pole, A-76 by scientists, was spotted in The U.S. state of Rhode Island is have undergone rapid disintegration in recent satellite images captured by the smaller still, with a land mass of just recent years, a phenomenon scientists Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission. 2,678 square km (1,034 square miles). believe may be related to global Its surface area spans 4,320 square Some ice shelves along the Antarctic warming. vvv 19 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
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1. International Day of Families
International Day of Families is United Nations is preparing for the annually observed by the United thirtieth anniversary of the International Nations across the world on May 15. The Year of the Family, 2024, which aims day is commemorated to highlight the to raise awareness of megatrends and important affairs central to the welfare responsive family-oriented policies to of families, such as health, education, tackle their effects. gender equality, rights for children, On September 25, 2015, the 193 and social inclusion among others. member states of the United Nations The theme for International Day of unanimously adopted the Sustainable Families 2021 is 'Families and new Development Goals. It is a set of 17 technologies. It focuses on the impact goals aiming towards eliminating environmental destruction, and usher of new technologies on the well-being poverty, discrimination, abuse, in an era of development for all of families. and preventable deaths, addressing people.
2. International Day of Living Together in Peace 2021
International Day of Living Together The Day aims to uphold the desire in Peace is observed every year on to live and act together, united in May 16. The UN General-Assembly, differences and diversity, in order to declared 16 May the International build a sustainable world of peace, Day of Living Together in Peace, as solidarity and harmony.
a means of regularly mobilizing the The United Nations General Assembly efforts of the international community decided to celebrate 16th May as the to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, International Day of Living Together understanding and solidarity. in Peace on 8th December 2017.
3. International Day of Light 2021
The International Day of Light is celebrated on 16 May each year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman.
This day is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development.
The message of the International Day of Light 2021 — Trust Science the public alike to sign and support science and the importance of public — encourages both scientists and a declaration affirming their trust in confidence in the scientific process.
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World Hypertension Day 2021 is accurate blood pressure measurement observed every year on May 17. This methods. year's theme is "Measure Your Blood The world started observing this Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live day from 14 May, 2005 when it was Longer", focusing on combatting low launched. The World Hypertension awareness rates worldwide, especially League dedicated 17 May as World in low to middle income areas, and Hypertension Day.
5. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2021
World Telecommunication and throwing light on the urgency of Information Society Day (WTISD) is accelerating digital transformation and observed every year on May 17. advancing the goals of the Connect 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind. The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted
the critical role of Information and The theme for this year is “Accelerating Communication Technologies (ICTs) Digital Transformation in challenging and brought to the fore startling times”, throughout the year with digital inequalities between and within national, regional, and international countries. initiatives to accelerate digital
This year it has come together, transformation.
6. 6th UN Global Road Safety Week 2021
“Streets for Life” is the slogan chosen Road Safety Weeks. Held since 2007, for the 6th United Nations (UN) Global the #Love30 campaign of the 6th UN Traffic Safety Week, which this year is Global Road Safety Week. celebrated between 17 and 23 May, to The Week also launched the Decade call for 30 km/h (20 mph) speed limits of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 to be the norm for cities, towns and and its Global Plan, which will align villages worldwide. with the Stockholm Declaration, The UN General Assembly mandated emphasizing the importance of a and law enforcement on behavioral World Health Organisation (WHO) holistic approach to road safety and risks, such as speeding and alcohol and the UN regional commissions calls for improvements ongoing design and driving; and providing timely to plan and host periodic UN Global of roads and vehicles; improving laws emergency care for the injured. 7. World Agri-Tourism Day 2021
Every year the World Agri-Tourism International Conference on Agri- Day is celebrated on May 16. The Tourism. theme for 2021 is "Rural Women Agri tourism has tremendous potential ustainable Entrepreneurship Oppor- for increasing farm incomes and tunities through Agri Tourism." stimulating the development of a On the fourteenth World Agri-Tourism dynamic, diversified rural economy. Day, Government of Maharashtra In many developed countries, Agri and Agri-Tourism Development tourism has become an integral part of Corporation (ATDC) have organised the tourism industry vvv 22 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
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01 Supreme Court on Overcrowding of Prisons
2. Key Observations of the Court
The bench observed that the decongestion of prisons housing around 4 lakh inmates 1. Why in News? across the country is a matter concerning "health and right to life of" prisoners and
In the wake of "unprecedented surge" police personnel.
in COVID-19 cases, the Supreme The bench said that, those who were allowed to go out on bail in March last year Court (SC) has ordered the immediate by the high-powered committees (HPCs) of states and Union Territories (UTs) be release of prisoners who were granted granted the same relief without any reconsideration to avoid delay. bail or parole last year. Further the bench also directed that, those inmates who were granted parole, pursuant to our earlier orders, should be again granted parole for a period of 90 days in order to tide over the pandemic.
