MONTHLY NEWS DIARY NOVEMBER -2020
MONTHLY NEWS DIARY (MnD)
(FOR UPSC – PRELIMS)
JUNE -2021
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Dear Student, Warm Greetings. MnD aims to provide news analysis of monthly events in sync with the UPSC pattern.
It is targeted at UPSC – Prelims
The articles are provided in the form of Newspaper articles and additional information for comprehensive learning.
Enjoy reading.
THE HINDU- TH INDIAN EXPRESS - IE BUSINESS LINE- BL ECONOMIC TIMES - ET TIMES OF INDIA - TOI
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PRELIMS
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS: 1. China to allow third child………………………………………………………………………………………..06 2. Migration protection protocols………………………………..……………………………………………..08 3. Israel coalition………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………….10 4. UNGA election………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………….10 5. Fengyun – 4B………………………………..………………………………..………………………………………11 6. Patanjali’s Coronil kits………………………………..………………………………..…………………………12 7. Prices of COVID – 19 vaccines………………………………..………………………………..……………..12 8. China – Sri Lanka Friendship Hospital………………………………..……………………………………13 9. U.S passes bill to address China Tech threat………………………………..………………………….13 10. 500 million Vaccine doses to poor countries………………………………..…………………………14 11. UNSC members………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………..15 12. China a global security challenge………………………………..………………………………..…………16 13. Juneteenth………………………………..………………………………..………………………………………….17 14. CEE 17+1 mechanism………………………………..………………………………..………………………….18 15. G7 accomodates Indian stand on need for internet curbs……………………………………….18 16. Tibet gets first bullet train………………………………..………………………………..………………..…19
HISTORY, HERITAGE AND CULTURE: 1. Three caves found in Nasik………………………………..………………………………..………………….20 2. New human species discovered in Israel………………………………..……………………………….21
GEOGRAPHY: 1. Monsoon rain outlook………………………………..………………………………..…..…………………….22 2. 2nd highest rainfall………………………………..………………………………..…..………………………….22
POLITY & GOVERNANCE: 1. Labour codes………………………………..………………………………..………………………………………23 2. NPR slips valid for long term visas………………………………..………………………………..……….24
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3. Centralized procurement of vaccines………………………………..…………………………………….25 4. YounTab scheme………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………26 5. New declassification policy………………………………..………………………………..………………….26 6. Rengma Nagas………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………….27 7. Special e-content for the Divyang………………………………..………………………………………….28 8. Master plan Delhi 2041………………………………..………………………………..……………………….29 9. Indian certification of medical devices plus scheme………………………………..………………30 10. Private players – rocket launch sites………………………………..……………………………………..30
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 1. Fiscal deficit………………………………..………………………………..………………………………………..31 2. GDP shrinks………………………………..………………………………..………………………………..……….31 3. Services exports………………………………..………………………………..………………………………….32 4. Sevices PMI………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………………32 5. PLI scheme………………………………..………………………………..……………………………………..…..33 6. Aid to hospitality sector………………………………..………………………………..………………………33 7. Hike in MSP ………………………………..………………………………..………………………………………..34 8. GST on COVID relief goods…..………………………………..………………………………..……………..34 9. Revised subsidies to spur EV demand…..………………………………..……………………………….35 10. Bitcoin as legal tender…..………………………………..………………………………………………………35 11. Wind energy capacity…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………..36 12. India’s exports of organic farm products…..………………………………..………………………….36 13. ATM cash withdraw rule…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………37 14. Jardalu mangoes…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………….37 15. Jalgaon banana…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………….38 16. Black money in swiss banks…..………………………………..………………………………………………39 17. FDI receipts in 2020…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………..39 18. Centrum to takeover PMC bank…..………………………………..…………………………………….…40 19. Banks get assets from ED…..………………………………..………………………………..……………....41 20. High raw material prices – survival of MSMEs…..………………………………..………………….42
21. Green tariff policy…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………..42
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22. Toyconomy…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………….43 23. FAME scheme…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………43 24. Stimulus package post 2nd COVID wave…..………………………………..…………………………….44 25. New definition of SMC…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………45
ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY: 1. Raimona…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………………46 2. Dihing Patkai…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………..47 3. Blue finned Masheer…..………………………………..………………………………………………………..47 4. E – 100 project…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………….48 5. Tree of coffee family discovered…..………………………………..………………………………………49 6. Monals sighted in Arunachal pradesh…..………………………………..……………………………….50 7. Deep ocean mission…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………….50 8. Rare turtle in Assam…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………….51 9. Hebbal – Nagawara valley project…..………………………………..…………………………………….52 10. Three species of crocodiles…..………………………………..………………………………..…………….53
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: 1. COVID – 19 variants named…..………………………………..………………………………..…………….54 2. Super worms…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………………….55 3. Vajra kavach disinfection system…..………………………………..………………………………………56 4. HN10N3 Bird flu…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………..57 5. Mixing and matching of Covid 19 vaccine brands…..…………………………………………….…58 6. More transmissible strain…..………………………………..…………………………………………………58 7. DAC nod for building 6conventional submarines…..………………………………..…………...…59 8. Sputnik V production…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………59 9. Aducanumab…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………………….60 10. Cost effective ventilators…..………………………………..………………………………………………….61 11. SpaceX…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………………………61 12. Novavax efficacy…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………….62
13. Miraculous mosquito hack…..………………………………..……………………………………………….63
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14. Wooden satellite…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………….64 15. AY.1 variant of corona virus…..………………………………..……………………………………………..65 16. Flex fuel engines …..………………………………..………………………………………………………………65 17. Rice for ethanol…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………………66 18. Hydrogen task force…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………….66 19. GM rubber sapling…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………….67 20. Grey matter loss seen after COVID…..………………………………..……………………………………67 21. ZyCoV- D…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………………68 22. Agni – P missile test fired…..………………………………..………………………………………………….70 23. CoronaVac …..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………………..71 24. Moderna’s vaccine import…..………………………………..………………………………………………..71
AWARDS & REPORTS: 1. NITI index…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………………….72 2. Education index ranking…..………………………………..…………………………………………………..75 3. World employment and social outlook …..………………………………..……………………………76 4. Top 1000 universities…..………………………………..……………………………………………………….76 5. Assam awards…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………77 6. ILO – UNICEF report on Child Labour…..………………………………..………………………………..78 7. Pulitzer prize 2021…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………….78 8. World competitiveness index…..………………………………..……………………………………………79 9. Global Peace Index…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………80 10. Smart City awards…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………..80 11. Fukuoka Grand prize…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………81 12. FAO report: Indigenous Peoples’ food systems…..…………………………………………………..81 13. Pew centre report on religious attitudes…..………………………………..………………………….82
MISCELLANEOUS: 1. Heat deaths…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………………83 2. World milk day…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………….83
3. INS Sandhayak…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………………..84
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4. Weyan …..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………………………84 5. Jahan vote, wahan vaccination campaign…..………………………………..…………………………85 6. Bharitalasuchus tapani…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………85 7. Election commissioner…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………86 8. UDID card foe Co-WIN registration…..………………………………..…………………………………..86 9. G-7 plans extra COVID shots…..………………………………..…………………………………………….87 10. Iran presidency…..………………………………..………………………………..……………………………….87 11. New PM of Israel…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………….88 12. Milka singh…..………………………………..………………………………..………………………………..……88 13. Kaval plus programme…..………………………………..………………………………………………………88 14. Drone attacks…..………………………………..………………………………..…………………………………89
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INTERNATIONAL EVENTS: 1. China to allow third child The news: China will for the first time allow couples to have a third child, the country’s government said, in a further relaxation of family planning rules five years after a “two-child policy” largely failed to boost birth rates. Background: The announcement followed a meeting of the 25-member Politburo, chaired by China’s President and Communist Party of China General Secretary Xi Jinping, “to hear reports on major policy measures to actively address the ageing of population during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). The National Bureau of Statistics said on May 11 that 12 million babies were born last year, the lowest number since 1961, a time when Mao’s China was in the midst of a four-year famine, and down from 17.86 million in 2016. The census said China’s population was 1.41 billion in 2020, an increase of 72 million since the last census in 2010, reflecting a 5.38% growth in this period and a 0.53% annual growth. Forecasts say the population could peak in the next couple of years and most likely by 2025, when India will become the world’s most populous country. Dire situation The census recorded 264 million in the age group of 60 and over, up 5.44% since 2010 and accounting for 18.70% of the population.
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Those in the 15-59 age group were 894 million persons, down by 6.79% since 2010 and accounting for 63.35% of the population. China’s workforce in the 15-59 age bracket peaked at 925 million in 2011, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said previously. That number was down to 894 million in this census and would drop to 700 million by 2050. China introduced a “two child policy” in 2016, but the wide consensus is that it failed to have the desired impact. Surveys carried out by Chinese media attributed financial pressures as one main reason. A 2015 survey by the government said 70% of respondents attributed financial reasons for choosing to not have many children.
2. Migrant Protection Protocols The news: United States has ended Migrant Protection Protocols which is also dubbed as “Remain in Mexico” policy.
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The Policy: This policy forced several Central American asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for US court cases. Now, Joe Biden administration has paused this programme known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) in January 2021. Since January 2021, about 11,000 migrants have enrolled in it and have been allowed to enter US to seek asylum claims. However, Republicans have criticised reversal of this policy. Because, it encouraged huge migrant arrivals at US-Mexico border. Even since Biden took office, he has reversed many restrictive immigration policies by President Donald Trump as they were against US asylum laws. Mexico–United States border The international border separating Mexico and United States extends from Pacific Ocean in west to Gulf of Mexico in east. It traverses different terrains, from urban areas to deserts. This border is considered as most frequently crossed border across the world with about 350 million documented crossings each year.
In 2016, former President Donald Trump proposed to build a border wall to control immigration across the border. According to him, border wall would cost $8 to $12 billion. Trump signed Executive Order 13767, in 2017, that directed U.S. government to start wall construction along U.S.–Mexico border using federal funding but construction started in 2019. Barrier along 455 miles was built. However, newly elected U.S. president Joe Biden terminated national emergency and stopped construction of wall in January 2021.
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3. Israel coalition to overthrow government The news: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opponents pushed for a quick Parliament vote to formally end his lengthy rule, hoping to head off any last-minute attempts to derail their newly announced coalition government. The latest political manoeuvring began just hours after opposition leader Yair Lapid and his main coalition partner, Naftali Bennett, declared they had reached a deal to form a new government and muster a majority in the 120-member Knesset, or Parliament. Details: The coalition consists of eight parties from across the political spectrum with little in common except the shared goal of toppling Mr. Netanyahu after a record-setting 12 years in power. The alliance includes hardliners previously allied with Mr. Netanyahu, as well as centre-left parties and even an Arab faction — a first in Israeli politics. The drama riveted Israelis at a time when tumult has not been in short supply: four inconclusive elections in two years followed by an 11-day war in the Gaza Strip last month that was accompanied by mob violence between Jews and Arabs in cities across the country. The country also is emerging from the coronavirus crisis that caused deep economic damage and exposed tensions between the secular majority and the ultra-Orthodox minority. The coalition has a razor-thin majority of 61 votes in Parliament. Now the question is whether the group’s votes will hold together in order to name a new Parliament Speaker, who would then preside over a vote required to confirm the new government. If the group can’t manage that, the current Speaker, who is a Netanyahu ally, could use his position to delay the vote and give Mr. Netanyahu more time to sabotage the coalition.
4. UNGA election In a first for the Maldives, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was elected the President of the UN General Assembly for 2021-22, winning 143 votes or nearly three-fourths of the 191
countries that voted in the annual election, while his rival, former Afghanistan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul, won 48.
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Mr. Shahid’s win was welcomed in particular in New Delhi, where Indian diplomats had been active behind the scenes in helping the Maldives canvass for him, after Maldives announced its candidate for the 76th General Assembly Presidency a year ago. Sources confirmed that given the close cooperation between both countries, Maldives is in discussions with the Indian mission for India’s deputy Permanent Representative at the UN Nagaraj Naidu to officiate as Mr. Shahid’s Chef de Cabinet. India had made it clear to Afghanistan’s government that it would be unable to support Mr. Rassoul as it had declared its support for Maldives publicly in November, long before Afghanistan announced its candidature in January this year. The announcement had caused an awkward tussle within the Asia Pacific group, whose turn it is to take the Presidency of the General Assembly, and especially for India, which has close ties with both countries.
5. Fengyun-4B (FY-48) The news: China successfully launched its first satellite of a new generation meteorological satellite into planned orbit. This satellite, named as Fengyun-4B (FY-48), will be used for fields of weather analysis, environmental and disaster monitoring.
Details: This satellite was launched by Long March-3B rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province. It is the first of China’s new-generation meteorological satellites which will be used for weather analysis & forecasting, environmental and disaster monitoring. Fengyun-48 satellite will strengthen observation and response capability of small & medium scale disaster events and provide information security services in sectors including agriculture, meteorological, marine, aviation, and environmental protection.
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It will also conduct dynamic monitoring and tracking of several disaster elements like cold fronts, floods, droughts and sand storms. It will also improve forecast accuracy of disaster weather like typhoons and storms of China. It also comprises of a rapid imager which can improve measurement resolution to 250 meters from geostationary orbit and accelerate scan imaging of Earth. Observation range of the satellite include Asia, central Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean regions.
6. Patanjali’s Coronil kits The news: The latest order of the Government of Nepal says, the tablets and nasal oil that are part of the Coronil kit are not equivalent to medicines to defeat COVID-19 virus. While pointing at shortcomings of the kits, Nepalese officials pointed to the recent statements against Coronil by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), which has challenged Mr. Ramdev to prove the efficacy of his products to deal with the COVID-19. Background: Nepal is the second country after Bhutan to stop distribution of Coronil kits. Bhutan’s Drug Regulatory Authority has already stopped distribution of Coronil in the kingdom. However, Nepal remains close to the Patanjali group as the organisation maintains a large production facility and distribution networks in Nepal. It is not yet clear if the ban on the distribution will be limited to the particular consignment or get expanded to cover Coronil kits across the country.
7. Prices of COVID-19 vaccines The Centre has capped the prices at which vaccines will be sold at private hospitals. With a ceiling of Rs.150 that hospitals can charge per dose as ‘service charge’ and a GST of 5%, the maximum price chargeable for Covishield is Rs.780, for Covaxin, Rs.1,410 and for Sputnik V Rs.1,145, the Union Health Ministry said in an order. The State governments would be entrusted with ensuring that these price barriers were not breached and if, in future, vaccine prices fell, it would influence the maximum cap. The Centre announced a revised vaccine policy from June 21 in which everyone above 18 will be eligible for free vaccines at government centres and State governments will no longer need to compete to buy vaccines. Currently, nearly 9,000 private hospitals across the country are involved in the vaccination programme, and the government expects more of the 25,000-30,000 hospitals across the country to be more involved in the programme. Private hospitals have, however, expressed reservations over the changed norms. The larger hospital chains that dominate vaccine procurement say the price is too low given the higher costs the hospitals incur, and the government should aim to reduce the vaccine prices for the private hospitals as well.
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8. China-Sri Lanka Friendship Hospital President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inaugurated the China-Sri Lanka Friendship Hospital in Polonnaruwa, built with a Chinese grant of $60 million. The hospital, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, will specialise in treating kidney ailments, a widely prevalent and recurring concern in the region, especially among farmers. For years now, residents of this agriculture-intensive area have been frequently diagnosed with a kidney disorder that the country’s medical experts have identified as Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu), a condition for which causal factors remain unknown. Following a request from former President Maithripala Sirisena during his time in office, the Chinese government provided the grant. The facility was built within 30 months, a press release from the President’s office said. The hospital, said to be one of the largest in South Asia for nephrology care, with a capacity of 200 beds, follows China’s earlier grant projects in Sri Lanka, also built as large public spaces, such as the well-known Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, that Beijing gifted in the 1970s, and the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Threate, that China funded during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s time in office. In addition to sanctioning loans and a currency swap facility worth more than $2 billion since the pandemic struck last year, China also announced $90 million grant to Sri Lanka in October last year, following a request from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, when a high- powered Chinese delegation visited the island nation. Meanwhile, the Jaffna Cultural Centre, built with Indian assistance of $11.5 million, whose construction was completed a year ago, awaits inauguration as authorities “iron out” issues over the administrative set up to the run the Centre.
9. U.S. passes bill to address China Tech Threat The news: The U.S. Senate voted 68-32 to approve a “sweeping package of legislation” in a bid to boost USA’s ability to compete with Chinese technology. China, while responding to vote, objected to being cast as an imaginary U.S. enemy Background: This measure approved about $190 billion for provisions of strengthening technology and research in United States. $54 billion was approved to increase US production & research into semiconductors & telecommunications equipment. $2 billion were dedicated to chips used by automakers.
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Bill comprises of a number of China-related provisions. Prohibits social media app TikTok from being downloaded on government devices. Block purchase of drones manufactured and sold by companies backed by Chinese government. Allows diplomats & Taiwanese military to display their flag and wear their uniforms while in United States on official businesses. Creates broad new sanctions on Chinese entities engaged in U.S. cyberattacks or theft of U.S. intellectual property from U.S. firms. Provides for review of export controls on items which could be support human rights abuses. China’s response: Chinese parliament while expressing “strong indignation and resolute opposition” to legislation describe the bill as “paranoid delusion of wanting to be the only winner”. China said, bill has distorted original spirit of innovation and competition.
10. 500 Million Vaccine doses to Poor Countries The news: United States President Joe Biden has announced to donate 500 million doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to poorest countries across world to end the pandemic as soon as possible. Details: This donation is a bold move which showed, US recognises its responsibility towards world as well as its citizens. US will provide these half billion doses with no strings attached. Vaccine donations don’t include pressure for favours or potential concessions.
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US has committed to buy and donate 500 million Pfizer doses to distribute under global COVAX alliance to 92 lower-income countries and African Union. Vaccines will become available by August 2021. US targets to distribute 200 million doses by end of 2021 & 300 million doses in first half of 2022.
COVAX facility
It is one of the three pillars of Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. It was launched in April 2020 by World Health Organization (WHO), France and European Commission against Covid-19 pandemic. COVAX seeks to ensure that people get access to Covid-19 vaccines equally once they are available. It has the target of providing 2 billion doses by end of 2021. COVAX is co-led by Gavi, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO.