There is a serious concern about the spread of COVID-19 in overcrowded prisons where there is lack of proper sanitation, hygiene and medical facilities and there is a requirement for effective management of pandemic from within the prison walls so as to defeat this deadly virus.
3. Background
In March 23, 2020, the SC had directed all states and UTs to constitute HPC to consider releasing on parole or interim bail prisoners and the under trials for offences entailing up to 7-year jail term to decongest prisons in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.
4. Overcrowding of Indian Prisons
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, as on 31 December, 2019, there were 4,78,600 inmates lodged in different prisons in India while they had a collective capacity to house only about 4,03,700 inmates.
This means the number of prisoners was 118.5% of the prison capacity, the highest since 2010.
Prisons in Delhi were the most overcrowded among all states and union territories – there were about 17,500 prisoners lodged in jails with a collective capacity of about 10,000, which is a prison overcrowding rate of 175%.
Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand followed next in overcrowding at 168% and 159% respectively.
In 2019, 69% of all prisoners were undertrials.
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02 Spread of Coronavirus in PVTGs in Odisha
1. Why in News?
COVID-19 infections are being 2. Key Highlights reported among the Particularly As many as 21 tribals across eight different PVTGs in the State have so far tested Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). positive, including two from the Bonda tribe.
Bondas live in highlands, 3,500-feet above sea level, in Malkangiri, the southern- most district of Odisha.
Four members of Dongria Kondh, another PVTG, have tested positive.
3. Tribals in Odisha
Odisha has among the largest and most diverse tribal populations in the country.
Of the 62 tribal groups residing in Odisha, 13 are recognised as PVTGs.
According to the 2011 Census, Odisha’s share of the country’s total tribal population was 9%.
Tribals constitute 22.85% of State’s population. In terms of numbers of its tribal population, Odisha occupies the third position in India.
The PVTGs such as Bonda, Birhor, Chuktia Bhunjia, Didayi, Dongaria Kandha, Hill Kharia, Juang, Kutia Kondh, Lanjia Saora, Lodha, Mankirdia, Paudi Bhuyan and Saora have been identified on the basis of stagnant or diminishing populations, subsistence level of economy associated with pre-agricultural stages of hunting, food gathering and shifting cultivation, and relative physical isolation.
4. PVTGs in India
In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) as a separate category, who are less developed among the tribal groups. However, in 2006, the Government of India renamed the PTGs as PVTGs.
Among the 75 listed PVTG’s the highest number are found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12).
According to the Census 2011, tribal population makes up for 8.6% of the total population in India.
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03 World Bank's Report On Global Remittances
2. Key Highlights of the Report 1. Why in News? Despite COVID-19, remittance flows remained resilient in 2020, registering a smaller World Bank has released its latest decline than previously projected. Migration and Development Brief. Officially recorded remittance flows to low- and middle-income countries reached $540 billion in 2020, just 1.6 percent below the 2019 total of $548 billion.
India received over USD83 billion in remittances in 2020, a drop of just 0.2 per cent from the previous year, despite a pandemic that devastated the world economy.
In 2019, India had received USD83.3 billion in remittances.
China is second in terms of global remittances in 2020. China received USD 59.5 billion in remittances in 2020.
India and China are followed by Mexico (USD42.8 billion), the Philippines (USD34.9 billion), Egypt (USD29.6 billion), Pakistan (USD26 billion), France (USD24.4 billion) and Bangladesh (USD21 billion).
Remittance outflow was the maximum from the United States (USD68 billion), followed by UAE (USD43 billion), Saudi Arabia (USD34.5 billion), Switzerland (USD27.9 billion), Germany (USD22 billion), and China (USD18 billion).
Remittances outflow from India in 2020 was USD7 billion, against USD7.5 billion in 2019, according to the World Bank.
3. Drivers for the Steady Flow
The main drivers for the steady flow included fiscal stimulus that resulted in better- than-expected economic conditions in host countries.
Shift in flows from cash to digital and from informal to formal channels.
Cyclical movements in oil prices and currency exchange rates.
4. About the Report
It is prepared by the Migration and Remittances Unit, Development Economics (DEC)- the premier research and data arm of the World Bank.
The brief is produced twice a year.
The brief aims to provide an update on key developments in the area of migration and remittance flows and related policies over the past six months.
A remittance is money sent to another country by an immigrant.
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04 Militarisation of the Arctic
2. Concerns 1. Why in News?
As climate change makes the Arctic more accessible, interest in the region’s natural A day after Russia defended its resources, its navigation routes and its strategic position has grown among countries military activities in the Arctic region, bordering the Arctic as well as China. the United States wanted to avoid a military build-up in the Arctic. That increases the dangers or prospects of accidents and undermines the shared goal of a peaceful and sustainable future for the region.
3. Background
President Vladimir Putin has in recent years made Russia’s Arctic region a strategic priority and ordered investment in military infrastructure and mineral extraction, exacerbating tensions with Arctic Council members.
4. About Arctic Council
The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic Indigenous peoples and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.
It was formally established in 1996 by the Ottawa declaration.
In the Ottawa Declaration, the eight Arctic States, Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States, established the Council as a high-level forum to provide means for promoting cooperation and coordination.
The Council has members, ad hoc observer countries and "permanent participants"
As of May 2019, thirteen non-Arctic states have Observer status. These are: Germany, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, France, Spain, China, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Switzerland.
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05 Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana
1. Why in News? 2. Key Highlights 13 states have started distributing On April 23, the government had announced its decision to restart the PMGKAY foodgrains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY). to provide free-of-cost additional 5 kg foodgrains per person per month to the beneficiaries, who are covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA, 2013) over and above their monthly entitlement for two months, May and June.
However, the new version of the PMGKAY lacks one of its important components– free-of-cost 1 kg pulses per month to each household covered under the NFSA.
3. Background
The PMGKAY was first announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as part of the government’s Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package under “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana for the poor to help them fight the battle against coronavirus” on March 26, 2020.
Initially, the scheme was for three months — May, June and July – but later it was extended till November 2020.
The Centre had also launched a separate scheme to provide free 5 kg foodgrain per person per month to stranded migrants for two months.
However, the ministry has ruled out possibility of a similar scheme this time.
4. About One Nation One Ration Card Scheme
Under the scheme, public distribution system (PDS) beneficiaries will be able to draw ration from any biometric verification- enabled fair price shop across states and Union territories covered by it.
According to the ministry, all states and union territories except four — Assam, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and West Bengal — have implemented the scheme.
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06 United Nations Security Council
2. Key Highlights of the Statement 1. Why in News? It stressed the immediate need for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian civilian The United Nations Security Council population, particularly in Gaza. (UNSC) has called for "the full That draft also "expressed concern about the tensions and violence in east Jerusalem, adherence to the ceasefire" in the especially in and around the holy sites, and urged for the respect of the historic status 11-day conflict between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. quo at the holy sites."
It is UNSC's first statement on the The statement also recognized "the important role Egypt (and) other regional conflict that erupted between Israel and countries" played in it, as well as the so-called Middle East Quartet, comprising the Palestinian armed groups in Gaza. US, Russia, the European Union and the UN.
3. Background
According to figures released by the UN humanitarian coordination office, OCHA, for the Occupied Palestinian Territory and verified by the UN human rights office (OHCHR), there were 242 Palestinians killed overall since 10 May.
According to Israeli sources, OCHA reported that 12 Israelis had been killed by Palestinian rocket, or other fire – or when running for shelter during strikes.
4. About Gaza Strip
The Gaza Strip is an entirely artificial creation that emerged in 1948 when roughly three-fourths of Palestine's Arab population was displaced, in some cases expelled, during the course of Israel's creation.
most of the refugees, they were sort of scattered across the region in neighboring countries like Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Some went to the West Bank, which came under Jordanian rule after 1948.
And a very large number went to the Gaza Strip, which is this tiny little coastal strip between Egypt and what is now Israel.
Today, the population of Gaza, about 70% of Gaza's population are refugees.
5. India's Stand
In its statement at the UNSC “open debate” on the escalating Israel-Palestine violence, India took a balanced stand on the Israel- Palestine conflict and said that “recent incidents once again underscored need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestinian authorities”.
The statement appears to implicitly hold Israel responsible for triggering the current cycle of violence by locating its beginnings in East Jerusalem rather than from Gaza.
India’s policy on the longest running conflict in the world has gone from being unequivocally pro-Palestine for the first four decades, to a tense balancing act with its three-decade-old friendly ties with Israel.
In recent years, India’s position has also been perceived as pro-Israel.