11. UNSC members The news: Countries including Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been elected unopposed to powerful UN Security Council (UNSC) as non-permanent members for 2022-23 term. Background: UN General Assembly (UNGA) has held elections to elect five non-permanent members for UNSC. They will take their seats on Council for two-year term from January 1, 2022. Five countries won elections unopposed because they were the only candidates from their respective regional groups. Regional distribution of seats in UNSC As per regional distribution for 2021 election, three seats were available from African & Asian States. Gabon, Ghana and United Arab Emirates won these three sears. Apart from that, one Latin American and Caribbean Group seat was available for which Brazil was elected. While, Albania won Eastern European Group seat.
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Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam will complete their two- year terms on UNSC in 2021. Thus, to fill this seat, new non-permanent members were elected. They will sit the table along with five permanent members China, France, Russia, United Kingdom & United States and five non-permanent members India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico & Norway. India will also assume rotating Presidency of Security Council in August. Election for the non-permanent members of UNSC is held by secret ballot. Candidates require a two-thirds majority in UNGA to be elected as non-permanent member. Five countries are elected to Council of 15-member (UNSC) as non-permanent members for two- year term.
12. NATO declares China a Global Security Challenge The news: NATO leaders have declared China a constant security challenge stating that, Chinese are working to undermine global order. Details: As per NATO leaders, China’s goals and assertive behaviour put challenges to rules-based international order and across the areas relevant to alliance security. This warning has come, as US President started making effort to bring allies together to speak in unified voice about China’s human rights record, trade practices and assertive behaviour of Chinese military which has disturbed U.S. allies in Pacific. NATO leaders asked China to uphold its international commitments and act responsibly with international system. Chinese Embassy to United Kingdom said, the G-7 communique “deliberately slandered China and arbitrarily interfered in internal affairs of China”. It also exposed intentions of countries like United States.
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North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
NATO is an alliance of European and North American countries. It was formed after World War II against Russian aggression. This intergovernmental military alliance comprises of 30 European and North American countries. It works in accordance with North Atlantic Treaty that was signed in April 1949. NATO works on the principle of collective defence where its independent member states agree for mutual defence against attack by any external party.
13. Juneteenth The news: US President Joe Biden is to sign a law to make June 19 or “Juneteenth” a national holiday. This holiday will be recognized by federal government to commemorating end of slavery after American Civil War. Details: Bill to establish Juneteenth National Independence Day was supported in both houses of US Congress and now needs to be approved by White House to become law. It was passed in the backdrop of killing of George Floyd that triggered anti-racism protests in US. Juneteenth is going to be first new federal holiday created in almost four decades.
Background Juneteenth, combination of June and nineteenth, is observed on June 19 every year. It is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of end of slavery in America. The day is recognized as holiday in 47 US states and District of Columbia. Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. Juneteenth celebration started in 1866 from state of Texas, with community-centric events like cookouts, parades, prayer gatherings, historical & cultural readings and musical
performances.
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While, era of “Modern Juneteenth Movement” started in 1994 from New Orleans in Louisiana with objective of greater recognition of Juneteenth.
14. CEE 17+1 mechanism The news: Lithuania has justified it’s decision to pull out of the China and Central & Eastern European (CEE) 17+1 mechanism, which is seen as a pro-China grouping of countries within the EU. It has also denied that the decision came because of U.S. pressure. The trigger: The ‘17 plus one’ format became a divisive forum; it was supposed to act as Europe’s one strong voice. Tensions between China and Lithuania have been building up over a number of issues: Lithuania’s new ties with Taiwan, its Parliament’s resolution on Uighurs, and then Chinese sanctions on Lithuanian and EU politicians. China has also decided to impose entry bans and sanctions against some European politicians and academics, and that has had an impact on EU-China relations. The “17+1” initiative: The 17+1 initiative is a China-led format founded in 2012 in Budapest with an aim to expand cooperation between Beijing and the Central and Eastern European (CEE) member countries, with investments and trade for the development of the CEE region. The framework also focuses on infrastructure projects such as bridges, motorways, railway lines and modernisation of ports in the member states. China’s narrative towards the 17+1 initiative is about improving its relations with the European countries that are less developed as compared to the Western European states. However, the platform is largely seen as an extension of China’s flagship Belt and Road initiative (BRI). The initiative includes twelve EU member states and five Balkan states — Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
15. G7 accommodates Indian stand on need for Internet curbs The news:
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India has signed off on a joint statement by G-7 and guest countries on “open societies” that reaffirm and encourage the values of “freedom of expression, both online and offline, as a freedom that safeguards democracy and helps people live free from fear and oppression”. The statement also refers to “politically motivated internet shutdowns” as one of the threats to freedom and democracy. Democracies 11: The joint statement was signed by the G-7 countries, and India, South Korea, Australia and South Africa, with host British Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling them “Democracies 11”. Open societies are particularly vulnerable to disinformation and cyber-attacks. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that “cyberspace remains an avenue for advancing democratic values and not of subverting it”. Hence, curbs on certain occasions are necessary. Background: India has been under scrutiny over Internet curbs in Jammu and Kashmir even as the Government is locked in a face-off over its new IT rules with tech giants such as Twitter, which described a police search at its offices in India last month as a “potential threat to freedom of expression”. Similar communication shutdowns were witnessed in Delhi and Assam during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act during 2019-2020 and the farmer’s protest last January. The Information Technology Act, 2000, the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 and the Telegraph Act, 1885 are the three laws that deal with suspension of Internet services. But before 2017, Internet suspension orders were issued under section 144 of the CrPC. In 2017, the central government notified the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Service) Rules under the Telegraph Act to govern suspension of Internet. These Rules derive their powers from Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, which talks about interception of messages in the “interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India”.
16. Tibet gets first bullet train China started operating the first bullet train line in Tibet, linking Lhasa to Nyingchi near the border with Arunachal Pradesh. The China State Railway Group said the 435-km line, on which construction began in 2014, has a designed speed of 160 km per hour and would connect the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region to the border city of Nyingchi with a travel time of three and a half hours. Over 90% of the track is 3,000 metres above sea-level, state media quoted the railway group as saying, and the line is the first electrified high speed rail (HSR) line, as China refers to bullet trains, in Tibet.
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China has the world’s longest HSR network. The Lhasa-Nyingchi rail is one among several major infrastructure projects recently completed in Tibet’s southern and southeastern counties near the Arunachal border. The Lhasa-Nyingchi rail is one section of the Sichuan-Tibet railway line connecting the two provincial capitals. This will be the second railway line connecting Tibet to the hinterland, following the already open Qinghai-Tibet rail. The first section of the new line, from Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, to Yaan, was finished in December 2018, while work on the 1,011 km Yaan-Nyingchi line will compete the entire railway line by 2030.
HISTORY, HERITAGE AND CULTURE: 1. Three caves found in Nasik The news: Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has found three caves in Buddhist Caves Complex in Nasik, Maharashtra. Highlights Newly discovered caves are being discovered about two centuries after the British military officer documented Tri-Rashmi Buddhist caves, which is also called as Pandav Leni, on a hill in Nashik. Antiquity of caves is yet to be established. They may have been dwellings of Buddhist monks. Archaeologists believe, these caves could be older than Trirashmi caves. These caves were discovered on opposite side of the current complex. They are about 70-80 feet above the existing complex and have been carved out of a steep hill. They look like monks’ dwellings and older than the current complex. Two of the caves have shared dwellings while third was perhaps occupied by one monk. All these caves comprise of verandahs and characteristic square stone platform for monks. They have special arrangements for monks to meditate. Caves also have images of Buddha & Bodhisattvas and sculptures with designs of Indo-Greek architecture. The Buddhist sculptures and caves are a significant example of “Indian rock-cut architecture” which represent Hinayana tradition of Buddhism. Pandavleni caves were earlier called as ‘Trirashmi caves’. These caves are a group of 25 caves, carved out of Tri-Rashmi Hill between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. Vihara and the Chaitya are the main caves among 25 caves. Complex of the cave was documented in 1823 by Captain James Delamaine. It is an ASI protected site and a famous tourist destination.
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2. New human species discovered in Israel The news: An international group of archaeologists have discovered new human species in Israel which is being considered as a missing piece in the history of human evolution. Details: Excavations were done at Israeli site of Nesher Ramla. Archaeologists have recovered a skull which might represent a late-surviving example of a distinct Homo population. It is expected that, they lived about 420,000 to 120,000 years ago. Archaeologists discovered pieces of skull, including a right parietal (towards the back/side of the skull).
They also discovered a mandible (jaw) which dates back to 140,000–120,000 years old. Analysis finds that, this jaw belonged to person who were neither fully Homo sapiens nor were Neanderthal. They found a parietal bone featured “archaic” traits that are different from both early and recent Homo sapiens. Bone is considerably thicker than those found in Neanderthals and other homo sapiens. Jaw and bones together display archaic features as well as Neanderthal features, which are distinct from early homo sapiens and later Neanderthals.
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As per researchers, fossils like famous Lady of Tabun, found at other Israeli sites might be part of this newly excavated human population. “Lady of Tabun” was discovered in 1932 by pioneering archaeologist Yusra. Bones of animals caught, butchered, and eaten on-site were also excavated. It indicates Nesher Ramla Homo hunted species like gazelle, tortoise, aurochs, boar and ostrich. Also, they were using fire to cook their meals. It is evident through excavation of a campfire feature of same age as the fossils.
GEOGRAPHY: 1. Monsoon rain outlook The news: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects more rain in the monsoon months of June-September than its April estimate. Background: This season: Monsoon rain would be 101% of the Long Period Average (LPA) of 88 cm. On April 16, it said the rain would be 98% of the LPA. In the agency’s parlance, this still constitutes ‘normal’ rainfall, which is anywhere from 96-104% of the LPA. Rainfall in the northeast would likely see a 5% shortfall whereas over central India, which constitutes the core rainfed agricultural region, there would be a 6% increase over the usual for the monsoon. Rainfall over the northwest would be ‘normal’ though this is a wide range from 92-108% of the LPA and that in the southern peninsula 93-107% of its normal Seasonal rainfall is most likely to be below normal over the northeast (<95%) and above normal over central India (>106%), the update noted. The latest global model forecasts say the sea surface temperatures at the Equatorial Pacific conditions are unlikely to significantly rise. There are also ‘negative’ IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole) conditions over the Indian Ocean during the monsoon season. Put together, they mean that these larger climate factors are, as of now, unlikely to have a significant influence over the prevailing monsoon.
2. 2nd highest rainfall The news: As per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), May 2021 received second highest rainfall in 121 years.
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Details: Highest rainfall attributes to two back-to-back cyclones and western disturbances. IMD also highlights, average maximum temperature of 34.18 degrees Celsius over India this May was fourth lowest since 1901. In 1917, India had recorded lowest ever temperature May as 32.68 degrees Celsius. Temperature was also lowest since 1977 when it was recorded as 33.84 degrees Celsius. No significant heat wave spell was observed during may over any parts of India. Rainfall over India as a whole for May month of 2021 was recorded as 107.9 millimetres which is 74 percent more than its Long Period Average (LPA) of 62 mm. Highest ever rainfall was occurred in year 1990 with recorded rainfall of 110.7mm. May witnessed the formation of cyclone in Arabian Sea as well as Bay of Bengal. Tauktae cyclone formed over Arabian Sea and developed into an extremely severe cyclonic storm hitting Gujarat coast on May 17. Cyclone Yaas was developed over Bay of Bengal & intensified severe cyclonic storm hitting Odisha coast on May 26. These two systems brought rainfall over the states as well as in
Western disturbances
Western disturbances are cyclonic storms originating in Mediterranean Sea and traverse across Central Asia before hitting north India. They are critical to northwest India as they act as major source of snow & rainfall during the winters.
western & eastern coasts.
POLITY & GOVERNANCE: 1. Labour codes The news: The four labour codes are likely to see the light of day in a couple of months as the Centre is now keen on going ahead with the implementation of these laws, which, among others, will result in a reduction in the take-home pay of employees and a higher provident fund liability for the companies. Details: Once the wages code comes into force, there will be significant changes in the way basic pay and the provident fund of employees are calculated. The Labour Ministry had envisaged implementing the four codes on industrial relations, wages, social security and occupational health safety and working conditions from April 1, 2021. These four labour codes will rationalise 44 Central labour laws. Labour is on the Concurrent List of the Constitution and, therefore, both the Centre and the States have to notify rules under these four codes to make them the laws of the land in their respective jurisdictions. Under the new wages code, allowances are capped at 50%. This means half of the gross pay of an employee would be basic wages. Provident fund contribution is calculated as a percentage of the basic wage. After the implementation of the new codes, the take-home pay of employees would reduce, while the provident fund liability of employers would increase in many cases.
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Labour codes: The new set of regulations consolidates 44 labour laws under 4 categories of Codes namely, Wage Code; Social Security Code; Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code; and the Industrial Relations Code. The Code on Wages, 2019, applying to all the employees in organized as well as unorganized sector, aims to regulate wage and bonus payments in all employments and aims at providing equal remuneration to employees performing work of a similar nature in every industry, trade, business, or manufacture. The Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions, 2020 seeks to regulate the health and safety conditions of workers in establishments with 10 or more workers, and in all mines and docks. The Code on Social Security, 2020 consolidates nine laws related to social security and maternity benefits. The Code on Industrial Relations, 2020 seeks to consolidate three labour laws namely, The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947: The Trade Unions Act, 1926 and The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946. The Code aims to improve the business environment in the country largely by reducing the labour compliance burden of industries.
2. NPR slips valid for long-term visas The news: Migrants belonging to six non-Muslim minority communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, while applying for long-term visas (LTVs), can also produce National Population Register (NPR) enrolment slips as proof of the duration of their stay in India, according to a Union Home Ministry manual.
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Details: The NPR number is part of an illustrative list of more than 10 documents that could be provided to apply for an LTV, which is a precursor to acquiring Indian citizenship either by naturalisation or registration under Section 5 and 6 of the Citizenship Act, 1955, for the six communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Christians and Buddhists — from the three countries. The special provision of LTVs for Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan and Afghanistan was first made in 2011. The NPR was first compiled in 2010 simultaneously with the decadal Census exercise and later updated in 2015. It already has a database of 119 crore residents. The NPR is a register of usual residents linked with location particulars down to the village level and is updated periodically “to incorporate the changes due to birth, death and migration”. The next phase of the NPR, expected to include contentious questions on date and place of birth of father and mother, last place of residence and mother tongue, was to be simultaneously updated with the 2021 House Listing and Housing Census that has been indefinitely postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As reported, the Home Ministry has been sensitising the States about the relevant provisions under the Citizenship Act, 1955, which could help the six communities who entered India on legal documents before 2014 and are here on LTVs, expedite their citizenship applications. Ministry officials assert that the awareness drive is not related to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA), which is intended to benefit undocumented migrants from the six groups who entered India before the 2014 cut-off date. The CAA is yet to implemented.
3. Centralised procurement of vaccines The news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would revert to a system of centralised procurement of vaccines against COVID-19, with free vaccines to be provided for the 18-44 age group as well and with 25% of procurement kept open for the private sector. This system will be operationalised by June 21. Details: Announcing the decision during a televised broadcast to the nation, Mr. Modi said many Chief Ministers had “come forward with a demand for reconsideration of the vaccination
strategy and for bringing back the system in place before May 1”.
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He announced a cap of Rs.150 on the amount private hospitals can charge over the cost of purchase of the vaccine from the manufacturer. He also announced the extension of the free ration distribution scheme for 80 crore beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana till Diwali, in November. The Prime Minister’s announcement comes a week after the Supreme Court asked for an affidavit from the Centre on how the sum of Rs.35,000 crore allocated in the Union Budget for vaccines has been spent so far. The Court sought to know why these funds cannot be used for giving free vaccination for those in the age group of 18 to 44 years, observing that the Centre’s policy of not providing free vaccines to this particular age group was prima facie “arbitrary and irrational”. Central government announced that from May 1, 25% of all procurement for the vaccination programme would be done by State governments.
4. YounTab scheme The news: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, launched the YounTab scheme for students. Under the scheme, about 12,300 tablets were distributed among them in Leh. Details: It is an initiative of Department of School Education. It was launched with the technical support of Information Technology Department. Under the scheme, 12,300 tablets with preloaded online and offline content like textbooks, video lectures and online class applications would be distributed among students from Class 6th to 12th in government schools. Scheme was launched as an attempt for long term technology infusion in education system. Additional information: The LT Governor pointed out the need for a substantial improvement in the education sector in Ladakh as per the recently published report on SDG by NITI Aayog. The Governor emphasized that there must be efforts to improve the quality of education, 100% enrollment, and zero dropouts in schools. The Governor announced financial assistance to the meritorious students of 10 and 12 to avail the coaching for exams such as JEE, NEET, UG CLAT, and NDA. Under the Rewa Scheme, students will be reimbursed a coaching fee of up to Rs. 1 lakh. The students who cleared the preliminary exams of Civil Services, IFS, and IES, the Governor will be given financial assistance of up to Rs. 1.54 lakh. The administration also announced to give Rs. 25 lakh to the Gram Panchayats from LG’s fund to provide better provision in the villages for conducting the community classes for primary school students. He also lauded the Education Department for achieving 100% target in teacher’s training and mentioned that NCERT’s help in further improvement in the training and curriculum development of the department will prove to be beneficial.
5. New declassification policy Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved a policy on archiving, declassification, compilation and publication of war and operations histories by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). However, declassification of older wars like the 1962 war is not automatic and will be taken up on a case by case basis by a committee to be constituted under the policy. According to the policy, records should ordinarily be declassified in 25 years. Records older than 25 years should be appraised by archival experts and transferred to the National Archives of India once the war/operations histories have been compiled.
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Confidential cases In cases like the highly confidential Henderson Brooks report on the 1962 war with China and the Operation Bluestar of 1984, a committee will take a view on the earlier wars and operations. The compiled history on wars and operations, within five years, will be for internal consumption first, and later the committee may decide to publicly release whole or parts of it, considering the sensitivity of the subject. The policy mandates constitution of a committee headed by Joint Secretary, MoD, and comprising representatives of the Services, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, and other organisations and prominent military historians for compilation of war and operations histories.