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07 Data on Death of Elephants
2. Key Points
1. Why in News? As per the data furnished by the Project Elephant Division of the Ministry, Assam accounted for the highest number of elephant casualties on railway tracks (62), According to the Ministry of followed by West Bengal (57), and Odisha (27). Uttar Pradesh saw a single death. Environment, Forest and Climate According to the data collected through Right to Information (RTI) Act, trains claimed Change (MoEFCC), 186 elephants the highest number of pachyderms in 2012-13, when 27 elephants were killed in 10 were killed after being hit by trains States. across India between 2009-10 and 2020-21.
3. Government Initiatives
Various measures had been taken by the government to avoid elephant casualties on railway lines.
A Permanent Coordination Committee has been constituted between the Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) and the MoEFCC for preventing elephant deaths in train accidents; clearing of vegetation along railway tracks to enable clear view for loco pilots; signage boards at suitable points to alert loco pilots about elephant presence; moderating slopes of elevated sections of railway tracks; underpass/overpass for safe passage of elephants; regulation of train speed from sunset to sunrise in vulnerable stretches; and Regular patrolling of vulnerable stretches of railway tracks by frontline staff of the Forest Department and wildlife watchers.
The MoEFCC also stated that it released ₹212.49 crore to elephant range States under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) of Project Elephant to protect elephants, their habitat and corridors.
4. Project Elephant
Project Elephant was launched in 1992 to provide financial and technical support of wildlife management efforts by states for their free ranging populations of wild Asian Elephants.
The Project is being mainly implemented in 16 States / UTs , viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.
5. Elephants in India
As per the census 2017, elephant population in the country is estimated at 29,964 in wild.
Karnataka has the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
India has nearly 2700 captive elephants.
Today, India has 32 elephant reserves, covering an area of around 65,000 sqkm in 14 states.
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Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003 1. Mongolian Kanjur
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the a. 1 only Mongolian Kanjur: b. 2 only 1. Mongolian Kanjur is related to the Mongolian shamanism. c. Both 1 and 2 2. Mongolian Kanjur has been translated from Tibetan. d. Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? Ans: (b)
2. Talkative Dinosaur found in Mexico
Q. Consider the following statements: Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1. A new species of dinosaur called the Talkative Dinosaur, a. 1 only b. 2 only identified in the northern Mexico. 2. A new species of dinosaur is believed to have been "very c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2 communicative" and used low-frequency sounds like Ans: (c) elephants to talk to each other.
3. Cyclone ‘Tauktae’
Q. With reference to the 'Cyclone Tauktae', consider the Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? following statements: a. 1 only b. 2 only 1. It has been named by Bangladesh. c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2 2. It was originated in Bay of Bengal. Ans: (d)
4. China’s Population Growth is slowing: Census Data
Q. Consider the following statements: Which of the following statement(s) given above is/are 1. China's fertility rate has dropped to 1.3, far below the correct? replacement level of 2.1. a. 1 only b. 2 only 2. The United Nations (UN) has estimated that the population c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2 will begin falling after 2030. Ans: (c)
5. Article 311 of the Indian Constitution
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the administrative tribunal or Central Administrative Tribunal 'Article 311 of the Indian Constitution': (CAT) or the courts. 1. Only all India services employee shall be dismissed Which of the following statement(s) given above is/are or removed by an authority subordinate to the own that correct? appointed him/her. a. 1 only b. 2 only 2. The government employee dismissed under Article c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2 311 cannot approach either tribunals like the state Ans: (d)
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6. Child Marriages during Corona Pandemic
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the 3. Bangladesh has the highest rate of child marriage in Asia child marriage during corona pandemic: (the fourth highest rate in the world). 1. South Asia has the highest rates of child marriage in the Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? world. a. 1 and 2 only b. 2 and 3 only 2. India has the largest number of brides in the world – one- c. 1 and 3 only d. 1, 2 and 3 third of the global total. Ans: (d)
7. Demand for Independent Collegium for Election Commission Q. Consider the following statements: Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 1. Article 324(2) states that the President shall, with aid and a. 1 only advice of the Council of Ministers, appoint Chief Election b. 2 only Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioner (ECs). c. Both 1 and 2 2. Each of them holds their offices for a period of 5 years or d. Neither 1 and 2 up to the age of 65 years, whichever comes first. Ans: (a)
8. Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2021-22