6. Rengma Nagas The news: The Rengma Nagas in Assam have written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding an autonomous district council amid a decision by the Central and the State governments to upgrade the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) into a territorial council. Background: The Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council (RNPC), a registered body, said in the memorandum that the Rengmas were the first tribal people in Assam to have encountered the British in 1839, but the existing Rengma Hills was eliminated from the political map of the State and replaced with that of Mikir Hills (now Karbi Anglong) in 1951. Narrating its history, the council said that during the Burmese invasions of Assam in 1816 and 1819, it was the Rengmas who gave shelter to the Ahom refugees. The petition said that the Rengma Hills was partitioned in 1963 between Assam and Nagaland at the time of creation of Nagaland State and the Karbis, who were known as Mikirs till 1976, were the indigeneous tribal people of Mikir Hills. Thus, the Rengma Hills and Mikir Hills were two separate entities till 1951. Karbis have no history in the Rengma Hills. People who are presently living in Rengma Hills are from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. They speak different dialects and do not know Karbi language of Karbi Anglong. More than 3,000 Rengma Nagas were forced to relocate to relief camps in 2013 after several people were killed in a series of attacks following a call given by a Karbi insurgent group. The tribe: Rengma is a Naga tribe found in Nagaland and Assam states of India. According to the 2011 Population Census of India, Rengma population stands at 62,951.[1][2] The headquarter of the Rengmas in Nagaland is at Tseminyu, and the headquarter of the Rengmas in Assam is located at Phentsero/Karenga Village. Slavery used to be a practice among the Rengmas, and the slaves were known by the names menugetenyu and itsakesa. By the time the British arrived in the Naga region, the slavery was a declining practice, and no Rengma appears to have been a slave during this time. The Rengma Nagas are divided into two groups: the Eastern Rengmas and the Western Rengmas. The Rengmas are experts in terrace cultivation. The harvest festival of the Rengmas is called Ngada. It is an eight-day Ngada festival that marks the end of the agricultural season. Ngadah is celebrated just after the harvest, towards the end of November. The village high priest (Phesengu) announces the date of commencement of the festival.
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The Rengma tribals bury their dead, and place the spear and the shield of the deceased in the grave. The funeral ceremonies end with lamentations and feasting.
7. Special e-content for the Divyang Union education minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, approved guidelines to develop e- content for children with disabilities with the objectives of promoting inclusive education. Details: PM e-Vidya programme was launched by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on May 17, 2020 as a COVID-19 relief measures. Under the programme, expert committee has made detailed recommendations on creating accessible special e-content for Divyang, or children with disabilities. Committee presented the report called ‘Guidelines for the Development of e-Content for Children with Disabilities’. It has eleven sections and two appendices on creating e-content for visually and hearing-impaired students. Report laid special emphasis on extensive use of radio, community radio and podcasts. It also recommends to upload QR-coded digital textbooks. Content must comply with “international accessibility standards” and recommends “reasonable pedagogical accommodations” in case of special disabilities. Content should be provided in multiple formats viz., text, video, audio, sign language with turn-on and turn-off features. e-learning platforms like DIKSHA and e-pathshala must comply with technical standards. Content must be provided with descriptive hyperlinks to access additional information on internet. Committee also recommends to create e-modules to train the content developers and curators to create and curate accessible content. This will enhance acceptability compliance. It will be mandatory for all content developers and curators to go through training modules.
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8. Master Plan Delhi 2041 The news: Draft Master Plan of Delhi 2041 was made open for public scrutiny for next 45 days. It will serve as blueprint for development of Delhi for next two decades. Details: Master Plan document focuses on environment and tackling pollution. The plan also allows private developers to offer in land-pooling scheme for the first time. It aims: To make Delhi liveable & safe, To provide better economic opportunities, To offer housing for all. It emphasises on affordable & rental accommodation. To redevelop old areas of Delhi. In a bid to address challenges faced during pandemics, earthquakes & floods, it has suggested for periodic safety audits to ensure structural safety and to establish a Delhi Disaster Response Force. MPD 2041 proposes for decentralised workspaces, creation of open areas & public spaces, better habitat design & green-rated developments in order to reduce vulnerability to airborne epidemics & other such diseases and to reduce dependence on mechanical ventilation systems. Background
Preparation of draft MPD 2041 started in 2017. It continued through the lockdowns amid COVID-19. The plan will be GIS-based. Thus, zonal plans have been prepared after digitally mapping every service, land use and infrastructure. It has been prepared by Delhi Development Authority. It is a ‘strategic’ and ‘enabling’ framework which will guide the growth in Delhi. It has been prepared by eliminating loopholes of previous plans of 1962, 2001 and 2021.
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9. Indian Certification of Medical Devices Plus Scheme Quality Council of India (QCI) and Association of Indian Manufacturers of Medical Devices (AiMeD) have launched “Indian Certification of Medical Devices Plus (ICMED) Scheme”. ICMED scheme added further features to the ICMED Scheme that was launched in 2016 for Certification of Medical Devices. This scheme will undertake verification of quality, safety and efficacy of medical devices. Scheme has been designed to integrate Quality Management System components and product related quality validation processes by witness testing of products with respect to the defined product standards and specifications. This is the first such scheme across the world in which quality management systems & product certification standards are integrated with regulatory requirements. It will be an end-to-end quality assurance scheme for medical devices sector in India and much-needed institutional mechanism to assure the product quality and safety. Scheme will assist procurement agencies to tackle challenges related to counterfeit products and fake certification. It will also eliminate circulation and use of sub-standard medical
Quality Council of India (QCI)
QCI was set up in 1997 as public private partnership model based on the model existing in Netherlands. QCI was organized as an independent autonomous body which worked for assuring quality standards across all spheres of economic and social activities. It was established under Societies Registration Act in 1997 to provide accreditation services across different sectors for product, services and persons.
products or devices of doubtful origin.
10. Private players allowed to build and operate rocket launch sites Government has allowed private companies to establish & operate rocket launch sites within and outside the country. However, it is subject to prior authorisation from government. Draft National Space Transportation Policy-2020 which was put forward by the Department of Space and IN-SPACe is the nodal agency responsible for overall approval. As per the policy, any orbital or sub-orbital rocket launch from Indian or overseas territory can be carried out only after authorisation from Indian National Space Promotion & Authorization Center (IN-SPACe). Mission can be launched from own or leased launch site or from mobile platforms like land, sea or air. Currently, Agnikul Cosmos is developing small rocket to launch small satellites into orbit. Skyroot Aerospace is the other small rocket maker. As per the policy, IN-SPACe authorisation requires financial guarantee or insurance cover by proposer under its ownership to fulfil nation’s liability as per international agreements. If the launch will be carried outside the India, all approvals necessary to undertake the scope of activities in another nation or territory will be in accordance with applicable laws of concerned nation or territory. Compliance and approvals of administration which is controlling the territory from where Launch is performed will be ensured by proposer. The proof of compliance or approvals will be enclosed with application for authorisation. These reforms announced by Government is aimed to unlock the potential of space sector in
India. It expects to attract entrepreneurs to invest in cost-effective & quick turn-around
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space transportation systems. It is comprehensive policy covering all aspects of space transportation like launching, launchpads and re-entry.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 1. Fiscal deficit The news: India recorded a fiscal deficit of 9.2% of GDP in 2020-21, narrower than the revised estimate of 9.5%, as per data from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and official GDP figures. Details: Total revenue receipts were about Rs.88,000 crore higher than estimated, driven largely by higher excise and customs collections, while total expenditure was Rs.61,000 crore more than the revised estimate. The CGA projected the revenue deficit at 7.42% of GDP, which had been assumed at Rs.194.82 lakh crore in the Union Budget. Budget 2020-21, presented before the COVID-19 lockdowns, had set a fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of GDP. The slightly better-than-expected fiscal performance doesn’t necessarily bode well for this year’s fiscal pressures, the Reserve Bank of India’s significantly higher-than-anticipated dividend of Rs.99,000-odd crore notwithstanding, opine economists. The government has set a target to reduce the fiscal deficit this year to 6.8%. The higher-than-estimated expenditure in 2020-21 was actually driven by higher revenue expenditure of Rs.75,000 crore. Interestingly, capex was cut by Rs.14,000 crore. Expenditure control will be important for FY22, as pressures will be there on tax revenue due to lockdowns, while non-tax receipts will be higher due to RBI transfer of Rs.99,000 crore this year. The spurt in revenue spending to the release of food subsidies, but higher-than-anticipated tax revenues helped curtail the deficit to rs.18.2 lakh crore from the estimated Rs.18.5 lakh crore. The second wave of COVID-19 could delay some marquee disinvestment plans, posing the biggest risk to budgeted receipts this year. While tax receipts would be affected due to the anticipation of a prolonged second wave impact on sentiment, the Centre may have to keep spending to prop up demand via a combination of free foodgrains, cash transfers and higher MGNREGA outlays. An eventual cut in cesses on fuels, which would dampen excise collections, can't be ruled out, given record-high retail fuel prices.
2. GDP shrinks by 7.3% The news: India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 7.3% in 2020-21, as per provisional National Income estimates released by the National Statistical Office, marginally better than the 8% contraction in the economy projected earlier. GDP growth in 2019-20, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, was 4%. Details: The Gross Value Added (GVA) in the economy shrank 6.2% in 2020-21, compared to a 4.1% rise in the previous year. Only two sectors bucked the trend of negative GVA growth — agriculture, forestry and fishing, which rose 3.6%, and electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services (up 1.9%).
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GVA for trade, hotels, transport, communication and broadcasting-related services saw the sharpest decline of 18.2%, followed by construction (-8.6%), mining and quarrying (-8.5%) and manufacturing (-7.2%). Though this is the bleakest performance on record for the economy, the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2020-21 helped moderate the damage, with a higher-than-expected growth of 1.6% in GDP. This marked the second quarter of positive growth after the country entered a technical recession in the first half of the year. GDP had contracted 24.4% in April-June 2020, followed by a 7.4% shrinkage in the second quarter. It had returned to positive territory in the September to December quarter with a marginal 0.5% growth. Economists said these numbers would moderate growth prospects for 2021-22 through the base effect, even as the scourge of the virus is hurting activity again. Recovery hopes will hinge on the duration for which localised restrictions will persist in coming months and whether an accelerated pace of vaccine rollout can prevent a third Covid surge.
3. Services exports India’s services exports grew by 6.44% in May to $17.85 billion, while services imports grew just 0.3% to $10 billion, as per initial estimates, Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan. There is a comprehensive recovery in India’s exports with May’s numbers building on the performance in April, 67% rise in merchandise exports, which was also 8% higher than the pre-pandemic month of May 2019. Services trade recorded a 15.4% higher surplus year-on-year last month, so the trade surplus from the sector had gone up. While petroleum and gems and jewellery exports had been doing badly earlier, they had contributed significantly to May’s numbers, suggesting that ‘this is a turning point’ for the two. The production-linked schemes are materialising into investments on the ground in a very expedited framework, and the outcomes will be visible in the medium term to long term, more in the early medium term. In sectors like electronics and mobile phones, this will be visible by next year itself.
4. Services PMI Activity in the dominant services industry contracted in May for the first time in eight months as lockdowns to curb the second wave of COVID-19 dampened demand, prompting firms to cut jobs at the fastest pace since October, a private survey showed. Despite a recent slowdown in reported infections, India is still recording well over 1,00,000 cases and more than 3,000 deaths a day, forcing most States to keep tight restrictions on business activity in place. The Nikkei/IHS Markit Services Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to a nine-month low of 46.4 in May, from 54.0 in April, sliding below the 50-level that separates growth from contraction for the first time in eight months. Overall demand contracted at the sharpest rate since August, with foreign demand shrinking at the fastest pace since November. While PMI data released at the start of the month showed that the manufacturing industry managed to keep its head above water in May, the service sector struggled as the pandemic escalated.
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Although Asia’s third-largest economy grew at an annual pace of 1.6% in the first three months of 2021, just before the devastating second wave hit, economists are pessimistic about this quarter’s growth prospects. Services firms intensified their job cutting spree last month, laying off workers at the fastest pace since October, bad news for a labour market that has already seen millions thrown out of work in the past year. A decline in business expectations to its lowest in nine months may lead firms to reduce payrolls further in the coming months. Input costs continued to surge, but firms were only able to pass on some of the increase due to weakening demand. Despite an expansion in manufacturing, albeit at the slowest pace in 10 months, the contraction in services activity led an overall composite index to decline to a nine-month low of 48.1 in May, from 55.4 in April.
5. PLI scheme The news: The Department of Telecom issued operational guidelines for the Rs.12,195 crore performance-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the sector. DoT said in a release that the scheme would take effect from April 1, 2021. Interested, eligible applicants could register for the scheme from June 4. The application window will be open for 30 days till July 3.
Criteria: Applicants would have to meet the minimum revenue criteria. The company may decide to invest either in single or multiple eligible products. The scheme stipulates a minimum investment threshold of Rs.10 crore for MSMEs and Rs.100 crore for non-MSME applicants. Land and building costs will not be counted as investment. Eligibility shall be further subject to incremental sales of manufactured goods. DoT would grant approvals to 10 eligible applications each in the MSME and non-MSME categories. Out of the 10 applications in the non-MSME category, at least three would be eligible domestic companies.
6. Aid to hospitality sector The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opened a separate On-tap Liquidity Window to help
mitigate the adverse impact of the second wave of the pandemic on certain contact-
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intensive sectors. The move would provide liquidity of Rs.15,000 crore till March 31, 2022, with tenors of up to three years. Under the scheme, banks can provide fresh lending support to hotels and restaurants; entities related to tourism — travel agents, tour operators and adventure or heritage facilities; aviation ancillary services — ground handling and supply chain; and others including private bus operators, car repair services, rent-a-car service providers, event/conference organisers, spa clinics, and beauty parlours/salons. Banks will be permitted to park their surplus liquidity up to the size of the loan book created under this scheme with the RBI at a rate which is 40 basis points (bps) higher than the reverse repo rate. Infusing liquidity would provide support to cash-strapped businesses without which the industry couldn’t have survived. However, some experts feel that the tenure should be for at least five years as a duration of three years would not be sufficient to recover from the turbulence the industry faces.
7. Hike in MSP for paddy, pulses, oilseeds The Central government has hiked the minimum support price (MSP) for common paddy to Rs.1,940 a quintal for the coming kharif season, less than 4% higher than last year’s price of Rs.1,868. In a bid to encourage crop diversification, there were slightly higher increases in the MSP for pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals. Both tur and urad dal saw the MSP rise by Rs.300, a 5% increase to Rs.6,300 a quintal, while the highest absolute increase was for sesamum, whose MSP rose 6.6% to Rs.7,307. Groundnut and nigerseed saw an increase of Rs.275 and Rs.235 respectively. However, maize saw a minimal hike of just Rs.20 to Rs.1,870 a quintal. The MSP is the rate at which the government purchases crops from farmers, and is based on a calculation of at least one-and-a-half times the cost of production incurred by the farmers. This year, the MSP for bajra was set at 85% above the cost of production, while the MSP for urad and tur will ensure 60% returns. The MSPs for the remaining crops were mostly set around the stipulated 50% above the cost of production. The announcement comes at a time when farm unions have been protesting for more than six months on Delhi’s outskirts, demanding legislation to guarantee MSP for all farmers for all crops, and a repeal of three contentious farm reform laws.
8. GST brought down on 14 COVID relief goods The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council decided to waive the tax levied on two critical drugs against COVID-19 and mucormycosis — tocilizumab and amphotericin B — and reset the tax rate to 5% for 14 major pandemic relief items, till September 30. Non-BJP-ruled States registered a strong dissent, terming the continued imposition of GST on critical COVID supplies and drugs as ‘insensitive’ and ‘totally anti-people’. They alleged that their proposals for zero-rating or reducing GST rates to 0.1% on critical supplies were ignored by the Union Finance Ministry at what turned out to be another stormy Council meeting.
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e The 5% GST levied on vaccines was left unchanged, following the recent changes in the country’s vaccine procurement strategy that puts the Union government in charge of augmenting supplies. The GST rate on Remdesivir and anti-coagulants like Heparin has been reduced from 12% to 5%. The Council recommended that the same rate be levied on any other drug that may be recommended by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry and the Department of Pharma for COVID-19 treatment. Ambulances, which are currently taxed at 28%, will attract a GST levy of 12%, while temperature checking equipment and electric furnaces used in crematoriums will attract a 5% GST instead of 18%.
9. Revised subsidies to spur EV demand Electric two-wheeler makers termed as “a phenomenal move” the government’s decision to increase subsidy for such vehicles by 50% under the FAME II scheme saying it would be a game changer in the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles. The Centre had made a partial modification of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II , including increasing the demand incentive for electric two- wheelers to Rs.15,000 per KWh from an earlier uniform subsidy of Rs.10,000 per KWh for all EVs, including plug-in hybrids and strong hybrids except buses. In the latest modification, the department of heavy industries also capped incentives for electric two-wheelers at 40% of the cost of vehicle, up from 20% earlier. Together with the other important factors like extremely low running cost, low maintenance and zero emission, such price levels will surely spur a substantial demand for electric two- wheelers.
10. Bitcoin as legal tender El Salvador has become the first country to formally adopt bitcoin as legal tender. Proposal to legalise cryptocurrency was put forward by President Nayib Bukele which was later approved by Congress.
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Details: Even though there were concern regarding potential impact of legalising cryptocurrency on El Salvador’s program of $1 billion with International Monetary Fund, proposal was passed with majority of 62 out of 84 possible votes. Bitcoin was approved considering its potential to help Salvadorans living abroad to send remittances back home. U.S. dollar will also continue as legal tender in country. It will bring financial inclusion, investment, innovation, tourism and economic development in El Salvador. According to World Bank data, remittances from bitcoin to the country accounts for $6
Cryptocurrency
A digital asset which works as a medium of exchange wherein individual coin ownership records are stored in the form of a computerized database. A strong cryptography is used to secure transaction records, to control creation of additional coins and to verify transfer of ownership of coin. It does not exist in physical form and not issued by central authority. It is however considered as centralized, when it is minted or issued by a single issuer. Bitcoin is the first decentralized cryptocurrency which was released in 2009.
Bitcoin
It is decentralized digital currency which lacks central bank or single administrator. It is sent from user to user on peer-to-peer bitcoin network. It does not need any intermediaries.
billion in 2019. It is around a fifth of GDP & a highest ratio across the world.