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 'Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme': a. 1 and 2 only 1. The scheme was launched in 2018 with an objective to b. 2 only reduce the demand for physical gold. c. 3 only 2. These bonds can be sold through Scheduled Commercial banks only. d. 1, 2 and 3 3. These bonds can be used as collateral for loans. Ans: (c)
9. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
Q. Consider the following statements: Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
1. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture is a a. 1 only
Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the holistic growth of the b. 2 and 3 only horticulture sector. c. 1 and 3 only 2. It does not cover spices and bamboo. d. 3 only 3. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare is the implementing agency for the mission. Ans: (c)
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10. Beema Bamboo
Q. With reference to the 'Beema Bamboo', consider the Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? following statements: a. 1 and 2 only 1. It is said to be the best ‘carbon sink’ to mitigate carbon b. 2 only dioxide emissions. c. 3 only 2. The bamboo’s calorific value is equal to that of coal. d. 1, 2 and 3 3. Bamboo fibre is used by the textile industry and cement industries. Ans: (d)
11. Red-eared Slider Turtle
Q. Consider the following statments with reference to the a. 1 only 'red-eared slider turtle': b. 2 only 1. It is native to northern eastern states of India. c. Both 1 and 2 2. This turtle is an extremely popular pet due to its small size, easy maintenance, and relatively low cost. d. Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? Ans: (b)
12. China's Zhurong Rover
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 'China's Zhurong Rover': a. 1 only 1. China has become the third country in the world to send a b. 2 only rover to explore the mysterious Red Planet. c. Both 1 and 2 2. Apart from China, the United States and India have been d. Neither 1 nor 2 able to deploy rovers to study the surface of the Red Ans: (d) Planet.
13. New Species of Skink
Q. Consider the following statements: Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
1. A group of herpetologists has found a new species of a. 1 and 2 only skink, an Asian gracile skink, from the Anaikatti hills in Coimbatore. b. 2 and 3 only 2. This species is only the third skink species discovered c. 1 and 3 only from mainland India in the last millennium. d. 1, 2 and 3 3. Skinks are non-venomous, their inconspicuous limbs make them resemble snakes. Ans: (d)
34 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
14. Wholesale Price Index for April 2021
Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? 'Wholesale Price Index': a. 1 and 2 only 1. WPI measures the changes in the prices of goods sold and b. 2 only traded in bulk by wholesale businesses to other businesses. c. 2 and 3 only 2. The numbers are released by the Ministry of Finance. d. 1 and 3 only 3. It is the most widely used inflation indicator inIndia. Ans: (d)
15. Digital Transformation of Tribal Schools
Q. Consider the following statemnts: Which of the statment(s) given above is/are correct?
1. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides construction costs a. 1 only and the State Government is responsible for running and overall maintenance of Eklavya Model Residential b. 2 only Schools. c. Both 1 and 2 2. Ashram Schools are being set up by grants provided under d. Neither 1 nor 2 Article 275(1) of the Indian Constitution and funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Ans: (d)
vvv
35 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
36 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
01 04 08 12 15
Discuss how the publication of Mongolian Kanjur by the Government of India for the Government of Mongolia will act as 01 a symbol of cultural symphony between India and Mongolia.
02 Write a short note on newly identified species of dinosaur called the talkative dinosaur in the northern Maxico.
03 What is tropcal cyclone? How are tropical cyclones named? Explain.
04 Discuss the reasons behind the slow down of population growth in China.
What is Article 311 of the Indian Constitution? Discuss the safeguards provided by the Article 311 to the government 05 employees.
06 Discuss the economics of India's high prevalence of child marriage.
Will a politically independent collegium for the appoitment of members of Election Commission of India bring an atmosphere 07 of neutrality? Do you agree? Justify your answers.
08 Write a short note on 'Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme'.
Discuss the role played by Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture towards the self-sufficiency in the horticulture 09 sector in India.
10 Discuss the significance of Beema Bamboo to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions.
11 Red-eared slider turtle is threatening to invade the natural water bodies across the Northeast. Shortlist the reasons.
12 Write a short note on China's Mars probe ‘Tianwen-1’.
The new species of skink was found in a dry deciduous area, showing that even the dry zones of India are home to unrealised 13 skink diversity which needs to be further explored. Elaborate.
14 Write a short note on India's widely used inflation indicator 'Wholesale Price Index'.
The digital transformation of tribal schools in India will help in creating the talent pool that will be an asset to the country 15 in the future. Explain.
37 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03 DHYEYA IAS most trusted since 2003
Weekly DHYEYAIAS Current Affairs most trusted since 2003
38 MAY-2021 N ISSUE 03
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