11. Wind Energy Capacity The news: India wind energy market outlook was released by Global Wind Energy Council. As per the report, India has a pipeline of 10.3 GW in Central and State markets. These pipelines will drive installations until 2023. Report highlights India will install 20 GW of wind energy capacity by 2021-25. Background: GWEC was established in 2005. It provides credible and representative forum for entire wind energy sector at international level. Its mission is to ensure that, wind power is established as the leading energy sources in world, providing several environmental and economic benefits. As per GWEC, even though there are temporary supply chain difficulties, international wind markets are growing strongly. European Union is the leading market in wind energy having around 48 GW of installed capacity. Wind power generation capacity in India has increased in recent times. India’s total installed wind power capacity was 38 GW, as of February 2021. It has fourth largest installed wind power capacity worldwide. Wind power capacity is spread across Southern, Western and Northern regions. Cost of wind power is decreasing rapidly in India. Levelized tariff of wind power is Rs 2.43 per kWh in India in 2017 though, it increased to Rs.2.77 per kWh in March 2021.
12. India’\s exports of organic farm products According to commerce secretary, exports of India’s organic farm products has increased to
51 percent in 2020-21 challenging the hiccups in supply chain amid covid-19.
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Outbound shipments of organic products have hit 1,040 million dollars in last fiscal as compared to 689 million dollars in 2020. Farm exports have increased over 17 percent to 41.25 billion dollars in last fiscal. Exports of organic products increased by 39 percent and reached to 8 lakh 88 thousand 179 tonnes in terms of volume in last fiscal. Organic products that were shipped include oil cake & meals, oil seeds, millets, cereals, spices and condiments, tea, dry fruits, sugar, coffee and medicinal plant products. Organic farming in India is in nascent stage. As per Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, As of March 2020, 2.78 million hectare of farmland was under organic cultivation. It accounts for just two per cent of the 140.1 million ha net sown area in India. some of the states have improved their organic farming coverage. Major part of this area is concentrated only in few states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. These states cover half of area under organic cultivation. Madhya Pradesh tops the list with 0.76 million ha of area under organic cultivation, which equal to the 27 per cent of India’s total organic cultivation area.
13. ATM cash withdrawal rule Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has changed some rules regarding cash withdrawal from automated teller machine (ATM). New rules include high charges on transactions beyond free permissible limit, new free ATM transaction limit and increase in interchange fee. Changes were made on the basis of recommendations of Chief Executive committee it constituted in June 2019. Indian Banks’ Association reviewed entire ATM charges and fees with its focus on interchange structure for ATM transactions. The New rules: a. Free cash withdrawal limit from own bank: Bank customers can now do five free financial and non-financial transactions every month from their own bank ATMs. b. Free ATM transaction limit from other bank: ATM card holders can do three free financial and non-financial transactions in metro centres while five in non-metro transaction from other bank ATMs c. Charges on ATM cash withdrawal beyond free limit: RBI allowed banks to increase charges on ATM transactions beyond free ATM transaction limit. d. Rise in interchange fee: Interchange fee per transaction changed from Rs 15 to Rs 17 for financial transactions while from Rs 5 to Rs 6 for non-financial transactions in effect from August 1, 2021. e. New charges on ATM withdrawal beyond free transaction limit: Bank customer will have to pay Rs 21 (currently it is Rs 20) for each ATM cash withdrawal beyond free transaction limit in effect from January 1, 2022.
14. ‘Jardalu’ Mangoes Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, (APEDA) in collaboration with Bihar government, Indian High Commission & Invest India, exported Jardalu mangoes. Mangoes were packed and treated at APEDA packhouse in Lucknow. Bihar exported the first commercial consignment of GI certified Jardalu mangoes from Bhagalpur to the United Kingdom. Jardalu mangoes from Bhagalpur district were given GI certification in 2018.
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APEDA has initiated measures to boost mango exports from non-traditional regions. It has been conducting virtual buyer-seller meets and festival in a bid to promote mango exports. It organised mango festival in Berlin, Germany and in Japan in collaboration with Indian embassies. It also organised a week-long Indian mango promotion programme in Bahrain in which 16 varieties of Mango including three GI certified varieties (Khirsapati & Lakshmanbhog from West Bengal and Jardalu from Bihar) were displayed. In May 2021, APEDA in association with Indian embassy, Seoul and Indian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, organised a Virtual Buyer Seller Meet to provide a platform for exporters & importers of mangoes from India and South Korea. Thus, Mangoes are processed by APEDA packhouse facilities and exported to several countries viz, Middle-east, USA, European Union, Japan and South Korea.
Mango are referred to as king of fruits. They are also referred to as Kalpavriksha (wish granting tree) in ancient scriptures. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka have a major share in total production of Mango.
15. Jalgaon Banana Jalgaon Banana is Geographical Indications (GI) certified agricultural produce from Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Twenty-two metric tonnes of Jalgaon banana were sourced from progressive farmers of Tandalwadi village. This village is a part of Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Jalgaon District is an identified banana cluster under Agri Export Policy and is called as “Banana city” of Maharashtra. It contributes for two-third of total production of banana in the state. Jalgaon Banana got GI certification in 2016. It was registered with Nisargraja Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Jalgaon. Today, Jalgaon is the seventh biggest producer of banana in the world. Its average yield is 70 tonnes per hectare, which is quite high than the global levels. This, in itself, makes Jalgaon the “land of bananas.” Consignment of fibre & mineral rich “Jalgaon Banana” was exported to Dubai on June 16, 2021, marking a major boost to exports. Banana export from India has been rising sharply because of adoption of farm practices in accordance with global standards. India’s banana exports have increased both in volume as well as value from 1.34 lakh metric tonne in 2018-19 to 1.95 lakh metric tonne in 2019-20. During 2020-21, India has exported banana worth of 1.91 lakh tonne which is valued at Rs 619 crore. India is world’s leading producer of bananas with its share of 25% in total output. Leading banana producing states are Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. These states account for about 70% of India’s banana production.
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16. Black money in Swiss banks The Finance Ministry has asserted that “there does not appear to be any significant possibility” of an increase in Swiss bank deposits from undeclared incomes of Indians, but has requested Swiss authorities to provide the “relevant facts” and “possible reasons” for changes in deposit numbers. The Ministry, reacting to reports of Indians stashing away more funds in Swiss banks through 2020, claimed customer deposits had actually fallen from the end of 2019. However, it cited several factors that could “potentially explain the increase in deposits”, such as Indian companies holding more funds in Switzerland due to increased business transactions. The Swiss authorities have been requested to provide the relevant facts along with their view on possible reasons for increase/decrease in the light of media reports referring to reports that funds of Indians in Swiss banks rose from Rs.6,625 crore at the end of 2019 to Rs.20,700 crore at the end of 2020. The reported surge in deposits has been reported as the highest in 13 years. The Ministry said that reports about the spurt in Swiss bank deposits “allude” to official figures reported by banks to Swiss National Bank (SNB) and do not indicate the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians in Switzerland. Further, these statistics do not include the money that Indians, NRIs or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of third-country entities. The increase in deposits could also be due to the business of Swiss bank branches located in India, increasing inter-bank transactions between Swiss and Indian banks or a capital increase for a subsidiary of a Swiss company in India. Another factor could be an increase in the liabilities connected with the outstanding derivative financial instruments. India and Switzerland have been sharing such information since 2018 and both are signatories to multilateral treaties relating to mutual administrative assistance in tax matters.
17. FDI receipts in 2020 As per UN report, India received USD 64 billion in foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2020. It has emerged the fifth largest recipient of FDI inflows across the world. “World Investment Report 2021” was released by UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). As per the report, global FDI flows have been severely hit by covid-19 pandemic. FDI flow have decreased by 35 per cent in 2020 to USD 1 trillion from USD 1.5 trillion in 2019. Lockdowns across the world have slowed down existing investment projects, and prospects of multinational enterprises (MNEs) to start new projects. According to report, FDI has increased by 27 per cent to USD 64 billion in 2020. FDI was increased up by acquisitions in information and communication technology (ICT) industry. Pandemic has also increased demand of digital infrastructure and services globally. It has led to higher values of greenfield FDI project in ICT industry and has increased by more than 22 per cent. Report highlights, second wave of COVID-19 India have impacted country’s overall economic activities. India has been ranked 18 among world’s top 20 economies for FDI outflows. Report further highlights, Investments from India will stabilise in 2021, with the support of country’s resumption of free trade agreement (FTA) talks with European Union (EU) and its strong investment in Africa.
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18. Centrum to takeover PMC Bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cleared proposal to takeover of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperatives Bank (PMC Bank) by a consortium of non-bank lender Centrum Financial Services & fintech startup BharatPe. This decision was taken in the backdrop of collapse of Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperatives Bank. This state cooperative lender was on the verge of collapse when regulator seized it on September 24, 2019. Regulator seized the cash withdrawals for six months and launched an investigation into its accounting lapses. Following this, Centrum Financial Services and BharatPe had submitted a joint proposal to overtake PMC Bank in February 2021. RBI has decided to grant in-principle approval to Centrum so as to set up a small finance bank. It will be set up under on-tap licensing norms. On-tap licensing means, when regulator gives out bank licences on continuous basis rather than once in several years.
Centrum Financial Services
It is a step-down subsidiary of listed entity Centrum Capital which provides credit to small and mid-sized companies having asset of Rs.2 lakh to Rs.2 crore. Resilient Innovations Pvt. Ltd, operating BharatPe, will also be an equal partner in small finance bank.
Punjab & Maharashtra Co-operative Bank Limited (PMC)
PMC is a multi-state co-operative bank that was established in 1983. It has 137 branches across India while about 100 branches are in Maharashtra. It is regulated by Reserve Bank of India and is registered under Cooperative Societies Act.
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19. Banks get assets from ED The Enforcement Directorate has transferred assets worth Rs.8,441.5 crore to public sector banks that suffered losses to the tune of Rs.22,585.83 crore due to frauds committed allegedly by businessmen Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. All three accused had fled overseas. The agency said it recently transferred attached shares worth Rs.6,600 crore to a State Bank of India-led consortium as per an order of the PMLA Special Court, Mumbai. The Debt Recovery Tribunal, on behalf of the consortium, sold the shares of United Breweries Limited for Rs.5,824.5 crore. Further realisation of Rs.800 crore by sale of shares is expected by June 25. As on date, of the total attachment worth Rs.18,170.02 crore, assets valued Rs.329.67 crore have been confiscated and properties worth Rs.9,041.5 crore — amounting to 40% of the total loss to the banks — have been handed over to them. Based on the cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the ED had taken up a money laundering probe that helped unearth a complex web of domestic and international transactions and stashing of assets abroad by the accused persons and their associates. They had used dummy entities controlled by them for rotation and siphoning of the funds provided by the banks. As part of the investigation, the ED took steps to attach or seize assets worth Rs.18,170.02 crore.
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20. High raw material prices threaten survival of MSMEs A steep increase in raw material prices in the last few months threatens the survival of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the manufacturing sector, the All India Council of Associations of MSMEs said. The council, which has about 170 MSME associations from different States as its members, pointed out that copper prices had increased by 110% this month compared with April last year. Prices of aluminium alloy had risen 94%, mild steel plates by 82% and CRCA sheets by 96%. The MSMEs faced working capital erosion because of the high cost of inputs. While the units supplying to public sector undertakings (PSUs) were unable to get a revision in prices of their products, the open market was unable to take the full impact of high raw material prices. In spite of a drop in demand due to lockdown, prices are on the upswing, particularly steel, pig iron and other raw materials. It urged the government to set up a mechanism to ensure raw-material-price-stability for MSMEs. The PSUs should allow MSMEs to cancel orders without imposing a penalty and permit them to quote revised prices. The government should also allow import of all steel materials based on cost and quality requirements at nil duty and ban export of iron ore and steel products, it added.
21. Green Tariff Policy The news: Union Government is working on a ‘Green Tariff Policy’ with the objective of reinforcing India’s green energy credentials.
Details: Green Tariff Policy will help electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) supply electricity generated from clean energy projects at a cheaper rate as compared to power from conventional fuel sources such as coal. Large corporates who are looking to procure only green power, can contract such power from a clean energy developer as it is done in commercial and industrial (C&I) segment. Once the policy is finalised, DISCOMs can exclusively buy green electricity and supply it at ‘green tariff’. Green Tariff will be the weighted average tariff of green energy that consumer will have to pay. The tariff will be slightly lower than the tariff from conventional fuel sources and a new regulation will help to ensure, if an industry wants only green power from developer, open access applications will be approved within a fortnight.
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Open access allows large users of energy, consuming over 1 megawatt of power, to buy energy from open market, instead of depending on expensive grid. However, state DISCOMs are not allowing clean energy developers to use power transmission and distribution networks to supply electricity to third-party. Green tariff policy is being finalised in the backdrop of India’s solar and wind power tariffs hitting a low of Rs.1.99 per unit and Rs.2.43 per unit respectively.
22. Toyconomy The news: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, interacted with participants of Toycathon-2021 through video conferencing. Key Points During the meeting, PM Modi highlighted the importance of toys and game industry in Indian Economy. Toy and Game Industry was termed as ‘Toyconomy’ by him. As per PM Modi, global toy market is about 100 billion dollars out of which India contributes only 1.5 billion dollars. India imports 80% of its toys from foreign countries. Thus, PM highlighted the capacity of this sector in bringing progress & growth to neediest segments of society. Participants also discussed their games with PM Modi where, PM suggested more ideas to developers to include it in their games. PM Modi also asked to explore possibilities across virtual, digital & online gaming in India because cheap data & growth of Internet have led to rural connectivity. He asked to bring about new models of innovation and financing to make Indian toys competitive across the world. 75th anniversary of India’s Independence will bring huge opportunity for innovators and creators of toy industry. Many incidents, stories of our freedom fighters and their leadership can be used in gaming concepts. Innovators can play a big role in connecting ‘folk with the future’. PM Modi underlined the need of creating interesting & interactive games which can ‘engage, entertain and educate’.
23. FAME scheme Government has decided to extend adoption of electric vehicles ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II (FAME Phase II)’ by 2 years. Initially FAME scheme was to be implemented for a period of three years from April 1, 2019. Now, it will be in force till March 31, 2024.
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Date was extended after the Department of Heavy Industries increased demand incentive for electric two-wheelers (e2W) from Rs 10,000/KWh to Rs 15,000/KWh. These amendments were made in the scheme because it faced criticism for being ineffective in lifting share of EVs in Indian market. As per data, only 5 per cent or about Rs 500 crore of allocated Rs 10,000 crores has been spent to make green mobility affordable. Only 58,613 e2Ws were sold under the scheme across states against the target of 10 lakh units by March 2022. With the latest amendment, EV industry will get more time to extend
FAME Scheme
This scheme is a part of National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. Scheme was launched to encourage electric vehicles by providing subsidies. This scheme aims to incentivise all vehicle segments. It was launched in two phases. Phase 1 was started in 2015 & ended on 31st March, 2019. While, phase II was started from April 2019 and will end in 2024 (Earlier to end in 2022). Scheme is monitored by Department of Heavy Industries under Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
benefits to customers and achieve target under scheme.
24. Stimulus package post 2nd COVID wave Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced some fresh relief measures for the economy, the first such package after the second COVID-19 wave, focusing largely on extending loan guarantees and concessional credit for pandemic-hit sectors and investments to ramp up healthcare capacities. The government pegged the total financial implications of the package, which included the
reiteration of some steps that were already announced, such as the provision of foodgrains to the poor till November and higher fertilizer subsidies, at Rs.6,28,993 crore.
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Calling the measures an effort to stimulate growth, exports and employment as well as provide relief to COVID-affected sectors, Ms. Sitharaman announced an expansion of the existing Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme by Rs.1.5 lakh crore. She also announced a new Rs.7,500 crore scheme for loans up to Rs.1.25 lakh to small borrowers through micro- finance institutions. She also unveiled a fresh loan guarantee facility of Rs.1.1 lakh crore for healthcare investments in non-metropolitan areas and sectors such as tourism. A separate Rs.23,220 crore has been allocated for public health with a focus on paediatric care, which will also be utilised for increasing ICU beds, oxygen supply and augmenting medical care professionals for the short term by recruiting final year students and interns.
Indirect support for exports worth Rs.1.21 lakh crore over the next five years, free one- month visas for five lakh tourists, and new seed varieties for farmers were also included in the package. The existing sop to spur employment, where the government bears EPF contributions for new employees earning less than Rs.15,000 a month for two years, has been extended till March 31, 2022. Setting aside the guarantee schemes and the announcements that had already been made earlier, the step up in the fiscal outgo within 2021-22 based on the fresh announcements is estimated at around Rs.60,000 crore. The additional burden on the 2021-22 Budget from the ‘three direct stimulus initiatives’ — providing free foodgrains, incremental health projects’ spending, and rural connectivity — would be Rs.1,18,390 crore or about 0.5% of estimated GDP for 2021-22. Although the total impact amount seems large at nearly Rs.6.29 lakh crore, a large portion of this is by way of credit guarantee schemes where there is no immediate outflow. The impact on the fiscal deficit will be limited while the stock markets could give a mild positive reaction.
25. New Definition of Small and medium companies (SMC) Ministry of corporate affairs (MCA) has expanded the definition of small and medium sized companies (SMCs). As per expanded definition, Small & Medium Companies is an unlisted company, a bank, an insurance or a financial institution with sales up to Rs 250 crore and borrowings up to Rs 50 crore. Earlier limit for sales was Rs 50 crore and for borrowings was Rs 10 crore. Now, SMCs are permitted to avail number of exemptions under Company (Accounting Standards) Rules 2021. It will reduce complexity of regulatory filings for smaller firms. Banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and listed companies cannot be classified as SMCs.
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Any holding company or subsidiary of company which is not an SMC cannot be classified as SMC. They are completely exempted from filing cash flow statements and providing segmental break up of their financial performance. They can avail partial reporting exemptions in areas like reporting on employee benefits obligations. For instance, on pensions. They are exempted from providing detailed analysis of benefit obligations to employees. They are also exempted from reporting diluted earnings per share in their filings. This move will promote ease of doing business for firms which are included under definition of SMC.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
SMEs are businesses whose personnel numbers are kept below certain limits. SMEs sometimes outnumber big companies by wide margin and employ more people. For instance, Australian SMEs accounts for 98% of all Australian businesses, produce one-third of GDP and employ 4.7 million people. SMEs are also responsible for driving innovation and competition across different sectors.
ENVIRONMENT & BIODIVERSITY: 1. Raimona The news: According to Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Raimona reserve forest in Kokrajhar district has been upgraded to sixth national park of Assam. This forest comes under Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) across the border with Bhutan. Details: This national park of Assam is located in Gossaigaon subdivision of Kokrajhar district under Bodoland Territorial Region. Park is a part of contiguous forest patch having an area of 422 km2. The boundary of Raimona National Park forms with the Sankosh River on the west along the inter-state boundary of West Bengal and Assam from Indo-Bhutan border up to fire line Ride-6 southwards (BP30) and Saralbhanga River on the east, runs northwards till it touches the Indo-Bhutan international boundary on the north and remaining part of Ripu Reserve Forest on the south. The southern boundary runs eastwards along the fire line Ride-6 up to Pekua River where it runs at 90 degrees southwards till it meets the fire line Ride-3. It covers northern part of notified Ripu Reserve Forest which is the westernmost buffer to Manas Tiger Reserve. Park is home to golden langur, tigers, Asian elephants, clouded leopards, wild buffalo, Indian gaur, hornbill, spotted deer, 170 species of birds, 150 species of butterflies and 380 varieties of plants & orchids.
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National parks of Assam- 1. Kaziranga National Park 2. Manas National Park, 3. Nameri National Park, 4. Orang National Park and 5. Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. 6. Raimona National Park Among them, Kaziranga & Manas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and tiger reserves. Nameri and Orang are also designated tiger reserves.
Manas National Park
This national park is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, Elephant reserve, Project Tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve in Assam, India. It is contiguous with Royal Manas National Park of Bhutan. It is known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife like golden langur, pygmy hog, Assam roofed turtle and hispid hare besides, wild water buffalo.
2. Dihing Patkai Assam Government has notified Dihing Patkai as a National Park which was the last remaining stretches of the Assam Valley tropical wet evergreen forests. This notification comes four days after creating 422-sq. km Raimona National Park in Kokrajhar district of Assam. Assam now has the third most National Parks (7) in India. Madhya Pradesh with 12 national parks maintains the top slot and it is followed by Andaman & Nicobar Islands having 9 national parks. Dihing Patkai is a 234.26-sq. km stretch covering Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Assam. It is a major elephant habitat. It has recorded 310 species of butterflies. Park also comprise of 47 species of reptiles & mammals, including tiger and clouded leopard. It will be administered by Soraipung Range of Digboi Forest Division & Jeypore Range of Dibrugarh Forest Division. The rainforest stretches for more than 575 km2 (222 sq mi) in the districts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia and Charaideo. The forest further spreads over in the Tirap and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The Dehing Patkai forms the largest stretch of lowland rainforests in India. The Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary was declared as Dehing-Patkai Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant. Dihing Patkai was in focus for illegal coal mining in its vicinity comprising of erstwhile Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Jeypore Reserve Forest and western block of Upper Dihing Reserve Forest. The Dehing Patkai Forest region has a rich cultural heritage. There are more than a dozen different ethnic groups living in the area including the indigenous Assamese communities, particularly Tai Phake, Khamyang, Khampti, Singpho, Nocte, Chutia, Ahom, Kaibarta, Moran , Motok, Burmese, and Nepali people.
3. Blue-finned Mahseer The news: According to TATA Power, Blue-finned Mahseer has moved to “least concern” status which
was listed in red list of endangered species of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) earlier.
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Details: Mahseer is the common name for genera Tor. These fishes are found across Vietnam in north and China in south, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, southern Asia, Indian Peninsula, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. They are commercially important game fish and highly esteemed food fish.
They have a high market price and are potential candidate species for aquaculture. They inhabit both rivers and lakes. Most of species ascend into rapid streams with rocky bottoms for breeding. They are omnivorous. They eat algae, crustaceans, frogs, insects and other fish. They also eat fruits that fall from trees overhead. Mainly found in the Mota Mola river east of Pune. This species is also found in other rivers of the Deccan Plateau. The species is migratory; moving upstream during rains. It prefers clean, fast flowing and well oxygenated waters. TATA group is involved in conservation of blue-finned and golden mahseer for 50 years in Lonavala. Golden mahseer is still in danger of going extinct. About five lakh mahseer are bred at Walvan Hatchery in Lonavala, where group has created an artificial lake for their conservation. Several larger species of Mahseer have suffered severe declines which are now considered threatened because of pollution, overfishing and habitat loss. Concerns are increasing regarding impacts of unregulated release of artificially bred stock of limited number of species.
4. E-100 project The news: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, launched E-100 pilot project on the occasion of World Environment Day in Pune. The Project: This ambitious project was launched with the aim of setting up a network for production and distribution of ethanol in India. Prime Minister also launched ‘Report of the Expert Committee on Road Map for ethanol blending in India 2020-2025’. It was released in line with the theme of World Environment Day- “promotion of biofuels for a better environment”. According to Prime Minister, India has taken several steps for development of ethanol sector. Ethanol has become a major priority of 21st century India because ethanol has a better impact on environment and lives of farmers.
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In the line, Government resolved to achieve target of 20 percent ethanol blending in petrol by 2025. Till 2014, about 1.5 percent of ethanol used to be blended in India. Now it has reached to 8.5 percent. Ethanol Blending in petrol is being adopted by many countries including India in a bid to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions and reduce import burden on crude petroleum. Presently, bioethanol blending in petrol stands at 5%, which can replace around 1.8 million Barrels of crude oil. Ethanol molecule comprises oxygen which allows engine to completely combust fuel. This result in fewer emissions and reduces environmental pollution. Ethanol, being a by-product of sugar industry, is a renewable source that leads to net reduction in emission of Carbon dioxide, Carbon Monoxide and hydrocarbons.
5. Tree of coffee family discovered A 15-metre-tall tree that belongs to the genus of the coffee family has recently been discovered from the Andaman Islands by a team of researchers from India and the Philippines. The new species, Pyrostria laljii, is also the first record of the genus Pyrostria in India, the researchers said. Plants belonging to genus Pyrostria are usually found in Madagascar, but the recently discovered species is new to science. The tree is distinguished by a long stem with a whitish coating on the trunk and oblong- obovate leaves with a cuneate base, and was first reported from the Wandoor forest in South Andaman. The other places in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands where the tree could be located are the Tirur forest near the Jarawa Rerserve Forest and the Chidia Tapu (Munda Pahar) forest. Pyrostria laljii has been assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List criteria. While the genus Pyrostria is not found in India, there are several genera from the family Rubiaceae that are common in India. These plants, including cinchona, coffee, adina, hamelia, ixora, galium, gardenia, mussaenda, rubia, morinda, have high potential for economic value. More studies should be carried out to ascertain whether Pyrostria laljii could have some economic value.
Other physical features that distinguish the tree from other species of the genus is its umbellate inflorescence with eight to 12 flowers.
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They have also discovered a new species of pokeweed named Rivina andamanensis. They said it was found growing under large trees, shaded and rocky areas, along with herbs and shrubby plants.
6. Monals sighted in Arunachal Pradesh Two species of monals were sighted together by local wildlife enthusiasts in upper Siang district of central Arunachal Pradesh. Monals is a colour pheasant. One discovered species is White Himalayan monal also called as Lophophorus impejanus. It is widely distributed from Afghanistan to northeast India While, other is Sclater’s monal which is also called as Lophophorus sclateri. It is found in southern China and northern Myanmar. It is listed as vulnerable by IUCN (International Union of Conservation of Nature). It was sighted near Komji Lipik at 2,850 metres.
Monal bird belongs to genus Lophophorus of pheasant family called Phasianidae. Male birds have colourful, iridescent plumage with plump physique. They prefer like roots, bulbs and insects as diet. Males are polygamous during mating. They mate with several females. Females only mate with selected male and enter into monogamous relationship. They are listed as vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hunting.
Birds were sighted on Mount Eko Dumbing at 4,173 metres above mean sea level.
7. Deep ocean mission The Union Cabinet has approved the long-pending deep ocean mission, which among other things involves developing a submersible vehicle that will allow a crew to plunge 6,000 metres into the ocean and hunt the floor for precious metals. If this works, India will be among a handful of countries able to launch an underwater mission at such depths. In the works since 2018, the mission is expected to cost Rs.4,077 crore over the next five years. The estimated cost for the first phase of three years (2021-24) would be Rs.2,823.4 crore. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the nodal Ministry implementing this multi- institutional mission. There are six components to the programme. 1. A manned submersible will be developed to carry three people to a depth of 6,000 metres in
the ocean with a suite of scientific sensors and tools. An integrated mining system will be
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also developed for mining polymetallic nodules at those depths in the central Indian Ocean. The exploration studies of minerals will pave way for the commercial exploitation in the near future, as and when commercial exploitation code is evolved by the International Seabed Authority, an United Nations organisation. 2. The second component involves developing Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services, which entails developing a suite of observations and models to understand and provide future projections of important climate variables on seasonal to decadal time scales. 3. The next component is searching for deep sea flora and fauna, including microbes, and studying ways to sustainably utilise them. 4. The fourth component is to explore and identify potential sources of hydrothermal minerals that are sources of precious metals formed from the earth’s crust along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges. 5. The fifth component involves studying and preparing detailed engineering design for offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plants. 6. The final component is aimed at grooming experts in the field of ocean biology and engineering. This component aims to translate research into industrial applications and product development through on-site business incubator facilities.
The Deep Ocean Mission was in 2019 envisaged as a Rs.8,000 crore mission. India has been allotted a site of 75,000 square kilometres in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by the UN International Sea Bed Authority for exploitation of polymetallic nodules (PMN). These are rocks scattered on the seabed containing iron, manganese, nickel and cobalt. Being able to lay hands on a fraction of that reserve can meet the energy requirement of India for the next 100 years, say officials at the Earth Sciences Ministry.
8. Rare turtle in Assam A major temple in Assam has signed a memorandum of understanding with two green NGOs, the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden and the Kamrup district administration for the long-term conservation of the rare freshwater black softshell turtle or the Nilssonia nigricans.
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A vision document 2030 was also launched after Turtle Survival Alliance India and Help Earth signed the pact involving the Hayagriva Madhava Temple Committee. The temple, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, is at Hajo, about 30 km northwest of Guwahati. Until sightings along the Brahmaputra’s drainage in Assam, the black softshell turtle was thought to be “extinct in the wild” and confined only to ponds of temples in northeastern India and Bangladesh.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature had in 2021 listed the turtle as “critically endangered”. But it does not enjoy legal protection under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, although it has traditionally been hunted for its meat and cartilage, traded in regional and international markets. Various temple ponds in Assam such as that of the Hayagriva Madhava Temple harbour various threatened species of turtles. Since the turtles are conserved in these ponds only based on religious grounds, many biological requirements for building a sustainable wild population have since long been overlooked. This multi-stakeholder association [conservation pact] aims to restock the wild with viable, self-sufficient and genetically pure threatened turtle populations in the region. We will offer assistance for the required improvement of husbandry of turtles kept in such ponds, and further recovery efforts are recommended for the long-term survival and existence of the endangered freshwater turtles.
9. Hebbal-Nagawara Valley Project The news: Citizens and Environmentalists are fighting against the proposal to clear over 6,000 trees in Singanayakanahalli to construct a lake under Hebbal-Nagawara Valley Project by Minor Irrigation Department in Karnataka. Forest Department, in a recent notification, proposed to felled 6,316 trees to develop Singanayakanahalli lake, Yelahanka hobli, because they are coming in way of this project. The Project: This project was launched with the aim of filling 65 tanks in Bengaluru Urban, Rural and Chickballapur. Bagaluru lake was the first lake to receive treated water from this project. The project was meant to act as an impounded reservoir to supply water in 11 other lakes in this region. Direct use of treated water for drinking and agricultural purposes was prohibited but farmers were of the view that, project is increasing the water table. Activists are questioning the need and logic of removing such huge number of trees.
Hebbal Lake
The lake is located in Bangalore at the mouth of National Highway 7, near the junction of Bellary Road and Outer Ring Road. These lakes were created in 1537 by Kempe Gowda. It was formed by
damming natural valley systems. It spreads over an area of 75 ha with plans for extending it up to
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10. Three species of crocodiles Odisha has become the only state in India to have all the three species of crocodiles. Three species in the state of Odisha are: 1. Reptile freshwater Gharials at Satkosia in Mahanadi, 2. Muggers in Bhitarkanika National Park and 3. Saltwater crocodiles. Gharials: Odisha has witnessed natural nesting of Gharials (a critically endangered species) for the first time since they were introduced in its rivers in 1975. About 28 hatchlings of Gharials were spotted in Mahanadi River in Baladamara area near Satkosia range. Original Gharials which were introduced in Odisha are dead now. After waiting for 40 years for their numbers to grow naturally, Odisha introduced 13 more Gharials in past three years in the Mahanadi. But only eight survived. Gharials, also known as gavial or fish-eating crocodile, are crocodilian of family Gavialidae.
They are among longest of all living crocodilians. They have been named gharial because of a distinct boss at the end of snout, which resembles an earthenware pot called ghara. Gharials are well adapted to catching fish because of its long, thin snout and 110 sharp & interlocking teeth. They have been listed as critically endangered in IUCN Red List since 2007. Muggers:
The mugger crocodile is a medium-sized broad-snouted crocodile, also known as mugger and marsh crocodile. It is native to freshwater habitats from southern Iran to the Indian subcontinent, where it inhabits marshes, lakes, rivers and artificial ponds.
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Both young and adult mugger crocodiles dig burrows to which they retreat when the ambient temperature drops below 5 °C (41 °F) or exceeds 38 °C (100 °F). Females dig holes in the sand as nesting sites and lay up to 46 eggs during the dry season. The sex of hatchlings depends on temperature during incubation. Both parents protect the young for up to one year. They feed on insects, and adults prey on fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. Since 1982, it has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Outside protected areas, it is threatened by conversion of natural habitats, gets entangled in fishing nets and is killed in human–wildlife conflict situations and in traffic accidents. Salt water crocodile:
The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a crocodilian native to saltwater habitats and brackish wetlands from India's east coast across Southeast Asia and the Sundaic region to northern Australia and Micronesia. It has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 1996. It was hunted for its skin throughout its range up to the 1970s, and is threatened by illegal killing and habitat loss. It is regarded as dangerous for people who share the same environment. It is also known as the estuarine crocodile, Indo-Pacific crocodile, marine crocodile, sea crocodile or informally as saltie. The saltwater crocodile is a large and opportunistic hypercarnivorous apex predator. It ambushes most of its prey and then drowns or swallows it whole. It is capable of prevailing over almost any animal that enters its territory, including other apex predators such as sharks, varieties of freshwater and saltwater fish including pelagic species, invertebrates such as crustaceans, various reptiles, birds, and mammals, including humans.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY: 1. COVID-19 variants named The news: World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended several names, to label emerging coronavirus variants of global concern, after four letters of Greek alphabet. It named B.1.617.2 variant, identified first in India, as Delta. Details: ‘UK variant’ was named as ‘Alpha’.
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Existing scientific nomenclature system will continue while new names will only aid public discussion using labels in order to “non stigmatising” with the countries where variants were first identified. WHO has identified four VOCs- B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P2 and B.1.617.2. they have been labelled as ‘Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta’ respectively. The variants of Interest were, less globally widespread and transmissible, also given Greek names. B.1.617 virus, belonging to B.1.617 family was identified in India which has been labelled as ‘Kappa.’ Virus B.1.617.2 is called as Indian Variant in UK. It is spreading more quickly than Kent variant, which was responsible for the surge in cases during winters. There have been about 8,000 cases of B.1.617.2 variant in England and 1,000 in Scotland. Variant is causing majority of infection in England in areas like Bolton, Blackburn etc. It spreads more easily than Kent variant (B.1.1.7). Transmission rates for B.1.617.2 were roughly two-thirds higher than Kent.
2. Superworms The news: A businessman from Kuwait, Jassem Buabbas, is breeding “superworms” for animal feed since years. He is now hoping that, superworms will find their way into diets of Gulf citizens. Background: He places worm-like larvae of the darkling beetle in a small, dark room. Darkling beetle is known for their high protein content. He aims to make worms a successful food alternative for humans. Insects as food alternatives: Insects are widely eaten around the globe. About 1,000 species appears on dinner plates of people in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Apart from traditional diets, cricket pasta & mealworm smoothies have become latest food trend. Edible insects are promoted as sustainable alternative to regular protein sources.
Superworms are larvae of species of darkling beetle called Zophobas morio. They are also called as King Worms, Morio Worms or Zophobas and are commonly used as food in reptile pet industry. They should not be confused with giant mealworms which are Tenebrio molitor larvae.
Superworms larvae resemble 50 to 60 mm long mealworms. However, ends of their bodies are very dark. They have 6 small legs. Insects are accepted by turtle, lizards, salamanders, frogs, birds
etc. Nutritional value of superworms are similar to those of mealworms.
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3. Vajra Kavach Disinfection System The news: Mumbai-based start-up, Indra water has developed “Vajra Kavach Disinfection System” which removes scourge of viral particles from equipment used by Corona warriors front line workers. About Disinfection System Disinfection System removes any possible traces of SARS-Cov-2 virus from Personal Protective Equipment, coats, gloves, N95 masks and gowns. Thus, it enables reuse of PPEs and other equipments used by healthcare workers. In a way, it will protect environment too, by reducing biomedical waste generation.
It will make personal protective equipment more available, affordable, and accessible. Disinfection can be done in just a few minutes. System can achieve a 1,00,000-fold reduction in number of microorganisms. Validation and testing of system was done by Department of Biosciences & Bioengineering at IIT Bombay. Testing It went through a long trial and testing process. Testing was done with Escherichia virus MS2; which is a single-stranded RNA virus similar to human respiratory viruses like influenza virus and coronavirus; and E.coli strain C3000. While testing it, full loads of virus and bacteria samples were placed PPE kit and was then placed inside Vajra Kavach. After disinfection cycle time, PPE was removed and sample was rechecked to assess growth rate and log reduction of virus. System comprises of multistage disinfection process having advanced oxidation, corona discharge and UV-C light spectrum which inactivate viruses, bacteria, and other microbial
strains from materials.
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4. A case of H10N3 Bird Flu The news: First Human case of H10N3 bird flu was reported in eastern province of Jiangsu in China. Details: A 41-year-old man has become first human case of infection with H10N3 strain of bird flu. He was diagnosed of H10N3 avian influenza virus. It is still not confirmed how he was infected with virus. H10N3 is a low pathogenic or less severe strain of virus in poultry. The risk of it transmitting on a large scale is also very low. In about 40 years, only 160 isolates of this virus were reported, in wild birds or waterfowl across Asia and North America. It has not been detected in chickens. Influenza: It is commonly called as “the flu”. This infectious disease is caused by influenza viruses. Its symptoms include mild to severe fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, coughing, muscle pain and fatigue. Symptoms usually starts 1–4 days after exposure to virus and lasts for 2–8 days. It may also cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, encephalitis, meningitis, and worsening of pre-existing health problems like asthma. Avian influenza or Avian flu or Bird flu It caused by viruses adapted to birds. It is similar to swine flu, horse flu, dog flu and human flu. Among three types of influenza viruses namely, A, B, and C; influenza A virus is zoonotic infection which entirely affects birds.
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5. Mixing & Matching of Covid-19 vaccine brands The news: Canada has recommended “mixing and matching” of AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines. Details: National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) had issued guidelines for provinces and territories on mixing and matching second doses of Covid-19 vaccines. It has advised Canadians to combine either “AstraZeneca-Oxford, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shots” interchangeably for specific situations. NACI recommended it on the basis of early research from UK & Spain. Research highlights, mixing shots of AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines was safe and effective in preventing the disease. It recommended, first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine can be followed by shots of Moderna or Pfizer. Canadians who had a first dose of Moderna or Pfizer, they can now take any one of two shots as a second dose. This is so, because both the vaccines were prepared with similar mRNA technology. National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) NACI is an external advisory body which is responsible for providing Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) with independent medical, scientific, and public health advice related to immunization. It comprises of experts from fields like paediatrics, pharmacy, infectious diseases, immunology, epidemiology, nursing, Pharmacoeconomics, social science etc.
6. More transmissible strain Variant Delta (B.1.617.2), the most pervasive variant of the coronavirus in India, constituted nearly three in four breakthrough infections in Delhi, according to a research study by scientists in Delhi. The variant was also characterised by high transmissibility, an accelerated surge in infections and, the scientists say, “prior infections, high seropositivity and partial vaccination were insufficient impediments to its spread.”
Breakthrough infections are instances of people testing positive for the virus after getting
vaccinated.
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The study is yet to be peer-reviewed and appears as a pre-print and was authored by scientists at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB) and the National Centre of Disease Control — two key labs of the Indian Sars Cov-2 Genomic Consortium (INSACOG) that tracks the emergence of key variants of the coronavirus. In 27 instances of breakthrough infections analysed, the scientists found that two lineages dominated. B.1.617.1 (Kappa) comprised 8%, Delta was 76% and the remaining linked to variants that belonged to broader “B.1 lineages”. The study also reports a new mutation in Delta called T478K that the scientists believe has a role to play in allowing the coronavirus to better infiltrate human cells.
7. DAC nod for building 6 conventional submarines The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the issuance of a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the construction of six conventional submarines under Project-75I at an estimated cost of Rs.43,000 crore. At a meeting, it also approved the procurement of air defence guns and ammunition for the Army at an approximate cost of Rs.6,000 crore. This is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the Strategic Partnership (SP) model. This would be one of the largest ‘Make in India’ projects and it will create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India. With this approval, India would be enabled to achieve its 30-year submarine construction programme envisioned by the government to acquire national competence in their building and for Indian industry to independently design and construct them. The SP model of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) aims to promote the role of Indian industry in manufacturing and build a domestic defence industrial ecosystem. Last January, the DAC shortlisted Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as the Indian partners for the deal. The Navy will now issue the RFP to them, who would respond to it in partnership with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). As per the Navy’s requirements, the submarines, all of which will be built in India, should be equipped with Air Independent propulsion (AIP) modules and be able to fire land attack cruise missiles. The modernisation of the Army’s air defence guns has been a long pending proposal and the DAC accorded approval for the procurement of the guns and ammunition under the Buy & Make (Indian) category of the procurement procedure.
8. Sputnik V - production The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to the Serum Institute of India (SII) to manufacture the Sputnik COVID-19 vaccine in India for examination, test and analysis with certain conditions. The Pune-based firm has collaborated with Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow in Russia for developing Sputnik V at its licensed Hadapsar facility. According to the four conditions set by the DCGI, the Serum Institute will have to submit a copy of the agreement between it and the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology for transfer of cell bank and virus stock and a copy of agreement for technology transfer with Gamaleya. Further, the SII has to submit a copy of the RCGM (Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation) permission to import cell bank and virus stock and a copy of the RCGM permission to initiate research and development of viral vector vaccine Sputnik V. This
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licence, unless suspended or revoked, will be enforced for a period of three years from the date of its issuance on June 4. The SII on May 18 had also applied to the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), Department of Biotechnology seeking clearance for import of strains/seed lots and cell banks, and for carrying out research and development. The RCGM has raised some queries over SII’s application and has sought a copy of material transfer agreement between the Pune-based firm and the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is currently supplying Sputnik V in India. The SII plans to seek restricted emergency use permission of the vaccine in India.
9. Aducanumab The U.S.’s pharma regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), made a much anticipated ruling, in conditionally approving the use of an Alzheimer’s drug, called aducanumab, the first such approval since 2003. The drug, which goes by the brand name Aduhelm, has been granted ‘accelerated approval’, meaning it will need to verify expected clinical benefits in a new trial. The drug’s approval had become controversial, with growing pressure from those impacted by the debilitating degenerative brain disease on one hand and opposition from many in the scientific community who were not convinced that the drug had demonstrated efficacy in trials, on the other. The FDA’s conditional approval took account of this. Aducanumab is based on the amyloid hypothesis of the disease — that plaques made of beta amyloid peptide (a type of protein) form in the patients brain leading to cognitive decline and problems with thinking.
The drug supposedly binds to beta amyloid molecules and removes them. The drug, a monoclonal antibody, is given monthly via injection to patients who suffer from early stages of Alzheimer’s. The drug, developed by Biogen, a Cambridge (Massachusetts)-based company and Eisai Co., a Japanese company, was pulled out of two trials in 2019 after it was thought not to be working. In October of last year, Biogen said a high dose of the drug slightly slowed cognitive decline.
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A panel of experts — not part of the FDA — had ruled last November that the drug did not show “strong evidence” of working. Their decision was non-binding on the FDA. Other scientists and a think tank had said safety concerns around the drug did not outweigh any possible benefits, the New York Times reported. The late-stage development program for Aduhelm consisted of two phase 3 clinical trials. One study met the primary endpoint, showing reduction in clinical decline. The second trial did not meet the primary endpoint. In all studies in which it was evaluated, however, Aduhelm consistently and very convincingly reduced the level of amyloid plaques in the brain in a dose- and time- dependent fashion. It is expected that the reduction in amyloid plaque will result in a reduction in clinical decline.
10. Cost-Effective Ventilators The news: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed three types of cost-effective ventilators and an oxygen concentrator. Details: 3 ventilators have been named as Prana, VaU and Svasta while oxygen cylinder has been named as Shwaas. All three are user-friendly and fully automated along with touch-screen specifications. It meets all safety standards. VSSC will transfer the Technology for commercial production of these three ventilators and one oxygen concentrator. Ventilators are likely to be priced around Rs.1 lakh as compared to mini conventional ventilators which are priced around Rs.5 lakh. Prana ventilator will deliver respiratory gas to patient by automated compression of Ambu bag. A bag valve mask, sometimes known by the proprietary name Ambu bag or generically as a manual resuscitator or "self-inflating bag", is a hand-held device commonly used to provide positive pressure ventilation to patients who are not breathing or not breathing adequately. Svasta ventilator will work without electric power VaU is a low-cost ventilator similar to commercial high-end ventilators in use. Shwaas oxygen cylinder is capable of supplying 10 litres of enriched oxygen per minute and is adequate for two patients at a time. It enhances oxygen gas content by selectively separating nitrogen gas from ambient air through Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). PSA is commonly used for production of oxygen from the air.
11. SpaceX The news: SpaceX lift-off Falcon 9 rocket to International Space Station carrying supplies for scientific experiments along with surprising passengers like squids and microorganisms called tardigrades. Details: Dragon capsule was launched with Falcon 9 rocket. Capsule is carrying young specimens of species Euprymna scolopes called bobtail squid. Species were sent to study the effect of zero gravity on interactions between bacteria and their host organisms. Squids will be exposed to bacteria once they reach ISS. After 12 hours, specimens will be preserved until their return to Earth.
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Tardigrades - SpaceX rocket is also carrying these microorganisms, also known as “water bears”. They can withstand extreme radiation, sizzling heat and coldest temperatures in universe and decades without having food. Bobtail squid - An animal model, called as Euprymna scolopes, is used to study symbiotic relationships between two species. Animals and humans rely on microbes to maintain a healthy digestive and immune system. So, squids were lift-off to ISS to understand how spaceflight alters these beneficial interactions. This experiment will help scientists to develop techniques to protect health of astronauts participating in long-duration missions in space.
12. Novavax - efficacy U.S. vaccine manufacturer Novavax said its COVID-19 vaccine had shown an overall efficacy of 90.4% in trials in the U.S. and Mexico, potentially adding — in a few months — another vaccine to the world’s arsenal against the disease, which has killed close to 4 million people. Trials have already occurred in the U.K. and South Africa. The Maryland-based company, which tested its two dose ‘NVX-CoV2373’ vaccine on a population of just under 30,000 adults in the U.S. and Mexico, said the jabs provided 100% protection against moderate to severe disease and an overall efficacy of 90.4%. Of the 77 individuals out of 29,960 in the trial who contracted COVID-19, 14 received the actual vaccine, doses of which were spaced three weeks apart, while 63 had received placebos. Ten moderate to severe cases of the disease were observed, but all were confined to the placebo group, the company said. All 14 infections in the vaccinated group were mild. Preliminary data suggest that the vaccine is safe, according to a press release from Novavax. Novavax detected strains of the virus found first in the U.K.,U.S., Brazil, South Africa and India, according to data. Vaccine efficacy was 91% in “high-risk “populations (above 65 years of age, or under 65 years with comorbidities or frequent COVID-19 exposure). Novavax said it plans to apply for authorisations in the third quarter (July-September) and is on track to manufacture 100 million doses a month by the end of September, and 150 million doses a month by the end of 2021. The U.S. has more doses than it will need to vaccinate its entire population and as a result, much of the Novavax vaccine may be used in developing countries. That it can be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius makes it easier to use in developing countries, where maintaining
unbroken cold chains can be challenging.
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The vaccine works by eliciting an immune response to a prefusion spike protein built from Novavax’s recombinant nanoparticle technology and an adjuvant (a substance that increases immune response). In India, the vaccine is slated to be produced in partnership with the Serum Institute of India (SII), under the name Covavax. Earlier in June, the Drugs Controller General of India had given permission to SII to go ahead with Phase 2/3 trials.
13. ‘Miraculous’ mosquito hack The news: Recently, in Yogyakarta city of Indonesia, dengue fever cases have been cut by 77% through a trial that manipulates the mosquitoes spreading dengue. Details: Scientists used mosquitoes infected with “miraculous bacteria” and released across the cities. These bacteria reduce insect’s ability to spread dengue. The Trial used mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria. Wolbachia doesn’t harm mosquito, but it goes in same parts of its body where dengue virus needs to get into. The bacteria compete for resources and make it much harder for dengue virus to replicate, so the mosquito is less likely to cause an infection when it bites again. According to team of World Mosquito Programme, this method can be a solution to virus that has spread worldwide. The technique is successful and mosquitoes have been released across whole city. This project is targeting to cover more areas with the aim of eradicating dengue.
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Dengue is also known as “break-bone fever” as it causes severe pain in muscles and bones. It is a mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by dengue virus (DENV). Its symptoms usually start three to fourteen days after infection. Common symptoms include high fever, vomiting, headache, muscle pains and joint pains besides a characteristic skin rash. In 1970, only nine countries had faced dengue outbreaks. Now, mosquito causes 400 million infections in a year.
14. World’s First Wooden Satellite European Space Agency (ESA) will launch world’s first wooden satellite called WISA Woodsat in Earth’s orbit by the end of 2021. WISA Woodsatwill be launched to test the applicability of wooden materials such as plywood in spacecraft structures. Mission will expose wooden materials to extreme space conditions like heat, cold, vacuum and radiation. Wooden satellite will be launched to space by end of 2021 with a Rocket Lab Electron rocket. It will be launched from Mahia Peninsula launch complex in New Zealand. Satellite has been designed and built in Finland. Satellite will orbit at around 500-600 km altitude in polar Sun-synchronous orbit. It is a10x10x10 cm nano satellite which was built up using standardised boxes and surface panels of plywood, which is usually found in hardware store and are used to make furniture. Wood have been placed in a thermal vacuum chamber to keep dry when it is in space. Thin layer of aluminium oxide has been applied to it to minimise vapour coming from wood and to protect it from erosive effects of atomic oxygen. The non-wooden external parts of satellite are corner aluminium rails which will be used for
its deployment into space and a metal selfie stick.
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15. AY.1 variant of Coronavirus Recently, WHO tagged B.1.617.2 strain of coronavirus as ‘Delta’ variant, which now has further mutated. Mutated form of Delta variant is being termed as “Delta Plus” or “AY.1” variant. Delta variant was identified as one of the factors of second wave of coronavirus infections in India.
Initial data shows that, Delta plus variant have resistance against monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment, which was recently authorised by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for COVID-19 treatment. Delta plus variant was identified in six genomes in India as of now. Health agency has also confirmed the presence of 63 genomes of Delta variant with the new K417N mutation. However, there is no immediate cause for concern since prevalence of Delta Plus Variant is still low in India. As per reports, 36 cases of Delta Plus variant were reported in England. Majority of the cases were associated with travel from Nepal, Malaysia, Turkey and Singapore.
16. Flex-fuel Engines to get mandatory in India The news: Central government is planning to make production of vehicle with flex-fuel engines mandatory for carmakers in India. This decision was taken days after advancing cut-off date for mixing 20 per cent ethanol in petrol from 2030 to 2025. Government will soon take decision to ask auto industry to provide customers with option to choose a more cost-effective fuel to run their cars and two-wheelers. Details: Flex-fuel engines are already in vogue in countries such as Brazil, Canada and United States. In these countries, a lot of vehicle owners use ethanol as fuel for their cars. Flexible-fuel vehicle of flex-fuel vehicle or dual-fuel vehicle is an alternative fuel vehicle in which internal combustion engine are designed to run on more than one fuel.
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They usually run-on gasoline blended with either ethanol or methanol fuel. Both of the fuels are stored in same common tank. Modern flex-fuel engines can burn any proportion of resulting blend in combustion chamber because fuel injection and spark timing are adjusted automatically in accordance with actual blend detected by fuel composition sensor. They are different than bi-fuel vehicles, where two fuels are stored in separate tanks and engine runs on one fuel at a time.
17. Rice for ethanol production The Central government has allocated 78,000 tonnes of rice procured for food security purposes to be diverted to ethanol production instead this year, at a subsidised rate of Rs.20 per kg. This is part of the government’s plan to double distilling capacities by 2025, partly by encouraging an increase in the share of grain-based ethanol production from the current focus on molasses-based production.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a road map advancing the target date for achieving 20% blending of ethanol in petrol by five years to 2025. The last two years have seen blending levels of around 5%, which is likely to jump to 8.5% in the current year. The Centre was targeting an ethanol production of 1,500 crore litres by 2025, out of which almost half, 740 crore litres, would be from grain-based distilleries, with the remainder coming from sugar-based distilleries. Currently, about a third of the 710 crore litre ethanol production capacity comes from grains. Only 38 crore litres of grain-based ethanol is used for fuel. This year, the Centre had committed for about three lakh tonnes of rice procured by the Food Corporation of India for ethanol production.
18. Hydrogen Task Force India and United States has launched a hydrogen task force under “Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)” which will boost India’s energy security efforts, according to US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). This task force was launched by United States Department of Energy, Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and USISPF. It will represent industry & government stakeholders and assess technology status, study innovative policy options & make recommendations.
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This task force will bridge government research with unique industry perspectives which will help in reaching the goals of decarbonizing, high-polluting industrial sectors and achieving a greener & cleaner planet. It will strengthen focused public, private cooperation between both the countries and make way for accelerated development & deployment of hydrogen energy technologies It will bring industries and academy together with an aim of integrating private sector inputs to bring latest technology & adopt business models to develop and deploy hydrogen
Aim of the task force
US-India Hydrogen Task Force was constituted with the aim of serving as a forum to achieve affordable hydrogen solutions. It seeks to enhance energy security & resilience by boosting up low or zero-carbon hydrogen technologies & deployment.
technologies.
19. World’s first GM rubber sapling The news: A Rubber Board research farm on the outskirts of Guwahati now sports the world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber plant tailored for the climatic conditions in the Northeast. About the plant: The GM rubber has additional copies of the gene MnSOD, or manganese-containing superoxide dismutase, inserted in the plant, which is expected to tide over the severe cold conditions during winter — a major factor affecting the growth of young rubber plants in the region. The plant was developed at the Kerala-based Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII). This is the first time any GM crop has been developed exclusively for this region after years of painstaking research in RRII’s biotechnology laboratory. Natural rubber is a native of warm humid Amazon forests and is not naturally suited for the colder conditions in the Northeast, which is one of the largest producers of rubber in India. Laboratory studies conducted at the RRII showed the GM rubber plants overexpressed the MnSOD gene as expected.
20. Grey matter loss seen after COVID The loss of smell and taste, which is among the most common symptoms associated with coronavirus infection, is writ large in the brain, says a study that scanned brain images from a group of volunteers to compare changes before and after COVID-19. The study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, was able to paint a picture of a distinct loss of grey matter, in regions of the brain associated with smell and taste in those who had tested positive for the coronavirus compared to those who hadn’t. This [the grey matter loss] might represent a more deleterious impact of COVID-19, or be due to risk factors (as hospitalised patients were older, had higher Body Mass Index) and blood pressure, and higher risk of diabetes), or an interaction of both. The loss of grey matter in memory-related regions of the brain may in turn increase the risk of these patients of developing dementia in the longer term. The study compared brain imaging scans sourced as part of the U.K. Biobank initiative, that prior to the pandemic had collected a large set of brain-scan images from over 40,000 volunteers over 45. From these, 394, who had tested positive for the virus and 388 who had
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not (and used as comparator controls), and who had appeared for follow-up brain imaging, were studied to tease out how parts of their brains had changed. Going ahead, data from this set that could establish if over time the grey matter loss reversed, stayed stable or further deteriorated could provide “very strong clues” to not only the mechanism (causing the loss) but the potential significance of these findings.
21. ZyCoV-D The news: Indian pharmaceutical company Zydus Cadila is soon going to apply Central Drugs Regulator (DGCI) for emergency approval of the corona vaccine ZyCoV-D. If approved, it will be the world’s first DNA-based vaccine. With this, the number of vaccines available in the country will increase to 4. So far, Serum Institute’s Covishield, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and Russia’s Sputnik-V are being used in India. Details: All three vaccines currently being administered in India are double dose vaccines. At the same time, there are single-dose vaccines also such as Johnson & Johnson and Sputnik Lite, which may come to India in the coming months. But the Zykov-D vaccine is different from all these. Not one or two but three doses of this Indian vaccine will be applied. During Phase-1 and Phase-2 trials, this vaccine keeps immunity strong for a long time after applying three doses. It is being said that the company may soon trial the vaccine on children aged 5 to 12 years. If the results of the trial are encouraging, then the scope of vaccination can be expanded further. Method of Applying Vaccine: ZyCoV-D is a needle free vaccine. It will be fitted with a jet injector. Jet injectors are widely used in USA and some other countries. This allows the vaccine to be injected into people’s skin under high pressure. At the same time, the needle injections that are usually used, fluid or medicine goes into the muscles. Compressed gas or springs are used for pressure in jet injectors. The second dose of ZyCoV-D will be administered 28 days after the first dose. At the same time, the third dose will be taken 56 days after the first dose. That is, there will be a difference of 4 weeks in each dose. Benefits of vaccine with a jet injector: It reduces the pain to the person who is getting it, because it does not go inside your muscle like a normal injection. The risk of spreading the infection is much less than the needle injection.
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Vaccine mechanism: ZyCoV-D is a DNA-plasmid vaccine. This vaccine uses genetic material to increase the immunity of the body. Just as Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines in many countries including the US use mRNA to increase immunity, in the same way it uses plasmid-DNA. mRNA can also be called messenger RNA, which goes into the body and gives the message to make antibodies against the corona virus. Whereas, plasmid is a small DNA molecule present in human cells. This DNA is different from the common chromosome DNA. Plasmid-DNA is commonly found in bacterial cells and can replicate independently. The plasmid-DNA is converted into a viral protein when it enters the human body. This develops a strong immune response to the virus in the body. This stops the virus from growing. If a virus changes its shape, that is, it has a mutation, then this vaccine can be changed in a few weeks. It is easier to maintain than other vaccines. It can be stored at 2 to 8 degree temperature. Even at 25 degree room temperature, it does not spoil. Because of this, there is no need of cold chain for its maintenance. Even for the new variant
of the corona, it can be easily modified compared to the other vaccines.
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22. Agni-P missile test-fired A new-generation nuclear-capable ballistic missile, Agni-P (Prime) was successfully test-fired by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Agni-P is a new-generation advanced variant of Agni class of missiles. It is a canisterised missile with range capability between 1,000 and 2,000 km. The test was conducted from the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam island, Balasore, off the coast of Odisha. Various telemetry and radar stations positioned along the eastern coast tracked and monitored the missile. The missile followed textbook trajectory, meeting all mission objectives with high level of accuracy. Explaining the differences from the earlier Agni class of missiles, a DRDO official said Agni-P had improved parameters, including manoeuvring and accuracy. “There is a complete technology upgrade in every way.” Canisterisation of missiles reduces the time required to launch the missile while improving its storage and mobility. The Agni class of missiles are the mainstay of India’s nuclear launch capability which also includes the Prithvi short-range ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and fighter aircraft. The longest of the Agni series, Agni-V, an Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km, has already been tested several times and validated for induction. In the past few years, India has also operationalised its submarine-based nuclear launch capability, completing the nuclear triad. This is especially important given India’s no-first-use policy while reserving the right of massive retaliation if struck with nuclear weapons first. The DRDO, in January 2020, successfully test-fired a 3,500-km range submarine-launched ballistic missile, K-4, from a submerged pontoon off the Visakhapatnam coast.
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Once inducted, these missiles will be the mainstay of the Arihant class of indigenous ballistic missile nuclear submarines (SSBN) and will give India the stand-off capability to launch nuclear weapons submerged in Indian waters. INS Arihant, the only SSBN in service, is armed with K-15 missiles with a range of 750 km.
23. CoronaVac A higher dose of the Chinese vaccine CoronaVac was “well tolerated and safe, and induced neutralising antibody responses in children and adolescents aged 3-17 years”, a study in the recent edition of the peer-reviewed journal Lancet Infectious Diseases has stated. The seroconversion rates of neutralising antibodies in children and adolescents with two different doses were over 96% after a double-dose vaccination, the paper reported. The double-blind randomised, controlled, phase 1/2 clinical trial of CoronaVac (inactivated SARS-CoV-2), in healthy children and adolescents aged 3-17 years was conducted at the Hebei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Zanhuang (Hebei, China). On the basis of the results of previous trials and considering the relative low weight of this population, two different doses — 1·5 mcg (micrograms) and 3·0 mcg — were adopted in this study. Two doses were delivered via injection, 28 days apart. The paper by Bihua Han et al, notes that primary safety endpoint was adverse reactions within 28 days after each injection in all participants who received at least one dose. Researchers also noted the seroconversion rate (development of antibodies specific to SARS- CoV-2) 28 days after the second injection. The paper claimed: “Most adverse reactions were mild and moderate in severity. Injection site pain was the most frequently reported event (73 [13%] of 550 participants), occurring in 36 (16%) of 219 participants in the 1·5 mcg group, 35 (16%) of 217 in the 3·0 mcg group, and two (2%) in the placebo group. Most of these reactions occurred within seven days after vaccination and participants recovered within 48 hours In phase 2, seroconversion was seen in 180 of 186 participants in the 1·5 mcg group and 180 of 180 participants in the 3·0 mcg group. The neutralising antibody titres induced by the 3·0 mcg dose were higher than those of the 1·5 mcg dose. The results support the use of 3·0 mcg dose with a two-dose schedule for further studies in children and adolescents, the authors argued. The patients will be followed up for a year to study long-term immunogenicity and safety.
24. Nod for Cipla to import Moderna’s vaccine The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) granted permission to Mumbai-based pharma major Cipla to import Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, making it the fourth vaccine in the country to be given the emergency use authorisation (EUA). Announcing this at the Health Ministry’s press conference, NITI Aayog’s member (Health) V.K. Paul said the modalities were being worked out for the import of the vaccine and added that India is also in talks with Pfizer and JJ to add to the basket of vaccines available in the country. Currently, India has made available three COVID vaccines — Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik. Moderna vaccine would be brought in as a ready-to-use injectable vaccine, which can be stored for seven months at prescribed temperature, and that normal storage after a vial is opened is 30 days. The firm has to submit a safety assessment of the vaccine in the first 100 beneficiaries before rolling out the vaccine, according to the approval order. An application was received from Moderna through its Indian partner Cipla, following which the vaccine has been granted restricted emergency use authorisation by the drug regulator.
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This new permission for restricted emergency use potentially opens up a clear possibility of this vaccine being imported in the near future. Cipla, while applying for the license, referred to DCGI notices dated April 15 and June 1 that if a vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for EUA, then it may be made available without a post-approval bridging trial and the testing of every batch of the vaccine by the Central Drugs Laboratory. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Moderna vaccine has shown to have an efficacy of approximately 94.1%.
AWARDS & REPORTS: 1. NITI index India saw significant improvement in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean energy, urban development and health in 2020, according to the NITI Aayog’s 2020 SDG Index. However, there has been a major decline in the areas of industry, innovation and infrastructure as well as decent work and economic growth. Although the index shows improvement on the inequality SDGs, the NITI Aayog has omitted key economic indicators used to measure inequality in income and expenditure last year and given greater weightage to social indicators instead.
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Kerala retained its position at the top of the rankings in the third edition of the index, with a score of 75, followed by Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh, both scoring 72. At the other end of the scale, Bihar, Jharkhand and Assam were the worst performing States. However, all the States showed some improvement from last year’s scores, with Mizoram and Haryana seeing the biggest gains. Developed by a global consultative process on holistic development, the 17 SDGs have a 2030 deadline. The NITI Aayog launched its index in 2018 to monitor the country’s progress on the goals through data-driven assessment and to foster a competitive spirit among the States and Union Territories in achieving them. In March, an assessment by the UN of the impact of COVID-19 on the SDGs said the region India is part of may see rising inequality due to the pandemic. The NITI Aayog Index shows some improvement in the SDG on inequality, but a look at the indicators used to assess this goal shows that the think tank has changed the goalposts. In 2019, the indicators for inequality included the growth rates for household expenditure per capita among the bottom 40% of rural and urban populations, as well as the Gini coefficient — a measure of the distribution of income — in rural and urban India. The 2018 indicators included the Palma ratio, another metric for income inequality. Such economic measures have been omitted from the indicators used for this SDG in the 2020 edition of the Index. Instead, it gives greater weightage to social equality indicators, such as the percentage of women and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe representatives in State Legislatures and the panchayati raj institutions and the levels of crime against the SC/ST communities.
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The only economic indicator this year is the percentage of population in the lowest two wealth quintiles. The SDGs that do deal directly with wages and industrial growth better reflect the fact that India’s economy has taken a beating over the last year. The country’s score on the SDG related to industry and infrastructure dropped 10 points to 55, while the scores on decent work dropped three points to 61. The Clean Water and Sanitation SDG also saw a five-point drop, despite flagship government schemes in this sector. In a more welcome development, the SDGs on eradication of poverty and hunger both saw significant improvement.
2. Education index ranking Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala have all scored higher than 90% in the Education Ministry’s Performance Grading Index for 2019-20. Gujarat dropped from second to eighth rank in the index, while Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are the only States which have seen actual regression in scores over this period. The index monitors the progress that the States and Union Territories have made in school education with regard to learning outcomes, access and equity, infrastructure and facilities, and governance and management processes. Punjab recorded the highest score of almost 929 out of a possible 1,000, showing a huge jump from 769 last year. The State topped the charts in terms of equity, infrastructure and governance, and shared the top spot in the domain of access with Kerala. In fact, Punjab overtook the Union Territory of Chandigarh, which topped both previous editions of the index, but has now slid to second place with a score of 912. Tamil Nadu also overtook Kerala, with a score of 906, largely driven by improvements in the State’s educational governance and management, as well as in terms of infrastructure and facilities. Gujarat, which had the second highest score in the previous edition, dropped to eighth place. It regressed in the key domain of access, which measures enrolment of students in school and the ability to keep them from dropping out as well as mainstreaming out-of- school students. Its progress in other areas also did not keep pace with other States. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh saw a glaring drop in their scores, pushing both States to an overall performance that was worse than in the previous edition. The new Union Territory of Ladakh was included separately for the first time in this edition, and had the lowest score of just 545.
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3. World Employment and Social Outlook 2021 According to World Employment and Social Outlook 2021, global unemployment is expected to be increased to 205 million in 2022 as compared to 187 million in 2019. As per the report, jobs shortfall amid COVID-19 pandemic was 75 million in 2021 and it will increase to 23 million in 2022. Covid-19 has worsened inequalities because women workers are dropping out of labour force. Years of progress to achieve gender equality is now at risk. Informal and low-skilled workers have no option to work from home. They faced huge health risks to keep their jobs. 108 million workers and their family members now live-in poverty. Pandemic has hit African countries hard because of fall in trade disrupted supply chains, remittances shrunk and halt in tourism. It will induce jobs gap of nearly 17 million Africa in 2020. Covid-19 reversed the progress made in reducing poverty in Africa.
As per report, Covid-19 has caused an unprecedented disruption to labour markets worldwide. It has affected lives of younger generation caused disruption to their education. Regions where digital infrastructure is less developed were highly affected. It is now difficult for them to enter labour market and hold on to jobs. Thus, unemployment is going to increase.
4. Top 1,000 universities Jawaharlal Nehru University has entered the top 1,000 of the QS World University rankings for the first time, as its new undergraduate engineering programme now makes it eligible for
the rating.
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It debuted at the 561-570 ranking band in the rankings, which only rate institutions offering both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Overall, there are 22 Indian institutions in the top 1,000 list compared to 21 last year, with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in Guwahati, Kanpur, Kharagpur and Madras making major strides in rankings. However, some institutions are still worried that the rankings do not accurately reflect the quality of education in India, as they are largely dependent on international perception factors. IIT Bombay maintained its position as the top Indian institution for the fourth consecutive year, although it fell five places in the global rankings to the joint 177th position. IIT Delhi (185th rank) overtook the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (186th rank), giving India three institutions in the world’s top 100. IISc was also declared the world’s top research university by the indicator of most citations per faculty member, when adjusted for faculty size. The citations per faculty metric were also key to the 75 rank jump by IIT Guwahati and the 73 rank jump by IIT Kanpur, according to QS regional director Ashwin Fernandes.
5. Assam Awards On the line of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards, Assam cabinet has decided to institute Asom Ratna Award. Asom Ratna Award award will be presented every year to one person for his significant contribution to society. Cabinet also decided to constitute Asom Bibhushan, Assam Bhushan Award and Asom Shree award which will be conferred every year to three people, five people and ten people, respectively. Awards will be accompanied by a cash reward. o Rs 5 lakhs for Asom Ratna Award, o Rs 3 lakhs for Asom Bibhushan Award, o Rs 2 lakhs for Assam Bhushan Award and
o Rs 1 lakh for Asom Shree Award.
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Awardee would be provided with other benefits also such as free medical treatment of critical illness, free travel on ASTC buses, free stay at Assam Bhawans. Other Awards Literary Pension will be conferred in the name of litterateur Dr Homen Borgohain on his birthday (December 7). Sports Pension will be given in the name of Arjun Bhogeswar Barua on his birthday (September 3) while Artiste Award will be given on January 17 every year. Awards will be announced seven days prior to presentation ceremony.
6. ILO- UNICEF Report on Child Labour International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF jointly published report on child labour. As per report, world has marked rise in child labour in two decades. Report highlights, coronavirus crisis might push millions more youngsters toward child labour. As of 2020, number of child labour stands at 160 million. It has increased by 8.4 million in four years. Number started increasing before covid-19 pandemic hit, marking dramatic reversal of downward trend where numbers decreased by 94 million in between 2000 and 2016. Amid the covid-19 pandemic, 1 in 10 children globally were engaged in child labour. Sub-Saharan Africa is the worst affected country. Boys are more likely to be affected. They will account for 97 million out of 160 million children engaging into child labour at start of 2020. Number of children, between ages 5 and 17 doing hazardous work, has increased. About 79 million children were considered to be engaged in hazardous work. This could affect child’s development, education or health. ILO and UNICEF have warned if urgent action is not taken to ballooning numbers of families going into poverty, about 50 million more kids could be forced into child labour in next two years.
7. Pulitzer Prize 2021 Pulitzer Prize 2021 was recently conferred recently. Megha Rajagopalan, an Indian-origin journalist, has won this top journalism award of USA on June 11, 2021. She has won Prize for innovative investigative reports exposing infrastructure of prisons and mass internment camps which were built secretly by China and detained Muslims in Xinjiang region. Megha won the prize along with two contributors. Other two winners are Tampa Bay Times’ Neil Bedi who won for local reporting and Kathleen McGrory who has been awarded for series exposing a Sheriff’s Office initiative which used computer modelling to identify some 1000 people who could be future criminals.
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Pulitzer Prize
This prize is awarded since 1942 for a distinguished example of reporting on international affairs. Till 1947, this award was called as Pulitzer Prize for Telegraphic Reporting – International. It is an award for achievements in newspaper, magazine and online journalism, musical composition and literature within the United States. It was established by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer. These prizes are awarded yearly in twenty-one categories. Winners receive a certificate and a US$15,000 cash award.
8. World Competitiveness Index World Competitiveness Index was compiled by Institute for Management Development (IMD) which examine the impact of COVID-19 on economies worldwide. Key Points India was ranked at 43rd position among 64 countries. Switzerland has topped the list and is followed by Sweden (2nd), Denmark (3rd), Netherlands (4th) and Singapore (5th). Taiwan was ranked at 8th position, reaching among top-10 for the first time in 33 years. UAE (9th) and USA (10th) maintains the same spots as in 2020. Top performing Asian economies include Singapore (5th), Hong Kong (7th), Taiwan (8th) and China (16th).
This index ranks 64 economies and assesses extent to which any country promotes prosperity of its people. This index started ranking countries 33 years ago by measuring countries well-being through hard data and survey responses from executives. India witnessed improvements in government efficiency factor because of relatively stable public finances amid covid-19 pandemic. As per the report, qualities like investment in innovation, welfare benefits & leadership, digitalization have helped countries to get higher ranks.
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9. Global Peace Index 2021 15th edition of Global Peace Index (GPI) was announced by Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Sydney. GPI is world’s leading measure of global peacefulness. Index ranks 163 independent states and territories as per level of their peacefulness. Report provides a comprehensive data-driven analysis on trends in peace, its economic value and recommends on how to develop peaceful societies. Iceland is most peaceful country worldwide since 2008. Iceland is joined by other top countries like Denmark, New Zealand, Portugal and Slovenia. Afghanistan is the least peaceful country again for fourth consecutive year.
Afghanistan is followed by Yemen, Syria, South Sudan, and Iraq. India has moved up by two position from its last year’s ranking. It has become 135th most peaceful country while, 5th in South Asia region. Bhutan and Nepal are first and second most peaceful in this region. Bangladesh was 91th out of 163 countries across the world while being 3rd in South Asia. Sri Lanka slipped by 19 position to become 95th peaceful country while, 4th in South Asia region. Pakistan witnessed the most improvement in peacefulness with 150th rank globally and 6th in South Asia region.
10. Smart City awards 2020 Smart City Awards 2020 was announced under the ‘Smart Cities Mission’. Uttar Pradesh was ranked as top performing state under India Smart Cities Award Contest 2020.
Madhya Pradesh came second while Tamil Nadu at third position. Surat and Indore won best award for their overall performance in 2020.
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Best union territory award was conferred to Chandigarh. These awards were announced to mark six years of three urban transformative missions by Central government namely, Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban. These awards were given under the themes of Social Aspects, Governance, Urban Environment, Sanitation, Culture, Economy, Water, Built Environment and Urban Mobility. Some other interesting themes were added this year namely, Sustainable Business model of ICCC and Innovation award specially in COVID Management. Category Wise winner: Under this theme, Tirupati won award for Health Benchmark for Municipal Schools while Bhubaneswar won for Socially Smart Bhubaneswar. Tumakuru won award for Digital Library Solution. In governance category, Vadodara received the first rank. In urban environment category, joint winners are Bhopal and Chennai. Smart Cities Leadership Award was conferred on Ahmedabad, Varanasi and Ranchi.
11. Fukuoka Grand Prize Noted journalist P. Sainath has been selected as one of the three recipients of the Fukuoka Prize for 2021. Mr. Sainath will receive the ‘Grand Prize’ of the Fukuoka Prize while the Academic Prize and the Prize for Arts and Culture will go to Kishimoto Mio of Japan and filmmaker Prabda Yoon of Thailand, respectively. In a statement issued by the Secretariat of the Fukuoka Prize Committee, Mr. Sainath was described as a “very deserving recipient of the Grand Prize of Fukuoka Prize”. The Secretariat noted his work for creating a new form of knowledge through his writings and commentaries on rural India and for “promoting civil cooperation”. The Fukuoka Prize is given annually to distinguished people to foster and increase awareness of Asian cultures, and to create a broad framework of exchange and mutual learning among the Asian people. The Grand Prize has earlier been awarded to Muhammad Yunus from Bangladesh, historian Romila Thapar, and sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan. Eleven Indians have received the Fukuoka Prize so far. A total of 115 people from 28 countries and areas have received the prize in the past 30 years. The prize was established in 1990. Professor Mio has been recognised for her understanding of Chinese history. Prabda Yoon will receive the prize for increasing understanding of Japan in Thailand and for pursuing “a deeper philosophical insight into the future of humanity”, said the statement from the Secretariat of the Fukuoka Prize Committee. This year’s award ceremony will be held online on September 29.
12. FAO Report: Indigenous Peoples’ food systems As per U.N. Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s report, traditional food gathering techniques of indigenous communities are under threat because of accelerated climate change and economic pressures right from Arctic to the Amazon. Key Findings of report As per FAO, food systems used by different indigenous peoples were among world’s most sustainable in terms of efficiency. It was avoiding waste and adapting to the seasons. Report warns against increasing threats to such sophisticated food systems.
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Food systems are at high risk due to climate change, major infrastructure projects and granting of concessions which allow mining, commercial agriculture & companies to operate in territories of indigenous people. Indigenous people There are around 500 million people across 90 countries who are self-identify as indigenous people. Food systems of eight indigenous people are examined in depth and it comes among most sustainable system in world with respect to efficiency, no waste, seasonality and reciprocity. These indigenous people generate hundreds of food items from environment without depleting natural resources and achieve high levels of self-sufficiency. For instance, in Solomon Islands, Melanesians people combine agroforestry, wild food gathering and fishing and generate 70 per cent of their dietary needs. Report emphasises on the urgent need for governments and international community to establish and enforce intercultural policies which support the efforts of indigenous people in protecting their food systems. Food system of Indigenous people was analysed on- Baka people in Cameroon Inari Sami people in Finland Khasi, Bhotia and Anwal peoples in India Melanesians people in Solomon Islands, Kel Tamasheq people in Mali, Tikuna, Cocama and Yagua peoples in Colombia, and Maya Ch’orti’ in Guatemala. Food system of indigenous people comprises of different food generation techniques such as hunting, gathering, fishing, pastoralism and shifting cultivation. Mobile practices & nomadism are important to link food generation and production activities to natural cycles.
13. Pew Center report on religious attitudes in the country Most Indians, cutting across religions, feel they enjoy religious freedom, value religious tolerance, and regard respect for all religions as central to what India is as a nation. At the same time the majority in each of the major religious groups show a marked preference for religious segregation and “want to live separately”, according to a nation- wide survey on religious attitudes, behaviours and beliefs conducted by Pew Research Center, a non-profit based in Washington DC. For instance, the report found that 91% of Hindus felt they have religious freedom, while 85% of them believed that respecting all religions was very important ‘to being truly Indian’.
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Also, for most Hindus, religious tolerance was not just a civic virtue but also a religious value, with 80% of them stating that respecting other religions was an integral aspect of ‘being Hindu’. Other religions showed similar numbers for freedom of religion and religious tolerance. While 89% of Muslims and Christians said they felt free to practice their religion, the comparative figures for Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains were 82%, 93%, and 85% respectively. And yet, paradoxically the majority in all the faiths scored poorly on the metrics for religious segregation: composition of friends circle, views on stopping inter-religious marriage, and willingness to accept people of other religions as neighbours. The survey found that nationally, three-in-ten Hindus took both these positions: linking being Hindu and speaking Hindi to being Indian, and voting for BJP. But there was a clear geographical skew in their distribution: while roughly half of the Hindu voters in northern and central India fell into this category, only 5% of Hindu voters in the South did so. Also, Hindu nationalist sentiments were less prevalent in the South. Among Hindus, those in the South (42%) were far less likely to say that being Hindu was very important to being truly Indian.
MISCELLANEOUS: 1. Heat deaths due to Global Warming The news: Recently a study was conducted to calculate human cost of climate change. According to it, more than one-third of world’s heat deaths are related to global warming each year. Key Findings According to scientists, more people die from other extreme weather which increases due to global warming like storms, flooding and drought. They highlight, heat death numbers will grow exponentially with rising temperatures. Health deaths were recorded along 732 districts and around the globe from 1991 to 2018. It shows, 37% (9700 people) were caused by higher temperatures from human-caused warming. Highest percentages of heat deaths due to climate change were recorded in cities of South America. Southern Europe and southern Asia were recorded as other hot spots for heat deaths due to climate change. 35% of heat deaths in United States were due to climate change.
2. World Milk Day The news: World is celebrating “World Milk Day” on June 1, 2021 under the theme- “sustainability in the dairy sector with messages on nutrition”. Background The day is celebrated since 2001. It was established by Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations. The day is observed to appreciate dairy farmers and dairy sector. It recognises the importance of milk as global food. India is one among the largest producer of milk in world. Dairy sector supports livelihoods of millions of people in country. In the initial phases of India’s independence (in 1955) India’s butter imports were 500 tons per year. By 1975, India became self-sufficient in milk production and all imports of milk and
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milk products were stopped. The medal of success of milk production in India goes to Dr Verghese Kurien.
3. INS Sandhayak decommissioned Hydrographic survey ship INS Sandhayak, the first of its class indigenously designed and built, was decommissioned after 40 years of service, at the Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam in a low-key event attended only by in-station officers and sailors, in line with COVID-19 protocols. At sunset, the Naval Ensign and the Commissioning Pennant were brought down for the last time onboard INS Sandhayak in the presence of Vice Adm A.B. Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command (ENC), symbolising the decommissioning.
INS Sandhayak conducted shallow coastal and deep-sea hydrographic surveys and collected oceanographic and geophysical data, under the Eastern Naval Command. In addition to conducting surveys, it also assisted as military transport and casualty-carrying vessels in times of war and natural disasters. In her illustrious 40 years of service, the ship saw 22 commanding officers at the helm, with the last commanding the ship on June 17, 2019. The ship had undertaken approximately 200 major hydrographic surveys and numerous minor surveys in both the east and west coasts of the country, the Andaman seas and neighbouring countries too. Also, the success of her design paved the way for all the survey ships in various modifications till recently. Apart from survey missions, it has been an active participant in many important missions. During Operation Pawan, the ship assisted the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka in 1987. After the 2004 tsunami under Operation Sarong and Operation Rainbow, the ship performed humanitarian aid work. It also participated in the earlier joint Indo-US HADR exercise ‘Tiger-Triumph’.
4. Weyan The news: Weyan, a remote village in Bandipora district of Jammu & Kashmir became India’s first
village to vaccinate all its adult population against COVID-19.
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Details: This successful vaccination drive in village was the result of healthcare workers. Village, located 28 kilometres away from Bandipora district, has an adult population of 362. In village, distance of 18 kilometres is required to cover by foot as there is no motorable road. Village was covered under ‘J & K model’, which is a 10-point strategy to vaccinate entire population. Under the model, first strategy is booth-level management which involves preparation of eligible population list. It is followed by “Vaccine on Wheels” under which health officials reaches out to people in far-flung areas to vaccinate them. Vaccination in the remote village was difficult and challenging as village comprises of nomadic families who go to higher reaches to graze their livestock. There is no internet access in village. Thus, it was not possible for them to get appointments on cowin portal to get vaccination. Initially, there were vaccine hesitancy. Despite that, J&K has achieved 70 percent vaccination in 45+ age group which is almost double of nation’s average.
5. ‘Jahan Vote, Wahan Vaccination’ Campaign Delhi government launched a vaccination campaign ‘Jahan Vote, Wahan Vaccination’ to vaccinate people of Delhi against Covid-19. Under the campaign, people aged 45 and above will be given vaccine at the polling booths. While launching the campaign, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal highlighted, jabs will be provided to people above 45 years at places where they had exercised vote during election. According to him, door-to-door vaccination will also be done soon. Under the campaign, booth-level officers will visit door to door to provide vaccination slots to people above 45 years. 57 lakh people are there in age group of 45 plus in Delhi out of which, 27 lakhs have been administered the first dose of coronavirus vaccine. 30 lakhs are yet to administered. So, this decision was taken after observing people in 45 plus age group are not coming to vaccination centres and vaccines are not being utilised.
6. Bharitalasuchus tapani In the mid 20th century, researchers from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, carried out extensive studies on rocks of the Yerrapalli Formation in what is now Telangana, uncovering several fossils. By studying some of these specimens stored at the Institute, an international team has now thrown light on a carnivorous reptile that lived 240 million years ago. This reptile belongs to a genus and species previously unknown to science. They named it Bharitalasuchus tapani. In the Telugu language, Bhari means huge, Tala means head, and Suchus is the name of the Egyptian crocodile-headed deity. The species is named after paleontologist Tapan Roy Chowdhury in honour of his contribution to Indian vertebrate paleontology and especially his extensive work on the Yerrapalli Formation tetrapod fauna.
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Further studies revealed that the reptile belonged to a family of extinct reptiles named Erythrosuchidae. The team notes that Bharitalasuchus tapani were robust animals with big heads and large teeth, and these probably predated other smaller reptiles. They were approximately the size of an adult male lion and might have been the largest predators in their ecosystems. The first Erythrosuchidae remains were discovered in South Africa in 1905 and more were found in China and Russia. The South African one is about 245 million years old, while the ones from China and Russia are around 240 million years old. So the Indian one is one of the youngest fossil records we have of an erythrosuchid. Apart from this erythrosuchid reptile, the fossil assemblage of the Yerrapalli Formation includes many other extinct creatures such as ceratodontid lungfish, rhynchosaur and allokotosaurian.”
7. Election Commissioner Union government has appointed Anup Chandra Pandey, as Election Commissioner. He is a retired IAS officer if 1984 batch from Uttar Pradesh cadre. He will serve the office for around three years and will retire in February 2024. He has been appointed to position after retirement of former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora. Thus, Election Commission now restores to its full strength of three members. Other members of the panel are CEC Sushil Chandra and Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. It will now which will now oversee upcoming crucial assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Punjab, Manipur and Uttarakhand in 2022. He retired from civil services in August 2019. He had served as Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He also worked as the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner of UP.
8. UDID card for Co-WIN registration Central government has asked states and union territories to include UDID (Unique Disability Identification) card as identity proof while registering on Co-WIN 2.0 platform. It will ensure a smooth and effective Covid-19 vaccination drive. UDID was allowed with the aim of helping disabled persons to access Covid-19 vaccination. Earlier, as per guidelines for Co-WIN 2.0, seven prescribed Photo IDs were specified and prescribed for verification of beneficiaries for vaccination. Further, this card is issued to persons with disability by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment comprises of features like name, year of birth, gender and photograph. Thus, it meets the criteria for use of identification in Covid-19 vaccination.
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UDID project was implemented to create a National Database for persons with disabilities (PwDs). It issues a Unique Disability Identity Card to each PwDs. It encourages transparency, efficiency and ease of delivering government benefits to PwDs. It also ensures uniformity and stream-line tracking of physical & financial progress of beneficiaries across village level, block level, District level, State level and National level of implementation.
9. G-7 plans extra Covid-19 shots Group of Seven (G-7) leaders are set to vow to deliver 1 billion extra doses of vaccines by 2022 to cover 80 percent of world’s adult population. Ahead of G-7 summit in UK, officials put together document outlining a plan to end pandemic by December 2022. Document is yet to be finalised but it will form the basis of final-stage talks at summit in Cornwall. At the summit, presidents and prime ministers will pledge to deliver at least 1 billion extra doses of vaccines over the next year. Agenda of meeting G-7 countries also plan to make a commitment to hasten shift from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles and to “green transitions” in developing countries. Other topics of discussion include- Demand of Russia to hold accountable the cyber criminals who carry out ransomware attacks from its territory and Pledge to confront forced labour in supply chains, particularly involved in garment and solar industries. China is not mentioned in the communique by name, but Beijing government has come under intense international criticism over its treatment of Uyghurs. They will further delve into coronavirus policy and bring about a common standard for travel including recognition of person’s vaccination status. US government has planned to buy about 200 million doses in 2021 to distribute through COVAX facility with the aim of securing an equitable global distribution of vaccine. It will also buy about 300 million doses in 2022. Vaccines will be given to 92 lower-income countries and African Union.
10. Iran presidency Iran’s hard-line judiciary chief won a landslide victory in the country’s presidential election, a vote that both propelled the supreme leader’s protege into Tehran’s highest civilian position and saw the lowest turnout in the Islamic Republic’s history. The election of Ebrahim Raisi, already sanctioned by the U.S. in part over his involvement in the mass execution of thousands of political prisoners in 1988, became more of a coronation after his strongest competition found themselves disqualified from running. That sparked calls for a boycott and many apparently did stay home — out of over 59 million eligible voters, only 28.9 million voted. Of those voting, some 3.7 million people either accidentally or intentionally voided their ballots, far beyond the amount seen in previous elections and suggesting some wanted none of the four candidates. Iranian state television immediately blamed challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and U.S. sanctions for the low participation. But the low turnout and voided ballots suggested a wider unhappiness with the tightly controlled election, as activists criticized Raisi’s ascension.
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In official results, Mr. Raisi won 17.9 million votes overall, nearly 62% of the total 28.9 million cast. Had the voided ballots gone to a candidate, that person would have come in second place. Following Mr. Raisi was former hard-line Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei with 3.4 million votes. Former Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati, came in third with 2.4 million votes.
11. New Prime Minister of Israel 49-year-old, Naftali Bennett has become new Prime Minister of Israel. He is a religious- nationalist and a multi-millionaire former tech entrepreneur who has also served as defence minister. With this win, he has ended 12 unbroken years of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the helm. He is son of American-born parents who speaks perfect English. He is a religious Jew who began life with his parents in Haifa. He kept moving between North America and Israel for military service, law school and private sector. He is an ultra-nationalist and & hard-right leader. He served in elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit after which he went to law school at Hebrew University. He co-founded an anti-fraud software company called Cyota in 1999. Cyota was sold to U.S.- based RSA Security in 2005. Bennett had a bitter experience of Israel’s 2006 war against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. This incident drove him to politics. India and Israel share a strong bilateral tie since 1950 with Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru reiterating his position to recognise Israel as a state. Presently, India is the largest buyer of Israeli military equipment while Israel is second-largest defence supplier to India after Russia. India is the third- largest Asian trade partner and tenth-largest trade partner overall of Israel. India’s relationship with Israel has grew during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration even though India abstaining from voting against Israel in United Nations on several resolutions. It is expected to grow with same pace in new regime as well.
12. Veteran Athlete Milkha Singh Indian Athlete Milkha Singh passed away at the age of 91 due to Covid-19 related complications on June 18, 2021. Captain Milkha Singh, known as The Flying Sikh, was an Indian track and field sprinter. He was introduced to sport while serving the Indian Army. He is the only athlete who won gold in 400 metres race at Asian Games & Commonwealth Games. He won gold medals in 1958 and 1962 Asian Games. He also represented India in 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He was conferred India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, Padma Shri for his sporting achievements. During the 1960 Olympic Games, he finished to fourth-place in 400 metres final. Several records were broken in race. He finished to fourth-place in 45.73 seconds which was an Indian national record for almost 40 years.
13. Kerala’s Kaval Plus programme Department of Women & Child Development in Kerala has decided to expand Kaval Plus programme to five districts, after the success of this pilot project in two districts of Kerala. It is an ambitious programme to lend holistic support to children in need of care & protection and to the survivors of sexual abuse.
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Project has reached out to about 300 children in Thiruvananthapuram district and 150 children in Palakkad district. It will not be implemented in Ernakulam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts. It covers both children at homes and child care institutes. Now, vulnerable children in the community outside the purview of child welfare committees (CWCs) and other agencies would also be included. Background This programme was launched in December 2020 in two districts of Kerala, namely Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad. This scheme was launched because, 15 homes of Children in Kerala account for about 500 inmates and leave 96% of high-risk children in need of support unprotected in community. An early identification system will also be launched under the programme using community- level workers like Asha and Anganwadi workers. This project is being implemented with help and support of NGOs who have experience in working with children. Two NGOs are selected in each district by a committee of district child protection officer, CWC representative and protection officer. These NGOs will not work in silos but in association with child protection agencies.
14. Suspected drone attack on IAF Jammu station In the first instance of a drone attack on a defence installation in the country, unmanned aerial vehicles are suspected to have dropped and detonated two explosive devices at the Jammu Air Force Station, leaving two Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel injured. Two low-intensity explosions were reported in the technical area of the Jammu Air Force Station. One caused minor damage to the roof of a building while the other exploded in an open area. There was no damage to any equipment. Jammu and Kashmir police chief Dilbag Singh termed it a “terror attack”. An FIR under Sections 16,18, 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Section 3 of Explosive Substance Act and Sections 307, 120-B of the IPC has been lodged into the incident. The high-security station is a technical airport and hosts helicopters and transport aircraft only. The attackers may have been operating the drone in close vicinity of the air base as the quadcopter believed to have been used has limited range. Earlier this year, the Border Security Forces (BSF) foiled a few attempts to drop weapons and drugs by using drones on this side of the International Border in Jammu’s Samba and Kathua belt. There have been warnings that Pakistan-based terrorist groups could attempt to target military bases with drones. After the drone attack on Saudi Aramco oil facilities in Eastern Saudi Arabia in September 2019, the armed forces held deliberations on the issue and put in place plans to procure counter-drone capabilities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an anti-drone technology for short ranges which was deployed for Prime Minister’s security during the Independence Day address last August. Last December, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said that the Navy was procuring Smash- 2000 rifles to counter drones, among other measures.
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